Top 10 Books I read in 2018

Here we are at the end of another year, so it's time to look back and round up at the top 10 books 

I read in 2018. I got through quite a few books in the year, though I'm somewhat ashamed to admit I only read a handful that were released during the year, most of my reading has been from the 20th century. This list then isn't my top 10 releases of 2018, but the top 10 books that I read in the year - maybe that makes it a totally useless list but maybe you'll find something here that you would enjoy.

So here they are in no particular order:

•  Naive. Super - Erlend Loe Naive tells the story of a Norwegian man going through a mild existentialist crisis and searching for some meaning or inspiration in his life. It is a gentle, delicate story and the main character is absolutely charming, with a unique childlike view on the world. Though it deals with a heavy concept, it is an uplifting, relaxing book.

• On The Black Hill - Bruce Chatwin On the Black Hill is the story of two brothers who have lived on their parents' farm their whole life. They live exactly how their parents did, and start to realise that things don't always have to stay the same. It's great story in the English countryside with some nice little themes running through it.

• The Hidden Life of Trees - Peter Wohlleben This book is exactly what you think it is. It's a couple of hundred pages on trees and what they get up to. I know, I know, it sounds like it should be really dull since trees don't appear to get up to much, but it really is fascinating. After reading this book I've started to notice things about the trees while I've been out and about, and my wife gets to hear all about it, even if she does roll her eyes and groan a lot.

• Moby Dick - Herman Melville You all know what this is about, though Homer Simpson says the point of the book is "Be Yourself" it's about whales - or revenge, or god or good and evil or obsession or a myriad of other things depending on who you ask. Though there are lots of very dull and lengthy chapters on subjects like whaling in the 19th century and outdated whale biology, the story is gripping, and totally immersive when it gets moving. Also, you can get lost reading up on all the symbolism going on.

• Savage Lies - Peter Boland This is a thriller about an ex-SAS man taking on a missing person case. Nothing particularly new there, but John Savage is dealing with his inner demons that he picked up in the first Gulf War, and grieving the loss of his wife and daughter. Throw in lots of dry, dark humour and twists and turns in the plot and this book becomes a real treat.

• The Exorcist - William Peter Blatty The inspiration for the classic horror film, which deserves to be a classic itself. Really creepy, and a deeper plot than the movie, this should be read by all horror fans. 

• Will you Please Be Quiet, Please? - Raymond Carver This is a collection of short stories that take everyday life and find some poignancy in normal experiences, and brought new life into the short story when it first came out. Thought provoking, moving stuff, and a lot of depth here too, which is surprising considering the length of these tales.

• Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - Robert M Pirsig This is a divisive book, that is often dismissed and new-age rubbish - though I think that's a but unfair. It's the story of a father and son road tripping across America on a motorbike. The father has spent most of his adult life thinking about the nature of the world around him, and gets really, really into it. No zen Buddhism here, and not much about motorcycles, just lots of thinking about things, and a plot that runs through it all holding everything together. An icon from the counter culture of the 70's, this book still enjoys its reputation today, and has a few lessons in it.

• Cold Comforts Farm - Stella Gibbons This is a 1930's comedy about a city slicker going to live with her family in the country and trying to save them from themselves. This is a really charming, cosy book, and doesn't feel like it is 80 odd years old - the humour has survived, even though the books it is satirising haven't. Really, really enjoyable book, which is rightfully often featured on Top Novel of the 20th Century lists.

• Blindness - Jose Saramago This is my favourite book that I have read this year. It's the story of a highly contagious form of blindness that takes over a city. The story is dark and creates an oppressive atmosphere, and is in true Saramgo style. One of the books that won him his Nobel prize in 1998 Blindness is a superb novel, with allegories and symbolism abound, while staying gripping and entertaining. Such a simple idea (everyone goes blind) but pulled off so well.

What do you think of this list? What was your favourite book this year? Let me know in the comments