The Best Books of 2017

Let's be honest, 2017 wasn't the best year in reading for me. Between school, an internship, dance class, and college applications, plus all the other insanity, I didn't have a lot of reading time on my hands. But there were some books that meant everything to me, and certainly some stand outs. To me, reading has always been a part of my life. As my dad likes to say, reading is my Tardis (for any of you Doctor Who fans out there). Without books, I would be incomplete. Stories and words fill life with meaning and adventures I perhaps wouldn't experience in my own...like evil kings and monsters in sewers. Well, to be fair those things could happen I suppose, but in most cases, I hope not. 

It by Stephen King

I love horror novels, movies, shows, everything horror. However, I wasn't too impressed with what I had seen of the beloved Stephen King until I watched the new It film. And thus began the months of me reading the book. I had to read it in stolen minutes before bed and in the car (reoccurring theme: I didn't have a lot of time for reading this year). But it was so worth it. This was the great surprise. I loved, more than the scares, the atmosphere and the characters. It all feels so real and visceral. The most frightening aspect is not the monsters themselves, but how humans react to them. And frankly, I found that fascinating.




The High King by Lloyd Alexander

This is essentially a series favorite, and the series in question is an epic, heartfelt, adventure of a high fantasy series called the Chronicles of Prydain. The Book of Three is the first book, and my favorite this year was the last, The High King. I don't remember the last time I read a I'll say it now and I'll definitely be saying it again, this is one of the most underrated series I have ever read. Its full of whimsy, charm, and great writing, and I wish more than anything else that these books received more recognition. Reading these books feels like coming home, and I hope you guys find your home in it just as I did.





Endless Night by Agatha Christie

I read a few Agatha Christie books this year as part of an academic project, and this one was by far my favorite. While not my all time favorite Agatha Christie, I was surprised by this one. It's a sweet almost love story shrouded by the danger and mystery of a gypsy curse. You don't dive right into the danger right away, the story meanders on its course to the classic shocking revelation in the end. The so called meandering is a nice story to immerse yourself in with enough intrigue to keep you guessing.






The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

I put off reading this one for a while in fear of it not living up to my expectations, but it totally blew those expectations out of the water. I mean, this is one of the most well-crafted, intense and original fantasy books I have read. Admittedly, I even cried at the end and I cannot wait to continue the series. It's a long, terrifying brick of a book and it isn't the writing that differentiates it, but rather the depth of the story and the world in which it is set.








The Queen of Blood by Sarah Beth Durst

I all but gave up on YA fantasy this year, finding it too similar and shallow. But in a happy accident, I stumbled across this at the library and decided to give it a shot. This series is not only well written, the fantasy setting surrounding spirits and a magic system where women possess the power was a pleasant surprise. I was worried about the similarities of YA fantasy series and this one is quite the exception. 








The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Here's the shocking one, a classic! I have a mixed relationship with classics. I don't care for the pretentiousness surrounding being a classics reader in society, and some I just find plain boring. Usually the classics I like are strange, science fiction versions such as Brave New World, and Dorian Gray is no exception. Not only is it beautifully written and full of angst and conflict, I just enjoy the odd, eerie story of a man driven mad by his own faults displayed in a haunting portrait.







A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab

V.E. Schwab seems to be making everyone's lists this year, and I see why. I've loved all of her books so far, especially the Shades of Magic series. This is a stunning conclusion to an equally stunning trilogy. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and above all, you'll be impressed. This is one of those stories that just comes to life and jumps off the page in vivid detail. It is a world full of color, magic, and adventure, and definitely one worth reading.

What were your favorite books of 2017?