My 2017 Reading Journey: Goals Achieved and Favorite Books Discovered

A few years ago, I embarked on a new literary adventure by setting annual reading goals on Goodreads, and it’s a decision I’m incredibly grateful for. This simple act transformed my reading habits, leading me to consistently read more books each year than I ever thought possible. Initially, the idea of setting a numerical goal for reading felt a bit peculiar. For most of my life, while I’ve always cherished the act of reading, I never truly kept track of how many books I consumed; I simply read for pleasure and knowledge. Goodreads provided the perfect platform to quantify my passion, turning a beloved pastime into an engaging, trackable journey that further fueled my love for stories and literature.

The beauty of setting a reading goal lies not just in the numbers, but in the gentle nudge it provides. It encourages exploration, pushes you to pick up books you might otherwise overlook, and creates a wonderful sense of accomplishment as you progress. It’s a personal challenge that rewards you with new perspectives, captivating narratives, and a deeper connection to the literary world. This structured approach has enriched my reading life immensely, transforming it from an unmeasured pleasure into a purposeful and even more rewarding pursuit.

My reading goal for 2017 was the most ambitious I had set to date: 40 books. I’m thrilled to report that not only did I meet this goal, but I surpassed it significantly, officially reading 48 books by the end of the year! This achievement was incredibly satisfying, a testament to the power of setting intentions and integrating reading into daily life. Each book was a new world explored, a new character befriended, and a new idea pondered. Reaching and exceeding my target made the year feel exceptionally productive and full of wonderful literary experiences.

My reading routine is diverse, but I primarily source my books from the local library, a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered. Beyond physical books, audiobooks have become an indispensable part of my reading life. I find them particularly engaging for autobiographies and memoirs, especially when narrated by the author. Hearing their stories in their own voice adds an unparalleled layer of authenticity and intimacy to the narrative. I typically listen in the car during commutes or when I’m “killing time” at my kids’ practices, turning mundane moments into opportunities for literary immersion. However, there’s nothing quite like the pure joy of returning home from my weekly library trip, arms laden with a fresh stack of physical books, ready to dive into new adventures.

For more detailed book lists and recommendations, be sure to explore my dedicated Book section on the blog. There you’ll find an extensive collection of reads that have captivated me over the years, spanning various genres and themes.

My Complete 2017 Reading List: A Year in Books

Below is the full list of all 48 books I had the pleasure of reading in 2017. This collection represents a diverse array of genres, from gripping thrillers and historical fiction to poignant memoirs and thought-provoking contemporary novels. Each link provided will direct you to Amazon (please note these are affiliate links), where you can find a comprehensive summary of the book and the option to purchase. Alternatively, you can browse my 2017 bookshelf on Goodreads, where you can view ratings, read my reviews, and add them to your personal “To Read” list. Books marked with a double asterisk (**) are those I particularly enjoyed and highly recommend!

Born A Crime ** | The Water Is Wide | The Stars Are Fire **

My Top 5 Favorite Books of 2017: Unforgettable Reads

Among the many wonderful books I encountered last year, a select few truly stood out, leaving a lasting impression and earning a spot on my “favorites” list. These are the books that resonated deeply, offering compelling narratives, memorable characters, and themes that sparked reflection long after I turned the last page. If you’re looking for exceptional reading recommendations from my 2017 journey, these five are an absolute must-read.

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.

This novel absolutely swept me off my feet. It’s a beautifully written, emotionally resonant story about first love, tough choices, and the paths we take. The characters felt incredibly real, and I found myself rooting for them, crying with them, and grappling with their decisions. The ending truly is unforgettable, leaving a poignant mark that stayed with me long after I finished reading. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a powerful, heartfelt romance with depth.

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.

Anita Shreve has a masterful way with historical fiction, and this book is no exception. The vivid portrayal of the Maine fires and Grace’s struggle for survival and self-discovery was utterly captivating. It’s a story of resilience, finding strength in the face of immense adversity, and the unexpected ways life can open up even after profound loss. Grace’s journey is inspiring, and the emotional depth of the narrative makes it a truly engrossing read.

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.

This family saga is a magnificent exploration of sisterhood, secrets, and the intricate bonds that tie families together across decades. Sullivan’s writing is elegant and heartfelt, drawing you into the lives of Nora and Theresa and their descendants. The story beautifully unravels the consequences of a youthful decision and its ripple effects, offering a profound look at forgiveness and the true meaning of family. It’s a rich, immersive read that I highly recommend.

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.

Oh, Evelyn Hugo! This book is an absolute masterpiece. Taylor Jenkins Reid weaves a glittering, heartbreaking, and utterly compelling tale of Old Hollywood glamour, ambition, and secret loves. Evelyn’s story is told with such vivid detail and raw emotion that she feels incredibly real, and her journey is both thrilling and profoundly moving. The narrative structure, alternating between Evelyn’s past and Monique’s present, keeps you hooked until the very last page. It’s a powerhouse novel that explores identity, sacrifice, and the true cost of fame. A definite must-read!

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.

Jodi Picoult is renowned for tackling complex, sensitive social issues, and “Small Great Things” is a prime example of her powerful storytelling. This novel is a gripping and profoundly important exploration of race, prejudice, and justice in America. It’s a challenging read that prompts deep self-reflection and conversation, told through compelling characters whose perspectives are meticulously crafted. The moral dilemmas and the legal drama kept me on the edge of my seat, but it was the profound messages about empathy and understanding that truly resonated. Everyone should read this book.

I hope this extensive review of my 2017 reading journey provides you with some excellent new additions to your own “To Read” list. Whether you’re looking for an inspiring memoir, a thrilling mystery, or a heartwarming tale, there’s something for everyone on this list. I highly encourage you to set your own reading goals and embrace the adventure of discovery that each new book offers.

Please let me know if you’ve read any of these titles, or better yet, share your favorite books from 2017 in the comments below! I always love hearing about what others are enjoying.

2017 Reading Rewind: All My Books & Top Picks