The Best Books I've Read in 2017

2017 has ended, and I am here today to reflect on my reading year. I've participated in Goodreads challenge for the first time, where I set a goal for myself to read 60 books in the past year. And I am pleased to be able to say that I have reached my goal by reading exactly that amount of books. My reading year was good, for I've read more books than I usually do, and most of them were really good ones. I think it's thanks to my having learnt to listen to my momentary mood and picking up books I know I am going to enjoy rather than push myself to read something I don't feel like in a particular moment. That being said, my reading mood changes rather quickly, and so I have read books of various genres during the past year. They being classics, children's literature, contemporary YA and chick-lit. I have to admit, I haven't read nearly enough fantasy books, which is something I would like to remedy in 2018. I very much enjoyed all of the books I've read in 2017, most of which were five or four stars reads. But I don't have a need to talk about the vast majority of them, which is the reason why I decided to only highlight five of the sixty books I've read. So without further ado, here they are...

  • Wait for Me by Caroline Leech - I've talked about this book a few times already, so if you aren't new to my blog, it's probably no surprise for you to find it as a number one on my list. This book was definitely the best one I've read not only in 2017 but in previous years, too. I read it in the beginning of April and from that moment on I've been kind of spoiled for any other book I picked up after that. I grew attached to the story in such a way that it was very hard for me to go and try to find interest in another one. I swear, the characters felt like real people to me and I was deeply touched by them. I've found myself thinking about them, with the same intese feeling around my heart, during the whole year. And I don't think I will ever forget them. There is new book by Caroline Leech coming out in August and I simply can't wait to read it, as I am sure she has done an outstanding job on it as well...
  • The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery - This was the first book by L. M. Montgomery out of Anne of Green Gables series I've decided to read. And it was one of the biggest surprises of the last year for me. It was such a lovely story, about which I don't want to tell you too much since the best way going into it is knowing nothing, really. If you like historical romance books that resemble Jane Austen in their wit and beauty, you can't possible miss this one. I loved every minute of it. And I am decidedly going to read more books by L. M. Montgomery in 2018...
  • The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett - I would like to say I don't know why it took me so long to read this book, considering A Little Princess is one of my all time favourite children's books. But I guess it's because I hold some grudges against The Secret Garden since it was more known than the previously mentioned one and that made me feel reserved to it. But now that I read it I finally understand its popularity. Well deserved popularity, I have to admit. This book is a complete treasure. If you ever find yourself falling out of love with life, remember this book. It has all the power you'll need to fall in love with it again...
  • Great Expectations by Charles Dickens - I have been a big fan of Charles Dickens long before, but it was this book that made him one of my all time favourite classic authors. The story about Pip and his journey to adulthood is a masterpiece in my eyes. And Dickens' representation of London is simply breathtaking. I can't praise this book enough. My advice would be for you to pick Great Expectations up for your own pleasure. Don't read it when you have to for school or because you feel like you should. Wait for the moment it would feel right to read it just for yourself. Then you'll end up being completely enchanted by it, I am sure...
  • Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt - I feel like this is a book everybody should read. It tells a story about one family who has to live forever. I surely think that death is something we people think about and fear too much. This book reminds us how important a part of life death is. When you read it, you feel at peace with the idea of death that is inevitable for all of us. Natalie Babbitt writes about it in such a gentle and sensible way, she forces you to think about it on your own, but also lets you know that you are not alone. It's a great piece of literature that is very important for a human soul, I think...

Comments

  1. Žádnou z knížek, které tě tak chytily za srdce v roce 2017, jsem nečetla a vlastně o nich ani neslyšela, ale to nevadí, rok 2018 bude dlouhý a třeba na nějakou narazím a budu vědět, že je pěkná. :)

    Přeji ti krásný nový rok plný knížek, úsměvů a radosti. :)

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    1. Určitě, věřím, že by se ti nejedna z nich taky mohla líbit. Jinak jsem dala do příspěvku i odkazy na samotné recenze, které jsem na knihy napsala, takže kdyby tě nějaká zaujala, můžeš si o ní přečíst víc... :-) Moc ti děkuju, milá Vlasti. Krásný nový rok, plný dobrých knih, hodných lidí a radostných okamžiků i tobě...

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  2. I have not read 'wait for me' but I'll check it out.

    I read 'the blue castle' just a few months ago and I don't love it but I thought it was a rather enjoyable read. and also, this is the only Montgomery that I read outside of the anne series.

    I love 'the secret garden,' I like it better than 'a little princess' even though I did read 'a little princess' first. secret garden is almost like a fantasy to me, I really like the friendship and even the uncle which we do get a peek into his thoughts.

    I read 'little dorrit' and that remains my favorite dickens book. haven't read 'great expectations' but I think the movie/tv adaptations sort of puts me off from reading it but I'm thinking of getting myself a copy and see I might be wrong, I might like it

    I tried reading 'tuck everlasting' a few years ago but couldn't get into the story. perhaps I should try it again.

    great list.

    have a lovely day.

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    1. Hello, dear Lissa. Thank you so much for your comment. I love that you always get invest into a conversation over books with me. I really appreciate it. I am glad to hear that you've tried The Blue Castle and enjoyed it on some level. And I agree with what you said about The Secret Garden. The book is very special. And Little Dorrit is on my TBR list for 2018. Thank you for your encouragment to read it. I have a feeling I will love it as much as you do... And if you'll have a chance, definitely give Tuck Everlasting another go. I think it's worth it... :-)

      Thank you very much for all your words once again. And have a lovely time...

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