Best of 2018 - Books

In 10 words or less, my top picks from the books I read last year. You may find old books here but if they're on this list, then they were new to me!

The Man Who Was Thursday

by G.K. Chesterton

We were warned. The subtitle is "A Nightmare." Loved it! 
(My review here.)

Cool & Lam series 

by A.A. Fair (Earle Stanley Gardner)

Bad-tempered Bertha Cool and clever, attractive Donald Lam. Detecting perfection.
More here.

Big Book of Rogues and Villains

edited by Otto Penzler

Mostly good-hearted rogues or villains being foiled. Delightful!
(My review here.)

The Boys in the Boat

by Daniel James Brown

Inspiring, informative, historical. Going on my "best ever" list.
(My review here.)

The Best Cook in the World

by Rick Bragg

Personalities, old customs, and hard times — more memoir than cookbook.
(My review here.)

Brideshead Revisited

by Evelyn Waugh

I respect and admire but didn't love. Will definitely reread.  

(My review.)

The Black Swan / St. Martin's Summer

by Rafael Sabatini

Totally entertaining swashbucklers/romances.
(My reviews here.)

The Fellowship

by Philip Zaleski and Carol Zaleski

Far superior to other books I've read on the Inklings.

(My full review)

Mother Angelica's Answers, Not Promises

 by Mother Angelica with Christine Allison

Solid advice, instruction, inspiration.  
(My review here.)

A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament

 by John Bergsma and Brant Pitre

Informed opinion, trustworthy scholarship, fascinating reading.

 (My review here.)