What I Read in 2017

I have two go-to sanity preservation activities: 1. Going for long walks.  2. Opening a book, escaping to new worlds and meeting new characters. In 2017 I didn’t get a chance to do either on an abundant scale, but overall it was a pretty damn fine year for reading and walking, and it looks like I’ve made it through with my sanity in check. (Disclaimer: There is still one day left of 2017).

On reflection, my reading list for 2017 is quite eclectic. I’m pleased to note seventy-five per cent of the list is made up of Australian and New Zealand authors. There is so much talent in the spheres of Australasian writing, across all genres.

I read more forensically these days than I ever have before, and some titles gripped me more than others. Enjoyment from reading will always be a matter of taste though (as it should be), so these aren’t reviews as such, more like a few indulgent observations.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty.  My first introduction to Liane Moriarty (read before viewing the TV adaptation). It was a holiday read, and I loved it – the characters, the secrets, the dialogue, the relatability. I live on a Peninsula and do the ‘school thing,’ although I’m happy to say my crew are a much more down to earth bunch. Liane Moriarty has a real talent for observational writing. She skillfully holds a mirror up to the everyday familiarity of life, and family and social dynamics, and translates what she sees into memorable characters, and intriguing plots.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman. I love Neil Gaiman’s writing – he is an incredible wordsmith who deserves every accolade bestowed upon him. While I have greatly enjoyed other of his work, I just couldn’t finish American Gods.  I made it through about three quarters and then … I don’t know. Ran out of steam? It wasn’t the writing; that was solid as ever. Perhaps I’ll pick it up again down the track. I know it is a book loved by many. I also know many of my spec fic community are shaking their heads at me right now!
Baby and a Backpack by Jane Cornelius. If you ever get a chance to meet Jane, you’ll instantly be attracted to her generous energy and zest for life. In Baby and a Backpack you feel like you’re given an insight into the history of this energy. It’s the true account of Jane’s quest for something more, as she travels the world alone, pretty near broke, and with her 12-week-old daughter to care for. Jane’s honest and open style makes for an easy read, and you’ll find yourself laughing – and crying with her – as she searches for the true meaning of home.
The Rejects by Ali Smith. A delightfully whimsical tale about a crate of garden gnomes, that find themselves alone and rejected – relegated to the rubbish heap due to their imperfections. This host of charming characters can’t be held down for long though. They take to the road for adventure, and to discover exactly what it means to be a gnome (or Ginomee, as they call themselves, reading from the side of their crate). A great one for younger readers with important (yet subtle) lessons woven into the narrative.
The Locksmith by Barbara Howe A talented Kiwi author who’s delivered a strong female protagonist wrapped up in an epic fantasy that brings together romance, war, political agenda, secrets, and a very becoming Fire Warlock (just don’t get him angry). This is the first book in the Reforging series. It steers into quite complex historical territory at times, but if you’re a fan of intelligent detailed worlds, quick-witted heroines, and skillful writing, this one’s definitely for you.
Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough That ending. Oh, my Glob – that five star ending!!! ‘nuff said. #respect
Truly, Madly, Guilty by Liane Moriarty My second foray into Moriarty’s work. For me, another page turner. What I thought was going to happen in that suburban back yard turned out to be much worse than what had been foreshadowed. Again, great [image error]cast of characters.
The Bottoms by Joe Lansdale A very cool offering indeed. A little predictable from the get go, but the setting, era, and sub plots in this are enough to keep you turning pages until the end. Not to mention the way this book is deftly handled by Lansdale – a coming of age tale, narrated by an elderly protag. It works on a number of levels. Read it! Then read more of Lansdale!
Elementals: Stories of Fire & Ice by A S Byatt  A short collection of beautiful fairytale-esque writing. Some stories were easier to lose myself in; others were a bit of a struggle.
Jasper Jones by Craig Silver Jeffrey Lu is my new favourite literary character –  a scene stealer every time he pops up. I also enjoyed the beautiful imagery Silver used throughout. The story itself was a bit of a stretch in places … but so what? That’s the beauty of fiction