In 2018 I decided to document of all the books I’ve read throughout the year (you can see the complete list over on Goodreads) but in this post I try to narrow down the list to a handful of the best. The kind of books that have made a big impact on my year, helped me grow, challenged my opinions and of course those which I’ve just really enjoyed.

I’ve also read some great stories, articles and poetry online this year and will include links below.

1. Outline, by Rachel Cusk

What an amazingly captivating read about everything and nothing at the same time! Despite not knowing the lead character’s name until page 211, Cusk manages to craft a beautifully raw and thought-provoking novel about what it means to really “see” someone, and through seeing others, see oneself. With little in the way of plot, the story is told through a series of conversions and interactions that occur between the lead character (who is also the novel’s narrator) and people she meets while teaching a writing class in Athens. Cusk’s beautiful prose and exquisite command of pace ensure you’re gripped until the end, despite not really knowing why. If you like Elizabeth Strout (My Name is Lucy Barton) I think you will like Outline.

2. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, by Haruki Murakami

Don’t let the title fool you, this book is about much more than running. In this candid memoir, Murakami shares what he dubs ‘personal life lessons’ –  how running informs his writing habits, how being his true-self is his greatest asset, and how we can’t please everybody and that’s OK. Written during his training for the 2005 New York Marathon, we gain a unique insight into how to take endurance and concentration from the track to the writing desk through the ruminations of this great writer and dedicated athlete. Compliment this by reading, What We Talk About When We Talk About Love, by Raymond Carver. 

 3. Ghachar Ghochar, by Vivek Shanbhag

Firstly, I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but WOW, it is striking! As soon as I saw this on the shelf, I knew I had to have it. It also earned a mention in Ariel Bissett’s (one of my fav booktubers) videos, and since I usually trust her reviews, I thought it would be worth reading, and boy did it deliver. It’s a short book, which means you can devour it in one sitting, which I LOVE to do, and transport yourself directly into the heart of story.

Set in contemporary India, Ghachar Ghochar is a  beautifully crafted and heartfelt novel about newfound wealth, honour and family.  An unnamed narrator tells the tale of his uncle, “Chikkappa”, whose successful spice company has raised the family into upper-class comfort, and suddenly they have more money than they’ve ever known. This is a story about our relationship money; how it drives us, controls us and eventually breaks us. A brilliant read and excellent translation.

4.  Big Wolf & Little Wolf, written by Nadine Brun-Cosme, illustrated by, Oliver Tallec and translated by, Claudia Bedrick

I was introduced to Big Wolf & Little Wolf by Maria Popova, reader, writer and author of Brain Pickings – a literary blog featuring musings on culture, books, art, science, philosophy and an inquiry of how to live a meaningful life.

On Big Wolf & Little Wolf, Popova writes,

“We spend our lives trying to discern where we end and the rest of the world begins. We are willing to erect many defenses to hedge against loneliness and fortress our fragility. But every once in a while, we encounter another such creature who reminds us with the sweetness of persistent yet undemanding affection that we need not walk alone”.

Big Wolf & Little Wolf is an enchanting tale for children and adults alike, reminding us how life changes when one comes to understand the meaning of friendship and sharing. We meet Big Wolf as he begins his day under his favourite tree he has long since considered his own. In the distance he spots a tiny blue figure. Big Wolf is suspicious of this newcomer, what if he’s bigger, faster, stronger than me? Big Wolf & Little Wolf is a timeless story of friendship, loneliness, love, loss and insecurity and a must for all readers.

5. Arlo Finch: In the Valley of Fire, John August

What a wonderful book! I binge read this book in two days. I didn’t want to put it down, but I also didn’t want it to end. Although I enjoy reading classic children’s fiction as an adult, I haven’t read many modern middle-grade books, but I was hooked from the first page. With well-developed characters and a fast-paced story arc, you will find yourself transported to Pine Mountain and the mysterious long woods. This book is about a 12-year-old boy, Arlo Finch who moves to Colorado and joins the Mountain Rangers (similar to Scouts in the UK). During a camping expedition, Arlo learns there’s more to Pine Mountain and being a ranger than he first thought. It’s a book about, friendship, loyalty, bravery and finding out who you are. Although there are some similarities to Harry Potter, The Hunger Games and Stranger Things, I think this adventure novel is strong enough to stand alone. I can’t wait for the next volume. You can find out the story of how Arlo Finch came to be in the six-part podcast series Launch.

Online Articles, Stories & Poems

• Coronado High, by Joshuah Bearman – How a group of high school kids became California’s biggest criminal masterminds.
• Life In The Dark, by Sean Raymond – Can starless rogue planets support life?
• Alex Mathers – On living creatively. Ideas on well-being, productivity, creative and life.
• The Call Of The Wild, poetry by Robert William Service.
• Nightmare at 20,000 Feet, by Richard Matheson.