2018 has been a great year so far and I cannot believe there is only one month left! I have been busy with school but blessed to have been able to travel a fair bit this year, giving me time (and excuses) to put down the textbooks and actually read for pleasure. These are the books I read this year and my thoughts on them.
- Yes, My Accent is Real — Kunal Nayyar
Looking for a good laugh but also a solid dose of inspiration? Look no further than Kunal Nayyar’s first book, which is all about his life and the things he’s learned along the way. Starting with his early life in India, his journey as a university student in America, and all the shenanigans leading to his eventual role on The Big Bang Theory. Honest, humble, and humorous— all around a great read.
- Wild — Cheryl Strayed
This was the perfect book for me to read during my first volunteer trip abroad. A touching story of love, loss, strength, and finding yourself in the face of adversity— Strayed’s book will leave you feeling truly inspired (and maybe a little bit like you want to drop everything to hike across the country). I have yet to see the movie, but I hope it does this story justice.
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck — Mark Manson
Unfortunately, this book, that was so hyped by bloggers and influencers, left me disappointed. I read it about 6 months ago, and writing this article now I’m struggling to even remember what the main argument was— that’s how underwhelmed it made me feel. That said, due to the nature of this book it could have a very different effect on different people depending on what you’ve been through and where you are in your life, so I wouldn’t write it off entirely. It just wasn’t for me!
- The Good Earth — Pearl S. Buck
A renowned American classic, Buck’s book tells the story of a Chinese man over about 50 years of his life, and is set in the late 1800s to about 1930. This is not a genre I would normally gravitate towards, but I bought the book in the Mumbai airport and literally thought “I’m in a new country why not read a new kind of book?” Although it wasn’t my favourite book this year, it was definitely an interesting read as it gives a look at what life may have been like during that time in China, particularly the ways males were privileged over females. However, when I read into the background of the book and some reviews, a few people feel like Buck perpetuates some harmful stereotypes about Asian people and history. So maybe I didn’t learn anything factual at all!
- Turtles All the Way Down — John Green
John Green’s newest novel certainly takes the award for my favourite book this year. I’m not surprised as I have yet to read a John Green book that I didn’t like. The story ties together a lot of important messages about mental health, grief and loss, and friendship. In true John Green style, it was a “warm you up, rip you apart, and then mend you back up again” kind of book. I loved it and would recommend to anyone.
Have you read any of these books? What did you think? Do you agree with my reviews? We love hearing from our readers! Leave a comment below or message us on social media, @twowildtides.
have a great week,
char
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