Most Underrated Books of 2018
15 Books That Deserved More Hype in 2018
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Trying to keep up with all the newest book releases can be overwhelming, and sometimes there are gems that slip by without you even realising it. So with the end of the year fast approaching, we thought we'd help you get caught up. We've rounded up a collection of our favourite books from 2018 that you might have missed; these are the books we think deserve even more hype than they got when they were released earlier in the year. There is something for everyone here, with a mix of fiction and nonfiction. Don't let these must reads fly under your radar any longer.
Emergency Contact by Mary H. K. Choi
Penny and Sam are both waiting for life to get good. Penny is just starting out, a college freshman who has high hopes for her new life to begin and to start feeling different to the nonevent of a life she just left behind. When she meets Sam, who is in the midst of a panic attack brought on by the disaster that his life has become, they both bond over the confusion of growing up and trying to leave your past behind. Perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell, Emergency Contact is a really beautifully honest book about life, love, and trying to figure it all out.
The Third Door by Alex Banayan
At 18, unhappy with where his life is going and what he's studying, Alex Banayan has an idea: he wants to find out how all the people he admires got to be so successful and use it as inspiration for his own life. Realising that a book doesn't exist that offers the kind of insight he wants from his idols, he sets out to write one. The Third Door chronicles Alex's long quest to track down, meet, and interview some of the most well-known people in the world, such as Bill Gates, Lady Gaga, and Maya Angelou. This book is really something special — not because of all the celebrities that litter the pages, but because of Alex. He shares his life and his story in such an honest and at times heartbreaking way, making this a book that you will pass to every friend you know. Alex writes with such heart, honesty, and compassion that you root for him all the way through. Fans of Danny Wallace's earlier books will find a friend in The Third Door.
The Power of Crystal Healing by Emma Lucy Knowles
This year has been the year of the crystals. If you're not wearing one round your neck and don't have some slipped inside your handbag or sitting on your bedside table, then you're missing out. This beautiful book explains everything about crystals — why they are special and all the ways you can incorporate them into your life. A really simple and practical guide from Emma Lucy Knowles, who is a well-known crystal and energy healer to the stars.
To Shake the Sleeping Self by Jedidiah Jenkins
Travel writer and Instagram star Jedidiah Jenkins writes about his 10,000-mile bicycle trip from Oregon to Patagonia in To Shake the Sleeping Self. This is much more than your average travel journal; Jedidiah faces up to his life and the world around him on his trip, which makes this a really interesting read. Jedidiah writes so beautifully that you will want to highlight so many quotes and passages throughout. It's a special story that you will want to share with everyone around you.
The Art of Coorie by Gabriella Bennett
If you're over hygge, then try coorie. Based on the Scottish tradition of coorie, Gabriella Bennett takes us on a trip all over Scotland in The Art of Coorie to find out how to live a more sustainable, fulfilled, and happy life. Packed with beautiful imagery and lots of ideas that you can incorporate into your own life, the coorie movement is definitely one you want to be involved in.
The Wives by Lauren Weisberger
Anyone who read The Devil Wears Prada (pre-Emily Blunt's iconic interpretation) and fell in love with Lauren Weisberger's character of Emily will be happy to know she has her very own sequel of sorts in The Wives. In this third instalment of the Devil franchise, the story follows Emily — who is now a Hollywood stylist struggling to stay on top of her game — as she gets the chance of a lifetime to style a publicly humiliated senator's wife. It's a really fun story that's all about the power of women.
Calypso by David Sedaris
David Sedaris is back with a new book full of his trademark darkly funny essays about his life and the world around him. If you loved any of David's other books, then this is a must read for you.
Calypso by David Sedaris (£12)
Just the Funny Parts by Nell Scovell
From the producer and creator of Sabrina the Teenage Witch comes Just the Funny Parts. This memoir is packed full of stories and antidotes from Nell Scovell, who has worked on some of the biggest TV shows of all time. Insightful and full of behind-the-scenes knowledge, this book will definitely help open your eyes to what the TV industry in Hollywood is really like.
Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren
Hazel and Josh have known each other since their days at college. Now, 10 years later, they reconnect, but they are definitely not going to date. They are all wrong for each other until maybe they aren't anymore, and this is the story of what happens next. This is a charming and hilarious rom-com that will brighten up your day. A real joy to read.
Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren (£8)
Dancing With the Gods by Kent Nerburn
After he received a letter from a young woman struggling with her life as an artist looking for advice, Kent decided to write her a letter back with some help. That letter became this book. The pages are filled with wisdom that can only come from a life that has been lived, like Kent's. Full of authentic encouragement and words of action, Dancing With the Gods is perfect for anyone who lives a creative life.
Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller
It's 1969, and lonely Frances finally meets some friends to call her own. The couple who move in underneath her room in the old English country home she is living in dazzle her at first, but soon after a crime is committed that changes all their lives, Frances realises the perfect couple aren't all that they seem. It's a tense and twisted thriller that will keep you guessing till the last page.
Puddin' by Julie Murphy
Callie and Millie don't think they could be any more different, but in a semester, that all changes. Brought together by their surprising similarities, the two girls share a new bond. This story is all about the power females have when they hold one another up and don't use their differences to tear one another down. Puddin' is the companion novel to the amazing book Dumplin', which was turned into a Netflix movie this year.
How to Fall in Love With a Man Who Lives in a Bush by Emmy Abrahamson
Based on the author's real life, this story is all about finding love when you least expect it. Julia doesn't realise when Ben sits down next to her on a bench in Vienna one day that her life is about to change. Ben is handsome and adventurous, and he also happens to live in the park. Julia has to decide if she's ready to take the leap and follow Ben into the adventure of her life. An uplifting and inspiring read.
How to Fall in Love With a Man Who Lives in a Bush by Emmy Abrahamson (£8)
Frat Girl by Kiley Roache
When feminist Cassandra Davis becomes the first girl in the history of the Greek system to join a fraternity, she thinks her plan of uncovering the boys' sexiest and chauvinist behaviour will be a breeze. But things don't go to plan. Forced to face her own prejudices, Cassie realises that there might be more than meets the eye to being in a fraternity. An insightful and fun read.
Belong by Radha Agrawal
With the assault of technology on us and the overwhelming use of social media, we have more ways to stay connected to one another than ever before, yet so many of us feel even more disconnected. In Belong, Radha shares ways to find your own tribe and build your very own community in the real word, not just online. Filled with stunning illustrations and helpful, practical advice, Belong helps you figure out what belonging in the real world can really look like.
Belong by Radha Agrawal (£10)
