Top 10 Reads of 2017

Here we are, at the end of 2017. Phew, what a year, huh? From Despacito to president Trump. From 13 Reasons Why to Stranger Things. From the 20th anniversary edition of Harry Potter to knowing that Jon Snow is the heir of the Throne. There were a lot of wow moments this year, am I right?

I've noticed that everybody got easily offended by everything this year. Even here in my country, we got the most divided election when Jakarta elected its governor. The social media has never been the same since. But we got SetNov to thank for. At least his case was the only thing in politics that we were all finally on the same page (only Indonesians will get this).

2017 felt soooo long yet so fast. It was tiring as it was exciting. And to be honest, I'm so ready for 2018. But before it's started, let me put up my top 10 reads this year. My most favorite one will be, obviously, the #1.


BOOK-BOSOMED TOP 10 READS OF 2017

#10 - The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley

I borrowed this book from a friend. I should've bought one myself because turns out, this book is one of those that I want to place upfront on my bookshelf so every time I look at it, I'll be reminded of how it touched me when I was reading it. This 466 pages of a book taught me a lot. It might be hard to relate to him for what he had been thru, but his story, his honesty, opened my eyes in ways I couldn't imagined. As a Muslim, I didn't expect that this book could somehow strengthened my faith. And this book isn't even about Islam. It's about Malcolm's fight for the rights of his fellow African American. Here's what I.F Stone, an American journalist, had said; "This book will have a permanent place in the literature of the Afro-American struggle."


#9 - Dilan oleh Pidi Baiq

This is an Indonesian book, so yeah, until there is a translated version of it, I'll talk about this book in Bahasa. Those who don't understand, skip to number #8 please.
Sebenarnya adik aku yang promosiin buku ini. Temen-temen sekampusnya udah pada baca semua. Awalnya aku skeptikal karena mikirnya ini buku-buku teenlit dan kayaknya udah bukan umurnya aku baca teenlit. Tapi karena dia maksa, I gave it a try. Dan ga nyesel. Emang bener, ceritanya teenlit-ish, tapi beda sama teenlit-teenlit yang aku baca growing up. Ceritanya ringan, cara penulisannya apalagi, tapi yang paling penting, gimana cerita Dilan bisa bikin pembacanya yang udah dewasa bernostalgia dengan gimana santai dan ringannya jaman SMA. It's a good pick for a light reading. It'll be done in one or two sittings.


#8 - 1984 by George Orwell

I wrote a review on this one. Here's the link: http://bookbosomed-id.blogspot.co.id/2017/10/1984-book-review.html. In short, this essay-like novel is a must read to anyone who has interest in politics and conspiracies. But then again, if you do, best chance you already read the book.


#7 - How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

If only everyone on this planet read this book and apply the principles to their daily lives, the world would be a better place, wouldn't it? This is the ultimate how-to book for socializing, not only in business but in everyday life. Carnegie gives plenty of evidences on how his advice actually made different in people's lives. It might be boring at some points, but trust me, it's worth it. There is a reason why this book has been reprinted for over 70 years; and that is for everyone of any generation (and more generations to come) to read it.


#6 - I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb

As a Muslim woman who's strongly believes that every girl has the rights for education as far as they want, I could somehow relates to Malala. I'm not in a middle of a war or ever facing danger for wanting to go to school. Hell, I couldn't even imagined being pointed at by a gun and actually got shot just because I'm seeking education. But I could understand how it feels when people keep telling you that it's not that important for a woman to be so highly educated. I came from a verrry conservative family. Majority of them was not so keen with my Dad's decision sending me abroad to get my degree. Good thing my Dad is part of the minority. But still, I understand how important it is to stand up for female education. I wish I have a fraction of Malala's courage. I wish every girl does.


So, we're now on top 5! Ready? Here it goes...

#5 - Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance

It's one of my recent reads, and I enjoyed it very much. Elon Musk is definitely up there for being my most favorite billionaires along side Bill Gates. Not in terms of philanthropy or social life or even businesses, but in terms of genius mind and perseverance. Full review on this book, click here: http://bookbosomed-id.blogspot.co.id/2017/12/elon-musk-book-review.html


#4 - A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

It's sad, it's tragic, it's heart-wrenching, and it's beautiful. I got a copy from a used-book store, so it's a lucky find. This book teaches you how love could turn people to do the unexpected even if it costs their own lives. To be honest, I read it way earlier this year, couldn't remember much to give proper review. But what I remember is there were moments where I had to stop, took a deep breath, and had to actually compose myself to continue. The feeling was so strong that I didn't think twice for it to be on my top 5 reads this year.


#3 - How Not To Die by Michael Greger, MD

When I said Elon Musk was one of my recent reads, this one is the most recent one. In fact, I just finished it. And I'll write separate review on this life-changing book soon. As for now, just trust me on this; read it. It could be my #1 if the other two weren't that other two and that I actually already knew half of the information this book gave me, only because I graduated with degree in food science and nutrition. But don't worry, you don't have to understand much about science or nutrition or medical term. He wrote it in a way that it's understandable and fun. Well, some of the food puns might be too much.


#2 - The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The fact that there are two of Hosseini's books on my top five reads this year tells you how much I regret the fact that I just got around Hosseini's works. But I'm also glad I finally caught up. His books, especially this one, are one of those books that mentally traumatized you when you're done. And the feelings lingered that it was hard to move on from. Read back the words I wrote on A Thousand Splendid Suns; I had to stop, took a deep breath, and had to actually compose myself to continue. Yup, same thing here only multiply it by 5. Good things it came from the same author. I've read all three of his books (And the Mountains Echoed almost made the cut) and they didn't disappoint. The next time Hosseini published a book, I won't be late to read it no more.


Now, before we go to the #1, I'd like to put some honorary mentions. Those that are great, but didn't make the cut:

• And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
• Mirror Image by Danielle Steel
• Cantik Itu Luka oleh Eka Kurniawan

Alright, now it's the time. My MOST FAVORITE READ of 2017 goes to...

#1 - Born A Crime by Trevor Noah

It shouldn't come as a surprise if you've read my review on this one (http://bookbosomed-id.blogspot.co.id/2017/10/born-crime-book-review.html). It might sounds bias due to how much I am a fan of Trevor Noah. But read this book and you'll understand. It's funny, it's witty, it's informative, it's tragic yet beautiful, it's everything you'll expect and more from a brilliant comedian who came from a third world country and speaks numerous languages.

                                                            


So that's it, that's my top 10 reads of 2017. Hope you find it helpful. Do you agree with the list I put up? What's your favorite this year? I'd love to know. Write it down on the comment section of this post or on my Instagram. Which ever suits you best. If I haven't read it, I'll consider your favorites for my 2018 read.

See you next year!