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Wednesday 15 January 2020

Favourite Books of the Decade

I'm not going to lie, I ended the decade terribly when it came to my blog. The posts really fizzled out and the reading became non-existent. In saying that, it is 2020 and that means that despite it being a new year, it's also an entirely NEW decade!

Instead of fixating on how slack I became towards the end of the decade, I wanted to celebrate how much I really did and am learning to love reading again, by sharing with you all my favourite books of the decade. In no particular order, these are the books that have stayed with me throughout the years. 

Favourite Books of the Decade



Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan 
Honestly, this is one of my favourite books to read in general - I would say top five! It was one of the first LGBTQIA novels I've read that not only explores ideas of sexuality but also identity, loyalty and friendship during high school life. I absolutely adore this story. 
Review here.

Illuminae (The Illuminae Files #1) by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
I didn't think I would love this as much as I did when I read it.  A super fun and creative read, and the hype around it is well earned. 
Review here.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
A middle grade novel that explores family bonds, loss and grief. A touching and memorable read.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1) by Laini Taylor
This was my favourite YA fantasy series in the decade and I am definitely planning a re-read soon!
Review here.

I fell back in love with Middle Grade after reading this. Also Catherynne M. Valente has magical writing skills.



It probably is a really big claim to say this was my favourite book of the decade but in all honesty, I still cannot get over this story. Do not come @ me about this.
Review here.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
I feel like this is really self-explanatory.

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
If anyone asks me for a recommendation on what to read, this will be one of them, because of how beautiful the story is. It's one of the rare books I've read that focuses on a platonic friendship and how strong the bond is between two best friends. 
Review here.

Atonement by Ian McEwan
This might be one of those cliche favourite reads, but Ian McEwan writes in such a poetic manner and the story has stayed with me despite reading it just ONCE. 
Or maybe twice ...

Night Film by Marisha Pessl
Need a recommendation for thriller/crime novels? THIS. IS. IT. It is so creepy and enthralling at the same time.
Review here.



Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
This might not be the read for everyone, but the fact that I zoomed through a 900 and something page book and implore people to give it a go says something.
Review here.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
A classic that I think everyone should read, at least once, in their life. 
Review here.

Neil Gaiman is a creative genius and if you were to read any of his masterpieces, this short story is well-worth your time.
Review here.

The Troupe by Robert Jackson Bennett
I truly did not expect 1. for this plot to go in the direction it did and 2. to love it so much because I was shocked by it. A story of family and finding love that explodes into one about belief and creation. 
Review here.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
I really don't know what to say about this that gives it justice. Safran Foer delivers a powerful story set post 9/11.
Review here.

This is definitely a long list, but I couldn't narrow it down anymore than I already have. Hopefully, if you haven't gotten around to reading any of these, at least one will get added onto your 2020 reading list!

What was your favourite read for the decade?