As the end of 2017 draws near, we’re inevitably inundated with “Best of 2017” lists: best movies, best songs, best albums, best inventions, best books, best bunch of lists.
Here at the Library District, we thought it would be more useful to share a “Favorite Book” list because you might be interested to know what wonderful books your librarians found and enjoyed during the year — many of which are not on “Best of 2017” book lists.
We don’t claim that these are the best books written this year (or that they were even written this year), just that the authors and titles are among our favorite books read (or re-read) during 2017.
All books on this list can be checked out, or downloaded as eBooks or audiobooks, through the Library of course.
So without further ado, here’s a quick look at some of your library staff’s favorite 2017 reads (with color commentary when provided).
| Nicole B. | Carry On: the Rise and Fall of Simon Snow by Rainbow Rowell |
| Becky S. | The Baker’s Secret by Stephen Kiernan
In Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen – Both titles are perfect choices for fans of books set during WWII. |
| Erik R. | Beauty is a Wound by Eka Kurniawan
Red Rising by Pierce Brown (Book 1, Red Rising trilogy) – Erik claims this is “the best series I have ever read!” |
| Erin L. | Seven Brief Lessons on Physics by Carlo Rovelli – “A mind-blowing mini-book that will change how you look at science, theology and the world. A must-read for every educated person! This book will connect you from the atoms in our bodies to the stars in skies.”
The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eva Eger – “This book is a rare jewel, helping people to accept the adversity in their lives in a genuine way and move forward with purpose.” |
| Ken D. | Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel |
| Monique R. | Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (Teen fiction) – “It is an extremely well written and charming story with a delicious happy ending cherry on top – a perfect leisurely read for the holidays.” |
| Karol D. | Radical Hope: Letters of Love and Dissent in Dangerous Times edited by Carolina de Robertis – This book “was helpful, hopeful and healing during these bizarre days where feeling a little lost and out of place has been kind of the norm.” |
| Terri B. | Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked by Adam Alter – “Ironically, I read this on my iPad.” |
| Thuan N. | Shades of Magic trilogy by Victoria E. Schwab: A Darker Shade of Magic; A Gathering of Shadows; A Conjuring of Light – “It was great to read a trilogy that actually ended, instead of having a series that goes to 15-20 books. Plus, the story was engaging.” |
| Erin K. | Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life by Emily Nagoski – “This book explains why men have nipples. I know I need say no more after an intro like that, but it’s also overall fascinating and I can’t stop talking about it with people.” |
| Tova A. | Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafo
The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg |
| Vicky H. | Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell and illustrated by Rafael Lopez – A children’s picture book “based on a true story of efforts to bring a city from gray to colorful.” |
| Sarah S. | Guidebook to Relative Strangers: Journeys into Race, Motherhood, and History by Camille T. Dungy |
| Paula W. | The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman |
What was your favorite book(s) this year?
Share with us in the comments.