Best Books of 2018

I love to do a round-up each month of the books I’ve been reading in the hopes of inspiring some new reads for your own nightstand and as the year draws to a close, (how is that possible already?) I thought it would be helpful to recap some of my favorite books from 2018.

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute gift (praise hands for Amazon Prime) or a new book to curl up with over the holidays, I hope these titles spark some inspiration for your To Be Read list. After all, life is too short to read bad books!

I’m linking up with Modern Mrs. Darcy to share my reading list this month.

Best Books of 2018

This post contains Amazon affiliate links which allow me to earn a small commission from your purchase (at no cost to you). For more info, see my full disclosure policy.

*Not all titles were written in this year but I did read all of them in 2018 so that’s how I determined what goes on my list*

Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear

I discovered this series later in the year so I’ve only read 3 of the ___ books so far but I’m anxiously awaiting more to come in from the library. Set in 1930s London, Maisie is an private investigator, forging a new role as a woman in a changing world.  This is another character-driven mystery series perfect for fans of Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache series.

Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win by Jo Piazza

Charlotte Walsh is an ambitious Silicon Valley CEO who decides to run for Senate in her home state of Pennsylvania. This behind-the-scenes look at her campaign asks as many questions about driven and powerful women as it does about politics. The characters are flawed but honest and you’ll hate the ending of the book (or at least really want to discuss it with someone) but I can’t stop thinking about this one either so it’s on my list! Read my full review here.

The Great Alone by Kristen Hannah

This is a difficult book to read but it’s also my favorite this year for transporting you to another world. When a broken family moves to the wilds of Alaska to start a new life, they’re met with a small band of similarly broken souls who are carving out their own small place in the wilderness. Weaving in and out of hopeful moments and utter darkness, the star character in the book is Alaska itself. Read my full review here.

Dear Fahrenheit 451: Love and Heartbreak in the Stacks by Annie Spence

If you’ve got a book worm on your list, you have to add this one to their stocking. Written by librarian Annie Spence, this book is a series of love (and break-up) letters to her favorite books and it’s delightfully hysterical. I laughed out loud multiple times and added about 100 titles to my TBR list. Read my full review here.

Forever or a Long, Long Time by Caela Carter

This is a middle grades novel, but if you work with kids or no someone who does, it’s an achingly beautiful read about love and families and trauma and healing. There’s so many layers to the characters and I thought the author did such justice to telling to story of kid who’ve been in foster care. I’d recommend this for middle school and up but there’s some intense trigger topics so I’d suggest reading it together. For fans of The War That Saved My Life.  Read my full review here.

Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brené Brown

If your thirsty soul needs a drink of water, then anything by Brené Brown should be on your list. This book is a reminder that being yourself requires lots of courage and that you’ll often find yourself alone in the wilderness, but as you start to look around, you’ll notice that there’s plenty of other brave souls out there too and they’re probably exactly the people you were looking for. I recommend this for anyone who’s searching, transitioning to something new, or starting over. Read my full review here.

 

We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter

If you’ve been around long enough, you know my love of WWII fiction. Choosing a favorite from that genre was a tough challenge this year, but this book, based on the author’s own family story, was my favorite. I read it on the edge of my seat to follow an entire Jewish family through the war and their unbelievable ability to survive. If you’re a fan of this genre at all, you’ll want to pick this one up. Read my full review here.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Complex characters, interwoven plot lines, and social commentary on the American family? Sign me up! If you’ve got a book club friend who likes to tackle the latest big hits, this is a great suggestion. Celeste Ng is a thoughtful writer who uses lots of layers to tell interesting stories about our lives. Read my full review here.

The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives by Dashka Slater

If you only read one book off my list this year, this should be it. Dashka Slater is a journalist who works to tell the story of both sides of a horrific crime in Oakland, California. If you want to understand trans students, criminal justice, or the fragility of teenage development, this story shows the complexity behind the click bait headlines we scroll through each day. For fans of Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy or The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Read my full review here.

Click to Pin for Later

I’m always looking for more book suggestions so hit me with your top book(s) this year! What can you not stop thinking about from your 2018 book pile? What are looking forward to reading in the new year?

PS. As always, you can find all my book recommendations here.