It’s that time of year again! I am an avid reader, and I like to do an end-of-year round up of the best books I have read each year. In no particular order, this year’s list includes:
Children of Icarus by Caighlan Smith
This was recommended to me by a Year 10 student and I absolutely loved it. Set in an imagined future world of strange high-rise cities, the society has a religion based on Greek myths including Icarus and the Minotaur in the labyrinth. Young people long for the privilege of being chosen for the privilege of entering the labyrinth for the chance to become Icarii…but all is not as it seems. The mysterious narrator of the novel is a fascinating character, who I was endlessly intrigued by. There are more books in this series that I am definitely going to check out!
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
This has been on the shelves at home for a while, and I finally got around to reading it this summer after it was recommended to me. It did not disappoint! It’s one of those books that gives away the main event – a murder – at the very beginning, and then jumps back in time and shows you how that event came to pass. The sense of impending doom therefore seeps into every line, every exchange, as the moment gets closer and closer – and the aftermath is completely unknown. A dark, gripping, thrilling, read.
Femina by Janina Ramirez
I mostly read fiction, and when I read non-fiction it tends to be about education, so this book on medieval history was a departure for me. I found it fascinating as Janina Ramirez told the story of the role of women in the middle ages, pieced together from archaeology and medieval literature. Some of the stories were incredible – and gave me a whole new perspective on this period of history and how we see it.
The Seventh Son by Sebastian Faulks
I have read a lot of Sebastian Faulks’ books and always enjoyed them – Birdsong being my favourite! His latest is a really fascinating idea, weaving in surrogacy and genetic engineering with big tech billionaire who thinks his wealth enables him to push the boundaries of ethics beyond the breaking point in the name of “science.” Despite these big ideas, Faulks makes this a profoundly human story, which left me wondering: what does it mean to be a human being? A great read.
Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier
Daphne du Maurier is a new discovery for me over the past couple of years – but I think she’s terrific! Jamaica in is one of her finest. The heroine, Mary Yellan, is a powerful figure – placed in terrifying situations by circumstance, she has the strength of character to stand up against villains and outlaws when all around her seems hopeless. But du Maurier’s evocation of the wild Cornish landscape is what stays with me the most.
Three Poems by Hannah Sullivan
I wanted to read more poetry this year, and this book has been on my list for a while. Hannah Sullivan won the TS Eliot Prize for this debut collection of autobiographical poems. Part narrative, part exploration of self, the poems explore big themes like mortality, motherhood, place, and the passage of time. The poetry itself fizzes with wonderful descriptions and some seemingly effortless rhymes. I loved it.
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
This is a bit of a cheat, because I haven’t actually finished reading this one yet! I am only part way through – but it is absolutely brilliant. Set in an imagined version of our world where magic is real, six special individuals are invited to try out for membership of a secret society. Mystery and tensions run deep as the magic unfolds…I am totally hooked!
Have you read any of my picks for this year? Or have you got any recommendations for me? I’m always on the look out for my next read!
The Headteacher's Blog 
I too finally managed to read ‘The Secret History’ after four years of having it in my TBR pile, and thankfully I loved it.
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