A lot of the ‘top reads’ lists of the year have already started appearing on blogs, but I’ve been greedily continuing my reading, trying to get in as many books as I can before compiling my list.
As I look back over what I’ve read this year, I see there is a mix between crime and non-crime books that have struck that chord with me so I’m splitting the list and will put the crime list up next week.
Anything read after the lists have been created will go onto my next years Goodreads reading record now.
So, what did I enjoy that wasn’t crime orientated?
5. The Memory Book by Rowan Coleman
When time is running out, every moment is precious…
When Claire starts to write her Memory Book, she already knows that this scrapbook of mementoes will soon be all her daughters and husband have of her. But how can she hold onto the past when her future is slipping through her fingers…?
Review Here.
4. How To Make A Friend by Fleur Smithwick
As a lonely child, Alice found comfort the same way so many others do – she invented a friend. Sam was always there when she needed him, until one day…he wasn’t.
Now, Alice’s life almost resembles something happy, normal. She has a handful of close friends and a career as a photographer. But when a tragic accident shatters the world Alice has constructed, the sense of isolation that haunted her in childhood returns. And with it, so does Sam.
To Alice, he looks and feels like a real person, but how can that be so? And who will decide when it’s time for him to leave again?
Review Here.
3. The Room by Jonas Karlsson, translated by Neil Smith
Funny, clever, surreal, and thought-provoking, this Kafka-esque masterpiece introduces the unforgettable Bjorn, an exceptionally meticulous office worker striving to live life on his own terms.
Bjorn is a compulsive, exacting bureaucrat who discovers a secret room at the government office where he works–a secret room that no one else in his office will acknowledge. When Bjorn is in his room, what his coworkers see is him standing by the wall and staring off into space looking dazed, relaxed, and decidedly creepy. Bjorn’s bizarre behavior eventually leads his coworkers to try to have him fired, but Bjorn will turn the tables on them with help from his secret room. Author Jonas Karlsson doesn’t leave a word out of place in this brilliant, bizarre, delightful take on how far we will go–in a world ruled by conformity–to live an individual and examined life.
Review Here.
2. Take Off Your Pants by Libbie Hawker
When it comes to writing books, are you a “plotter” or a “pantser?” Is one method really better than the other?
In this instructional ebook, author Libbie Hawker explains the benefits and technique of planning a story before you begin to write. She’ll show you how to develop a foolproof character arc and plot, how to pace any book for a can’t-put-down reading experience, and how to ensure that your stories are complete and satisfying without wasting time or words.
Hawker’s outlining technique works no matter what genre you write, and no matter the age of your audience. If you want to improve your writing speed, increase your backlist, and ensure a quality book before you even write the first word, this is the how-to book for you.
Take off your pants! It’s time to start outlining.
Review Here.
- The Art of being Normal by Lisa Williamson
Two boys. Two secrets.
David Piper has always been an outsider. His parents think he’s gay. The school bully thinks he’s a freak. Only his two best friends know the real truth – David wants to be a girl.
On the first day at his new school Leo Denton has one goal – to be invisible. Attracting the attention of the most beautiful girl in year eleven is definitely not part of that plan.
When Leo stands up for David in a fight, an unlikely friendship forms. But things are about to get messy. Because at Eden Park School secrets have a funny habit of not staying secret for long…
Review Here.
Next week’s list is going to be more difficult to compile as I read a lot more in the crime fiction world and even though I struggled in with my reading speed and enjoyment in the last six months, I still read some great books. I’ve enjoyed reading through your lists and have been adding books to my TBR list for next year. In fact, that’s another list to write. What I’m looking forward to next year!
What has been your favourite non-crime read of this year?
Oh, these all look interesting, Rebecca! I have to say I like that title: Take Off Your Pants. It’s very well-chosen. I’m glad you found so many good books to enjoy this year.
I loved that writing book Margot. I took a lot of tips on plotting from it and I’ll be re-reading it before I start book three as well. It is a great title isn’t it? 🙂
I think I need all of these books, Rebecca. Although, I’ve given up on ‘normal’. Isn’t that oxymoronic for a writer?
The Art of being Normal is an amazing read Jacqui and yes, there really is no such thing any more is there. Especially in the world of writers!
Take Off Your Pants sounds good, and if you found it useful, then it must be good – just wouldn’t fancy asking for it in the bookstore!
It is a funny title isn’t it?! Luckily, I think it’s self-published so you would just need to download it, but I know of a lot of writers who read it around the time I read it and loved the ideas within in. A great little book. I shall be reading it again before I start book three.
Rebecca, I will settle for “The Room” by Jonas Karlsson. I think I’d like the notion of a secret room in an office.
The Room was brilliant, Prashant and I actually bought it after reading the review of it on Marina’s blog. A very clever book indeed.
Glad to see The Room made your list – I thought it was a fascinating, funny (and sad) book. Shame it didn’t get more coverage!
I know, it really was a great book and I bought it after reading your review of it. I spotted it in a book shop not long after I’d read your review so immediately picked it up. Thank you for introducing me to it.
How to Make a Friend was creepy. 🙂