2018 has been one heck of a year; in general as well as in the book publishing world. I have read quite a few books this year, published both this year as well as in the past, but today I want to highlight some of the best books from this year.
You still have time to pick some of these up as Christmas gifts (consider your local bookstore) or put a hold on it at the library.
If you want to read about the best books I read this year overall, you can check out my monthly blog posts:
Now for the best books of the year. These were chosen based on my Goodreads Rating and only the books that received 5 stars made it to this list.
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
Strange robots, compelling characters, and a mystery that involves dreams and things from another world. A great new sci-fi series from one of my two favourite of the Green brothers.
I’d Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life by Anne Bogel
A look into the joys of reading, how it touches all of our lives, and how our experience with reading changes over our lifetimes.
Sea Prayer by Khaled Hosseini
A short and heartbreaking look into the refugee crisis filled with words and pictures. A needed story this year and one that I think everyone needs to read.
Vox by Christina Dalcher
Looking for something new after A Handmaid’s Tale? This story shows what happens when women’s words, and thus thoughts are limited.
The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James
A girl trapped in a spaceship alone, travelling to an unknown planet. Suddenly she is contacted by a man who is going to catch up with her in a few years, but who is telling the truth?
Girl Made of Stars by Ashley Herring Blake
The most painful of all these books, but an important one as it deals with rape, family, friends, and what to do when all of those things collide.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Written entirely in verse, this book deals with a girl finding her voice when she has always been told that she didn’t have one. Very easy to read and may help to start getting into poetry.
Shrewed: A Wry and Closely Observed Look at the Lives of Women and Girls by Elizabeth Renzetti
Canadian essay collection on womanhood, feminism, politics, social media, and most of the things that women are going through. Very relevant and needed this year.
I Stop Somewhere by TE Carter
Ellie has disappeared, but she isn’t moving. In fact she is just watching from the corner, seeing the horrible things that happened to her happen again and again. Will anyone be able to stop this horrible cycle?
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
This is the cutest graphic novel involving a dressmaker and the prince who desperately just wants to feel like who he is. The illustrations are adorable and the story touching.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Set in the darkest reaches of Alaska this book teaches about independence, PTSD, family, and survival. I could hardly put this book down and felt like I was really there.
This Will Be My Undoing: Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America by Morgan Jenkins
One of the most informative books I read this year as it taught me about experiences I will never know, and the hardships that many people face in this world.
The Dangerous Art of Blending In by Angelo Surmelis
Heartbreaking and inspiring this book involves a boy trying to find the right balance between blending in and standing out. If he makes the wrong choice that consequences could be dire.
Need to Know by Karen Cleveland
What to do when you are an FBI agent and your husband is shown to be a Russian spy? Delete the information? Pretend to go on like nothing has happened? Or ruin everything in your entire life?
I hope that you find something on this list that sparks your interest. What is your favourite 2018 book? What book from 2019 are you most looking forward to?
fivestarredlife.ca 
I have actually read one from your list. I, too, liked Loneliest Girl in the Universe. I would also suggest Eric Walters Regenesis. Apparently there is a Book 2, but I have only read the first.
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