EE's Best Books of 2017

2017 was a rough year for me and so I didn't read as many books as I would have liked. But I did read a few really great books and I thought I'd share them with you.

FICTION:

A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW
In this delicious novel, a Russian Count is imprisoned in a hotel after being deemed an "unrepentant aristocrat" by a Bolshevik tribunal. A beautifully rendered period drama, the novel is a story-within-a-story: following the Count's life and relationships inside the hotel while volatile history takes place right outside it. A lovely read.

SING, UNBURIED, SING
Jesmyn Ward's exquisite writing captures the raw, tender life of a troubled family. 

MOVING KINGS
Joshua Cohen writes with an edge. It's been a long time since I read a book that so deeply and succinctly wields descriptive language. Rich character studies. Reminded me of Donna Tartt's "Goldfinch" but with a quarter of the words. Literary-types will enjoy this one.

WATCH ME DISAPPEAR
A quick-moving, fun thriller. I loved this book and gobbled it up in two days. Fans of "Girl on the Train" will love this book.

THE SUMMER BEFORE THE WAR
I will always remember this as the book I was reading when Katherine died. It supplied a momentary relief from grief. It's a charming, witty and very British book about a lovely young teacher who arrives in a small Sussex town to teach Latin during the last, golden summer before World War I.

TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN
John Green returns with another teenage love story but this time, our protagonist suffers from a severe anxiety disorder. Gut-wrenching and true-to-life.

Non-Fiction:

I'M JUDGING YOU
It's rare to find a book that combines humor with such varied topics as friendship, racism, rape culture and all the ways we suck at life and how we can do better. Luvvie lays it down true. Don't miss this one.

THE SUBTLE ART OF NOT GIVING A F*CK
I was on the fence about this one but it won me over. Quick-moving insights on life and how to quit carrying the excess baggage of caring too much about what other people think.

OF MESS & MOXIE
Jen Hatmaker is the best friend you need when navigating life's tricky and surprising detours. This book is chock-full of witty insights and tenderhearted stories.

FALLING FREE
Shannan Martin's words were deeply convicting and also, highly encouraging. This is a woman who is truly living her faith. She's real. She's down to earth. I loved this book immensely.

FREE OF ME
This book was the biggest surprise for me in 2017. I went into it unsure whether I would enjoy it and found myself underlining page after page. Sharon's heart of gold shines through every word with compassion and conviction. A must read.

Those were my 2017 favorites. What books did you read this year that you loved?