The theme for this weeks Top Ten Tuesday over at The Broke and the Bookish is top ten books from 2017 but, as 2017 isn’t over yet (and because I’m a bit of a rebel… haha I wish), I’ve decided to switch around a couple of top tens and do the top ten new to me authors I read in 2017. Looking through my list I don’t think many of these are new authors, I’m just really slow in discovering how great all of those existing authors are despite being told numerous times.
1 Sally Thorne (The Hating Game)
So the first one on my list actually is a new author. I read her first novel The Hating Game in February this year and absolutely adored it, so much so I’ve re read it I don’t know how many times since (here’s my fangirly review). It’s a contemporary romance and is one of the freshest and funniest ones I’ve ever come across. It may not be wholly unique in story but Thorne’s writing really lifts it. I’m anxiously awaiting her next book which I think is due in Summer next year.
2. Gail Honeyman (Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine)
Yep another new author, Honeyman wrote another of my favorite books of the year, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. This was a book I probably wouldn’t have picked up on my own but was chosen for my real life book club and I’m so glad it was. It was one of those books I knew from the very first page I was going to absolutely love. It’s hilarious, heartbreaking, touching, sad but also somehow hopeful. There are a couple of elements in the story which are a little unbelievable but who cares.
3. E Lockhart (Genuine Fraud, We Were Liars)
I bought a copy of We Were Liars years ago but kept putting off reading it, I think because of the vagueness of the blurb and all of the hype around it. I finally got the push to read it when I heard Lockhart was coming to Glasgow to promote a special edition and also her new book Genuine Fraud and I’m so glad I did because it absolutely blew me away. It was completely different from what I was expecting and just very unique. Reading Genuine Fraud was a similar story. It may not be a wholly unique plot but the way that it’s told in reverse certainly is. It’s very cleverly done.
4. Ryan Graudin (Invictus)
This is another author whose book I had sitting lurking on my kindle. In fairness I still haven’t read Wolf by Wolf (although I plan to) but I did get the opportunity to read Invictus and wow. I have a lot of admiration for any author who writes a book about time travel. There’s all of the research to realistically create multiple historical time periods added to that the science and rules around time travel and, in this case, also creating a futuristic world where all of this is possible. Graudin absolutely smashes it all and somehow also creates a cast of characters who I want to hang out with. Brilliant.
5. Andy Weir (Artemis)
Speaking of authors who somehow manage to work a lot of complex information into an action packed story, Andy Weir has an incredible knack for this. I’ve only read Artemis so far but it really impressed me how much science and technical information he managed to fit into what is essentially an Ocean’s Eleven style heist story. I know this book has had some criticism for its characterization but just the level of detail and research he must have done (unless he is a genius and already knew it all) was unbelievable. What’s even less believable is that I actually understood most of it. That is definitely a talent 🙂
6. Fredrik Backman (The Scandal / Beartown)
I know Backman has been around for a while but until this year I didn’t have any inclination to read any of his books, they just didn’t sound like my thing. When Beartown popped up on NetGalley however and I saw lots of my fellow reviewers raving over it I couldn’t resist. As far as I understand the style of Beartown is not Backman’s usual but I really loved it. It’s very episodic, switching between characters sometimes within the page. It took a little getting used to but once I did I thought it worked perfectly. Backman created very real characters but more than that he also gave a real sense of the community. It may have been set in a completely different country but it reminded me a lot of my home and upbringing.
7. Joe Hill (Strange Weather, The Fireman)
As someone who’s always looking for a decent horror I kind of feel like I should have read Joe Hill before now. Again it was the fact that I was going to get to meet him that finally gave me the push to pick up the Fireman. I have to confess I still haven’t finished it but I did enjoy the writing, so much so that I requested a copy of his brilliant novella collection, Strange Weather from NetGalley. It’s a really great read and shows just how talented a writer he is. The way he crams so much characterization and story into so few pages.
8. Neil Gaiman (The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Stardust)
Yeah this is embarrassing, until around 9 months ago I’d never read a single Neil Gaiman and I’m pretty sure the only reason I finally did was because it fit a challenge I was taking part in. I absolutely loved The Ocean at the End of the Lane, it was so completely different than what I was expecting. So much darker, more grown up and just creepier. I will admit I didn’t love Stardust quite as much when I read it (I think I love the film too much) but he really has a great imagination and is a wonderful story teller.
9. Amor Towles (A Gentleman in Moscow)
A Gentleman in Moscow was a book I requested from NetGalley, got approved for and then had second thoughts about. If you follow my blog you’ll know I’m very wary of historical fiction so it’s a bit of a mystery why I requested it (I’m assuming it was the pretty cover). I eventually ended up reading it as part of a structured group read on GoodReads and it completely amazed me. It’s slow paced, heavy on description and very little happens but despite these all being things I hate I fell in love with it. What Towles excels at is creating very vivid places and people. I could visualize every room in that hotel and every single character, flaws and all. The descriptions of the food also made me incredibly hungry. Truly beautiful writing.
10. Holly Bourne (How Do You Like Me Now)
Why did no one tell me I should read Holly Bourne’s books? I very recently finished How Do You Like Me Now and honestly it absolutely wowed me. It was like she had looked directly into my mind and put my thoughts into the head of the main character. So real and so relateable. I was expecting light and fluffy chick lit but while this has it’s funny moments and is very enjoyable it has a lot of real messages running through it and a really strong feminism vibe. This book just spoke to me so much and I’m currently hunting down every other book Bourne has written.
So those are my 10 favorite new to me authors of 2017. Are you a fan of any of them? Have you discovered any great authors this year?
Feel free to leave comments below and links to your own top ten’s.
A Bookish Life 
Great selection, they are all new to me too! Not read any of them but seen lots of them on blog posts and some have made my TBR list.
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Really? I thought I was the only one on the planet who hadn’t read a book by Gaiman 🙂 I’m so happy to hear I’m not. There are so many big authors whose books I still haven’t read. Maybe someday.
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Fantastic list. You have so many listed that I want to read in 2018. A Gentleman and Eleanor for sure. I am becoming more curious about Artemis. I haven’t read either books by Andy Weir, but I think I need to try. LOVED Hating Game. I can’t wait until her next book!!
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Definitely read Eleanor Oliphant, such a funny/sad book. It’s a little unbelievable in places but I really loved it.
I’ve been stalking Sally Thorne in hopes I’ll find something out about the next book. All I’ve seen so far is that pizza will be to it what strawberries were to The Hating Game.
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Great list! Several of these are new to me- Hating Game and my interest is piqued!
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I love The Hating Game. It is standard romcom and there are more than a few cliches but it’s just so funny and just generally likeable.
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Interesting list! And I’ll make sure to check these authors. I loved Backman’s other book, A Man Called Ove, so I’m excited to read his other books. I’ve also had my eyes on A Gentleman in Moscow for a while now so I might just pick it up soon.
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I still need to read A Man Called Ove. I’ve put it into the hat for my RL bookclub as I’m hoping it won’t be too heavy but will have plenty of discussion points.
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I love Ryan Graudin’s books so much, I’m GUTTED that I haven’t got round to ‘Invictus’ yet! I will soon though! I’m glad you liked it 🙂
Please check out my TTT list too!
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Invictus is the only one I’ve read so far although I’ve owned Wolf by Wolf for a while. Hopefully I’ll get to it sooner rather than later. There are just sooo many books on my TBR.
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Backman’s A Man Called Ove and Towles Rules of Civility made my list this year. I’ve seen The Hating Game on a few list so I’ve added it to my TBR list. https://stacybuckeye.com/2017/12/12/top-ten-tuesday-ten-favorite-books-this-year/
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Both A Man Called Ove and Rules of Civility are now on my TBR. I’ve heard such good things about both.
I love The Hating Game. It’s my go to book when I don’t want to start something new and just want to read a bit before bed.
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The Hating Game was SOO GOOD!! I love that cover, btw. It’s not the one I’m accustomed to. The Martian was amazing and I’m glad you liked Andy Weir’s recent book. I want to check it out too, but I’ve been hearing mixed things. Great post!
Here’s my TTT: https://bookslikewolves.wixsite.com/blog/single-post/2017/12/12/Blogmas-Day-12-Top-17-Books-of-2017
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Yeah a few people seem to have had issues with Artemis. I’m not sure Weir has convinced everyone that he can write from the female pov and I think a few have said it’s not as good as The Martian. I didn’t find the MC very likeable at the start but she did grow on me and I possibly benefited from not having read The Martian.
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Ohhh, that’s a bonus. The martian was good. Difficult to top. But yeah, that’s exactly what I’ve heard. But I don’t actually care much because I do want to try it out for my self 🙂
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It’s actually the books everyone raves over that I avoid. The controversial ones I really want to check out
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I read The Ocean at the End of the Lane for a book club and for whatever reason, I just didn’t like it.
Here’s a link to my TTT post for this week:
https://captivatedreader.blogspot.com/2017/12/top-ten-tuesday-top-ten-favorite-books.html
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It is definitely a bit weird and not what you think it’s going to be so I can totally understand that.
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Weir is amazing at capturing that level of detail- he’s just as impressive in the Martian- I hope you like that too! And I love Lockhart and Gaiman (also I was lucky enough to be told not to start with Stardust and that it wasn’t his strongest- I think most people agree the film is better for that) I’m really curious about A Gentleman in Moscow now. And I’m already really keen to read Bear Town, Eleanor Oliphant and Invictus (thanks to your reviews and mentions) Great list!
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I think you’d like A Gentleman in Moscow (although I’m rubbish at picking books for people). The descriptions are really rich and vibrant and the character development is wonderful. Just maybe don’t expect too much action or involvement in historical events. He is under house arrest in a hotel 🙂
I really hope to get to the Martian soon. I’d been put off by lots of people telling me it was science heavy. For Gaiman I’ve heard Neverwhere is possibly his best.
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Oh great!! hehe I get that 😉 But this definitely sounds up my street 🙂 Fair enough haha! I’m definitely curious about it!
Oh yes, but it’s very good. Oh it probably is- it’s my second favourite though, just behind Anansi Boys for me 🙂
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The Hating Game is on my TBR. I’ve wanted to read it for so long! Great list!
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Thanks. Oh you have to read it. It’s just so good.
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We have lots in common on our list! A Gentleman in Moscow and Beartown. My friends were just speaking in code about We Were Liars the other evening. I was so jealous since they made it sound like such a good book. I will have to read it soon to be in the cool club! 🙂
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You should definitely read We Were Liars sooner rather than later. You need to go into it blind and it is so difficult to avoid spoilers.
We obviously both have great taste ‘re Gentleman and Beartown 😉
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I adore all of these covers and I would pick them up in a heartbeat. Beartown reminds me of the show on Discovery channel about a family that lives in Alaska and I think they call their little piece of land and where they live bear or browntown..I can’t remember, but when I read the title I thought of them. Love that show. 🙂
Great books!
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I haven’t come across that show but I have to admit I don’t watch much TV (far too busy reading 🙂 ) It’s a great book. I love how it presents a picture of the community. I think I read somewhere it was originally supposed to be either a movie or a TV show.
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I loved Graudin’s THE WALLED CITY, but didn’t care much for her WOLF BY WOLF books. I’m reluctant to try INVICTUS because I’ve heard such mixed reviews. Sounds like you really enjoyed it — that gives me hope 🙂
Happy TTT (on a Wednesday)!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
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I hadn’t heard of The Walled City but I’ve just been off looking it up and I’m sold.
I liked Invictus, it kind of reminded me of the TV show Firefly but with time travel instead of through space. If I had one criticism it’s that there are multiple pov’s but that’s just because I prefer to stick with one or maybe two characters.
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Backman was new to me this year too and I read Ove and My Grandmother rather than Beartown, which I want to get to next! He’s a really compelling author, I love the community feel to his world building… it’s odd saying a contemporary has WB but it does and his is the best! ♥️
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Oh my goodness! So many AMAZING authors on your list! I don’t even know where to start, but I can say that you clearly had a great reading year with this list!
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