The book I find myself thinking about the most is Self-Portrait with Nothing, by Aimee Pokwatka. It is one of the most original books I’ve ever read. I really don’t want to give too much away, but if you love parallel universe stories, this is for you. Hugely intelligent. And I just noticed Pokwatka has a new book out in January, The Parliament, described as “The Birds meets The Princess Bride”. Take my money!

How to Sell a Haunted House, by Grady Hendrix, is one of the most terrifying and hilarious books I’ve read this year. I highly recommend the audiobook, as Mikhaila Aaseng’s performance as Pupkin deserves all the Audie Awards. There was one part of this book which made me literally shout “NOOOOOOOOO”. 

I was so incredibly intimidated by the sheer size of Mariana Enriquez’s 600-page debut novel, Our Share of Night, translated by Megan McDowell. But this was completely unfounded. It is a rich, exciting novel about a strange family with unique powers. And I keep shouting about this, but if you loved Enriquez’s short ghost story, Adela’s House, you will love this book. 

Unquiet, by E.Saxey, has been the most pleasant surprise of the year for me. Creepy, atmospheric, gorgeous, mysterious. It reminded me of The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters. For me, so many novels reaching for gothic fall short, but Unquiet is the real deal. 

Other recommendations:

In terms of “old” books I’ve read this year and loved:

  • Misery, by Stephen King – I hadn’t read this before and it’s obviously brilliant. Comparatively, I think they made Annie Wilkes too easy-going in the movie adaptation.  
  • The Home-Maker, by Dorothy Canfield – How is this book almost 100 years old?! It’s so progressive. 
  • Maya Angelou autobiographies – Angelou had such an extraordinary life. It’s a pleasure to learn from her writing. I will be devastated when I run out of Angelou books. 

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