I read SO MANY books in 2017! So many more than I set out to, at least. I credit the fact that I started (and stopped lol) a book club and decided I was allowed to buy books (reduced my library availability/deadline anxiety). This year I tried to read more books by women of color and I was NOT disappointed. In fact, going back to read books by white guys was honestly destabilizing. Anyway I think these were my 6 favorite books! • BINTI was some of the best writing I think I’ve read ever... her world was so lush and it pulled me in immediately. HOMEGOING was unique and rich with feeling and sadness. THE MOTHERS was the first one we read for book club so it holds a special place in my heart. Lots of good discussion. TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN was obviously good because as 🙄 as he may be, John Green knows how to write a YA novel. Writing from the perspective of a person with the disorder he also suffers from made this a very authentic read. DEAR FANG, WITH LOVE brought up similar issues with mental instability- and showed how complicated it can be to love a family member suffering from a mental condition. HUNGER was the most straightforward thing I’ve ever read (I’m feeling hyperbolic about these books but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯). Gay’s struggle with body image is compelling and relatable, and her writing feels fresh and honest. • • Honorable mention: Fates and Furies (so compelling and eye-roll-y) and Sing, Unburied, Sing (so rich and sad and ghosts!)
