Favourite Books of the Year, SO FAR!

As we’re over a quarter of the way into 2021 already… I know, don’t get me started on how fast this year is going. I thought I’d run through my top reads of the year so far. I’m one of those people who keeps track of books which might make it into the top 10 for the year as I go, so this was a relatively easy exercise for me.

I’m keen to see if you’ve read any of these books and if you’re opinion of them is different? I’m also very interested to pop back and read this post throughout the year and see if my opinions have changed and what books join or fall off this list.

So, here are my current top 10:

The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair – Joel Dicker

This story is captivating from the very beginning to the very end; which says a lot as it’s 600+ pages.

One thing I particularly loved was the beginning of all the chapters, which had advice/rules for writing a good book. They subtly set the scene for what is to come in the story. A very clever addition to this novel.

I loved how all the relationships evolved and the uncovering past stories, the trauma, the trust.

I loved the unfolding investigation, the mystery surrounding what happened.

The narration of the past events was done very well indeed…. I loved the side characters, the setting, the twists.

Close to Home – Cara Hunter

The way this story written is so compelling. It features standard narrative, news articles, interviews and tweets. It really brings the story alive, it’s was entirely conceivable that this could be a real case. I was gripped the whole way through on what had happened to Daisy. The ending felt slightly anticlimactic but I think that’s is only down to the hype surrounding why I picked it up in the first place. Standing in its own merit I think that was a fantastic book, written exceptionally well.

The Midnight Library – Matt Haig

The first part of the book brings you straight away into Nora’s mind and her depressive thoughts. It was a little heavy hitting but I think done well! It explores her past, what her regrets are and fills in some of the other characters backstories.

Once we were introduced to the Library the story took a complete turn and it had me completely hooked, as if it were a thriller. I really loved exploring each one of Nora’s lives with her, the heartbreak, the discoveries and the disappointment. The descriptions were enthralling and captivating.

The overall message of this book was uplifting and beautiful. One that causes you to reflect on your life, your regrets and outlook. A story of hope, written exquisitely from start to finish. My first Matt Haig book, which will be recommending to everyone and anyone. 

Kill A Stranger – Simon Kernick

My first book by this author and WOW, what a story!

Full of twists, turns, developments and surprises. I was guessing the whole way through at what was going on but there was no way I could have predicted the ending. A perfectly tied up and satisfying ending.

It was written so cleverly that I kept on feeling sorry for certain characters and then changing my mind and then going back, kept me on my toes from the beginning.

If you want a fast paced mystery/thriller, look no further.

I am now going to go and buy everything else by this author!

Wool – Hugh Howey

I didn’t know what to expect with this one when I first picked it up but I ended up absolutely loving it all 537 pages of it! Another longer book where I ended up not even noticing how beefy it is…

The writing really pulled me into the characters and their development! The story just keeps on unravelling, with so many layers to uncover.

I love the idea, the scary reality that it could be and how it is executed. It’s a big yes from me and I have already ordered the second one!

The Two of Us – Andy Jones

It’s incredibly difficult to put into words how much this book broke me and how much I loved it without spoiling the storyline for others! What I can tell you though is that it is real, raw and an emotional rollercoaster!

Missing Pieces – Tim Weaver

I really enjoyed this book! It’s fast paced and written very well!

There were lots of clever twists and turns, some I saw coming.. others I most certainly did not!

My first book by this author and I’m keen to read more now.

The Switch – Beth O’Leary

What a wonderfully written story, a pure joy to read from beginning to end with a beautiful undertone about loss, family and love. Not what I was expecting, I loved it!!

The 24-Hour Cafe – Libby Page

If, like me, you enjoy people watching in pubs/cafes etc then this is the perfect book for you.

Not only does it have two main characters that you’ll fall in love with it also shows us so many different people and snippets of their lives. Not only from their own perspectives but also from Hannah or Mona’s, I loved this element so much!

I also enjoyed the flashbacks and descriptions of past events to help set the scenes better.

I didn’t want this book to end at all. I was savouring every last page willing it to last longer, the last 15% or so of the book was just so wonderful. The completeness of the loose ends and the very last sentence.

Such a simple idea for a story but executed so brilliantly!

The Ex – Dianne Saxon

I was pulled in for the very first paragraph. Gripping writing and needing to know more. The entire first chapter was absolutely captivating and terrifying in equal measures. Amazing writing.

I loved the ‘twist’ and although I definitely saw it coming it didn’t make it any less tense and fast paced.

I would definitely recommend this one and a more full review will be up on my blog shortly!