This weeks challenge is to list some underappreciated books; the ten books I loved that have fewer than 2000 Goodreads reviews. If you don’t know what Goodreads is; it’s the number one place for all things book online. It has a vibrant community and each year millions of people participate in reading challenges. It’s a great place to catalogue what you have read, and what you want to read. You can have a look at my profile here!
So, as you can imagine considering millions of people use this site, it is tough to find books that have less than 2000 reviews. Or at least, it was for me! I found it hard to find ones I’ve read, and I could say I ‘loved’, but eventually I came up with this list. Some of these really surprised me! I’ve put a little note under each book explaining why I think you should check them out, and why they deserve more reviews and recognition.
The Secret Barrister: Stories of the Law and How It’s Broken by The Secret Barrister
Perhaps one of my favourite non-fiction reads of last year, The Secret Barrister is a force of its own on Twitter and within the legal community. Having studied law for 18 months, I enjoy engaging in these communities as I find it a fun way of peeling back the academic curtain and hearing from the ‘frontlines’. This book is a culmination of the twitter account and so much more.
I’ll be honest, it was a depressing read at times, as the despair at our justice system just seeps from the pages. You cannot finish this book and not understand that our current system is fundamentally broken. But more than passing on this burdensome knowledge, it hopes to pass on some form of inspiration and motivation in how this can change. Essentially, this is the law version of what This Is Going To Hurt is to medicine. It is absolutely worth a read, especially for those interested in law and politics.
Eve of Man by Giovanna and Tom Fletcher
The lack of reviews for Eve of Man really shocked me, as it was one of my favourite novels released last year. I am so excited for the next instalment. This is a dystopian science fiction love story and fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent will be very impressed. It feels really cinematic, which I enjoyed. I won’t be surprised if it is adapted to screen one day.
Hold Back the Stars, Katie Khan
Katie Khan’s first novel is a dystopian sci-fi love story (I’m beginning to sense a pattern!) and is absolutely break-taking. It’s been announced it is being turned into a movie and I can’t wait! You can read more about how much I loved it here.
The Light Between Us, Katie Khan
Yep, more Katie Khan, because I will now read anything she ever writes after Hold Back the Stars! Incredibly, I like this one even more. Which is just remarkable, but the reason is this. While a sci-fi love story, it also involves time travel, which is my favourite fictional trope.
Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig
Another surprise entry, from my favourite writer of all time, Matt Haig. His latest memoir follows up Reasons to Stay Alive (literally one of my favourite books). He once again captures exactly how it feels to exist in this strange world in 2019, and the struggles with mental health and technology.
Five Years From Now by Paige Toon
For a lighter read, Paige Toon is the one to turn to. She doesn’t disappoint with last years warm and fuzzy novel. It is a lovely premise, following Vian and Nell from age 5, 15, 25 etc, and I soon got swept away by the romance.
The Art of Not Falling Apart by Christina Patterson
A memoir that is frighteningly relatable, funny and heart-breaking. It doesn’t pull any punches, yet leaves you gently uplifted by the end.
Hazards of Time Travel by Joyce Carol Oates
I’ve never read anything from Oates before. While I won’t be racing to read more from her, I did find her writing to be original and thoughtful. The premise of time travel obviously drew me in. But I stayed because of the Twelve Monkeys meets 1950s American college campus vibes. It was confusing at times, as dystopian thrillers tend to be. Yet I still felt deeply invested throughout and the ending was really well done.
Secrets for the Mad by dodie
As a fan of dodie’s YouTube channel and music, I was always going to read her book. Yet I was pleasantly surprised to love it as much as I did. The book is a ‘collection of personal stories, lessons, song lyrics, and photos’ and I liked the scrapbook style. Despite this, there is more to it than meets the eye. You can tell dodie has put her everything into it, as she talks very openly and honestly about many aspects of her life.
Wilde Like Me by Louise Pentland
This is another warm and fuzzy book, this time from Louise Pentland (also a YouTuber I enjoy watching!). The book is all about strong women and really celebrates mother-daughter relationships in a way I hadn’t read before.
Welcome to Top Ten Tuesday, a weekly book tag which is run by That Artsy Reader Girl, which you can read more about here.
Last week I listed my Favourite Couples in Books.
