But I wanted to reflect back on some of my absolutely favourite books from the last decade. Now, not all of these were published in the last decade, some are older, but they are all books that I read in the last 10 years. I record my book list on Goodreads, and usually add in notes and the dates read so I have a reference point.
- Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman: At first, this book reminded me of The Rosie Project (a good read, but not a favourite stand out.) Set in contemporary Scotland, this book tells the journey of Eleanor as she navigates the world with her limited social skills and how she even works on a romantic relationship, the story is endearing and entertaining.
- Dreams from My Father: A story of race and inheritance by Barack Obama: As a fan of this former president, this book was not from the last decade admittedly, but it is one that I read in this last decade, so it’s going on my list. It perhaps is one of my most favourite non-fiction books (a genre I don’t read that often actually). Obama is an eloquent writer and story teller and this book did not disappoint. Interestingly enough when I read Becoming by Michelle Obama this past year , she talks about how her husband went to Indonesia for 6 weeks to write this book!
- The Casual Vacancy By J.K. Rowling – I’ll be honest, the only reason I started reading this book was because it was by J.K Rowling and I’m a huge fan of the Harry Potter Series. The book starts off slow, but Rowling introduces and develops multiple diverse characters and describes the setting in the UK with such mastery. She discusses social issues that aren’t normally discussed and does them in such a compelling way. This would be on my list of one of my all time favourite books.
- Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng: This book discusses so many issues and will often have you divided about where you stand, it makes for a great book club choice for the discussions that can come out of it. I loved how Celeste Ng uses a small town in Ohio as the backdrop of this story and explores different perspectives in motherhood. I’m super excited for the screen adaptation that is coming out this spring too!
- Bear Town by Fredrick Backman: This isn’t Backman’s most popular or well known book, but it definitely left an impression on me. The books takes your on a journey that examines the issues and incidents that happen in a small town that worships at the alter of hockey and how the many different characters respond to what happens. I read it in one sitting (on a plane!).
- Can You hear the Night Bird call by Anita Rau Badami: Once again, this book was not published in this past decade, but that is when I read it. So it counts (my blog, my rules!). This book makes my list as one of my all time favourites because of the story that is told. It is a story that tells of the Sikh, female experience and perspective during 1984 both in India and in Canada. The events that unfolded leading up to the Air India bombing are a part of my history as a Sikh Canadian, and this was the first (if not only) fiction literature that I read that I felt was impartial, balanced and beautifully executed.
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
Ru by Kim Thuy
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney
The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri: Perhaps my very favourite author, I have loved each one of her books.
Harry Potter Series: I’m not going to pretend to remember when I actually read all of these but it was in the last decade that my eldest fell in love with the series too.
The Cormoran Strike Series by Robert Galbraith: Yes, technically Robert Galbraith is J.K Rowling and they are the same person, but still if an author makes me savour a mystery series like this, it’s a win!
What are some of your very favourite reads? Share in the comments, I’m always looking for recommendations!
