Top Ten Books 2017

01

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

I remember having particularly difficult day with the children back in July. Why? Because I sat up all night reading this brilliant book. I loved Eleanor, she's an unusual character and I found her so loveable. I loved the ending of this book so much, I didn't see it coming and it just stood out for me. This will definitely be a book that I will pick up again.

02

The History of Bees by Maja Lunde

This is a book to be savoured. It took me a while to read as after each chapter I wanted to really think about what I had read. It is such an interesting and thought provoking read. The book looks at the past, present and future and the consequences of losing our bees. It has had a huge impact on me. I am not green-fingered at all but as a family we're going to try to make our garden as bee friendly as we can this year.

03

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

I almost quit this book in the first chapter as I wasn't sure I was going to feel anything for this character. I'm so glad I kept going as I fell completely in love with Ove. This book started me on a slight Fredrik Backman obsession. The man is the king of the quirky character. If you haven't read any of his books get your hands on Ove it is such a great book. I cried like a baby at the end.

04

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

When Reece Witherspoon picked this book as her bookclub choice I couldn't wait to read along. It is such a brilliant book. Packed full of brave, strong and inspirational woman and a bad guy who actually made my skin crawl. If you like historical fiction definitely give this one a try.

05

Anatomy Of A Soldier by Harry Parker

I cannot think of another book quite like this one. It is the story of a soldier gravely injured in a war zone, it is told by everyday objects around him including his mum's handbag and the surgeon's tool. I couldn't put this down and just found it so very moving. This book made me really consider how grateful I am to the brave men and women who sign up to military service.

06

Good Me Bad Me by Ali Land

I was on the edge of my seat with this one. As a mum, I wasn't sure how I would cope as the subject matter is very dark and it is upsetting. I think Ali Land really nailed it as she did not to give horrendous graphic details, we know terrible things have happened in this book and I was grateful for the sensitive way she handled it.

07

Castle of Water by Dane Hucklebridge

A brilliant story, beautifully told. The story of Barry and Sophie, strangers who become stranded on a desert island following a plane crash just had me hooked. Most of the book is set on the island but there are chapters that are related to the story but not directly. My favourite being the chapter where we find out who knows about the island.

08

Wonder by P. J. Palacio

Well I was a blubbering wreck at the end of this book. I think August has to be one of the most inspirational and loveable characters that I can think of. The story is told from many viewpoint, it made me laugh and cry. It is a very well thought out book, beautifully written and in parts I found it to be heartbreaking. I've since got the children's picture book version of this which has prompted many interesting conversations with my twins.

09

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

I was given this book by a friend and I shamefully left it on my shelf for a long time as I thought it would be too depressing. It is a very sad book. I sat and read it in one go one morning. I cried like a baby. It is a beautiful book written by a very talented man. It did make me really thing about this precious life that we are given and it made me feel so grateful for what I have. I can't think of many books that have had such a big impact on me.

10

How To Stop Time by Matt Haig

This is such a good book, I really enjoyed reading it. The plot is so unique, Tom Hazard seems like your average 40 year old man but he's not, he actually over 400 years old. Apparently Benedict Cumberbatch will be staring in the movie and I can't wait to see it.