Listen, I know it's the end of November. I know that I should be preparing my favorite books of 2019 post, not posting my favorite books of 2018. I know.
This post was mostly finished at the beginning of January, but I never completely finished it and then it was February. February Maggie thought, Well, it's too late now. Nobody cares what I read in 2018 now!
But November Maggie doesn't give a shit. I'm still thinking about some of these books, and I'm definitely still recommending them to people. I read some great books last year—some that became new favorites—and I'm going to share them. Who cares that it's November? Time is a social construct anyway!
This post was mostly finished at the beginning of January, but I never completely finished it and then it was February. February Maggie thought, Well, it's too late now. Nobody cares what I read in 2018 now!
But November Maggie doesn't give a shit. I'm still thinking about some of these books, and I'm definitely still recommending them to people. I read some great books last year—some that became new favorites—and I'm going to share them. Who cares that it's November? Time is a social construct anyway!
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
Stevie Bell is a true crime-loving, aspiring detective determined to solve a decades-old murder and kidnapping at the famous Ellingham Academy—but when a fellow student dies under suspicious circumstances, she finds herself drawn into another mystery. I've been a fan of Maureen Johnson for years, and I think that the Truly Devious series might be her best yet. The final book in the trilogy, The Hand on the Wall, comes out in January, and I can't wait!
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
You've already heard all about this one (and have probably seen the movie too), so you know. I don't think I loved this book as much as many did, but I did love it. The writing is beautiful and so passionate, and you could really feel every bit of it. (Side note: BookPeople has signed copies of the sequel, Find Me—and they ship everywhere!)
The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride
I didn't know much about James McBride until I worked his event at BookPeople a couple of years ago, but after hearing him speak and talking with him afterwards, I knew I had to add him to my list. I started with his first book, a memoir and tribute to his mother that spent over two years on the New York Times bestseller list, and it was so, so lovely.
Stevie Bell is a true crime-loving, aspiring detective determined to solve a decades-old murder and kidnapping at the famous Ellingham Academy—but when a fellow student dies under suspicious circumstances, she finds herself drawn into another mystery. I've been a fan of Maureen Johnson for years, and I think that the Truly Devious series might be her best yet. The final book in the trilogy, The Hand on the Wall, comes out in January, and I can't wait!
Body Counts by Sean Strub
Equal parts memoir and textbook, Strub shares his story leading up to and throughout the AIDS epidemic in the U.S. and includes a myriad of historical details beyond his personal experiences. It's all woven together beautifully and told with such passion and love—but pulls no punches. I learned so much and can't recommend this book enough.
The Year of No Mistakes by Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz
This collection of poetry follows Aptowicz's move from New York to Austin and the dissolving of a decade-long relationship—so, yeah, it will make you feel a lot of emotions. Her writing is beautiful, funny, and intensely relatable. I can't wait to dive headfirst into the next collection.
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
You've already heard all about this one (and have probably seen the movie too), so you know. I don't think I loved this book as much as many did, but I did love it. The writing is beautiful and so passionate, and you could really feel every bit of it. (Side note: BookPeople has signed copies of the sequel, Find Me—and they ship everywhere!)
Dumplin' by Julie Murphy
I've wanted to read Julie Murphy for ages, and I'm so glad I started with Dumplin'. The story is so fun, often heartbreaking, and full of real and lovable characters. I loved Willowdean's spunk and confidence, as well as her flaws. (I'm sure you've heard by now, but there's also a Netflix movie including the love of my life, Jennifer Aniston, and new music from Dolly Parton. Truly, we are not worthy.)
You Don't Have to Like Me by Alida Nugent
This a great collection of essays for the person who still thinks "feminist" is a bad word, for someone still learning what it really means, and for those who proudly claim it. Hilarious, genuine, and intensely relatable.
You Don't Have to Like Me by Alida Nugent
This a great collection of essays for the person who still thinks "feminist" is a bad word, for someone still learning what it really means, and for those who proudly claim it. Hilarious, genuine, and intensely relatable.
Final Girls by Riley Sager
While in college, Quincy was the only one of her friends to walk away from a horror-movie level massacre—that she has no memory of—and unwillingly joined two other women in a group known to the press as the Final Girls. Ten years later and things are good, until one of the Final Girls is found dead and the other shows up on Quincy's doorstep. AND THEN SHIT GETS CRAZY. I have recommended this book more than any other in the last year. It's so much fun and you'll never see the ending coming.
I didn't know much about James McBride until I worked his event at BookPeople a couple of years ago, but after hearing him speak and talking with him afterwards, I knew I had to add him to my list. I started with his first book, a memoir and tribute to his mother that spent over two years on the New York Times bestseller list, and it was so, so lovely.
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
I posted my review of this back in December, so go read that and then go buy the book. (Also, you can preorder the sequel now!)
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas*
I was on the library's waiting list for this book for three months, which should tell you how great it is, if you didn't already know. If you haven't read it yet, you really, really need to. It's even better than they say.
-Maggie
* Not pictured because I checked it out from the library.
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I love books!!
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