Books I’ve Read This Year – 2019 Edition

I get asked for book recommendations pretty frequently so I thought I’d keep a running list of books of I’ve read this year, including which books are my absolute favorites.

I’ve been a dedicated reader since I was a child. In fact, my parents used to give me time limits for how long I was allowed to read daily because they worried I would be limited in my “off page” experiences.

To this day, a full life for me involves reading lots of books. Here’s a full list of the books I’ve read this year. I’d love to hear what your favorites of the year have been so far!

Books I’ve Read This Year – 2019 Edition

Top favorite books I’ve read this year

In case you don’t feel like reading through the whole list, here are my TOP favorite books I’ve read this year

For more favorites, organized by the mood you’re in, check out this post

How I track the books I’ve read this year

This is my first time tracking my reads and I regret not starting sooner! I started a very simple book journal. I simply write out the title of the book, author, date I finished it, and how many stars I give it. Then I add a few notes of what what I want to remember, if I read it anywhere special, what I thought, etc. It’s usually not more than a line or two. I use this pretty journal with a stack of whimsical books on the cover.

I really wish I started a book journal years ago so that I could have a record of everything I’ve ever read, but at least I can track what I’m reading moving forward. I often forget what I’ve read, but now when people ask me what to read I can quickly scan my journal to refresh my memory. If you don’t already keep a book journal I highly recommend starting one!

Books I’ve Read this Year – 2019 Edition

I’ve read some pretty wonderful books so far this year! Here’s the full list, I’ll continue to add to it.

You’ll notice I have a lot of 5 star ratings. I felt almost badly about that and tried to start judging the books harsher, but I realized it wasn’t that I was being overly generous. Over the years I’ve learned what I like and can usually choose books that fit my tastes well. If I don’t like a book, I have no problem with stopping it. Life’s too short to read books you don’t enjoy! Without further ado, here are the books I’ve read this year.

1. Becoming by, Michelle Obama 

* * * * * – One of my faves!

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One of my favorite books I’ve read this year and I’m not the only one, it has been on the bestseller list for months. I listened to it on audio and highly recommend experiencing it this way. It’s a game changer having Michelle Obama read the book to you herself. I felt like I was having a chat with an inspirational mentor (one can dream). Whether you like her or not, I truly believe her autobiography has words of wisdom for anyone.

2. Dare to Lead by, Brene Brown

* * * * * – One of my faves!

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I think EVERYONE should read this book! It’s a game changer for how to approach relationships, communication, and vulnerability. It’s technically a book about leadership, but I believe it can help improve relationships of any kind. I read through this book so slowly because I wanted to take notes the whole way and really soak it in. I’ll be reading all of Brene Brown’s books!

3. Return to Love by, Marianne Williamson

* * * * * 

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Another book I’ve red this year that I believe everyone should read. It’s a game changer for relationships of any kind. The book is derived from the book A Course in Miracles and breaks down how to approach all situations with love. While it’s easy to read, the concepts are not the simplest. This book and may push you out of your comfort zone, but I learned a lot. I listened to it on audio and purchased a physical copy to reread and take notes. I paused several times while listening to absorb what I was listening to.

4. The Lost Carousel of Provence by, Juliet Blackwell

* * * * * 

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I had this book sitting on my shelf for a long time before reading it and I regret waiting so long. I love dual time frame historical fiction and this one did not disappoint! It reads light and easy, but touches on many themes and messages. Plus, I love any books set in France! 

5. Letters From Paris by, Juliet Blackwell

* * * * * 

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The second I finished The Lost Carousel of Provence, I went in search of more by Juliet Blackwell. If it’s possible, I think I loved this book of hers even more! Another dual time frame with multiple narratives, easy reading with thought provoking themes, and set in France. I read through it quickly, wanting to know what would happen, then was so sad for it to be over! I debated putting this on my top books of the year list, but ultimately didn’t even though I loved it so much!

6. Bringing Up Bebe by, Pamela Druckerman

* * * * *

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It’s kinda ridiculous that I’m reading parenting books when I’m not even pregnant, but I love learning about a variety of topics. In this book, an American woman moves to France with her British husband and learns the secrets to French parenting. She discovers why French kids are such good eaters, why the terrible twos are not a thing in France, how “pausing” can help kids sleep through the night, and much more. I learned a lot of interesting tidbits, but what I appreciated most was that this approach seemed so much less stressful than the parenting advice I usually hear! I’ll be rereading this one when I am actually pregnant.

7. Save Me The Plums by, Ruth Reichl

* * * * *  – One of my faves!

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I loved this book so much! Ruth writes about her time at Gourmet magazine and it’s so much fun! I felt like I was going on the journey with her and I never wanted it to end. I gobbled up the book like a delectable chocolate cake, then forced myself to slow down to truly appreciate every flavor, texture, and layer. If you have any interest in the magazine world, you’ll love this memoir!

8. The Scribe of Siena by, Melodie Winawer

* * * * * 

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Bassam and I listened to this novel while road tripping in Italy and it was a big hit for both of us! The narrator’s voice is fantastic and we couldn’t wait to hear what would happen next. There were several times we stayed in the car upon reaching our destination to finish the chapter. The story has been compared to Outlander, and while I was not fan of that series, I did really enjoy this story! If you’re a fan of a bit of time travel and historical fiction, you may like this one too!

9. The Lost Vintage by, Ann Mah

* * * * * 

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Bassam and I listened to this book on audio while road tripping in France, but I recommend reading it rather than listening to it. I looooved reading it myself, but I didn’t love listening to it as much. Both Bassam and I really enjoyed the story. It reads easily, but touches on complex themes of love, loyalty, and values. The present day story follows the main character from San Francisco to Burgundy, France, while the second story line is set in France during WW2 and follows a brave young woman who is finding her place in the war. The wine descriptions alone are worth reading the book for!

10. The Paris Key by, Juliet Blackell

* * * *

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This was a lovely book and I very much enjoyed it, I just didn’t love it AS MUCH as the other two books I read by the author. I ended the other two sad that they were over. While I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, I didn’t have the same sad reaction. Similar to the other two, it’s set in France with a dual story line (can you tell I have a type?)

11. The Library of Lost and Found by, Phaedrea Patrick

* * * * 

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A tender story of a librarian who lives her life to please others. I felt annoyed by her initially, but then rooted and cheered for her as she learned who she was and what she wanted. I loved the growth shown by the character and fell in love with the little book of fairy tales referenced in the book. Not a book that will stick with me forever, but a very charming story.

12. My Life in France by, Julia Child

* * * * *

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In the word’s of Julia Child, “what fun!” I loved following the adventures of Julia and her husband. They were such a vivacious couple, full of so much life. I loved their thirst for adventures, good food, and above all, fun! I was continuously surprised by how progressive they were and wished so badly I could’ve been friends with them. I listened to this book on audio and enjoyed the narration, but I don’t think it’s a must to do it in audio.

13. Time After Time by, Lisa Grunwald

* * * * *  – One of my faves!

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A magical love story that literally transcends time. It reminded me of one of my all time favorite books, The Time Traveler’s Wife. I sped through this book in two days, forcing myself to slow down because I knew I’d be sad when it was over. I rooted for the characters to have a happy ending while antagonizing over what I even felt a happy ending was for them. I felt utterly invested in what happened to them. Such a fun, moving, and beautiful read! Plus, if you love NYC, this book basically reads like a love letter to Grand Central Terminal.

14. From Scratch by, Tembi Locke

* * * 1/2

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A memoir that reads like a love story, Tembi recounts the greatest love and loss of her life. I’ll be honest, while most people loved this book, I forced myself to get through it. It’s a beautiful story, but it’s so incredibly heartbreaking. I cried several times and felt the pain of the narrator a little too deeply. The descriptions of food made me miss Italy so much! I listened to it on audio and felt the narration was perfect. A great choice for audio.

15. Ageless Beauty the French Way by, Clemence von Mueffling

* * * 

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Three generations of French beauty experts share all their insider tips, so you too can be “ageless the French way”. While I enjoyed the rest and motivated me to makeover my skin care habits, I did feel some of the advice was a bit basic. I would’ve preferred more insider secrets. There were quite a few tips I picked up, but I enjoyed The French Beauty Solution more.

16. The Map of Salt and Stars by, Zeyn Joukhader

* * * * *  – One of my faves!

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WOW. This book is just, wow. A story about a Syrian refugee family, it’s as beautiful as it is heartbreaking. The author writes in a uniquely lyrical fashion. The author has synesthesia, a condition where is stimuli heightened in his perspective and he sees words as colors.

I was initially scared to read this book because I worried it would be too sad, but Joukhader does an amazing job of avoiding gratuitous sadness and skipping detailed descriptions during the harder moments. Plus, the book is told from the perspective of a young girl which adds a lightness to it. There’s no way around it, what happens to the family is heartbreaking, but it just doesn’t beat you over the head with how sad it is.

This is a story that stayed with me for a long time after closing the pages of the book. I wasn’t able to pick up another book for several days afterwards. This is a must read.

I did some research on the author and was very interested in his unique background. He explores topics of being a first generation, coming from a multi religious background (his father is Muslim and his mother Christian), being transgender, and more. I can’t wait to see what he writes next.

17. Ayesha At Last by, Uzma Jalaluddin

* * * * *

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This was such a fun read! A Bollywood spin on Pride and Prejudice, where mother is seeking a wife for her son. The two meet on their own and a story of mistaken identify ensues. A light easy breezy read, I laughed throughout the book. I’ve never read Pride and Prejudice (I know that’s terrible!), but I generally know the story and was able to identify the parallels. Whether you’ve read P&P or not, if you like funny romances with a cultural twist, you may enjoy this book!

18. Inheritance by, Dani Shapiro

* * * 1/2

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I don’t want to tell you too much about the plot so I don’t give away any spoilers, but the book tells the author’s real life story of getting genealogy test results and discovering secrets about her family. The book has been hugely popular this year and is a good read, but I was slightly disappointed by it and I think it’s because I was expecting more. Many of the reviews stated that it was full of twists and read like a detective novel, but I didn’t quite agree. It is a nice story, but just don’t expect crazy plot twists!

19. Dinner Chez Moi by, Elizabeth Bard

* * * 

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While I enjoyed this cute little cookbook, filled with pretty illustrations, yummy recipes, and Francophile tips, I was bit underwhelmed. The LOVED the authors previous two books: Lunch in Paris and Picnic in Provence. This cookbook didn’t offer much of anything new and exciting. The Francophile tips are ones that most Francophile have probably heard before and I would’ve preferred photos of the dishes rather than illustrations. While I consider it a worthwhile book to keep in my cookbook collection and a great choice for people who read cookbooks like novels, I wanted more. I just wasn’t fully satisfied. 

20. I’d Rather Be Reading by, Anne Bogel

* * * * *

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What a joy to read for any book lover! Full of short little essays that are like love letters to the reading life, I savored this book. I read a few chapters a night, a perfect way to end the night. The book got me back into wanting to read more, which is why I think it might be perfect for any reader going through a bit of a reading slump. My main complaint with this book is that it was too short. I wanted more. Delightful! 

21. How To Be Married by, Jo Piazza

* * * *

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I’ve done a whole post on my favorite marriage books and this was a fun find! During her first year of marriage, a journalist travels to 20 countries in search of the best marriage advice. As someone who loves to travel, I found this book to be a lot of fun. It was interesting to see the differences in how marriage is approached around the world and also the similarities. 

22. The Power of Moments by, Chip and Dan Heath

* * * * *  – One of my faves!

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There’s no denying that some moments are more impactful than others. But do you know what makes a moment memorable and how to intentionally create memorable moments? There are 4 defining features of epic moments and this book walks through each one in detail, provides case studies, and shows you how to implement it yourself.

Whether you read this book to have an impact on your relationship, to improve your business, or to live a more meaningful life, I hope you walk away buzzing with ideas and possibilities like I was. While this is a book of non fiction, the authors are powerful storytellers and the book reads easily and quickly. I sped through it, while learning something new on every page. 

23. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by, Lori Gottlieb

* * * 1/2

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A therapist shares real life stories from her couch AND her adventures in going to therapy herself. I thought this was a fun and interesting read, but it dragged in parts for me and I felt it could’ve been better. I did learn a few tips and tricks and found myself rooting for all the “characters”.

24. I’ll Be Your Blue Sky by, Marisa de los Santos

* * * *

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For the lovers of love stories, that aren’t too cheesy. This book got off to a slow start for me, but it picked up and surprised me with lots of plot twists towards the end. A fun summer read.

25. The Last Romantics by, Tara Conklin

* * * *

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This novel spans 100 years of the main character’s life, as she tells us the tale of her family. It’s all about love and how to fall deep without letting yourself get swept away. The intense ties of family, even when we think we can let them go. And how events in your childhood can affect you for a lifetime. I tore through this. While not a super light read, it was perfect summer reading for me.

26. French Women Don’t Get Facelifts by, Mireille Guiliano

* * * *

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I’m on team no botox, at least that’s what I say now, so I’ve recently realized I need to up my skin care game. I loved reading about how the French place more importance on good skin care routines and diet than they do plastic surgery. The book is really back-to-basics and doesn’t offer a ton of innovative information, but it made me realize how important it is to view taking care of your skin as a long haul game, rather than looking for quick fixes. I also really enjoyed reading about the French attitude towards aging, which is graceful and joyful.  

27. The Mother In Law by, Sally Hepworth

* * * * *

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This is not great literature by any means, but it was such a fun read! I thoroughly enjoyed it and binge read it in 2 days. Lots of fun twists and I didn’t see the ending coming. It’s also a great reflection on how there are multiple sides to every story and we don’t always know our loved ones as well as we think we do. I listened to it on audio and it kept me walking longer than I would’ve otherwise!

28, 29, and 30. The Peachtree Bluff Series by, Kristy Woodson Harvey

A fun, light and fluffy series – perfect for summer. I go for long walks on the beach in the summer and I love having family trilogies set on the beach during the summer. The second book in the series was my least favorite, both the story line and the narrator on audio. The third book was my favorite and tied up the story line nicely. 

While The Peachtree Bluff series was enjoyable enough and kept me entertained while walking, I preferred this series and the spin off series that came out later. 

Book 1/ Slightly South of Simple 

* * * 1/2

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Book 2/ The Secret to Southern Charm

* * 1/2

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Book 3/ Southern Side of Paradise 

* * * *1/2

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31. Maybe in Another Life by, Taylor Jenkins Reid

* * * 

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One night Hannah runs into an ex and has to make a choice to see what could be or to move on. The rest of the book alternates chapters as we see how each decision plays out. I loved the concept of this story, but I didn’t love the way it was written. The story just didn’t grip me. It did make me think though, what kind of separate stories could I be living based on different decisions?

32. Montauk by, Nicola Harrison

* * * * *

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I initially picked this book up because I was attracted to the cover, but I also loved the story and couldn’t put it down. Set in 1938, Bea is a college educated woman who comes from a modest family. She’s summering in Montauk with her husband and the wealthy elite of NYC.  She finds herself more comfortable with the laundress of the hotel and finds herself wishing for her life. The story explores the line between the life you’ve chosen and the life you want. It also dives into some social commentary of the time period.

33. The Miracle Morning by, Hal Elrod

* * * * 1/2

 

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A 6 step morning routine to up level your life and productivity, including the 6 things that most successful people do in the morning. I found the book very inspirational and incorporated aspects of it into my life in my quest to become a morning person. 

While I found the concepts presented in this book really helpful, I skipped through the first few chapters of the author talking about himself, his method, and his life. I just wasn’t interested in that part.

34. The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by, Abbi Waxman

* * * * *

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I pre ordered this book simply based on the title and I wasn’t disappointed. The story line follows Nina, an introvert who loves her life working at a bookstore and playing on a trivia team. Her life is thrown upside down when she discovers her father that she never knew passed away and left her an inheritance of money and a big family. The story is written uniquely, as the author speaks directly to the reader. Each chapter starts with a peek at Nina’s daily agenda so you can get a little glimpse into her life. I loved that uniquely personal style and laughed out loud many times throughout the book. 

35. The Keeper of Lost Things by, Ruth Hogan

* * * * *

 

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Another book I picked up purely for the cover and then fell in love with. Anthony Peardew is the keeper of lost things. After losing a valued item from his late fiancee, he begins to collect lost items that he finds, in the hopes of one day returning them to their owners. These aren’t outwardly valuable items, they are things like buttons and hair bobbles, that he has a sense might be valuable. When passes away, he leaves entrusts his assistant, Laura, with the task of reuniting the lost items. A slower read, but beautifully written. It felt like a modern day fairy tale.

36. The Beautiful No by, Sheri Salata 

* * *

 

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I’m definitely in the minority with my rating for this book, but I just found it simplistic and boring. Oprah’s ex producer realizes she’s had the job most people dream of, but not the life. Once the Oprah show wraps up its final season, she decides to produce her own life. Her writing style just didn’t grip me and I often felt the lessons shared were too simplistic. As someone who was exposed to the greatest teachers of our time while working on the Oprah show, I just expected more. There were good nuggets of information here and there, but there are others who have done this topic better justice. But again, I’m in the minority here. The other reviews are fantastic.

37. My Friend Anna: The True Story of a Fake Heiress by, Rachel DeLoache Williams  

* * 1/2

 

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Have you heard about Anna Delvey, the con artist who had tricked everyone into thinking she was a German heiress? She was living a life of luxury in NYC, but in reality, it was all a scam. As soon as I heard about her on the news, I couldn’t wait for this book to come out to learn more about this outrageous story. The book is written by her former BFF, Rachel, who Anna had tricked along with everyone else. While the whole scam is fantastical, this book was far from that. Have you ever had a friend who tells you every single excruciating detail when telling you a story? That’s how this book reads. There’s barely any new information other than what’s already been in the news, because Rachel doesn’t actually know anything more than that. It’s just mind numbing detail of every single “he said, she said”. I hope Anna writes a book herself because I so want to know more about what was going on in her mind and how she pulled this all off for as long as she did.

38. Drawing Home by, Jamie Brenner 

* * * *

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Another audio book I listened to for beach walks. Easy breezy and fun. Nothing earth shattering, but satisfying. 

39. The City of Brass by, S.A. Chakraborty

* * * * * – one of my faves! 

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I’m not normally a fantasy reader, but I LOVED this book! I devoured the 600+ pages in days. The world building is amazing here and it’s a trilogy! Even Bassam, who doesn’t read, was gripped by this book and listened to it on audio in a few days. The story line follows Nahri, an 18th century con woman living in Cairo, who accidentally summons a magical creature during one of her cons and becomes introduced to the world of Daevabad. Soon Nahri learns she possesses magical healing powers and there are lots of secrets waiting to be uncovered about her family lineage. 

40. Never Have I Ever by, Joshilyn Jackson

* * * * *

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It’s been awhile since I’ve found a thriller I’ve liked, but I tore through the audio version of this in 2 days. I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen it next and it kept me going for longer on my walks. The books begins at a book club meeting in a quiet suburban town. A new guest arrives and has a score to settle with one of the ladies based on a long buried secret and she won’t rest until she makes her pay for her crimes. What ensues is a fast paced game of cat and mouse, full of twists and turns.

41. Ooh La La! French Women’s Secrets to Feeling Beautiful Every Day by, Jamie Cat Callan

* * *  1/2

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A short and easy read that will inspire you to create a life full of joy and beauty. The author believes that every day and every basic experience can be transformed into something special with the right intention. As with other Francophile lifestyle books, it’s all about elevating the every day and being committed to being 100% yourself. 

42. The Stationary Shop by, Marjan Kamali

* * * * * – one of my faves!

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This book is so heartbreakingly beautiful, I encourage you to read it. The story opens with an elderly woman who is on her way to ask her first love one question, “why”. From there, the novel spans a 60 year love story that unfolds across two continents – present day America and 1950’s Iran. I don’t want to say much more to give the story away, but it’s so beautiful. Please check it out!

43. The French Girl by, Lexie Elliot 

* * 1/2

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A fast paced thriller that was enjoyable to read but ultimately forgettable. I saw the ending coming. The story takes place in London, where Kate receives a phone call when an old friend telling her the French police are re opening a missing person’s case and she’s a suspect. 

44. Bring Me Back by, B.A. Paris

* * *

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Another fast paced, fun, and forgettable thriller. This one I enjoyed much more than the previous book. Finn and Layla are on a road trip in France when Layla disappears. 12 years later, Finn has moved on with his live and is dating Layla’s sister, Ellen. Someone contacts Finn claiming to be Ellen and that’s when things start getting tense and spooky. I saw the ending coming and found it to be a sad story, but still a good thriller. 

45. To Night Owl, From Dogfish by, Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer 

* * * * *

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I haven’t read a middle grade book since I was actually in middle school, but this book was SO good! It’s like a modern day version of Parent Trap and told 100% through emails. A pair of 12 year old girls start up an email correspondence chain when they discover their dads are dating. They are against the whole thing, but their relationship grows when they are sent to camp together. The story is hilarious, I laughed out loud many times. It’s also very heartwarming and I teared up several times.

46. Tell Me More: Stories About the 12 Hardest Things I’m Learning to Say by, Kelly Corrigan

* * * * *

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Such a wise book of essays! I wanted to commit so many of these words to memory. This is a book that I’m planning on rereading again in the future, as I’m sure it’ll resonate with me in different ways throughout my life. The essay “onward” wrecked me.

47. Gravity is the Things by, Jaclyn Moriarty

* * * *

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I had such high hopes for this book, but I didn’t love it as much as I thought I would or as much as others seemed to. It’s an interesting premise and good food for thought, but I didn’t love the disjointed, train of thought style of writing. The night before Abi turns 16, her brother disappears. That same year, she begins receiving chapters from a mysterious self help book called “The Guidebook”. When she’s 35, she’s invited to a retreat to learn the secret behind “The Guidebook”. 

48. The High Tide Club by, Mary Kay Andrews

* * * 1/2

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A fun, fluffy beach read that was ultimately forgettable for me. Josephine is a reclusive heiress, who hires a Brooke, a struggling lawyer, to help her protect her private island that the state is trying to obtain. Brooke soon learns Josephine has many secrets about why she’s hired her and it’s just to protect the island.

49. Genius Foods by, Max Lugavere

* * * * *

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I learned so much listening to this book on audio! The author presents a comprehensive guide to lifestyle and dietary choices that can affect your brain in both the short (mental clarity, mental health) and long term (brain diseases). The book motivated me to take better care of my health for longevity and inspired me to add more leafy greens, salmon, and olive oil into my diet.

50. Dark Matter by, Blake Crouch

* * * *

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What would your life be like if you chose a different path? And what happens to that path? These are the questions this book explores. A thought provoking and thrilling read. It’s not meant to be a scary book, but it terrified me. I walked away with the lesson, love the life you have. If you lost it, you’d do anything to get it back.

51. A Place for Us by, Fatima Farheen Mirza

* * * * *

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I had a difficult time with this book. Its so well written and weaves together very complex aspects of family. Sibling relationships, parental child relationships, relationships to religion, adjusting to a new culture and more. The difficulty I had with this book is that it needs to be read with nuance. Much is left unsaid and left to the reader to analyze and digest. The family in the book happens to be Muslim. While the struggles they face could happen to a family practicing any religion, I read it with a hyper critical eye because I always have the thought of, if someone doesn’t know any Muslims and this is their only exposure to the religion, what will they walk away with? I eventually had to just let that thought go and read the book for what it is to truly enjoy it.

When you read it, read it with nuance and a non judgmental eye. Remember that this is one family’s truth and not every Muslim family’s truth. Give grace to the characters. They hurt each other and themselves so deeply with the smallest of actions. It’s a wonderful exploration of how much small actions can affect others and a reflection on, what is religion? Is it practiced out of habit? Out of fear? Out of love? It’s also a reflection on family and forgiveness.

PS. After reading the book, I learned the author was in her early twenties when she wrote it. That blew me away because it’s such a wise and complex narrative. 

52. Park Avenue Summer by, Renee Rosen

* * * *

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The story of a young woman, who moves from a small town in the Midwest to chase her dreams in NYC and ends up working for the legendary Helen Gurely Brown at Cosmopolitan magazine. The story is fictional, but it’s based on real life events. As a former Cosmo reader and someone who grew up dreaming of working in magazines, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. While it was a fun read and featured strong female characters, I did wish it included more Cosmo history.

53. Food Rules by, Michael Pollen

* *

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Nothing special. If you need a primer on what to eat, this is a useful and quick read, but I felt the information was way too basic. Read it in an hour and sent it back to the library. 

54. The Gown by, Jennifer Robson

* * * *

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Written by a historian turned novelist, this story spans 70 years and lives of three women, all who are in some way tied to Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown. I loved dual narrative stories, especially ones with a past and present day story line. This one didn’t disappoint. I loved that it focused on the dressmakers, rather than anyone tied to the royal family. It opened up a new world for me and gave me greater appreciation for the art of dressmaking and also those who are typically behind the scenes.

55. The Huntress by, Kate Quinn

* * * * *

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There are SO many WWII books on the market, but this one is unique. It’s set just after the war and follows a journalist who is determined to bring war criminals to justice. The story is told from three perspectives, all of whom are impacted by “the huntress” and her war crimes. What I really loved, was how it touched upon the humanity that a “monster” might show. Evil, especially evil from WWII, is typically portrayed in media in very black and white terms and I loved how complex this character was. It actually made me wish for a narrative from her perspective so we could dive into that a bit more as the reader. I listened to this book on audio and could not put it down. 

56. The Masterpiece by, Fiona Davis

* * * 1/2

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This book should be right up my alley, it’s historical fiction with a dual narrative, it’s set in NYC’s Grand Central Terminal, it tells the story of a forgotten art school, but I just didn’t find it to be as well written as others I’ve read in the genre. I did finish it, but I felt very eh about it. It’s a forgettable one to me. It does have fantastic reviews though, so you may still want to check it out. 

57. Joy for Beginners by, Erica Bauermeister

* * *

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After surviving a life threatening disease, Kate and her 6 friends make a pact. If Kate goes with her daughter on a white water rafting trip, they will each take on a challenge of Kate’s choosing. I loved the premise of this book and found each challenge to be very interesting. I just didn’t love this book because it read more like a series of short stories, rather than a novel of interconnected story lines. If you’re a short story lover, you may enjoy this book more than I did. I was hoping for more cohesiveness. 

58. I Miss You When I Blink by, Mary Laura Philpott

* * * 1/2

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A memoir in essays full of insightful and funny reflections on a ordinary life. This is a book I want to reread in the future. I can see how it’s a wonderful book, but I just don’t think it was the right time for me. 

59. Juliet’s School of Possibilities by, Laura Vanderkam

* * * *

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The queen of time management does it again, this time in the form of a short novel. Her basic time management tips are transformed into a little parable, so you can see what she talks about in the form of a story. If you’re new to time management or just want a little motivation, this is a great read. Plus, it’s super short, so it’s easy to find time for!

Expectations are infinite. Time is finite. Choose wisely. How we live our hours is how we live our lives.

60. Recursion by, Blake Crouch

* * * * *

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I’m not normally a science fiction reader, but wow this was so good. It would make a good book club read as there are lots of interesting themes to discuss. A NYC cop is investigating a phenomenon called False Memory Syndrome, while a mysterious disease that inflicts people with false memories they believe to be real. Meanwhile, Helena, a scientist, is trying to create a technology that will help us preserve our memories forever. So much more happens, but I can’t say any more without giving too much away! Even if you’re not a science fiction reader, give this one a try! 

61. Cozy: The Art of Arranging Yourself in the World by, Isabel Gillies

* * * * 

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Cozy can be achieved any time, any where. It’s just a state of mind and how you arrange yourself in the world. That’s the premise of this book. The author walks through a variety of circumstances, such as a school field trip, a hospital stay, travel, etc and finds ways to make it all cozy. I read this book during a time I really needed it, during our home displacement in which I was struggling to find my cozy. It was a beautiful reminder of what cozy truly means and how it’s around us at all times. I started to look at my day and my environment through that lens after reading this book. I will say, the book is a bit repetitive. It took me some time to finish because it felt too much to read all at once, but it’s a wonderful book to read a chapter or so at a time.

62. The Second Chance Supper Club by, Nicole Meier

* * * 1/2

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Amazon Prime members rejoice, this one is free on Amazon Prime and Kindle Unlimited! It’s a simple story, but very sweet. Two estranged sisters reunite during a trying time during both of their lives. I did wish for a bit more complexity and more food descriptions, but overall, it was a really charming and sweet read.

63. Kindred by, Octavia Butler

* * * * *

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Okay. This was a tough read. This was the first time I couldn’t put a book down purely just because I wanted it to be over. I didn’t want to live in that world anymore. Kindred tells the story of Dana, a modern day women of mixed race, who somehow finds herself transported from her home in California to the antebellum South. She’s there to protect one of her white ancestors, who is also a slave owner.

While the book is definitely a cleaned up version of what actually happened during that time period, it’s still so so so painful to read. What made it the most painful is that even though the book is fiction, these things really did happen. This type of horror really did exist, even at the hands of “good people”. It really showed how easy it is for the both the abuser and the abused to fall into their roles, because it’s a society norm.

What made the book even more painful to read was that it’s told from an intimate first person perspective. While I didn’t enjoy this read, I was captivated the whole way through. It’s fast moving and well written. It’s a very important book to read and made me realize that not every book is for “enjoyment”. Highly recommend this one.

64. How To Raise a Reader by, Maria Russo and Pamela Paul

* * * * *

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I do realize how ridiculous it is that I read parenting books and I’m not even pregnant. I do work with kids though, so there’s my excuse. This was a book I couldn’t WAIT to get my hands on! How to raise a reader has always been a topic that’s been of importance to me and this book broke it down so amazingly well. Each chapter delves into a particular stage of life and includes tips and strategies, what not to do, types of books to look for and not look for, and book recommendations. As a behavior analyst, I really appreciated their objective and concrete tips. Whether you’re a parent, someone who works with kids, or a lover of children’s lit, this is a fantastic resource. This book seriously got me so excited about reading to my future kids. 

65. The Bride Test by, Helen Hoang 

* * * * 

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Easy breezy “chick lit” novel, but with a cultural twist. Khai prides himself on having no feelings and being incapable of love. His family thinks otherwise. They know that Khai’s diagnosis of Autism means that he processes emotions differently, but he’s capable of love and shows it in meaningful ways to his family. His mother decides to go to Vietnam and bring him home a wife. I loved how this book read like a fluffy novel, but touched on complex themes. It’s a book that makes you think, without you realizing that you’re thinking, haha. Be sure to read the author’s note at the end. Her inspiration for why she wrote the book was a game changer for me and really made me see the entire story differently. 

66. All the Flowers in Paris by, Sarah Jio

* * * * *

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Sarah Jio is my comfort food author. I’ve read and loved every single one of her books, usually during hard times in my life. I now associate her books with coziness and comfort. Each and every single one of her books is completely different. She’s not one to pick a formula to revisit every time. Her latest novel, while not like anything she’s written before, is my favorite book formula – dual narrative set in Paris with a historical mystery. She does it so well and with with so much heart. I cried all the way through the end.

The Violets of March , Goodnight June , and The Last Camellia , and Blackberry Winter are a few of my other favorite Sarah Jio books, but again, I’ve loved ALL of her books

 

67. Happiness for Beginners by, Katherine Center 

* * * * 1/2

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Helen has just been through a nasty divorce and is planning a trip to Paris to heal, when her younger brother suggest a wilderness survival course. Despite that not being her thing at all, she decides to go for it. What ensues is messy, complicated, and thoroughly enjoyable to read as Helen discovers different aspects to herself. it’s a light breezy read that still poses interesting topics to ponder. 

68. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by, Gabrielle Zevin

* * * * *

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I loved this book so much, as I think most book lovers will. A . J . Fikry is a bookseller who is not in a good place. Book sales are down, he’s devastated after the death of his wife, and to be honest, he’s not really a big fan of people. When a baby is left at the bookstore, his life explodes in a million ways. I absolutely loved this story and loved that each chapter sends with a book rec and a short story from A . J. to the baby on why she’ll like it. 

69. The Unhoneymooners by, Christina Lauren 

* * * 1/2

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Olive is a bridesmaid in her twin sister’s wedding and she’s dreading having to spend time with the groom’s brother, Ethan. When food poisoning strikes almost all the wedding guests except for Olive and Ethan, they take on the bride and groom’s honeymoon. The only catch? They have to be pretend to be married. This book is fun and fast paced. I enjoyed the read, but it’s not a memorable one for me.

70. Own the Day, Own Your Life: Optimized Practices for Waking, Working, Learning, Eating, Training, Playing, Sleeping, and Sex by, Aubrey Marcus

* * * * *

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I loved this book because there is a WEALTH of knowledge jam packed into each chapter. This is a book you pay attention to and take notes, there’s almost no fluff. As someone who listens to TONS of podcasts, I recognized how much research went into all of Aubrey’s recommendations. Aubrey walks readers through the elements of an ideal day from food, sleep, work, and play. He gives tips on how to up level each experience and recommends non negotiable people should strive for. Aubrey’s premise is that a well lived day, repeated thousands of times, is what makes up an extraordinary life. Whether you agree with everything he says or not, find his style off putting or not, you’re sure to walk away with some sort of inspiration to add to your daily routine. 

71. When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by, Daniel Pink

* * * 1/2

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This is a really interesting read on the importance of following your body clock, with some pretty findings. Overall, I took away some great tips on the power of timing, but I was pretty bored listening to this book. 

72. Next Year in Havana by, Chanel Cleeton

* * * * *

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Oh I loved this book so much. Chanel is a beautiful writer and the story kept me turning the pages. The story beautifully illustrates the pain and longing that comes with exile, when you don’t truly belong anywhere, but are yearning for a possibility. I think anyone who comes from a country that has experienced conflict will be able to relate on a deep level. I also learned more about Cuba that I didn’t previously know. 

73. The Book Charmer by, Karen Hawkins

* * * * 

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This is seriously such a charming book with just a hint of magical realism. Sarah Dove is a librarian in the small southern town of Dove Pond. She’s also had the ability to “hear” books. They tell her things and they tell her who needs to read them. One day, a new family arrives to town and Sarah’s favorite book tells her that this person is going to help save the town. It’s such an enjoyable read and so heartwarming! 

74. The Kiss Quotient by, Helen Hoang

* * * 

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Stella Lane is obsessed with math and her job. She’s awkward in social settings and doesn’t enjoy dating. Stella is also on the Autism Spectrum. After a series of failed romantic encounters and her mother pressuring her to have a baby, she decides to hire a male escort to teach her how to be in a relationship. I loved the premise of this book, but didn’t love the execution. I felt it lacked in character development and the characters were one dimensional and often irritating. There was also just way too much sex for my taste, especially at times when it just seemed gratuitous and not intended for the story line. I much preferred the author’s next book, The Bride Test, which I thought had a bit more complexity and the sex scenes actually served the story line. 

75. This Is How It Always Is by, Laurie Frankel

* * * * * – One of my faves!

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One of the best fiction books I’ve read this year. It’s so beautiful written and gives you a lot to think about. This book touches on so many complex topics, making it the perfect book club read. Rosie and Penn are parents to 5 kids and as happens with parenting, forced to make some impossible decisions. One such decision, has the family keeping a giant secret. The title comes from the idea that parents often have to make terrifyingly important decisions about their kids with not enough information. I’m purposefully not giving away a lot of details here, because I think this is a nice book to go into blind and let the story unfold for you, but you can always look up a book synopsis. Trust me on this one, read it. If you’re part of a book club, read it with your book club. 

76. The Turn of the Key by, Ruth Ware

* * * 

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This isn’t really my preferred book genre, as I find most of them to be somewhat forgettable. I enjoyed this book and read it in a night, as it’s a fast paced page turner, but nothing crazy special unless you like this genre. It’s gripping, slightly creepy, and I loved the role the modern Victorian home played in the plot. The ending made me sad. 

77. The Flatshare by, Beth O’Leary

* * * 

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Another enjoyable, but kind of forgettable read. When I read fluffy books, I like them to have some sort of substance or food for thought, and I didn’t feel that way with this book. That being said, I read way more romance this year than I normally do and I may have just been over it. It’s a very unique story line and fun for when you just need a happy ending.

 

78. Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by, Heather Webber

* * * * 1/2

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A charming and very cozy book of southern fiction with a hint of magical realism. I loved this tale of family, community, and the power of forgiveness.

79. Royal Holiday by, Jasmine Guillory

* * * * 

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I read a lot more romantic fiction this year than I normally do and this one stood out to me. It’s a fun and quick read, I read it in an evening. What I especially loved is that the main characters aren’t your typical types for a romantic comedy. They are an older black couple. This was really well done!

80. Christmas in Vermont by, Anita Hughes

* * * 

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Think Hallmark Christmas movie in the form of a book. Nothing memorable here, but a cozy holiday read. I read it while I wasn’t feeling well and finished it in an evening. Satisfying in the way a Hallmark Christmas movie is. Read it if you like that kind of thing. Nothing life changing, but lovely.

81. Christmas Shopaholic by, Sophia Kinsella

* * * 1/2

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I loved the Shopaholic series years ago and decided to pick up the latest book when I was looking for Christmas books. If you’re familiar with the Shopaholic series, then you know Becky never disappoints. She’s full of heart and I love her tenacious spirit. If you’re never read a Shopaholic book, start with the first one. After that, you don’t need to read them in order. This was one of my favorites in the series. It was funny, charming, and the perfect light hearted read for the holiday season.

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What a wonderful reading year! Here’s to many more amazing books in 2020!

Check out my top favorites of 2019 shop here