I was in a bookshop recently and, having got carried away, needed to buy a bag for life. I was asked to choose a slogan, and plumped for “Life is better with books”. As they put my purchases through the till, the cashiers discussed how inapplicable the slogan was to their own lives, and that they would choose TV over books any time. Whilst I tend to accept the philosophy of “to each their own”, I couldn’t help but feel somewhat deflated by this interaction. I feel, strongly, that life is enriched by reading. I believe that reading opens our minds, increases our compassion and inspires our imaginations. We need books in the world, to remind us what it means to be human.

The books I read this year all did this in one way or another. Some did so through giving voices to the vulnerable. Others told tender stories of love, loss, perseverance and friendship. Some presented the wonder of the world, while others told painful, raw truths about injustice. There were stories of faith and community, and there were adventures and miracle stories.

Here are some of the titles that will particularly stay with me.

The Wind Knows my Name, by Isabel Allende

I was shocked to learn of the horrific treatment of immigrants in the US during the first Trump administration. I felt that it was so important that stories like these are told, and Allende writes them eloquently. But this is also a beautiful novel about how we build relationships and help others.

What to do When I’m Gone, Suzy Hopkins and Hallie Bateman

I was intrigued by this book, which was put together by a mother and daughter. They explore the processes of grieving, remembering and rebuilding our lives with warmth, wit and good food. The book includes moving, relatable illustrations, wise words and recipes.

Remarkably Bright Creatures, Shelby Van Pelt

Also exploring themes of grief, hope and kindness, this is the story of the unlikely friendship beteen cleaner, Tova, and Marcellus, a giant pacific octopus. This sounds eccentric, but the story reads beautifully and is possibly my favourite on this list.

The Thursday Murder Club series, Richard Osman

I didn’t want to like this series, as I am a little bitter about celebrities and their book deals. However, I found these stories to be well-written, beguiling and highly entertaining.

Field Notes for the Wilderness, Sarah Bessey

I have always found that I connect with Sarah Bessey’s writing, and this book is no exception. In it, we explore what it means to find ourselves “on the outside”, and to step into less certain terrain in our faith. Of course, the wilderness is not necessarily as lonely or as frightening as we think; it is also a wide open space full of wonder and adventure.

The Secrets of Flowers, Sally Page

Another story of grief, hope and new beginnings. Friendship plays an important part in this story. Through a new start and new friends, widowed Emma finds new confidence and freedom.

Constanza, Rachel Blackmore

A fiery novel about a fiery person. Constanza was the muse of the sculptor, Bellini. Being a woman, her story has gone somewhat untold, but it is reimagined brilliantly in this book. The book speaks powerfully about sexual violence and other abuses, and confronts the patriarchy with a strong, female perspective.

The Blue Wonder, Frauke Bagusche

This book is crammed full of facts about the oceans and the animals who live in them. I was fascinated, and the sense of wonder it inspired has stayed with me.

The Homeward Call

This autobiographical book by Jeff Pratt is full of joy, wisdom, adventure and learning as the writer recounts his journey of faith and his work as a missionary.

The Outrun, Amy Liptrot

I loved Amy Liptrot’s powerful, precise prose in this account of her journey through addiction, to being sober, and her life in London and Orkney. There is such strength in this story.

Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White

A children’s classic that I had not read before. This is a sweet, simple story of the power of friendship, and of the hope we can find after grief.

Les Miserables, Victor Hugo

My current read, which I haven’t yet finished. A sweeping, epic read. This book is as much about historical, political, religious and social context as it is about individual characters. It is full of people with varying degrees of fortune or misfortune. It unflinchingly presents us with the moral dilemmas created by an unfair society, oppressive religion and ignorant and corrupt government. In spite of its difficult and sad content, this story speaks clearly of social justice, redemption and hope.

What were your favourite reads this year?