I don’t read nearly as much as I’d like to. I recently heard about the 50 Books Challenge that some bloggers are committing to — a pledge to read 50 books before January 2019. I didn’t read 50 books last year, and I don’t think I will this year, either. I did, however, resolve to read more widely and more often. So for motivation I thought I’d mention three books I really enjoyed reading last year, and three books I’m looking forward to cracking open in the coming months.
1. The Queen of the Tearling, Erika Johansen.
This book is actually the first in a trilogy that I devoured over the course of three days last October. The author blends dystopian and fantasy elements together to create something entirely unique. Kelsea Glynn, a strong and principled Queen hidden from birth with caretakers, returns to her throne to face corruption, resistance and treachery from her court, as well as threats from an enemy queen. I particularly enjoyed the mind-bending twists that the series took in the second and third books. I won’t spoil the ending for you, but it’s definitely a shocker!
This debut collection of poetry from spoken word poet Sabrina Benaim is equal parts stunning and heartbreaking. Benaim has been one of my favourite spoken word poets ever since I stumbled across her work on YouTube – her poem “First Date” (which is also featured at the beginning of this collection) makes me smile every time I hear it. She combines a stark and honest look at the realities of living with mental health issues with transcendent metaphors, a dry sense of humour and her unique perspective on life. It’s a satisfying collection that made me want to laugh and cry in equal measure.
3. Journey to the River Sea, Eva Ibbotson 
I’m kind of cheating with this one – Eva Ibbotson has been one of my favourite authors since I was a child, and I had a chance to rediscover some of her work this year. This novel, like all her other children’s novels, provides an enchanting story that has all the magic and wonder of childhood but still manages to seem intensely real and present. In this one Maya, along with her governess Miss Minton, goes to stay with relatives on the edge of the Amazon River in colonial Brazil and adventures ensue. The poignant storytelling occasionally brings me to tears without any explanation why. For other works by Ibbotson check out The Star of Kazan and The Dragonfly Pool.
What I’m looking forward to:
I’ve never been a massive fan of science fiction but I thoroughly enjoyed Weir’s first novel The Martian (and I also loved the movie). I’m excited to read what’s next from Weir!
I’ve been obsessed with the television series Victoria (starring the always lovely Jenna Coleman), and I can’t wait to learn more about the real historical character that she portrays.
This one was actually on my ‘to-read’ list last year. I’m a sucker for a good historical novel and this seems to check all the boxes: family drama, espionage, WWII and a quest for the truth.
If you have any suggestions for me, I’d love to hear them in the comments. Happy reading!
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