Achieving My Most Ambitious Reading Goal Yet

For 2017, I set my most ambitious goal to date: to read 40 books. As an avid reader, this target felt like a significant stretch, but I was determined to push myself. I am absolutely thrilled to report that not only did I meet this challenging goal, but I surpassed it with flying colors, officially reading an impressive 48 books by the end of the year! This achievement brought immense satisfaction and solidified my belief in the power of setting clear, motivating objectives for personal growth.

My Approach to Maximizing Reading Time

My reading strategy primarily revolves around my local library, which I consider a treasure trove of literary delights. It allows me to explore a vast array of genres and authors without breaking the bank. In addition to physical books, I’ve also cultivated a deep love for audiobooks. I find them particularly engaging for autobiographies and memoirs, especially when narrated by the authors themselves. Hearing their stories in their own voices adds an unparalleled layer of authenticity and intimacy to the experience.

I cleverly integrate audiobook listening into my daily routine. The car becomes my personal library on wheels, transforming commutes and errands into valuable reading time. Furthermore, I make the most of those inevitable pockets of downtime, like waiting at my kids’ practices, by diving into a captivating story. However, nothing quite compares to the pure joy and anticipation I feel when I return home from my weekly library trip, arms laden with a fresh stack of physical books, ready to explore new worlds and perspectives.

If you’re eager to discover more of my literary adventures, comprehensive book lists, and personal recommendations, be sure to visit my dedicated Book section on the blog. It’s a growing repository of all my favorite reads and literary insights.

My Complete 2017 Reading List: A Year in Books

This year was filled with an incredible diversity of stories, from heartwarming tales to thrilling mysteries and profound non-fiction. Below is a complete overview of all the books I had the pleasure of reading in 2017. Many of these left a lasting impression, shaping my thoughts and perspectives long after I turned the final page.

(Each link below will direct you to Amazon – please note these are affiliate links – where you can find a summary and purchase options. Alternatively, you can explore them on my 2017 bookshelf on Goodreads, where you’ll see my ratings and have the option to add them to your ‘To Read’ list. Books marked with a double asterisk (**) are those I particularly enjoyed and highly recommend!)

Magnolia Story (An inspiring journey of entrepreneurship and partnership) |
Lilac Girls ** (A powerful historical fiction exploring the lives of women during WWII) |
The Couple Next Door (A gripping psychological thriller with unexpected twists) |
The Sun Is Also A Star (A poignant young adult novel about fate and connection) |
Redemption Road (A compelling legal thriller that keeps you on the edge) |
When Breath Becomes Air ** (A profoundly moving memoir on life, death, and meaning) |
Perfect Peace (A novel exploring family secrets and their lasting impact) |
The Zookeeper’s Wife (Based on a true story of bravery and compassion during the Holocaust) |
The Lost Girls ** (A captivating true crime story revealing hidden truths)

The Nest (A dramatic family saga centered around an inheritance) |
Leave Me (A thought-provoking story about identity and escape) |
Small Great Things** (A powerful exploration of race and privilege in modern America) |
Everything Everything (A unique and charming YA romance) |
The Vegetarian (A disturbing yet captivating novel about a woman’s transformation) |
Commonwealth (A masterful family drama spanning decades) |
The Hate U Give** (A critically acclaimed and incredibly important YA novel on racial injustice) |
Shoe Dog (An inspiring memoir from the founder of Nike) |
Maine (A multi-generational tale set against the backdrop of a beloved summer home)

Britt-Marie Was Here (A charming and quirky story about finding purpose) |
Calling Me Home (A powerful and emotional journey through untold stories) |
This Is How It Always Is ** (A beautifully written novel about family and acceptance) |
The Woman In Cabin 10 (A suspenseful thriller at sea with a mysterious disappearance) |
The Rumor (A captivating tale about the spread of gossip and its consequences) |
Here’s To Us ** (A delightful story of family, food, and forgiveness) |
The Dollhouse ** (A dual-timeline narrative uncovering secrets in a historic hotel) |
The Beach House** (A comforting escape into a story of second chances) |
When The Moon Is Low (A heartbreaking yet hopeful story of a mother’s journey)

Mrs. Saint and The Defectives (A quirky and charming story about unlikely friendships) |
Swimming Lessons (A novel exploring the complexities of marriage and memory) |
Chasing Slow (A memoir about embracing a slower, more intentional life) |
We Were Liars ** (A shocking and unforgettable YA thriller with a twist) |
Option B ** (A powerful and insightful book on resilience and coping with grief) |
The Names They Gave Us (A touching YA novel about faith, family, and self-discovery) |
Love Life ** (A collection of short stories that delve into human relationships) |
Before We Were Yours ** (A heart-wrenching historical fiction inspired by true events) |
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo ** (A glamorous and enthralling tale of old Hollywood secrets)

With Love From The Inside ** (A poignant story of motherhood and hope from behind bars) |
What Happened (Hillary Clinton’s account of the 2016 election) |
The Unseen World (A compelling story blending technology, family, and memory) |
One Perfect Lie (A thrilling mystery about secrets hidden in plain sight) |
While I Was Gone (A suspenseful novel about a past that refuses to stay buried) |
Orphan Island (A unique and thought-provoking tale of a mysterious island) |
Saints For All Occasions ** (A rich family saga exploring sisterhood and secrets) |
The Last Mrs. Parrish ** (A dark and twisted domestic suspense that will shock you) |
The Light We Lost ** (A deeply emotional and unforgettable love story)

Born A Crime ** (Trevor Noah’s brilliant and moving memoir of growing up in apartheid South Africa) |
The Water Is Wide (An inspiring non-fiction account of teaching in a disadvantaged community) |
The Stars Are Fire ** (A captivating historical novel about resilience in the face of disaster)

My Absolute Favorite Books of 2017: Unforgettable Reads

From the extensive list above, a select few truly captivated my heart and mind, earning a spot on my “Favorites of 2017” list. These books are the ones I couldn’t stop thinking about, the stories that resonated deeply, and the characters that felt real long after I finished reading. If you’re looking for compelling narratives and exceptional storytelling, I wholeheartedly recommend these gems.

The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo

From Goodreads: Lucy is faced with a life-altering choice. But before she can make her decision, she must start her story—their story—at the very beginning.

Lucy and Gabe meet as seniors at Columbia University on a day that changes both of their lives forever. Together, they decide they want their lives to mean something, to matter. When they meet again a year later, it seems fated—perhaps they’ll find life’s meaning in each other. But then Gabe becomes a photojournalist assigned to the Middle East and Lucy pursues a career in New York. What follows is a thirteen-year journey of dreams, desires, jealousies, betrayals, and, ultimately, of love. Was it fate that brought them together? Is it choice that has kept them away? Their journey takes Lucy and Gabe continents apart, but never out of each other’s hearts.

This devastatingly romantic debut novel about the enduring power of first love, with a shocking, unforgettable ending, is Love Story for a new generation.

My Personal Thoughts: This book absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way. It’s a poignant exploration of first love, the choices we make, and the paths our lives take, often diverging from what we initially envisioned. Santopolo masterfully crafts a story that feels incredibly real and raw, making you deeply invested in Lucy and Gabe’s journey. The emotional depth and the compelling questions it raises about destiny versus choice make it a truly unforgettable read. I found myself thinking about this story long after I finished, contemplating its profound message about love, sacrifice, and the impact of our decisions.

The Stars Are Fire by Anita Shreve

From Goodreads: In October 1947, after a summer-long drought, fires break out all along the Maine coast from Bar Harbor to Kittery and are soon racing out of control from town to village. Five months pregnant, Grace Holland is left alone to protect her two toddlers when her husband, Gene, joins the volunteer firefighters. Along with her best friend, Rosie, and Rosie’s two young children, Grace watches helplessly as their houses burn to the ground, the flames finally forcing them all into the ocean as a last resort. They spend the night frantically protecting their children and in the morning find their lives forever changed: homeless, penniless, awaiting news of their husbands’ fate, and left to face an uncertain future in a town that no longer exists. In the midst of this devastating loss, Grace discovers glorious new freedoms–joys and triumphs she could never have expected her narrow life with Gene could contain–and her spirit soars. Then the unthinkable happens and Grace’s bravery is tested as never before.

My Personal Thoughts: Anita Shreve has a way of transporting you directly into her characters’ lives, and “The Stars Are Fire” is no exception. Set against the harrowing backdrop of the 1947 Maine wildfires, Grace Holland’s story is one of incredible resilience, survival, and unexpected self-discovery. Her journey from a seemingly ordinary, constrained life to one of newfound independence and strength is truly inspiring. I was deeply moved by Grace’s courage as she faced unimaginable loss and built a new life from the ashes. It’s a powerful narrative about how tragedy can sometimes forge a path to freedom and self-realization, brilliantly told with Shreve’s signature evocative prose.

Saints For All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan

From Goodreads: Nora and Theresa Flynn are twenty-one and seventeen when they leave their small village in Ireland and journey to America.

Nora is the responsible sister; she’s shy and serious and engaged to a man she isn’t sure that she loves. Theresa is gregarious; she is thrilled by their new life in Boston and besotted with the fashionable dresses and dance halls on Dudley Street. But when Theresa ends up pregnant, Nora is forced to come up with a plan—a decision with repercussions they are both far too young to understand.

Fifty years later, Nora is the matriarch of a big Catholic family with four grown children: John, a successful, if opportunistic, political consultant; Bridget, privately preparing to have a baby with her girlfriend; Brian, at loose ends after a failed baseball career; and Patrick, Nora’s favorite, the beautiful boy who gives her no end of heartache. Estranged from her sister and cut off from the world, Theresa is a cloistered nun, living in an abbey in rural Vermont. Until, after decades of silence, a sudden death forces Nora and Theresa to confront the choices they made so long ago.

A graceful, supremely moving novel from one of our most beloved writers, Saints for All Occasions explores the fascinating, funny, and sometimes achingly sad ways a secret at the heart of one family both breaks them and binds them together.

My Personal Thoughts: This book is a masterful family saga that delves deep into the complexities of sisterhood, secrets, and the passage of time. Sullivan paints a vivid picture of the Flynn sisters’ lives, from their journey as young Irish immigrants to their vastly different adult paths. The central secret that binds and separates them creates an incredible tension, and the way the story unfolds across decades is simply brilliant. I particularly enjoyed the rich character development and the nuanced exploration of faith, family dynamics, and the choices that define us. It’s a beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel that stayed with me long after I finished it.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

From Goodreads: Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one in the journalism community is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband, David, has left her, and her career has stagnated. Regardless of why Evelyn has chosen her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s Upper East Side apartment, Monique listens as Evelyn unfurls her story: from making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the late 80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way. As Evelyn’s life unfolds through the decades—revealing a ruthless ambition, an unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love—Monique begins to feel a very a real connection to the actress. But as Evelyn’s story catches up with the present, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

My Personal Thoughts: Oh, Evelyn Hugo! This book is pure Hollywood glamour, heartbreak, and unexpected twists wrapped into one captivating narrative. Taylor Jenkins Reid completely immerses you in the world of a legendary film icon, revealing the secrets and sacrifices behind her public persona. I was utterly engrossed by Evelyn’s journey, her fierce ambition, and the complex relationships that defined her life, particularly her “great forbidden love.” The way her story intertwines with Monique’s is masterfully crafted, leading to a truly shocking and emotionally resonant conclusion. It’s a book that explores identity, love in all its forms, and the price of fame, making it an absolute must-read that I couldn’t put down.

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

From Goodreads: Ruth Jefferson is a labor and delivery nurse at a Connecticut hospital with more than twenty years’ experience. During her shift, Ruth begins a routine checkup on a newborn, only to be told a few minutes later that she’s been reassigned to another patient. The parents are white supremacists and don’t want Ruth, who is African American, to touch their child. The hospital complies with their request, but the next day, the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone in the nursery. Does she obey orders or does she intervene?

Ruth hesitates before performing CPR and, as a result, is charged with a serious crime. Kennedy McQuarrie, a white public defender, takes her case but gives unexpected advice: Kennedy insists that mentioning race in the courtroom is not a winning strategy. Conflicted by Kennedy’s counsel, Ruth tries to keep life as normal as possible for her family—especially her teenage son—as the case becomes a media sensation. As the trial moves forward, Ruth and Kennedy must gain each other’s trust, and come to see that what they’ve been taught their whole lives about others—and themselves—might be wrong.

My Personal Thoughts: Jodi Picoult consistently tackles challenging and timely social issues, and “Small Great Things” is a powerful testament to her skill. This novel is an unflinching examination of race, prejudice, and the complexities of the justice system in modern America. The story is told through multiple perspectives, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths and empathize with characters on all sides of the conflict. Ruth’s dilemma is heartbreakingly real, and Picoult expertly navigates the moral ambiguities. This book sparked important conversations for me and is a compelling, thought-provoking read that highlights the insidious nature of racism and the fight for justice. It’s a powerful story that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.

Reflections on a Year of Reading and Growth

Looking back at my 2017 reading challenge, it’s clear that this year was more than just hitting a number; it was a period of immense literary growth and personal reflection. Each book offered a window into a different world, a new perspective, or a deeper understanding of human nature. From historical narratives that illuminated forgotten events to contemporary fiction that explored pressing social issues, my reading journey was rich and diverse.

I found myself gravitating towards stories that not only entertained but also provoked thought and emotional resonance. The power of a good memoir to offer insight into another’s life, or a gripping novel to spark empathy, truly stood out. This year also reinforced the importance of balancing different formats – the tactile pleasure of a physical book versus the convenience of an audiobook – allowing me to immerse myself in stories regardless of my location or activity.

Setting a goal on Goodreads pushed me to explore genres I might not have otherwise picked up and introduced me to authors who are now firm favorites. It transformed reading from a casual hobby into a more intentional and rewarding pursuit. I encourage anyone looking to deepen their reading habits to embrace a similar challenge; the sense of accomplishment and the sheer volume of discovery are incredibly fulfilling.

More Reading Inspiration and Book Lists:

If you enjoyed this list, be sure to check out some of my other curated reading selections and reviews:

• What I Read in 2015
• Summer Reading Favorites
• January Reading: Monthly Picks