What Are the Best Books of 2018 According to Readers?

TL;DR

The best books of 2018 include 'Long Way Down' by Jason Reynolds, which explores themes of revenge and character growth; 'Wonderstruck' by Brian Selznick, a magical narrative intertwining two deaf characters' journeys; and 'Skyward' by Brandon Sanderson, featuring a girl's quest to become a pilot in a world under attack. Each book offers unique insights and storytelling styles that resonate with readers.

Transcript

what up read our fans today I'm gonna be sharing with you my favorite books of 2018 I've got ten books that I've selected as favorites that I read from this year and I'm stoked to talk about them before I get started though I did want to mention that there are quite a few popular books that I haven't read yet like a map of days Queen of erendor kis... Read More

Key Insights

• 💨 Jason Reynolds is praised for his book "Long Way Down," written in verse, which offers unexpected depth, character growth, and addresses important issues.
• 🙉 Brian Selznick's "Wonderstruck" combines words and illustrations to create a magical story about two deaf characters on separate journeys.
• 🪄 Emily X.R. Pan's "The Astonishing Color of After" provides a moving and creative exploration of grief, combining realism with touches of magic.
• ☺️ Sarah J. Maas's "Tower of Dawn" offers character growth and a more relaxed plot compared to previous books in the series.
• 🤖 Hank Green's "An Absolutely Remarkable Thing" explores the mystery of robot-like creatures while delving into the impact of social media.
• 👹 Julie Kagawa's "Shadow of the Fox" offers great world-building inspired by Japanese mythology, captivating subplots, and engaging characters.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main premise of "Long Way Down" by Jason Reynolds?

"Long Way Down" follows a boy named Will seeking revenge on his brother's killer by taking an elevator journey where he encounters figures from his past who offer new perspectives on the situation. The book is written in verse and explores themes of family, grief, and breaking cycles of violence.

Q: How does "The Astonishing Color of After" by Emily X.R. Pan cover the topic of grief?

The book tells the story of Leigh, who believes her mother has turned into a bird after committing suicide. Through beautifully crafted writing, Pan explores grief in a moving and creative way, capturing the complex emotions and weaving a touch of magic into a realistic contemporary narrative.

Q: What is unique about "An Absolutely Remarkable Thing" by Hank Green?

The book combines a gripping mystery surrounding robot-like creatures with an exploration of the impact of social media. Green provides an engaging plot with unexpected twists and turns, while also diving into the complexities of social media in a thought-provoking manner.

Q: What sets "Skyward" by Brandon Sanderson apart from other books?

"Skyward" is set in a world under attack and follows Spensa as she fights to become a pilot and defend her people. Sanderson's exceptional world-building and thrilling action scenes make this book stand out, offering a captivating blend of science fiction and adventure.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "Long Way Down" by Jason Reynolds: A boy seeking revenge on his brother's killer takes an elevator journey where he encounters revelations from people from his past. The book, written in verse, offers unexpected depth and character growth.

• "Wonderstruck" by Brian Selznick: Two deaf characters embark on separate journeys, with one told through words and the other through illustrations. The storylines intertwine, creating a magical and heartwarming narrative.

• "For Everyone" by Jason Reynolds: This book is a poem that motivates and inspires readers to pursue their dreams, emphasizing that it is never too late to start.

• "All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely: The story explores police brutality through the perspectives of a black boy wrongfully accused and a white boy torn between loyalty and doing what's right.

• "The Astonishing Color of After" by Emily X.R. Pan: A girl believes her mother has turned into a bird after committing suicide and travels to Taiwan to uncover the truth. The book powerfully covers grief and combines realism with a touch of magic.

• "Tower of Dawn" by Sarah J. Maas: The sixth book in the Throne of Glass series follows the character Kael Westphal on his journey of self-discovery. The book offers solid character growth and a more relaxed plot compared to previous installments.

• "The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry" by Gabrielle Zevin: The story revolves around a struggling bookstore owner whose life takes a turn when he receives an unexpected gift. Heartwarming and filled with little moments that thread together.

• "An Absolutely Remarkable Thing" by Hank Green: This book explores the mystery of robot-like creatures and delves into the impact of social media. The gripping plot and social commentary make it an enjoyable read.

• "Shadow of the Fox" by Julie Kagawa: Set in a fantasy world inspired by Japanese mythology, the book follows a kitsune and a samurai on a quest to combine three pieces of a scroll to make a wish. This book offers great world-building and captivating subplots.

• "Skyward" by Brandon Sanderson: The story takes place in a world under attack and follows a girl named Spensa as she fights to become a pilot. Sanderson's flawless world-building and thrilling action scenes make for an engaging read.