Here we are, the final few days of the year. I know everyone says this every year but…where did the time go?
2018 was a year of immense change and progress for me and my little family and it feels like we are worlds away from where we started the year.
I started working outside the home for the first time in several years.
My husband got a new job that he absolutely loves.
My kids were/are regularly watched by people other than me. And much to everyone’s surprise…we’re all better for it.
Audrey started Kindergarten; increasing the amount of paperwork in our household tenfold.
Eliza officially became a toddler, leaving babyhood behind.
And then, most unexpectedly of all, we moved to a new house in a new town with a new school.
It’s been stressful but wonderful in all the ways you want life to be.
It also happens to be the year that I got my groove back, reading-wise.
I was always an avid reader but in recent years it had taken a backseat and I closed out 2017 with the realization that I hadn’t even read 5 books that year. I used the usual excuse (motherhood, mainly) but the real culprit was Netflix.
Two weeks into 2018, I accepted the PERFECT job for me. I work 4 days a week at my local library as their Library Assistant of Technical Services and it has 100% turned my reading life around.
I set my Goodreads goal at 24 books. Figuring 2 books a month would be challenging but doable. I hit 24 before July.
So I upped my goal to 52, a book a week essentially. And the first week in October I finished my 52nd book of the year.
And now, less than a week before the end of the year, I am finishing up my 69th and 70th books (print and audio respectively).
I’ve set my sights on 100 books for 2019 and I have no doubt that goal is within my reach. Like bumping into an old friend and falling into that relationship like no time has passed, I have fallen back into reading and it feels just as good as I remember. I can’t wait to see what great reads 2019 has in store.
But before we talk about my most anticipated reads of 2019, I want to share my top ten reads of 2018.
10. The Mothers by Brit Bennett
A PHENOMENAL debut novel. I was absolutely blown away by the writing. There were sentences that I re-read over and over again. The characters were all very real; endearing in their own ways but flawed to be sure. It’s honest, thoughtful, sad, funny, and smart.
9. Rust and Stardust by T. Greenwood
I’ve talked about this one here before so I won’t say much. Except that this book will break your heart. Repeatedly. In the best way possible. And you should read it.
8. And Now We Have Everything by Meaghan O’Connell
So many parts had me nodding along and laughing out loud. The writing is vulnerable, reflective, and a bit sarcastic. A book that any mother, probably any woman, would enjoy.
7. Educated by Tara Westover

FAVORITE NONFICTION READ OF THE YEAR! Difficult to read, impossible to put down. The audio, in particular, was extremely well done.
6. The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager

Favorite thriller of the year! An atmospheric page-turner that keeps you guessing until the very end.
5. Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

Oh my heart! This was one of those books that you just have to hug after you finish reading it. Sweet, honest, and poignant. And best of all, leading characters who love books ❤
4. Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

In true Jodi Picoult form, this book takes a difficult topic and looks at it from all angles. Even, or especially, the uncomfortable ones. So well done, so important. Brava Ms. Picoult!
3. Every Note Played by Lisa Genova

Lisa Genova is my favorite author and everything she writes is gold.
Also, keep the tissues close.
2. All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin

This book is so timely and important. It’s a huge departure from Giffin’s past work and I’m so glad! I love her backlist for its quick and easy chick lit but this was so much deeper and more serious. In the best way.
- The Possible World by Liese O’Halloran Schwarz

I haven’t heard anyone else mention this one. And I don’t understand why. It’s so original and moving. I could not put it down. Definitely my favorite read of 2018. Go read it! Go go go!
It has been such an amazing year of reading and I can’t wait to see what 2019 brings. There are already so many books that I’m excited to get my hands on. And a couple that I’ve already received advanced copies of! *excited squeal*
Here are the books I’m most excited for:
- The Water Cure by Sophie Mackintosh
- Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal
- Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Things you Save in a Fire by Katherine Center
- The Invited by Jennifer McMahon
- Keeping Lucy by T. Greenwood
- The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms
- The Girls at 17 Swann Street by Yara Zgheib
- Women Talking by Miriam Toews
- The Au Pair by Emma Rous
Leave a comment with your favorite read of 2018! I’m always looking for my next great read.