2017 has been an odd year for books for me. I haven’t actually read many I’ve loved. During my degree I spent so much time reading the literature on the course that I haven’t had much opportunity in the last three years to read books of my choosing. Saying that, a couple of the books on this list I read as part of research for my degree, so it did bring me to some books I’ve loved. These are my favourite books from this year. T5W is a group hosted on Goodreads, if you’d like to participate check it out here.

1) Replica by Lauren Oliver

This was the first book I read in 2017 and has remained one of my favourites. The format of it, with the two stories in one, was a really interesting way to tell the story but also so much more than just a gimmick. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book – Ringer – which came out a couple of months ago.

2) Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

This book was a really important read for me. As much as I love a good fantasy adventure, I also like reading a book that makes me think. The writing in this just totally drew me in, the metaphors working so well with the subject being conveyed. It didn’t shy away from its tough subject matter, and I have a lot of respect for this book.

3) Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Having finished reading the Mortal Instruments series last year, I was eager to get started on another of Cassandra Clare’s series – the Infernal Devices. Reading this book just reminded me why Clare is one of my favourite authors. I was once again instantly absorbed and captivated by her writing, world and story.

4) Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J. K. Rowling

I know I know. But there is a reason for this book making my list. When I was a child, my mum read the books to me. My dad worked in London and when he would get home from work she would sit and read the Harry Potter books to us – even the last couple when I had grown a bit older! It was a traditional thing that begun with the first book. Reading the series as a family is a very fond memory, however it meant that they were read to me, and I never read them myself. This year I decided to change that and have read the first three books in the series for myself! It was so wonderful to return to the wizarding world.

5) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I’ve had a bit of a year of re-reading books. Earlier this year I re-read the whole Hunger Games series and fell in love with it even more (which I didn’t think was possible). I don’t often re-read books. There are so many out there, I want to read new ones! Even though I knew what would happen, I was still totally gripped by these books. How can a story I know so well still be unputdownable? That just emphasises why this is one of my favourite series.

What are the best books you’ve read this year?