What Are the Best Books to Read in 2018 So Far?

TL;DR

The best books of 2018 include 'Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine', which explores friendship and kindness; 'Circe' by Madeline Miller, a retelling of the Greek myth; and powerful essays in 'Dark Days' by James Baldwin addressing race in America. Other recommendations are 'The Diviners' by Libba Bray, 'Daughter of the Forest' by Juliet Marillier, and the thought-provoking sci-fi novella 'Binti' by Nnedi Okorafor.

Transcript

hi guys I'm here today to do my best books of 20th units so far I cannot believe we are six months into the year and that we're halfway through 2018 already I'm sure you're all thinking that but it's completely blowing me away right now it feels like yesterday it was favoring however that does mean that I've read quite a fair few books already in f... Read More

Key Insights

• 😮 The reviewer appreciates books that both surprise her and meet her high expectations based on previous works by the author.
• 💨 She is a fan of books that tackle relevant social issues and incorporate elements of folklore and mythology in unique ways.
• ✍️ The reviewer enjoys well-crafted writing and pays attention to the nuances and character development in books.
• 🌗 She values books that evoke powerful emotions and make a lasting impact on her.
• 💦 The reviewer has discovered new favorite authors through her reading in 2018 and eagerly anticipates their future works.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is "Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" about?

"Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" is about a woman named Eleanor who lives a routine life in Glasgow until a chance encounter with a man leads to unexpected changes and a journey of self-discovery. It explores the importance of friendship and small acts of kindness.

Q: What is the premise of "Circe"?

"Circe" is a retelling of the Greek myth of Circe, who was known as a witch and sorceress. The book follows Circe's life from childhood to her encounters with Greek gods and heroes, painting a full picture of her character and giving her a voice and story of her own.

Q: What is the focus of "Dark Days" by James Baldwin?

"Dark Days" is a collection of essays by James Baldwin, an influential civil rights activist. The essays touch on autobiographical elements and comment on race in the United States, offering powerful and relevant insights that still resonate today.

Q: Can you describe the short story collection "The Beginning of the World in the Middle of the Night"?

"The Beginning of the World in the Middle of the Night" is a collection of short stories by Jen Campbell. The stories, often with a touch of magical realism, explore a variety of themes and incorporate elements of fairy tales and folklore. They are exquisitely written and tackle relevant topics such as grief and other societal issues.

Q: What is the main focus of "Don't Call Us Dead" by Danez Smith?

"Don't Call Us Dead" is a collection of poetry by Danez Smith that is emotionally charged and explores themes such as HIV, death, family, and LGBTQ+ issues. The poetry is powerful and visceral, tugging at the heartstrings of readers.

Q: Is "The Diviners" by Libba Bray suitable for readers who are not fans of young adult fiction?

Yes, "The Diviners" can be enjoyed by readers who may not typically gravitate towards young adult fiction. Libba Bray's writing stands out in the genre, and her books are known for their strong characters and engaging storylines. Even if you are not familiar with young adult fiction, it is worth giving Bray's books a chance.

Q: What makes "Daughter of the Forest" by Juliet Marillier stand out?

"Daughter of the Forest" is a fantasy novel inspired by the folktale of the Six Swans. It features stunning writing and beautiful prose, and the story immerses readers in a world filled with magic and intricate characters. The book offers a captivating narrative and a strong character exploration.

Q: What is the main focus of "Alphabet of Thorns" by Patricia A. McKillip?

"Alphabet of Thorns" is a classic fantasy novel that weaves together multiple characters' stories. Set in a vividly created world, the book explores themes of adventure, mystery, and the power of language. Patricia A. McKillip's writing is described as gorgeous, and the story will appeal to fans of epic fantasy.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The first book on her list is "Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman, a surprising read that explores the importance of friendship and small acts of kindness.

• Next, she recommends "Circe" by Madeline Miller, a retelling of the Greek myth of Circe that delves into her life and adventures with various Greek gods and heroes.

• She also praises "Dark Days" by James Baldwin, a collection of essays that are autobiographical and comment on race in the United States, which she finds powerful and relevant to today's society.

• "The Beginning of the World in the Middle of the Night" by Jen Campbell, a collection of magical realism short stories, is another favorite that tackles relevant topics such as grief and fairy tales.

• She recommends "Don't Call Us Dead" by Danez Smith, a collection of powerful and emotional poetry that explores themes such as HIV, death, family, and LGBTQ+ issues.

• Another recommendation is "The Diviners" by Libba Bray, a young adult novel set in 1920s New York that combines the supernatural and paranormal with a mystery involving occult murders.

• She enjoys "Daughter of the Forest" by Juliet Marillier, a rollercoaster of a fantasy novel inspired by the folktale of the Six Swans, and praises the stunning writing and character development.

• Lastly, she mentions "Alphabet of Thorns" by Patricia A. McKillip, a beautiful classic fantasy novel that weaves together multiple characters' stories in a mesmerizing way.

• She concludes with "Binti" by Nnedi Okorafor, a science fiction novella that explores themes of identity and culture through the story of a young woman who leaves her insular community on Earth to attend a university on another planet.