My 2018 Reading Journey: Goodreads Challenge, Favorite Books & Top Recommendations

Another year has passed, and I’m thrilled to report that I’ve successfully met my annual Goodreads reading challenge once again! For many years now, Goodreads has been an invaluable tool on my literary journey, profoundly encouraging me to immerse myself in more books than I ever thought possible. I absolutely adore having a dedicated space to meticulously organize my reading list, track my progress, and discover new authors and genres. It’s also a fantastic way to connect with friends and see what captivating stories they’re currently enjoying.

Participating in the yearly Goodreads challenge is a consistent source of motivation. Setting a specific number of books to read pushes me to prioritize reading, explore diverse narratives, and make time for this beloved hobby. This past year stands out as my most prolific reading period yet, a testament to the power of setting clear goals. Reading, for me, is more than just a pastime; it’s a sanctuary. It offers unparalleled relaxation and an incredible ability to transport me to different places and times, allowing me to experience countless lives and adventures from the comfort of my own home. This feeling might sound a bit fantastical, but I assure you, it’s a genuine and deeply cherished part of my life.

I often share glimpses of my current reads on social media platforms, particularly Instagram, and almost every time, I receive comments and messages from friends expressing their desire to read more. My advice remains constant and simple: just pick up a book and begin! The biggest hurdle is often just getting started. Through personal experience, I’ve learned that having my phone within easy reach is a surefire way to derail my reading sessions. The temptation of notifications, social media, and endless scrolling is powerful. To combat this distraction, I consciously make an effort to place my phone in another room or somewhere out of arm’s reach when I sit down with a book. This small but significant habit has dramatically improved my focus and immersion, allowing me to truly get lost in the story and maximize my reading time. It genuinely makes a world of difference.

For my 2018 reading challenge, I ambitiously set a goal of 45 books. I’m delighted to share that I achieved this target, squeaking by with my 45th book completed just last week. This final read, “A Place For Us” (which you’ll hear more about below), serendipitously turned out to be one of my absolute favorites of the entire year, providing a deeply satisfying conclusion to my challenge. I find immense joy in sharing posts like this with you, primarily because I, too, love to discover new books and gain inspiration from others’ reading experiences. It fosters a wonderful community of book lovers and keeps my own ‘to-read’ list perpetually expanding!

As you explore my reading journey, I would be absolutely thrilled if you shared your own experiences. Please take a moment to leave a note in the comments section below and tell me what books you’ve read and truly loved this year, or even some all-time favorites. I cherish hearing from you and constantly look forward to discovering new literary gems!

My 2018 Reading List: A Year in Books and Discovery

Diving into the rich and diverse collection of books I had the pleasure of reading in 2018 brings a flood of wonderful memories. This year was a remarkable tapestry woven with thrilling mysteries, heartwarming contemporary fiction, deeply insightful non-fiction, and captivating historical narratives. Each title offered a unique portal to new worlds, expanding my knowledge, igniting my imagination, or simply providing a much-needed escape from the daily grind. Curating this list has been a reflective process, allowing me to revisit the themes, characters, and emotions that shaped my reading year. From page-turners that kept me up late into the night to thought-provoking stories that lingered in my mind for weeks, this selection represents months of literary adventure and pure reading enjoyment. Whether you’re searching for your next compelling read, curious about popular titles from a few years ago, or simply enjoy browsing diverse book lists, there’s likely something here to pique your interest. The journey through these 45 books was an enriching experience, reminding me of the boundless stories waiting to be discovered.

(For your convenience and to help you explore further, each book title below is linked directly to Amazon. Please note that these are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. On Amazon, you’ll find comprehensive summaries, helpful customer reviews, and various purchase options for each title. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can also browse my dedicated 2018 bookshelf on Goodreads. There, you can view my personal ratings, read my short reviews, and easily add any intriguing titles to your own “To Read” list for future enjoyment. As a quick guide, I’ve marked the books I particularly enjoyed and would enthusiastically recommend with a double asterisk **.)

My Top Reads: Unforgettable Favorite Books of 2018

Among the many wonderful books I devoured this year, a select group truly resonated with me, leaving an indelible mark and earning a coveted spot on my “favorites” list. These are the books that I couldn’t stop thinking about long after turning the final page, the ones I eagerly discussed with friends, and the stories that offered both profound insight and immense enjoyment. From evocative historical fiction to powerful contemporary narratives exploring the complexities of human emotion and resilience, these titles represent the absolute pinnacle of my 2018 reading experience. If you’re searching for compelling storytelling, richly drawn characters, and narratives that will stay with you, I wholeheartedly recommend each of these standout reads. They are more than just books; they are experiences.

Next Year In Havana by Chanel Cleeton

Chanel Cleeton’s “Next Year In Havana” was a captivating dive into a richly layered historical narrative. It beautifully weaves together a compelling family saga with vibrant historical detail, set against the evocative backdrop of Cuba. This novel explores profound themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the enduring power of family secrets across generations. Cleeton’s storytelling transported me, making the history feel incredibly personal and relevant. It’s a truly engaging read that I highly recommend for anyone who appreciates historical fiction blended with emotional depth and strong character development.

from Goodreads: After the death of her beloved grandmother, a Cuban-American woman travels to Havana, where she discovers the roots of her identity–and unearths a family secret hidden since the revolution…

How To Walk Away by Katherine Center

“How To Walk Away” by Katherine Center is an incredibly inspiring and deeply moving novel that confronts profound challenges with a remarkable blend of grace, humor, and unwavering hope. The journey of Margaret Jacobsen, who faces an unforeseen tragedy on what should have been one of her happiest days, is a powerful testament to human resilience. This book beautifully reminds us that even when life delivers its harshest blows, strength and new beginnings can emerge from the most unexpected places. Center’s ability to craft characters who feel profoundly real and struggles that are deeply relatable made this an unforgettable read. It’s a wonderfully hopeful story about adapting to change, rediscovering love, and finding joy anew after life is irrevocably altered.

from Goodreads: Margaret Jacobsen has a bright future ahead of her: a fiancé she adores, her dream job, and the promise of a picture-perfect life just around the corner. Then, suddenly, on what should have been one of the happiest days of her life, everything she worked for is taken away in one tumultuous moment.

In the hospital and forced to face the possibility that nothing will ever be the same again, Margaret must figure out how to move forward on her own terms while facing long-held family secrets, devastating heartbreak, and the idea that love might find her in the last place she would ever expect.

Gold by Chris Cleave

Chris Cleave’s “Gold” delivered an utterly gripping and emotionally charged narrative that delves deep into the cutthroat world of elite competitive sports and the profound sacrifices made in the pursuit of greatness. The story of two fiercely competitive track cyclists, Kate and Zoe, is not just about winning medals; it’s a powerful exploration of friendship, rivalry, motherhood, and the relentless drive to push beyond both physical and mental limits. Cleave masterfully explores the complexities of ambition and personal relationships, making this book a truly immersive and thought-provoking experience. It’s a compelling examination of human endurance and the often-hidden costs of chasing a dream, resonating long after the final page.

from Goodreads: KATE AND ZOE met at nineteen when they both made the cut for the national training program in track cycling—a sport that demands intense focus, blinding exertion, and unwavering commitment. They are built to exploit the barest physical and psychological edge over equally skilled rivals, all of whom are fighting for the last one tenth of a second that separates triumph from despair.

Now at thirty-two, the women are facing their last and biggest race: the 2012 Olympics. Each wants desperately to win gold, and each has more than a medal to lose.

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover’s “It Ends With Us” is an intensely emotional and incredibly courageous novel that tackles difficult themes with raw honesty and profound sensitivity. This book stands out for its fearless exploration of love, abuse, and the painful, complex choices individuals face within relationships. Lily’s journey is both heartbreaking and ultimately empowering, making this a story that deeply resonates and encourages vital conversations around sensitive topics. Hoover’s masterful storytelling creates a narrative that is impossible to put down, yet leaves a lasting impact, prompting significant reflection on love, loyalty, and the immense strength it takes to break harmful cycles. It’s a powerful and essential read for its profound message and unforgettable characters.

from Goodreads: Sometimes it is the one who loves you who hurts you the most.
Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up
— she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Kristin Hannah’s “The Great Alone” is an epic and breathtaking novel that masterfully transports readers to the untamed wilderness of 1970s Alaska. This deeply immersive story is a powerful exploration of survival, the intricate dynamics of a family in crisis, and the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit against the backdrop of an unforgiving yet stunning landscape. Hannah skillfully builds tension and empathy, weaving a narrative that is both harrowing and profoundly beautiful. The characters, particularly the young protagonist Leni, face unimaginable challenges, making their journey an incredibly poignant and unforgettable reading experience. It’s a book that vividly showcases the stark beauty and brutal realities of life in the Alaskan frontier, leaving a lasting impression on your heart and mind.

from Goodreads: Alaska, 1974.

Unpredictable. Unforgiving. Untamed.
For a family in crisis, the ultimate test of survival.

Ernt Allbright, a former POW, comes home from the Vietnam war a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes an impulsive decision: he will move his family north, to Alaska, where they will live off the grid in America’s last true frontier.

A Place For Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza

Fatima Farheen Mirza’s “A Place For Us” is a profoundly moving and exquisitely written debut novel that offers a tender and intimate portrayal of an Indian-American Muslim family. This story beautifully delves into universal themes of identity, faith, cultural heritage, and the intricate bonds that tie a family together, even when strained by differing paths and unspoken truths. Mirza’s narrative style is both empathetic and illuminating, allowing readers to deeply connect with each character’s struggles and triumphs as they navigate tradition and modernity. As the book that concluded my 2018 reading challenge, it left a powerful and lasting impression, making it a truly fitting and memorable favorite. It’s a poignant exploration of belonging, the weight of expectations, and the ongoing search for one’s own place within a complex family dynamic.

from Goodreads: A Place for Us unfolds the lives of an Indian-American Muslim family, gathered together in their Californian hometown to celebrate the eldest daughter, Hadia’s, wedding – a match of love rather than tradition. It is here, on this momentous day, that Amar, the youngest of the siblings, reunites with his family for the first time in three years. Rafiq and Layla must now contend with the choices and betrayals that lead to their son’s estrangement – the reckoning of parents who strove to pass on their cultures and traditions to their children; and of children who in turn struggle to balance authenticity in themselves with loyalty to the home they came from.

That concludes my detailed look back at my incredible 2018 reading year! It was a truly fulfilling journey, packed with amazing stories, unforgettable characters, and countless hours of pure enjoyment. I sincerely hope this comprehensive post has inspired you to either embark on your own reading adventures, reignite a passion for reading, or perhaps revisit some cherished titles from your past. Remember, every book is a new world waiting to be explored, a new perspective to be gained, and a new adventure to experience. Happy reading to all, and may your next book be your favorite!

Don’t forget to share your favorite reads of 2018 or any all-time favorites you cherish in the comments section below. I’m genuinely excited to hear your thoughts, discover more literary gems from our wonderful community, and expand my own ever-growing list of books to read!