Forty-four books in, well on my way to 50, it has truly been a great year when it comes to reading. Most of the books are great, in today’s post, I chose ten of them that were my favorites. Some are new books, some classics. The links of the books will lead to Storygraph website. Go let’s go!
Babel: An Arcane History by R.F. Kuang
“Babel” is the definition of a slow-burn epic fantasy where it’s not about the destination but the journey. I’m not going to lie, the beginning is very slow. But I happened to enjoy the magic system of languages and because I also speak Chinese, it’s all the more rewarding to read “Babel”. About half of the book helped put me squarely in the shoes of the leading character and as his way of life is threatened, I was just as reluctant to see change. That level of immersion is rare for me. And when the end began, it went full speed ahead to a glorious crescendo that left me wrecked. Alas, it was a little rushed but by that point, the ending didn’t really matter to me, I already got one hell of a ride. My rating: 5 stars out of 5
It by Stephen King
After all these years, SK still manages to leave me in awe. His earlier works are more raw and brutal and as always, he doesn’t go easy on children. He put them through a ringer. “It” must be one of his more terrifying stories, because in many ways, this wasn’t scary in the literal sense but it’s the existential dread of growing up and losing control and dreams and powers. “It” was also one of the most heart-breaking and touching stories from SK. One can reduce the book to ‘jumpscares’ and that one controversial chapter, “It” was so much more to me. My rating: 4.75 stars out of 5
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
I highly recommend the audiobook, also read by the author. All I can say is, the book lives up to its provocative title. I’m sure it appeals to all of us who have mommy issues. As it is in my case. I have no words to describe how cathartic it was to hear Jennette’s story. I couldn’t help but cheer her on, and I was so happy for her when she finally found her power. I understood the guilt she felt. I wish Jennette all the success and happiness, she truly deserves it. My rating: 5 stars out of 5
Alone With You in the Ether by Olivie Blake
Not gonna lie, I got this book whole because of the beautiful title and the fact that I love bees. And yes, I looooooved the story about bees within this story. I don’t usually consume romance but when they hit, they hit me hard and this was one of those stories that hits me hard. It doesn’t shy away from hardship and senselessness in relationships, even when it’s incredibly painful and this short snapshot of the two main characters’ relationship was painfully joyful to witness. My rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Life Ceremony by Sayaka Murata
A weird short story collection filled with memorable and shocking tales with wild and horrific premises but told in a slice-of-life style. I’ve never read anything like this. I’ve read one of Sayaka Murata’s another book ‘Convenience Store Woman’, and it’s safe to say that her voice is one of the most unique out there. I can’t wait to read her other book “Earthlings”. My rating: 5 stars out of 5
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
First thing first, the cover of this book is absolutely stunning. And the story is just as amazing. I love the game creation stories, it was written so well that it made me want to play those games featured in here. The relationship drama was less interesting than the game making and business building aspects but I still love all of the characters. My rating:.4.75 stars out of 5
Animal Farm by George Orwell
I guess it makes sense that it’s a classic. I know the premise and the main plot but I actually don’t know how the story ended. I didn’t expect this exact ending and it surprised me pleasantly. Not because it’s a ‘happy ending’ but it was one of those dark endings that also makes sense in many ways. Makes me want to re-read ‘1984’.
My rating: 5 stars out of 5
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner
Can’t believe this was a debut novel from Hannah Kaner. As someone who loves big books, I have to admire the way the world was built with vivid colors and darkness and all the contrast in between, in just under 300 pages. I’m so happy that there is going to be sequel coming out next year, and the second book is going to be a bit thicker too. 😀 My rating: 4.75 stars out of 5
The Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee
I’m still in the middle of book three ‘Jade Legacy’ and judging by the way I was bawling my eyes out last night reading, I just know ‘The Green Bone Saga’ is going to be one of my favorites. The names are very challenging to remember, there are also so many of them but I guess it helped that I read the first one as an audiobook and it helps to hear those names first and get familiar with them. My rating: 5 stars out of 5
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking by Samin Nosrat
I don’t buy cookbooks that often anymore, and I’m planning to get rid of many of my existing cookbooks. And if I can only have one book about cooking left on my shelf, it would be this one. It’s not necessarily a traditional recipe book, it concentrates way more on the techniques and the science behind good cooking. I feel like this would be the book that would elevate my cooking to the next level. My rating: 5 stars out of 5
That’s all, the favorites of the year! That’s it for today. Merry blogmas!
Here is part 1 of book ten of the 
The Bazaar of Bad Dreams
Slap Ass For Motivation 