Most Impactful Books Read In 2018

I read over 100 books in 2018, and choosing traditional favorites would be impossible. Friend me on Goodreads to see how I rated each book.

For this list, I simply chose the books that I can't stop thinking about, the ones that made a difference in how I live my life, the ones that created scenes playing on loop in my brain. They are rich and strong and exactly what books are supposed to be. Since I have fully reviewed them in other posts, I simply tried for a quick snippet of description here.

Fiction

Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong-A father and daughter learn each other anew in this tender novel.

Putney by Sofka Zinovieff-A frighteningly accurate look at what grooming looks like and the effect sexual predators have on us all.

The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai-A beautiful, heartbreaking novel about the 1980s AIDS crisis and its effect on a group of gay men in Chicago.

Mudbound by Hillary Jordan-A shattering tale of racism in the 1940s American South.

So Much Blue by Percival Everett-An unfolding tale of marriage, friendship, and betrayal as an artist recalls his past.

Short Stories

You Think It, I'll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld-A collection of short stories dealing with current issues and overflowing with strong, flawed characters.

Essays

Feel Free by Zadie Smith-Smith pours her unlimited talent into essays that cover a variety of topics, including art, death, and current issues.

We Are Never Meeting In Real Life by Samantha Irby-Get ready to laugh so hard you cry.

Amateur Hour: Motherhood in Essays and Swear Words by Kimberly Harrington-Both hilarious and poignant, this book of essays about motherhood is perfection.

Not That Bad: Dispatches From Rape Culture by various writers and edited by Roxane Gay-A disturbing, honest look at rape culture that should be required reading.

Tell Me More: Stories About the 12 Hardest Things I'm Learning to Say by Kelly Corrigan-A collection of wonderful stories about communicating more effectively with those we love.

Look Alive Out There by Sloane Crosley-Crosley's latest book of essays is her best, both funny and moving.

Nonfiction

A Book That Takes Its Time: An Unhurried Adventure in Creative Mindfulness by Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst-An interactive book full of activities and articles that will teach readers the balance between being and doing.

Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide by Kay Redfield Jamison-A comprehensive exploration of why people commit suicide and what can be done to help those struggling with mental illness.

Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown-Brown flawlessly teaches readers how to stand on their own while still embracing community and honoring others.

The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams-A masterful, researched book about being in nature for a better life.

Meditation For Fidgety Skeptics by Dan Harris and Jeffrey Warren-A down-to-earth guide to meditating and why you should.

I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes with Death by Maggie O'Farrell-A memoir about the author's brushes with death and how they have affected her life.

Hygge and West Home: Design for a Cozy Life by Christiana Coop and Aimee Lagos-A book that helps readers find their own path to creating a cozy home.

Poetry
If They Come for Us by Fatimah Asghar-Breathtaking in topic and talent, it's a book of poetry to savor.