Sara's Top Five Best/Most Surprising Reads of 2017

Hi Friends,

Welcome back!! A few days ago I posted my Worst/Most Disappointing Reads of 2017. I had kind of a good time coming up with that list and sharing it with you all. But I had even more fun looking over and all the books I read  this year and trying to come up with my favourites. Much like that last lists, I have five books that took me by surprise, and five books that I loved to share with you.

Most Surprising

When I say most surprising, I mean books that I wasn't expecting to like AS much as  I did. The majority of these are four or five star reads for me and I was not anticipating that. So I was very pleasantly surprised.

1) More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera - I was not expecting to like this book. I honestly thought it wasn't for me. There was even a second when I thought the story was going a particular way that really bugged me, but I was wrong. By the end I loved this book, it really gave me something to think about and I thought it was SO interesting, and the end ruined me. I adored our main character, Aaron. I loved his voice and  I really appreciated his story.

 

2) The Unseen World by Liz Moore - This book blew me away. I decided to read it on a whim and within the first 30 pages I was bawling and there were so many times I just wanted to curl up and bawl. I was completely invested in the story and the characters.

3) Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov - Well, this one. This book has been sitting on my shelf for maybe seven years. I am pretty sure I got it before I started blogging- or maybe a little after. It's kind of a messed up story and I feel a little dirty when admitting that I kind of loved it. It's a Russian classic about a middle aged man and his love for a twelve year old girl. It's gross, but the writing in incredible. The way the story is told is amazing. I sound odd, but if you've read this book, I would love to talk to you about it.

4) One Plus One by Jojo Moyes - This is only the second book by Moyes that I have read. The First one being, Me Before You. I kind of expected another really sad, break your heart story. But that's not at all what I got. I got a feel good, fun family story, with a bit of romance thrown it. I absolutely loved it.

5) Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli - This was another one that snuck up on me. I didn't think I was going to be as charmed by this story as I was. I adored Simon and I loved his family. Initially, I thought this book was going to be SO hokey- but I gave it a solid try, and it was well worth it.

The Best

1) Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery - Yes, I read this Canadian Classic for the very first time in 2017. I fell in love the moment I first met Anne Shirley- she was the sweetest little thing. I listen to this one on audio and Rachel McAdams did the narration and she did such an amazing job at it.

2) A List of Cages by Robin Roe - I have made it no secret that this book blew me away. It was one of the first books I read in 2017 and I still think of it this year. I talked about it a whole lot in my Chapters interview- I am pretty sure my adoration of this book got me my job. It's a book about kindness and friendship and loyalty. It's such an incredible book, please read it. Read more of my thoughts here.

3)  The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry - Oh man, this book. I loved this book (obviously). I loved the family dynamics. It's not an overly complicated story, but if you are a lover of books this is a must read.

4) Turtles All the Way Down by John Green - I had absolutely no intention of reading this book. I wasn't sure I was going to like it- John Green's writing and his books are hit and miss with me. This was a huge hit. I even reviewed it, I had to, I needed to share my thoughts. I very much appreciated what was said regarding mental illness, specifically OCD and how disruptive it can be for one's life. It was just good.

5) Far From the Tree by Robin Benway - I finished this book on Christmas Eve, and it ended up being the last things I read. This book is SO worth all the hype it's been getting. It discusses things like what makes a family, it also talks about friendship and fear and love. It's SO good. Beautifully written. This one will stay with me for a long time.


So, there you have it. My most surprising/best reads of 2017. I read a lot of great books last year and I am very much looking forward to 2018 and seeing what it's going to bring me.  I'll have a recap of my 2017 year and my 2018 goals for you in a few days.

~Happy Reading Everyone