If we are being completely honest with each other, I am not having a very good year in terms of reading. Half way through 2018, it would only be appropriate to execute a mid-yearly, reading wrap-up and shed some light on the hits and the misses.
It is June 18, 2018 today and so far I’ve managed to read 29 books which is my standard average each year. I strive to read at least 30 books by the time June closes and then look forward to another 30 during the colder months.
Summer is in full swing but it has never been my peak-reading-season, partially because it is associated with beach reads, and chick literature and I cannot get my head around the genre. Although one can opt for other genres but I prefer to keep my favorite (Mysteries & Murder Mysteries) for the second half of the year but this year, I did find my preference for the blazing sun, suburban books. Small town – everything is not what it seems kind of stories.
Time to rewind…
Best Books of 2018 so Far
Autumn (Seasonal #1) by Ali Smith
Fist installment of a quartet by Ali Smith, I began my reading year (literally) with Autumn and it was gorgeous with a capital G. If you prefer to read more of a linear plot then look away this one is not for you as it is multi-layered and talks about everything from love to friendship and from art to ageing. This is considered to be one of the first Brexit books and does focus on the geo-political atmosphere of our times – if that isn’t your cup of tea, you might want to skip this entirely.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdaIKDtlmZL/
The novel moves back and forth between past and present and indulges in the friendship between a little girl, Elisabeth (with an S) Demand (from the French, Du Monde) and elderly gentlemen, Daniel. At first you have no idea what is going on or what you are reading. It took me almost half the book to get a grip on the symbolism and requires a bit patience and perseverance from the reader. But once you are committed, you will be face to face with a potent story of changing times, growing old, art and discovering feminism. If you are into British Pop Art, you will absolutely devour this book!
I gave this book 3.5 stars and at the risk of sounding criminal, I think this is more like Wuthering Heights, one time isn’t enough to understand its true beauty. I think you’ve give it due time to let it sink in while peeling each layer with great sympathy and honor.
Publisher: Penguin
Available in Pakistan
Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag & Translated by Srinath Perur
Up next we’ve a book by Vivek Shanbhag that blew my mind from the word go! I discovered this treasure cove thanks to Ariel Bissett and I am so grateful to have this in my collection. It explores the journey of a close-knit family from nothing to everything and in no time at all.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BedB4j0FOuk/
First published in 2013 in the South Indian language of Kannada and with only 115 pages this book is a powerhouse dealing with money and how it runs through our veins like blood, affecting each and every thread of our very existence.
It’s all Ghachar Ghochar – a tangled mess and as a reader I found the mess quite enthralling. This story is told from one of the family member’s point of view, which remains unnamed throughout the book, and recollects his thoughts in a single day at a local coffee house in modern-day India.
If you are into short but powerful stories, this one is definitely for you. I gave it 5 stars and here’s hoping you’ll be inclined to pick this one as your next read.
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Available in Pakistan
Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians #1) by Kevin Kwan
As I mentioned earlier, I am not into ‘chick literature’, I cannot stand female friendships and the drama that surrounds these relationships, but did Kevin Kwan took me by surprise or what?! This book is addictive and downright dramatic, if you enjoy family dramas and the entire gossip central then this is for you.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BihFPUhnjV7
It was rib-tickling from page 1 and gets you hooked like some aunt at a wedding who just unearthed a filthy secret about the bride. You will find yourself among filthy, rich Asian families in Singapore with priceless jewels, extravagant backdrops and soiled secrets plus a couple of sordid escapades here and there as well. Over 400 pages but you will find yourself hungry for more as soon as you hit the last page. Thank God for squeals, right?
The book-to-movie adaption is ready to hit the theatres in August but I implore you to read the book first, trust me, the trailer says it all, they destroyed the book. How can Kevin stand to see such a disaster? But I guess this is a debate for another day.
I went with 5 stars for this one as well and if you are looking for a funny book and some light literature, make sure this is your seasonal pick. You can thank me later on Twitter perhaps!
Publisher: Corvus
Available in Pakistan
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
OH My Lord! I can finally talk about this book!
When you wait to get your hands on a book for over 12 months there is a certain kind of expectation that grows and this book made sure I was delighted to my very core. In the last year or so, whosoever has read this book has waxed lyrical about it and I am about to do the same.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjMzy_BlCNS/
Small-town plots and politics seem to be my beach reads for the season, Little Fires Everywhere is packed with vibrant and vivid characters that make it very easy to connect with, and quite possibly be horrifying as well. You will find yourself amongst situations that are too close to reality for your own good. With a backdrop of child adoption this books takes you through many upheavals of society and makes you question your choices at each turn. And as a surprise, a small mystery at its heart left me smitten with her words.
The author writes with great empathy making it raw and all the more convincing. If you are looking for a story that delves into the intricacies of love, sacrifice and resolve then this will be surely a treat. I gave this one 5 stars and very much excited to read Ng’s other novel, Everything I Never Told You.
Publisher: Abacus
(Finally) Available in Pakistan
Holding by Graham Norton
Another small-town setting and a village guard who has to plough through heaps, and heaps of gossip to uncover answers that just might save his career and his life.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi9Z_uTFiHG/
I was pleasantly surprised by Graham Norton with this one and did not expect beautiful narration of troubled relationships of this remote, Irish town. If you are looking for a book that is driven entirely by characters then this is the read for you. You will find the suspense to be a little off but nonetheless the characters will ensure your attention throughout.
Although this is an easy, one-sitting book, at times, it does get dark but the brooding atmosphere does not take from the overall enjoyment. Holding makes for an excellent ‘book club’ read as there is plenty to revel about and cook up conjectures along the way. I went with 4 stars.
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Available in Pakistan
One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
I just finished reading this book and was delighted to see young adult fiction talking more about than just soul mates and coming of age milieu.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkC99U8lAzM/
This is basically a murder mystery set in a high-school with four suspects who are about to discover more than just the truth. The author did something incredible with stereotypical high-school characters and gave them substance. I cannot talk more about the book without ruining the plot but I will say this – considering the turbulent times we are experiencing makes One of Us Is Lying a truly relevant and addictive read.
If this book turns into a TV show, it will be ruling charts and hearts alike. I gave it 4 stars. And also this one is perfect for weekend-binge-reading!
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Available in Pakistan
Unfortunately, other than these mentioned titles, I was left with many good but mediocre books and if you are still reading this, I think it is only wise to talk about a couple others that left me speechless and not in a good way.
Worst Books of 2018 so Far
Parker Pyne Investigates by Agatha Christie
I never thought I’d be alive to see this author under this sub-heading but sadly Christie left me no choice.
I am going to make it short and unpleasant; bland plot-lines, bored characters and a dishonest protagonist makes this for a disappointing read. Period!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Be-yr5VlwUo/
Publisher: Harper Collins and/or Fontana
Available in Pakistan (Mine is a Pre-loved Copy)
Artemis by Andy Weir
I never knew disappointment like Artemis before and that is just sad. After The Martian, I anticipated science and space, and all I found was welding, some more welding and an annoying protagonist. And don’t even get me started on the forced and unnecessary details.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgL2WURnTI-/
Publisher: Del Rey
Available in Pakistan
And that’s all folks!
Here’s hoping for a more exciting and enlightening second-half of 2018 preferably with some memorable books. Until then…
Happy Reading!