Heck, I can’t believe it’s that time of year again. It feels like only yesterday (ok maybe like 2 months ago), that I was writing Bookmark That’s Top Reads of 2017, and now here we are – 2018!
I just want to say a big thank you to you, for joining me along my reading this year. It’s been full of laughs, tears, shocks and lots of wishing that I didn’t read horror at night – but that’s the fun about books! Every story is different and takes you on a different journey and thank you for reading along with me.
Over the year I’ve read around 145 books, so making a shortlist was quite difficult. But your gal has you covered, and believe me when I say, these are the BEST books I’ve read this year, for all different reasons.
145 books later and a whole lotta coffee and decision making, here’s Bookmark That’s Top Reads of 2018, with a line explaining why… (in no particular order):
Little, Edward Carey:
I know I’ve been raving on and on about this since I’ve read it, and I will 110% not apologise. Historical fiction about Madame Toussads, with diagrams and a story to bring you all types of emotions, Little needed to be in this list. A really special book.
Bookmark That review.
In Your Defence, Sarah Langford:
I’m all about this book and a big advocate. Non-fiction isn’t normally my cup of coffee, but since reading In Your Defence, I’ve read a lot more non-fiction than before. Convenient? I think NOT.
Bookmark That review.
The Extinction Trials, S. M. Wilson:
You’re probably sick of me raving about this one too, but when a book makes me buy the next in the series whilst I’m still reading the book, and then wishes February hurries up quicker for the third book, you’re onto a winner. Also, a mix between the Hunger Games and involves dinosaurs? YEP.
Bookmark That review.
The Supervet: Listening to the Animals, Noel Fitzpatrick:
I read this one in December, but I knew it was going to be a top contender for my top books this year. Personal with anecdotes to make you sob and really want to give Fitzpatrick a cuddle, meet the man behind the TV programme. The message to takeaway from this book is very important, so if you haven’t read this, you should.
The Sentinel Trilogy, Joshua Winning:
I know I’m cheating a little here by combining a trilogy into one, but Sentinel deserves a spot in here. I devoured this trilogy and could have read hundreds of more books about the characters.
Bookmark That review.
Hangman, Daniel Cole:
There seems to be a bit of a theme here with Daniel Cole, as he was in last year’s top reads with Ragdoll. I didn’t really think you could get better than Ragdoll, but Hangman’s done it. The next book in the series will probably outdo Hangman, and you’ll see it next NYE.
Bookmark That review.
The Hazel Wood, Melissa Albert:
I think about this book all the time. I’m still on the hunt for something similar (with no success), and I’m looking forward to giving this a re-read next year. I’ve really gotten into fantasy fiction having read The Hazel Wood, so if not for the story line, this is another reason it makes the shortlist.
Bookmark That review.
Dracul, J.D. Barker:
This book inspired me to give the classic a re-read, and when a book does that, you’re onto a winner. Dracul is based off the notes left by the author of Dracula, which just gives it even more of a chilling vibe. My Halloween read in 2018, and it did not disappoint.
Bookmark That review.
What Was Lost, Jean Levy:
I’ll never forget this story, or the feeling it gave me at the end. Really psychologically messed up, with a shocking ending and a story along the way which will drag you in. This shortlist wouldn’t be complete without What Was Lost.
Bookmark That review.
How to Stop Time, Matt Haig:
I remember when this book came out and everyone on social media was all over it. A book that gets everyone talking and taking different things away is so important, and I loved how Haig has written a fictitious story but with mental health themes.
Bookmark That review.
Close to Home, Cara Hunter:
I’ve never read a book so quickly before because I was that excited to see how it would end. And that epilogue was insane (100x fire emojis). The writing style was perfect and very modern, with tweets to show you different points of view, which added an entirely new depth. I’ve also read the second book in the DI Adam Fawley series, and that didn’t disappoint either.
The writing definitely makes a huge difference, and the plots are well thought-through. Very good thrillers from this author, and one you need to keep your eye on.
Another Cup of Coffee, Jenny Kane:
This book filled my heart with so much warmth and I won’t forget how attached I was to the characters. Each character is depicted in their own individual characteristics and quirks, you can’t help but love everything about this book.
A genuine treat from start to finish.
Bookmark That review.
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There were some books which were very close to making the shortlist, but then I would’ve ended up with 25 books, and then it wouldn’t be a short list (that was a very bad joke, I’m sorry). If none of these books take your fancy, and you want to know some other great books of 2018, get in touch on contact@bookmarkthat.co.uk.
And that’s it! These are some real special books, and all have a special place in my heart. I hope you find something on this list that is perfect for you, and it may become your favourite read of next year.
Happy New Year. X
