Jodie's Favourite Books (2017)
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ladybusinessBefore we close out 2017, I'm squeezing in my Favourite Books of the Year post. In a shocking twist, this year I've already written about every book that makes my list of Favs (#proud). So under the cut you'll find a quick snippet of my original review for each book, and a link which will take you to more of my thoughts if you want to investigate further. In no particular order, here are my Favourite Reads of 2017.
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly (Non-Fiction)
Shetterly deftly reveals a substantial hidden history of black, female involvement in the development of aircraft and space technology. And through her investigation into the scope of these women’s involvement she beats back simplistic historical myths about black women’s role in shaping history.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt (Crime)
Everyone who has ever recommended this book even vaguely near me was right. It's the ultimate slow-burn, character focused crime story and as such was the perfect fit for me.
Bombshells, Vol 3: Uprising by Marguerite Bennett, Mirka Andolfo & Laura Braga (SFF, Graphic Novel)
Each volume of Bombshells gets better and better! This is exactly the kind of female focused, inclusive, political experience I want from big brand comics.
Everfair by Nisi Shawl (SFF)
Nisi Shawl’s Everfair is an ambitious work of experimentation. An alternate history, reimagining Belgium’s Victorian-era colonisation of the Congo, it follows a large cast of characters, constantly switches viewpoints, and jumps through time leaving gaps in its story that the reader must fill in with their own imagination.
The Mothers by Brit Bennett (Contemporary)
The Mothers is a simple, elegant examination of the everyday life of a small town and the girl who leaves it. With this assured imagining of her heroine’s life, Brit Bennett proves that captivating characters are sometimes all the drama a good story needs.
The House of Binding Thorns by Aliette de Bodard (SFF)
Aliette de Bodard is as confident writing the bloody, every-day difficulty of birth as the fantastical pain of a character being skewered by a magical tree, and her skill at bringing emotional and physical reality to her fantasy world enriches her story.
What is Not Yours is Not Yours by Helen Oyeyemi (SFF, Short Story Collection)
If you enjoy being left to puzzle away at a story, all the while knowing there aren’t any definite answers, then What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours is the collection for you. Although this selection of stories is characterised by seemingly straight-talking, plain-dealing language, narrators, and protagonists they are also full of fantasy which cannot be confirmed or denied. (Warning for potential issues with the only non-binary character mentioned in this collection.)
After Atlas by Emma Newman (SFF)
In this magnificent follow up to Planetfall, Detective Carlos Moreno, a child left behind by the Atlas spaceship, finds himself confronted by a past he’d rather forget as he is assigned to investigate the death of a religious leader.
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann (Non-Fiction)
Killers of the Flower Moon is a smart, solid outlining of a seedy tale of crime, and a devastating period of history. Believe the hype - this is a very special book.
Get in Trouble by Kelly Link (SFF, Short Story Collection)
I love Link's ability to conjure whole worlds, and convince me that I never want to leave them, in such a short amount of pages.
The Dream-Quest of Vellitt Boe by Kij Johnson (SFF, Novella)
I adored this novella because it was so open about making a space for women in epic fantasy, and the need for older women to appear in stories. There were so many lines dotted through this novella that reflected, and challenged, sexism. And Vellit's very existence is so quietly political that I warmed to her right away.
The Obelisk Gate by N. K. Jemisin (SFF)
The Obelisk Gate skillfully makes you care about so many characters who do terrible things without excusing them or vilifying them.
Saga, Vol 1 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples (SFF, Graphic Novel)
Everyone who has ever praised Saga in my hearing was right and I should have listened to them a long time ago
Kindred by Octavia Butler (SFF)
Kindred is a masterpiece and a must read for science fiction fans.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (Historical Fiction)
Homegoing's alternating, time-hopping, country swapping structure offers a new, succinct approach to the multi-generational, historical saga; one which compels the reader on through the toughest of spots. I devoured Homegoing in two days, and can't wait to see what Gyasi produces next.
The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno Garcia (SFF)
The Beautiful Ones is an emotionally intelligent novel that orbits around a tender, slow romance. It's also fun, fast, dramatic, and I couldn't put it down for two whole days. One not to miss whether you like romance, science fiction or both.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (Contemporary)
Little Fires Everywhere is a smart novel tackling big themes including motherhood, friendship, family, artistic expression, and how to make your life your own. Definitely one of the best contemporary stories I've read all year.
One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake (SFF, YA)
Kendare Blake is great at creating female monsters, and making the reader love them in their monstrosity.
Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee (Historical Fiction, YA)
Outrun the Moon is a great pick for readers interested in this period of history, or anyone who wants to read about an irrepressible, irresistible young heroine. You'll remember Mercy Wong for years to come.
Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke (Crime)
In Bluebird, Bluebird, Attica Locke threads the political and the personal through another atmospheric tale of crime and corruption.
Monstress, Vol 2: The Blood by Marjorie M. Liu & Sana Takeda(SFF, Graphic Novel)
Monstress is easily one of the best looking, and most original, comics out there right now. Sana Takeda's work is beautifully detailed, and the world these two creators have built is just ridiculously original.
In 2018, I'll return to talk about my Honourable Mentions list for 2017, Favourite Film & TV, 2017 reading stats, and reading goals for 2018. For now, this is me (a tired retail worker) saying see you in the New Year!
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly (Non-Fiction)
Shetterly deftly reveals a substantial hidden history of black, female involvement in the development of aircraft and space technology. And through her investigation into the scope of these women’s involvement she beats back simplistic historical myths about black women’s role in shaping history.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt (Crime)
Everyone who has ever recommended this book even vaguely near me was right. It's the ultimate slow-burn, character focused crime story and as such was the perfect fit for me.
Bombshells, Vol 3: Uprising by Marguerite Bennett, Mirka Andolfo & Laura Braga (SFF, Graphic Novel)
Each volume of Bombshells gets better and better! This is exactly the kind of female focused, inclusive, political experience I want from big brand comics.
Everfair by Nisi Shawl (SFF)
Nisi Shawl’s Everfair is an ambitious work of experimentation. An alternate history, reimagining Belgium’s Victorian-era colonisation of the Congo, it follows a large cast of characters, constantly switches viewpoints, and jumps through time leaving gaps in its story that the reader must fill in with their own imagination.
The Mothers by Brit Bennett (Contemporary)
The Mothers is a simple, elegant examination of the everyday life of a small town and the girl who leaves it. With this assured imagining of her heroine’s life, Brit Bennett proves that captivating characters are sometimes all the drama a good story needs.
The House of Binding Thorns by Aliette de Bodard (SFF)
Aliette de Bodard is as confident writing the bloody, every-day difficulty of birth as the fantastical pain of a character being skewered by a magical tree, and her skill at bringing emotional and physical reality to her fantasy world enriches her story.
What is Not Yours is Not Yours by Helen Oyeyemi (SFF, Short Story Collection)
If you enjoy being left to puzzle away at a story, all the while knowing there aren’t any definite answers, then What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours is the collection for you. Although this selection of stories is characterised by seemingly straight-talking, plain-dealing language, narrators, and protagonists they are also full of fantasy which cannot be confirmed or denied. (Warning for potential issues with the only non-binary character mentioned in this collection.)
After Atlas by Emma Newman (SFF)
In this magnificent follow up to Planetfall, Detective Carlos Moreno, a child left behind by the Atlas spaceship, finds himself confronted by a past he’d rather forget as he is assigned to investigate the death of a religious leader.
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann (Non-Fiction)
Killers of the Flower Moon is a smart, solid outlining of a seedy tale of crime, and a devastating period of history. Believe the hype - this is a very special book.
Get in Trouble by Kelly Link (SFF, Short Story Collection)
I love Link's ability to conjure whole worlds, and convince me that I never want to leave them, in such a short amount of pages.
The Dream-Quest of Vellitt Boe by Kij Johnson (SFF, Novella)
I adored this novella because it was so open about making a space for women in epic fantasy, and the need for older women to appear in stories. There were so many lines dotted through this novella that reflected, and challenged, sexism. And Vellit's very existence is so quietly political that I warmed to her right away.
The Obelisk Gate by N. K. Jemisin (SFF)
The Obelisk Gate skillfully makes you care about so many characters who do terrible things without excusing them or vilifying them.
Saga, Vol 1 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples (SFF, Graphic Novel)
Everyone who has ever praised Saga in my hearing was right and I should have listened to them a long time ago
Kindred by Octavia Butler (SFF)
Kindred is a masterpiece and a must read for science fiction fans.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (Historical Fiction)
Homegoing's alternating, time-hopping, country swapping structure offers a new, succinct approach to the multi-generational, historical saga; one which compels the reader on through the toughest of spots. I devoured Homegoing in two days, and can't wait to see what Gyasi produces next.
The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno Garcia (SFF)
The Beautiful Ones is an emotionally intelligent novel that orbits around a tender, slow romance. It's also fun, fast, dramatic, and I couldn't put it down for two whole days. One not to miss whether you like romance, science fiction or both.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (Contemporary)
Little Fires Everywhere is a smart novel tackling big themes including motherhood, friendship, family, artistic expression, and how to make your life your own. Definitely one of the best contemporary stories I've read all year.
One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake (SFF, YA)
Kendare Blake is great at creating female monsters, and making the reader love them in their monstrosity.
Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee (Historical Fiction, YA)
Outrun the Moon is a great pick for readers interested in this period of history, or anyone who wants to read about an irrepressible, irresistible young heroine. You'll remember Mercy Wong for years to come.
Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke (Crime)
In Bluebird, Bluebird, Attica Locke threads the political and the personal through another atmospheric tale of crime and corruption.
Monstress, Vol 2: The Blood by Marjorie M. Liu & Sana Takeda(SFF, Graphic Novel)
Monstress is easily one of the best looking, and most original, comics out there right now. Sana Takeda's work is beautifully detailed, and the world these two creators have built is just ridiculously original.
In 2018, I'll return to talk about my Honourable Mentions list for 2017, Favourite Film & TV, 2017 reading stats, and reading goals for 2018. For now, this is me (a tired retail worker) saying see you in the New Year!
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Date: 2018-01-06 12:05 am (UTC)