Here they are. The ten books that I most enjoyed reading this year! I don't think I could rank them, so they are just randomly laid out. They are a bit of a hodgepodge--a few new books, some old books, some crime and literary fiction. Each spoke to me in a different way and filled a different need. That's the beauty of reading, right?
Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman - The movie was as good as the book, though the book had more story at the end.
Providence by Anita Brookner - She is always fantastic and I want to read more of her work.
Sheep's Clothing by Celia Dale - She is one of my good finds of the year. I read two of her novels and hope to find more next year.
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante - It feels like such an accomplishment to have finally read this! Not just an accomplishment but a pleasure, too.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman - I can't tell you how often I laughed while reading this--laughed but also inwardly cringed, but I was so happy when Eleanor triumphed. One to reread!
Invitation to the Waltz by Rosamond Lehmann - She captures the pain and pleasure of youth and growing up.
On the Edge by Peter Lovesey - Such a great twisty-turny story. And he managed to pull the carpet out from under me at the end.
Bodies of Light by Sarah Moss - Pitch perfect storytelling. I can't wait to read the sequel.
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng - Amazing storytelling!
Miss Buncle's Book by DE Stevenson - Charming and delightful and funny all rolled into one.
***
A few others worth mentioning:
A Baby's Bones by Rebecca Alexander - another great new find and a mystery series I will now be following.
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata - So quirky. I hope she writes more.
Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa - Such a lovely story. Bittersweet but with a hopefulness too.
Dying Voices by Laura Wilson - She is a great crime writer reminiscent of Ruth Rendell. I will keep reading my way through her work!
I plan on reading the next books by Elena Ferrante and Sarah Moss. I definitely need to read more Peter Lovesey and I am going to reread the Rosamod Lehmann (and then read the sequel).
I loved these books, and I am excited about the books on my TBR that I will soon be starting. And January 1 I will be back with a few new books and reading plans for the new year.