Educated by Tara Westover named Indigo's Book of the Year for 2018

TORONTO, Oct. 15, 2018 /CNW/ - Indigo (TSX: IDG), the world's first cultural department store for booklovers, is delighted to announce its list of the Best Books of 2018, led by Tara Westover's powerful memoir, Educated. Indigo's expert booksellers scour the shelves and read thousands of books released throughout the year, before deliberating and hand selecting their favourite. From an instruction manual on navigating the 21^st century to a spellbinding mystery that unfolds through generations, Indigo's Best Books of 2018 list provides readers with a collection of trusted recommendations.

"As booksellers and voracious readers, our experts are excited to introduce Canadians to their next great read with this year's list," said Rania Husseini, EVP Print. "Indigo is so proud to share its list of essential reads that cover important and timely subjects from a diverse group of voices."

Earning Indigo's top honour of Best Book of the Year for 2018, Educated by Tara Westover is a stunning memoir about family, loss and the struggle for a better future. Instead of traditional lessons, Westover grew up in a survivalist family, learning how to stew herbs into medicine, scavenge in the family scrap yard and prepare for the apocalypse. As she developed coping mechanisms, little by little Westover began to realize that what her family was offering didn't have to be her only education. Her first day of university was her first day in school–ever–and she would eventually earn an esteemed fellowship and graduate with a PhD from Cambridge University.

Upon learning the news of Educated receiving Indigo's distinction, Tara Westover said "Utterly delighted that Educated was chosen as Indigo's Best Book of the Year! I couldn't be more grateful to readers and booksellers for supporting this story."

All titles of the Best Books of 2018 list are available at Indigo, Chapters, Indigospirit and Coles stores across Canada. For the full list of 50 titles, please visit: http://www.indigo.ca/books/best-of-2018

Best Books of 2018

Hear directly from Indigo's expert book sellers from across the country about this year's picks:

1.       Educated by Tara Westover – a Heather's Pick

"This is a wildly popular memoir about finding your place in the world, even if that means having to leave your family. A stirring testimonial to personal resilience in the face of enormous odds." Brandon Forsyth, Category Manager, Non-Fiction, Print

2.       Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

"I couldn't stop reading. It's the perfect combination of mystery and thriller. The pace! The characters! The story! Yes!" Kate Newman, Category Manager, Kids, Print

3.       Washington Black by Esi Edugyan

"Not since The Book of Negroes have we had such an exceptional tale of struggle and freedom." Beth McNeil, Specialist, Loyalty

4.       21 Lessons for the 21^st Century by Yuval Noah Harari

"Yuval Noah Harari stands above and apart from those telling us what's wrong with the world. His take on things is often challenging and always bold—but founded on a fundamental optimism for our future." Andrew Taubman, Category Manager, Non-Fiction, Print

5.       Sea Prayer by Khaled Hosseini – a Heather's Pick

"Khaled Hosseini's powerful words bring depth to the haunting image of the Syrian boy who washed up onshore in Turkey. Hosseini shows us that he wasn't just a random child—he was somebody's son, born to a father who dreamed of a better future." Kristi Reilly, Category Manager, Fiction, Print

6.       The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton

"I love historical mysteries that move unexpectedly through time. Kate Morton's latest transcends expectations by going to eerie, heartbreaking places that leave you desperate to find out what really happened – but dreading what it might be." Hilary Scroggie Glover, Senior Category Manager, Kids, Print

7.       I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara

"Extraordinary and brave, Michelle McNamara writes with a respect and nuance rarely found in true crime. Required reading for anyone interested in restoring justice to a broken system." Samantha Purchase, Customer Experience Leader

8.       The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

"If you love Hitchcock's Rear Window, this is the book for you. Full of psychological suspense, The Woman in the Window reels you in from the first page—and the twists keep you hooked." Kumru Gutierrez, Customer Experience Leader

9.       Dare to Lead by Brené Brown – a Heather's Pick

"Brené Brown has spent her career teaching us how to make meaningful change in our lives by combining deeply personal stories with scholarly research. Now, she shows us what it means to lead good work." Amanda Gauthier, Category Manager, Lifestyle, Print

10.   Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

"Incredible. It's sure to stick with you long after you turn the final page. Woven with African myth and rooted in real-world issues like oppression, race, and war—this book is the explosive beginning to a new fantasy series." Ameema Saeed, Coordinator, Customer Service

About Indigo
Indigo is the world's first Cultural Department Store – a physical and digital meet place inspired by and filled with books, music, art, ideas, beautifully designed lifestyle products and the creative people who make our experience happen. Indigo believes in real books, in living life fully and generously, in being kind to each other and that stories – big and little – connect us.

SOURCE Indigo Books & Music Inc.

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