The best books I read in 2018 (that also make great gifts!)
Two great things that I did in my reading life in 2018: the first was using Goodreads. Even though I’m still not a huge fan of the interface, I’m surprised by how much I love tracking the books I’ve read. The yearly goal-setting and tracking taps into my inner competitive nature, and it also makes it so much easier to remember and recommend previous reads. The second was committing to buying a book whenever I pop into an independent bookstore to browse: not only does it support local bookstores (and help them stay open so that I can continue to pop in and browse), but it also results in a new book and a new bookmark (win-win-win).
I also did a lot of great reading this year! I wanted to share a few of the best books I read this year, not only to inspire some reads for yourself over the holiday break or in the new year…but because real-life books are also such a good gift! I obviously vote going to your local bookstore (most of them do great gift-wrapping!), but if you’re tight on time or want to ship directly to someone on your list, these are also all Prime-able.
I’m a devoted fan of WWII historical fiction, but what I didn’t realize until I read Pachinko was how Euro-centric almost all of the books that I read were. Pachinko is an incredible multi-generational tale of Korean immigrants in Japan.
The Heart’s Invisible Furies is a personal tragedy set in the confines of an unaccepting Ireland that’s impossible to put down.
A family saga that tackles the innate and unexpected struggles of a first-generation Muslim-American immigrant family, A Place For Us is a layered character study that reveals several perspectives on where things went wrong.
Castle of Water is a moving, harrowing, love-filled take on being trapped on a desert island.
From page 1, An American Marriage is completely captivating look at a relationship, and it’s also an eye-opening look at the reality of racism today.
One of the best true crime books I’ve ever read, with such an interesting glimpse into the world of solving cold cases: I’ll Be Gone in The Dark was especially compelling for me since so much of it took place in my hometown.
I remember the description that convinced me to immediately buy The Good Daughter: “Law & Order meets The Good Wife.” As a devoted fan of both shows, it did not disappoint.
A thriller that seamlessly combines the secret worlds of the CIA and North Korea: Star of the North.
For sports fans, city-planning enthusiasts, US history devotees, Oklahomans (or just about anyone, as I do not fall into any of those categories): Boom Town lives up to its subtitle of “The Fantastical Saga of Oklahoma City, its Chaotic Founding… its Purloined Basketball Team, and the Dream of Becoming a World-class Metropolis.”
The Hate U Give is a YA novel that’s a worthwhile read for all ages.
The Great Believers is a heartbreaking and humanizing story of the AIDS crisis in the gay community in the 1980s.
Easily the most enthralling nonfiction book that I read this year, Bad Blood follows the unbelievable rise and startling fall of Elizabeth Holmes and startup Theranos. A must-read for those in the tech industry.
And of course, if you adore your pup or have a pet parent on your list: might I recommend Dog Mom?!
