Show Us Your Books - Best of 2017

If you're experiencing anything similar to me, you're probably in total disbelief that 2017 is nearing the end.  In this weird way, it feels just like yesterday that I was writing my "Best of 2016" post and here I am now sharing my "Best of 2017."  To quote the opening line from a soap opera that I used to watch as a kid with my beloved Gran, "Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives..."

Anyway, about a week or so ago, I shared my Top Ten Books of 2017 for another linkup.  To do so, I looked back on the forty-two books I read this year and whittled the list down to ten.  

In order to mix things up a bit (as I have in previous years), I created a list of ten categories similar to that of high school yearbook superlatives for today's end of the year Show Us Your Books linkup with Steph and Jana.  Here are my "Best of 2017" book honors:

Best Audiobook Performance

Michael Urie in Lily and the Octopus  

I so enjoyed this book.  It made me laugh and it elicited a lot of, as Lily would put it, "eye rain." But, I have often wondered if I would've enjoyed it as much had I read it in traditional print form.  You see, the voice artist really brought the story to life for me and his impersonation of Lily, the aging dachshund in the book, was extraordinary. 

Best Book I Read in 2017 (that's still relatively unknown)

Nine Women, One Dress by Jane L. Rosen (6598 ratings on Goodreads)

Nine Women, One Dress is the tale of nine women and some of the men in their lives, and their experiences with the must-have, "it" dress of the season.

I loved this book for the lightness of the story and for it's resemblance to the movie Love Actually.  This book wasn't earth shattering or life changing, but it provided me with lots of laughs and enjoyment.  Sometimes that is exactly the kind of book that I need.

Best Unexpected Surprise
Replay by Ken Grimwood

I stumbled upon this book by accident and am so glad that I did.  It was entertaining, it kept me engaged, and it made me think - what would I do differently if I found myself back at the age of 18 but still with all the knowledge that I possess now? 

Most Worthy of All the Hoopla

Wonder by R. J. Palacio

I just finished this book about two weeks ago and I can honestly say that it's definitely worth all the hoopla.  It's the kind of rare book that renews my faith in humanity.

Most Disturbing Book

Sold by Patricia McCormick

Sold is a quick read and is written in short, but very evocative vignettes.  It is told from the perspective of Lakshmi, a young girl from Nepal whose stepfather sells her into the unimaginable world of prostitution.  

Human trafficking is something I know exists, but this powerful, eye opening read really brought the issue to the forefront of my mind.  Based on the author's extensive research, the plight of Lakshmi really disturbed me knowing that it was representative of many many young women who are sold into prostitution. 

Funniest Book

Razor Girl by Carl Hiaasen

I'm a fan of Hiaasen's noir humor.  But, as I've mentioned before in pretty much every Hiaasen book I've ever reviewed, my experience is that you either love him or hate him.  His writing is not the kind that appeals to the masses (Steph would agree).  In my experience, I've found that some of his books are funnier than others.  Razor Girl is probably one of the funniest books of his that I've ever read and, hands down, is the funniest book I read in 2017.

Favorite Character

Junior, in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

What I liked most about Junior is that he kept it real. His character was refreshingly honest and that elicited a range of emotions in me.

Best "New to Me" Author

Celeste Ng

I've only read one of Ng's books to date, Everything I Never Told You, but I've already purchased her newest book, Little Fires Everywhere, and am very excited to read it soon.

Most Thought Provoking Book

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood

I had read several fellow bloggers' thoughts on this book before reading it myself, so I was prepared for the "heaviness" and knew that it might be uncomfortable at times.  It was uncomfortable, just as I predicted, but I was still utterly enthralled.  All the Ugly and Wonderful Things made me think, wonder, and re-evaluate my own biases towards age, love, and soul mates.

Most Beautifully Written Book

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

Everything I Never Told You turned out to be such an unexpected surprise for me, so much so that I also considered it for the "Best Unexpected Surprise" category.  It deals with a very tragic event, but the story in itself is so beautifully written and pieced together like a tapestry.  


And, given that it's the end of the year and that Goodreads supplies its members with end of the year statistics, here's an overview of my reading this year:

What are some of the best books you read this year?  Please share, for I'm always on the lookout for a great read!

I hope this finds you having had a wonderful Christmas or Hanukah!  May 2018 bring you much happiness, good health, and great reads!