What I Read In 2018 …

If you’ve been following along for a while, you’ll know every January I give a wrap of books I read in the previous year. Some years the list is extensive; other years embarrassingly short. 2018’s reading list of thirty-one books falls somewhere in the middle.  I wish I had more time to devote to reading these days, but you know … life!

On reflection, my reading list for 2018 is again quite eclectic. It appears I read more fiction for younger readers than usual. I’ve been working on a couple of manuscripts for children, as well as a grittier young adult sci fi, so perhaps that’s been the catalyst. I note fifty percent of the list is made up of female authors, and sixty per cent is made up of Australian and New Zealand authors. There is so much talent in the spheres of Australasian writing, across all genres.

As I mentioned last year, I read more forensically now than ever 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 a few indulgent observations.

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The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey.  Reading about a couple of prankster fourth graders with my Grade 4 son was a lot of fun. Thomas enjoyed the interactive parts of the book and I found Principal Krupp hilarious.
The Hawkline Monster by Richard Brautigan. This is my second reading of The Hawkline Monster, and I will never lose this book again! It grabs genre by the collar, gives it a good shake, then throws it down a winding staircase. Gothic western with a crazy plot successfully carried by two extremely likeable rogues. I found this cult classic in a second hand bookstore years ago, read it, loved it, and then lost it … probably lent to a friend at some stage, or sold in a garage sale. Either way, I mourned its loss. I found it again this year … but the story of how I did is almost as incredible as the book, and best saved for another time.
How to Bee by Bren MacDibble. There’s a reason this book has picked up a swag of awards. It’s middle grade fiction done right – clever, thought provoking, a highly original premise carried by a protagonist you can really cheer for. Your heart will explode. Bren’s got a new book out this year, The Dog Runner, which sounds ace. I’ll be getting my mitts on it when it’s released via Allen & Unwin.
The Clonestone by Ali Smith. This is the second book in The Ginomees Trilogy – a delightfully whimsical series about adventuring garden gnomes. This one picks up where the first left off, and you can’t help but feel for Noname as he faces some very difficult challenges, both internally and externally. Kiwi scribe, Ali Smith, has created a world younger readers will want to turn and return to.
Engine of Lies by Barbara Howe Another talented Kiwi author. This is the second book in the Reforging Series, and picks up where The Locksmith finished. If you love strong female protagonists, intelligent writing, and epic fantasy, this one’s for you. You will need to read The Locksmith first in order to get acquainted with the complex worldbuilding, and political history.
Nim’s Island by Wendy Orr Gorgeous and enduring fantasy adventure starring a plucky and resourceful eleven-year-old girl in an “I wish that was me” setting. Who wouldn’t want a marine iguana as a best friend after meeting Fred?
Welcome to Orphancorp by Marlee Jane Ward This punchy dystopian novella is a short, gritty read that makes you want to flip tables and start your own rebellion. I would have liked to have known more about the ‘hows and whys’ of Orphancorp’s inception, so will seek out the next instalment to learn more in due course.
The Hidden City by David Bowles The Garza Twins are back in the next instalment of the highly popular series from Mexican-American author, David Bowles. This was my introduction to Bowles’ writing, and it’s awesome to read about diverse young characters immersed in adventures set within their own culture and mythology. Educational and entertaining.
Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney  Have I mentioned I love an unreliable narrator before? Have I also mentioned I love a good psychological thriller? If you love both of these too, then add Sometimes I Lie to your ‘to be read’ pile. (And then please contact me and let me know exactly what happened at the end)?!
Captain Underpants and The Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria Ladies From Outer Space by Dav Pilkey Another fun-filled read with the boy. The title says it all, really. What’s not to like? Thomas particularly enjoyed the ‘flip-o-rama’ pages.
The Book Club by Alan Baxter A read-in-one-sitting offering – starts out with an intriguing mystery that hints at marital problems, then takes a sharp turn into the unknown. Deftly executed nod to cosmic horror.
The Twits by Roald Dahl A Dahl classic. Thomas and I were hysterical over Mr and Mrs Twit’s pranks on each other.
Faerie Apocalypse by Jason Franks A refreshingly different, uniquely-delivered, multi-faceted romp of a read. It’s quite unlike anything you’ve read before with a scope that – to be executed successfully – takes a writer of considerable talent. Special mention goes to the character of the magus: he is utterly, nastily, fabulous!
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime by Mark Haddon A good read but, for me, quite an emotional one. Told through the POV of an autistic boy, Christopher, the challenging part for me revolved around the breakdown and confusion surrounding the parental relationship. I did find myself skipping the mathematical equations and illustrations that accompanied the narrative. I have very little understanding of numbers, so subsequently little enjoyment. (I do realise they were not there for my enjoyment).
Curtis Creed and the Lore of the Ocean by Rebecca Fraser  This might seem as a weird inclusion to my 2018 reading list … a book that I authored. However, with dyslexia and dysgraphia, reading for the boy is challenging, frustrating, and devoid of joy. Thomas loves being read to though, so I wanted him to hear Curtis for the first time. He is particularly tickled that the book is dedicated to him