So, it’s Christmas. Aka the end of the year, as the final week always goes too quick to even notice. Naturally this is a time for self reflection, and my first thought was about what books I’ve read this year. Obviously! Below is my review of my year, in a bookshelf. (Ha)

Easy Recommendations

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton – A book I’ve been meaning to read for practically my whole life, I finally took the plunge this year. I read most of it on a plane too. (Yeah, in case you didn’t know, I had a year abroad x). I expected this to be a complicated, scientific read but it was far from this. Easy to read with well developed, humorous characters. I will be reading the sequels, just not in the next week.

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson – I had never heard of this novella before but had to read it for a seminar at uni. I’m pretty sure I read it in one day? It reels you in so well, and with such mysterious characters you just cannot put it down until you know what the ffff is going on. Short too, so a great story for anyone to get into.

The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton – If you are even remotely into books, you have probably heard of this one, and walked past it in Waterstones countless times. The popularity of the novel amongst ‘young readers’ put me off for a while because, well, because of John Green. If they like him they’ll like anything. But after a tutor said it was great I thought ohhhhkay. And they’re right, a fascinating story. And again quick to read. Read it.

Difficult Recommendations

The Lords of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien – A Series that needs no introduction of course. I had never seen the films and after my friend’s mum said they’re her favourite books but nobody would read them for her (aw) I agreed to. I started in September and haven’t finished yet, which explains why this is in the difficult category. Length aside, the novels are extraordinarily written and every scene is described so well you have the perfect image in your head. If you have a year on your hands, I’d recommend this series.

American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis – Better known for the film adaptation and for memes about the US President, this is the novel that started it all off. It’s a funny narrative, but the fact you find it funny unnerves you. Or at least it should…This one is a difficult read mainly because of blasé descriptions of rape and murder, as well as random tangents from the narrator about nothingness. Nevertheless, a book I really enjoyed. And hated I enjoyed!

Novels worthy of mention

My Christmas dinner is ready soon, I can sense it (and so can my cat) so here’s a few others I really enjoyed:

Interview With the Vampire by Anne Rice

Dracula by Bram Stoker

Jamaica Inn by Daphne de Maurier

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Please comment below any book recommendations you’d have for me based off these that I enjoy. I need a 2019 Booket List 😉