I not only met my reading goal of 20 books for this year, but I actually went a few books over it! Spending the summer at home, not working or going to school, left me with a lot of time to read. Plus, one of the best things about living in London is how much reading I can do on public transport. I wanted to share ten of my favorite books that I read with you this year in no particular order.
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
By far, my favorite book that I read this year was The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. (If you follow me on social media, you might recognize that the book in the photo above is not my copy but the one that I bought my sister for Christmas.) I read the book in preparation for seeing the musical based on it, but quickly fell in love with the story and the characters in their own right. It's a chilling Gothic tale about sisters, identity, secrets, and love and celebrates those who stand up to people who mistreat them and their loved ones. I have to admit that Walter Hartright is my favorite male character in all of literature. I highly recommend this book as I don't understand why it's so overlooked amongst other classics.
All That She Can See by Carrie Hope Fletcher
While I loved Carrie Hope Fletcher's first novel, I much preferred her second one. I'm not typically one for fantasy, but I love the way that Carrie uses magical realism. I really loved the main character, Cherry, and I thought that the main concept of the novel (of people who can see feelings) was so amazing.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
I had never read any Agatha Christie but when I found out about the Murder on the Orient Express movie coming out, I knew I had to start. My friend Will recommended that I begin with And Then There Were None and I'm so glad I did. I was so absolutely wrapped up in the plot that I read it within a few hours and had no idea who did the crime until it was revealed.
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
While Jane Austen is my favorite author, I had never read this story before. I love how it gently makes fun of gothic novels and how complicated the characters are. Mr. Tilney might be my favorite Austen hero now and I think Catherine is one of Austen's most relatable heroines.
Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher
I love Carrie Fisher and I thought this memoir was fascinating. I didn't know much about her childhood as the daughter of two celebrities and it was enlightening in so many ways. It combines such serious topics with amazing humor in a way I can only imagine Carrie doing.
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
I absolutely loved this book in a way I never thought I would like a thriller! Once again, I had no idea who had done the crime until it was revealed and I felt that this story was so compelling; I loved (almost) every single character. Also, the movie adaption directed by Kenneth Branagh was one of my top three films that I saw in 2017.
Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
I had never read a Rainbow Rowell novel before but when I found Attachments, I fell in love with its concept. It alternates between two female work colleagues and the IT guy who has to read their email exchanges that keep getting flagged for breaking company policy as they trade gossip about their lives.
Wilde Like Me by Louise Pentland
I absolutely loved Louise Pentland's debut novel. Her main character Robin Wilde is a single mother trying to navigate the career world, returning to dating, and raising a young daughter all at once. This is far more than the 'YouTuber book' it's been called. I cannot wait for the sequel as Robin, her crazy but well-meaning aunt, and her adorable daughter all feel like friends that I wish I could meet for tea.
Some Kind of Wonderful by Giovanna Fletcher
Giovanna Fletcher is by far my favorite living author (to make the distinction from my other favorite, Jane Austen) as I love how relatable her characters always are. I picked up Some Kind of Wonderful at the airport and I'm so glad I did as it was just what I needed to end 2017. The main character is so amazingly resilient and I was so inspired by how she picked herself up after a bad breakup and built a new life for herself.
The Note by Zoe Follbig
The Note was such a fun novel and a lot more lighthearted than what I typically read, which I appreciated. It's based on the premise of falling in love with someone on the train, but it also is a really lovely novel about pursuing your passions. I highly recommend it!
I didn't think it was fair to include them on my list since they were rereads but I also read Pride and Prejudice and Hamlet this year and absolutely loved them both, as always.
If you'd like to see every book that I read in 2017, you can check out my Goodreads page -- and make sure to friend me while you're there. What was your favorite book that you read in 2017? x