My Top 5 Books of 2017

During 2017 I challenged myself to read 50 books. It did not happen, I didn’t even come anywhere close and this year I will try and be a bit more realistic in setting my reading goal. However, I did read at least 5 books during the year and here I will discuss those that I enjoyed the most and would recommend to whoever may be reading this. 

1. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald's 1925 novel 'The Great Gatsby' is a tale of love, extravagant parties, social class and isolation. The story follows Nick Carraway, a young Yale graduate who has recently moved to Long Island where he becomes Jay Gatsby's next-door neighbour. The two form a fast friendship and Gatsby confides in Nick about his former relationship with Nick's cousin, Daisy Buchanan who he tries to impress on frequent occasions. On the surface the story is very lively as a result of Gatsby's millionaire lifestyle however, we are quickly thrown into a world of deceit and heartbreak, unsure who we should sympathise with. Although it's an older book don't let that stop you from reading it. Yes the language is a little different but its themes are still so relevant to modern day that it's so worthwhile reading.

2. Knife Edge by Malorie Blackman

This book is the sequel to Blackman's 'Noughts and Crosses' so please DON'T read this first! Thank you. Like many British students I first came across the 'Noughts and Crosses' series in year 8 English and because I didn't pay attention, ignored the book. Having rediscovered it in 2017 I ended up reading the entire series, 'Knife Edge' becoming my favourite of the 4. Told through the narratives of Sephy, a 'Cross' - the socially superior people of colour in society - and Jude, a 'Nought' - the white, inferior members of society, Blackman explores an alternative reality that is so relevant to our own world. Filled with terrorism, racism, hate and violence it's hard to believe this book was written in the early 2000's and not the past year. If you want to feel broken and a bit lost after reading something than I recommend picking up a copy of 'Knife Edge'.

3. What's A Girl Gotta Do? by Holly Bourne

To quote the cover of this book: 'feminism, friendship and fallouts' is exactly what it's about. College student Lottie is sick to death of ignorant men who think because they have a penis they're better than those without (I mean, aren't we all?) and starts a project, vowing to call out any act of sexism that she sees. Alongside her friends Amber and Evie, Lottie becomes an internet sensation and people actually listen to her. As someone who lacks in Lottie's confidence, reading about someone doing something you'd love to do is inspiring and exciting. We all know 2017 was a year of massive sexism and sexual harassment accusations and it's nice to read a book that highlights this and the importance of discussing feminism, especially with men. No disrespect to men, I love you but some of you are awful. 

4. Doing it! by Hannah Witton

For those of you who may be unaware, Hannah Witton is a sex positive vlogger spreading her knowledge about relationships, hormones, feminism and sex to literally anyone with an internet connection. So go and watch her videos! In 2017 Witton released her first book 'Doing it!', a sexual education guide that is so much better than my shit science lessons learning about periods, pregnancies and the most common forms of contraception. The book discusses STI's, masturbation, porn and the uncommon forms of contraception (Okay I can't be the only one who was unaware that there's 15 types. 15!) If you never learnt about sex ed. in school and your parents failed to teach you it as well then read 'Doing It!' and watch as you impress everyone when you tell them about the 15 types of contraception (but maybe thank Hannah Witton who made it possible). 

5. It Only Happens In The Movies by Holly Bourne

My final pick of 2017 and also the second Holly Bourne novel on this list (I just really love this feminist writer okay?). 'It Only Happens In The Movies' tells the story of Aubrey, an 18 year-old media student completing a project to find out why romantic films are actually shit. Because we all know they are but seem to refuse to acknowledge it. However, a problem occurs when Aubrey meets Harry, a cocky, good-looking, zombie-loving, wannabe filmmaker (we all know the type)and suddenly romance films don't seem that bad. Throw in a mildly alcoholic mother, useless brother, supportive but hard to approach friends and an ex who can't be ignored, Aubrey's in for a wild ride. 

Let me know your favourite books of 2017 and if you have any recommendations for books I should read in 2018 then please let me know in the comments!

Abigail .x.