I had a lot of books on my Top Five list this year. If I finished a book I felt was worthy I would add it to the list and figured I would have a few by the end of the year. I had nine by the end of the year. Then of course I had to choose. They were all five stars for a reason, but which ones were better?
Thankfully there are honourable mentions but I feel those books aren’t some that just missed out. If I was in a different mood I might have a different list entirely, put a different lot on my list. Considering I had a few years where I only managed four maybe I shouldn’t complain about nine.
Of course I also have five picture books which doesn’t always happen. I love discovering an amazing picture book, there’s always so much variety because they can be funny, cute, heartfelt, or incredibly profound. This lot is a mixture of all of those.
I wasn’t expecting this book to knock me over as much as it did. It is so unassuming and it packs and emotional punch that changed me forever. It’s a beautiful Australian story about three girls in a hospital room and their lives that intertwine as a result. The characters are complex and flawed but wonderful at the same time. It’s a fantastic story to read through the eyes of a young girl while also coming at it with an adult’s perspective and understanding. Godwin has truly written a phenomenal story. If I could give it ten out of five I would.
My Family and Other Suspects by Kate Emery
What grabbed me first about this was the great narrative voice. Emery brings our teen narrator to life so well and engages you early on with this fun mystery. It is funny, openly addresses the reader in a unique way while never taking you out of the story, and the mystery element is creative and keeps you guessing. It is a book that look deceptively lighthearted but manages to still be an amazing read.
An incredible book reminiscent of Sliding Doors and the consequences of choice. How one decision can alter the world and change your life. It is a book about mental illness and suicide, which it explores realistically, but still brings the teen perspective and opinions while not making it too light or too heavy. A gorgeous book that highlights the stress of growing up and what it means to be alive.
I Don’t by Clementine Ford
I wasn’t sure I’d be interested in this book despite my love of Ford’s other books, but I adored it. The history of marriage and the role it’s played in society, women’s lives, and how it has changed over the years was fascinating. I loved the quotes that could have been from this decade but were from centuries ago. Women have always had strong opinions and thoughts and I loved being able to see people have always been people.
I love these boys, and any chance to revisit their messy, loving lives I will jump at. Hall has written a story that draws you in immediately and is complicated, deep, loving, and familiar as we keep up with the lives of Oliver and Luc. This is the sequel to Boyfriend Material (also amazing) and I love that we get to see the next stage of their relationship. The characters are fun, so real, and reading about their lives makes you envious of their friendships.
Honourable Mentions
The Suffering Game by Clint McElroy
Straight Expectations by Calum McSwiggan
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Mort by Terry Pratchett
A few days ago as I went to write my book bingo wrap up I realised, despite announcing it to the world in January, I never actually ended up making it. Which is a shame because it is one of my favourite challenges, not only to do but to create. Who knows what happened to distract me. But now we are here, and I made one quickly a few days ago to keep my goals alive.
“Stuck” asks Duck. Yep, Turtle is flipped over on his shell and can’t seem to get un-stuck. Duck suggests wiggling his feet, Kangaroo wants him to wag his tail, and Armadillo says rolling into a ball always does the trick. But Turtle is STILL. STUCK.
