My Best Books of 2018

I’m here to share my best books of 2018. I typically only read fiction but I vowed this year to read more non-fiction books. I don’t know why I thought non-fiction would be boring. In some ways, real life can beat fictitious stories, hands down. I read 25 books this year and these were my top 5.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

W O W! Just wow! This was a phenomenal book. The author does a fantastic job of weaving the family story in with the science and facts of what happened and is still happening with her cells. She touches on many ethical dilemmas that still have me fired up. I don’t know what the solution is but I know that anyone who reads this book will think twice about doing anything medical. It was quite enlightening and eye-opening at what continues to be done in “the name of progress” for science. A MUST READ! There is also a movie version on HBO starring Oprah Winfrey. 

The Stranger in the Woods

Fascinating story! I never knew about it until I saw this book on a reading list. The added history and facts about other hermits only enhanced the story, if you ask me. It gave me a lot to think about and I’m still mind boggled that he survived as long as he did. The voices in the audiobook version were definitely a bonus!

Educated

There has been a lot of hype surrounding this book and it did not disappoint. This is one of those stories that you literally couldn’t make up if you tried. It has everything a good book needs – twists and turns and complications and triumphs. I couldn’t stop listening but it was also not what I expected, not by a long shot. Many reviewers are focused on the fact that a young woman with no education went on to achieve Ph.D. status. I dare say this book isn’t really about education at all. Not truly. Not fully. It is a LOT about the mental anguish she endured and how that affected her in her adult life. Regardless, I’d highly recommend it. My full Educated review can be found here. 

Sister’s First

I adore this family and even more so after reading about their life and experiences from the daughter’s perspectives. They embody all of the things I want for my own family. Most of all I love how they let the girls be themselves and even make their own mistakes yet supporting them with a deep, unquestionable love. Some stories made me laugh out loud. Others made me cry. They are a precious family! I also read 41: A Portrait of My Father by George W. Bush this year, which gave me an even higher appreciation for him and the entire Bush family in light of his passing earlier this month.

The Road Back To You

Have you heard of the Enneagram? I had taken several quizzes (3 in fact) and each one gave me a completely different answer. It wasn’t until I read the book that I was able to determine that I’m a 5w6. There were a couple numbers that were close but this one hit the nail on the head. If you aren’t sure about your number, read this book and it will become blatantly obvious! It was helpful to learn the pros and cons of my personality along with those of my husband and friends. This book should be required reading if you want to relate to and understand people better.

Book List for 2019

GoodReads just announced their top books of 2018 and I’m working on my list for next year. The funny thing is that I used to NEVER look at the non-fiction categories and that’s what I went to first this time. And when looking at the fiction books, I’m a little turned off. I’m glad I’ve finally started to enjoy a whole new category of literature.

What were your favorite books of 2018?

You can read more of my book reviews here.

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