102 Books in 2017 – Top Ten

2017 was the first time that I was retired for the full calendar year. Couple that with The Doc being knee-deep in residency, and I had some serious time on my hands.

Time enough to read 102 books, apparently.

I am sure that this is a feat that won’t be repeated by me any time soon. We have a bunch of life coming at us in 2018, and I am fairly certain there won’t be quite as much time for me to read. So, here is my top ten for 2017. I have taken a few liberties with that number, but it is my list and I shall do as I wish.

10. Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace

It was a beast and I actually read every single word, every single footnote. I enjoyed the last half, after I figured out wtf was going on.

9. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

Glorious word choice and that gentleman is one of my all-time favorite characters.

8. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Could. Not. Put. It. Down.

Or maybe I am lying.

7. Nutshell by Ian McEwan

A baby witnesses a murder plot. Just go with it.

6. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Worth it for the walk down my reading memory lane, and imagining my ten year old Montana accented self saying ‘Hercule Poirot’. Loved the new movie version.

5. Here I take my liberties. I read all of these before watching TV shows based on them. All were very good, and of course better than television.

Dexter is Dead by Jeff Lindsay

A fitting denouement for my favorite serial killer.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Subplot upon subplot with violence, love, and religion galore.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

The best by this author. Helicopter parenting on crack.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

In the current world’s particular climate, this book scared the bejesus out of me.

The Alienist by Caleb Carr

Forensic Science and psychology at the outset.

4. Lie to Me by J.T. Ellison

So many twists and turns that you could suffer whiplash.

3. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Shame on every lit teach I ever had for not introducing me to this book sooner.

2. Commonwealth by Ann Patchett

A family torn asunder, with characters you will know inside and out.

1.Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Futuristic goodness with an 80s twist, all steeped in virtual reality. Amazing.

I’d like to give a special shout out to the DeKalb County Public Library, I couldn’t have done this without you.

I read two books by Sue Grafton this year; may she rest in peace after she and Kinsey gave the world so much joy.

What have been your top books this year? Please feel free to share, I am always adding to my list.