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Here's a list of the best books I read this year according to category:

Best thriller

I love Pierre Lemaitre and I picked this psychological thriller up when I saw it in my local bookshop. It was narrated by two broken people who's lives intersected in a fascinating way. This twisty thriller had the perfect pace and great depth. I loved it. 

Best YA

I'd never read anything by Sophie Kinsella before and apparently this was quite a departure for her. It ended up being one of two five star reads this year. It's about a girl who has extreme anxiety and hasn't left her house for some time. I really identified with this character as I experience acute anxiety myself at times.

Best New-Adult

An unexpected marvel, Unteachable tells the story of a girl who meets the right guy at the wrong time. The writing was spectacular and unlike anything I've ever read. The description had my senses on overdrive and it influenced my writing in a profound way.

Best Literary Fiction

I haven't reviewed this yet even though I read it a month or two ago. It's set  in Glasgow and written in Scottish dialect. It follows a man who has suffered a severe beating by the police and has gone blind as a result. A stream of consciousness, this book manages to create staggering closeness between the protagonist and the reader. It felt so authentic and gave me much to think about.

Best Classic

Another book I didn't review, mostly because everything's been said about it. I was amazed by the strength of the plot and it's reflection of Stalinist Russia.

Biggest Disappointment

I had been wanting to read this book for a long time and rewarded myself with it after a long month of writing. Unfortunately I found the plot and characterisation weak. The ending only slightly made up for this disappointment.