My Favorite Books of 2017

It has been an amazing year in books! I have found many amazing books this year, and exceeded my reading goals for the year.

At the beginning of 2017, I set a goal of reading 60 books and to read more books written by women, and by people of color. And on the way to that, I found amazing books that took me out of my comfort zone and taught me a lot. And I read 74 books (To date, still reading 2 more) and found amazing books by different authors. 

Today I'm linking up with Jana and Steph for Show Us Your Books to review my favorite books of the year. 

Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

I didn't grow up in the USA, so I didn't learn about Bruce Springsteen until 2001, and I didn't learn anything about his career or life, until I read his book. And his book was amazing! He is an amazing writer, this book was fantastic. 

Before I fall by Laren Oliver

I know I was very late to reading this book, but when I found it, I couldn't put it down. This book is a story of a girl who dies in a car accident, then the next day she wakes up to re-live the same day, this happens over and over until she understands what she needs to do to get her day right. I enjoyed the writing and the story, and still think about the book. I had to yet see the movie for it. 

Marathon Woman by Kathrine Switzer

I have read a few books on running, but this one was an amazing one. The story of the first woman to "officially" run the Boston Marathon, and her career into running other major marathons and starting the Avon Races. All of that sprinkled with what was happening in her personal life was she was the best part. The book was very well written and it was very inspiring. 

In The Country We Love by Diane Guerrero
I read this book as the dismantling of the Dream Act was happening, and it brought home the point of how much an immigration reform is needed. The story of Diane Guerrero and the stress her family had to live through, and the emotional journey of losing her parents through deportation. It was an amazing book, highly recommended. 

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
This is another book that is highly relevant. The story reminded me of the Treyvon Martins' trials and how the news tried to discredit his friend as a witness. This book is a must read for anybody! 

I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika Sanchez
There is not enough books about Mexican women/girls growing up in the USA! This book was so refreshing, I related to so many things she wrote, from hating Mana (Boo to Mana, they suck) to thinking people from Mexico City eat weird food. I needed this book in my life!

One Of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus
This was the most suspenseful book of the year for me, and a different set up than other books. This book made me question my own morals, and it kept me at the edge of my chair. 

The Julian Chapter By RJ Palacio
I was not expecting to like this book, especially because it was an add on to Wonder, and Julian was the meanest boy in the book. But I found myself feeling all the feels while reading this book. I was angry, upset, annoyed, and heartbroken... I cried so hard at the end of the book! All good signs of a good book. 

Refugee by Alan Grants

I just finished this book last week, and it destroyed me. This is the story of three refugees trying to escape conflict, from three different time lines. A boy trying to escape Nazi Germany, a girl escaping Cuba, and a boy escaping Syria. This story needs to be read by more people! 

Surprisingly, I didn't read Harry Potter again this year, I started #2, but didn't finish it. 

My list for 2018 right now includes books by Hillary Clinton, the Autobiography of Malcolm X, and more books from my Amazon 100 books to read in a Lifetime. 

What amazing books did you read this year?