I used to post brief reviews of books I’d read on a monthly basis — until January this year, when I abruptly stopped for a hodgepodge of vague reasons ranging from getting a “regular job” to focusing on my novel to investing more in my relationships. But I couldn’t let 2018 go by without sharing books I loved that I think you might love too.

Here are my 11 favorite books of the year — along with photos of what I ate or drank while reading them. Why 11? I like the number better than 10, perhap...