The Delphi Public Library 2017 Top Ten

2017 is almost over, and, as can be expected, we read a lot of books around here! Looking back at our year in reading, we each took a moment to pick out our personal favorite of the year to highlight here.

Bang by Barry Lyga – I have enjoyed all of Barry Lyga's previous works and was excited when he released Bang this year. This story was full of emotion and unlike anything I have read previously, making it my favorite of 2017. – Lauren Brannon

The Broken Road by Richard Paul Evans – This is is the 1st in the new Broken Road trilogy. Evans is a favorite author for me and the story is on giving second chances, which I believe in. – Pat Lohrman

Dark so Deadly by Stuart MacBride – This Scottish mystery features DC Callum MacGregor who has been assigned to the Misfit Mob, a squad of unwanted police officers who can't be fired. The antics of the squad bring levity and humor to this dark mystery. – Jane Cruz

Difficult Women by Roxane Gay – This collection of short stories is perfectly personal, relatable, and emotional, while also being distant, shocking, and sometimes repulsive. – Sondra Price

The Half-Drowned King by Linnea Hartsuyker – Legend and myth brought to life in this Viking-era novel is a real page turner.  Marriages for political gain, wars, battles, betrayal, assassinations, family disputes--and, of course, scandalous relationships are all a part of this historical masterpiece.  – Dani Green

Hunger: a memoir of (my) body by Roxane Gay – A writer who is not afraid to broach taboo or personal topics, Gay describes this memoir as the most difficult thing she has written. Throughout the book, she opens herself up to the reader’s scrutiny, honestly approaching her weight, her struggle with self-esteem, and the difficulty she faces in daily life living in a society that judges her for being a “woman of size.” Months after reading it, I’m still processing all of the feelings it evoked. – Portia Kapraun

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng –Ng deftly weaves in the complex topics of art and photography, cross-cultural adoption, teenage pregnancy, poverty, wealth, parenting...and big life choices. A stellar book with fascinating characters and a potent storyline. – Kelly Currie

Odd Child Out by Gilly Macmillan – Odd Child Out introduces detective Jim Clemo as he searches for answers after a young boy falls into a canal. This fast-paced thriller will definitely keep you up at night! – Bert Blue

The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg – Berg offers us a quick read with engaging and lovable characters. – Cathy Kesterson

Strange Weather by Joe Hill – Hill’s four short novels expose the individual and societal pressures that motivate our sometimes fateful decisions. It features well-drawn characters and excellent pacing for a fat book novellas. And it's Joe, my best pal. – Jennifer Wilson

Did you have a favorite of the year? Share it in the comments below!