I read 115 books this year. Of that 115, 26 were rereads.
Why do I reread? Well in some cases it’s because a new book in a series has
come out after a few years and so, to remember where it left off, I’ll reread
the series or the last couple of books, it just depends. Also, I reread certain
books at night, in bed, while waiting for my sleeping concoction to take me
away. I read something I already know so that it doesn’t keep me up. Honestly,
I read each Harry Potter book and the Hunger Games Series, every year. FYI: A
new book is coming out from Suzanne Collins in 2020, related to the Hunger Games.
Finally, I reread for book club.
Sometimes, a book I read years ago is finally an available book at the
library and I do try to choose books for book club that are available in 2 out
of 3 formats from the library. I do a lot of research on this.
Now, On to my favorite books of the year:
Fiction:
1.
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger - Just a beautiful book really. I couldn't put it down. I wanted to turn back around and read it again. I will. Eventually
2.
A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum - I read this book because of #ReadWithJenna and came to find out that Etaf Rum is an NC State Grad (Go Wolfpack!). She also runs a book and coffee shop in Rocky Mount, NC called Books and Beans I wanted to make this Number 1 and it would have been if not for This Tender Land. How do we learn about other cultures, religions? By reading books like this! This book is on my list of books to read for book club next year. Thus, a reread in 2020.
3.
Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas - For Fantasy lovers - This is the seventh and last book in The Throne of Glass Series. This book is THAT fantasy, with Fae folk, shape shifters, and more types of fantastical beings with superpowers. Not gonna lie, it also has some hot romances going on. I was in shock when I put it down not even knowing where to go. I didn't know what to read that would ever jog me out of the fog I'd been in. It was that good. Thankfully, I read it at the beginning of the year and was able to take a quick break. I probably dove in and out of some books before finally finding a new read.
4.
The Gown by Jennifer Robson - Not sure what I expected but it wasn't this. And I liked it!
5.
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid - This book recommendation came from Reese Witherspoons book club, Hello Sunshine. Solid book. I loved the way it was written, like interviews with rock stars. Quick read despite the page count.
6.
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult - A book club attendee mentioned some Jodi Picoult. I remembered that when this one came out I had a hard time getting it from the library. I finally got it and was amazed. Another eye opener.
7.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides - Every blog I encountered, every book site/place I went to was talking about this book. As a "follower" I took the bait and I'm glad I did. Great suspense read.
8.
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead - I think I liked this better than The Underground Railroad. While not a "true" story, it is based on the real story of a reform school in Florida. I am no longer amazed at the horrors of our country. This was a tear jerker.
9.
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane - Another book that appeared everywhere over the internet and for good reason. Really great story telling.
10.
Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner - I've read a few JW novels but a coworker was reading this one and said I should give it a try. I did. I enjoyed this a lot better than some others that I've started.
Non-Fiction:
1.
The Daily Stoic: The Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance,and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday - I needed to find some perspective this year and this book helped greatly. I enjoyed waking up every day to read a new thought.
2.
The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of FredRogers by Maxwell King - Name dropping here but Fred Rogers spoke at my college graduation in 1996 and he was awesome. I'll never forget it just like I'll never forget watching his show when I was younger.
3.
The Stranger in the Woods: The ExtraordinaryStory of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel - I never knew we had real true hermits until I read this book. As someone who oftentimes just wants to chuck it all and get away from civilized life I found this entertaining and sad.
4.
The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates - Powerful words and relevant.
5.
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon ValleyStartup by John Carreyou - If you want to make nothing out of nothing, read this book. Seriously. I still don't understand how so many famous and powerful people got duped. Well, I do see how in the beginning but at the end, no..no...no.
6.
We Were Eight Years in Power: An AmericanTragedy by Ta-Nehisi Coates - I like Ta-Nehisi and the way he writes. It's from the soul and from the mind and from life. This is a good intro to his writing. I cannot wait to read his novel, The Water Dancer, on tap for 2020.
7.
Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will toSurvive by Stephanie Land - Not gonna lie, I thought about becoming a maid for awhile. I kind of like cleaning but then realized, I hate cleaning bathrooms. Nope. Not gonna do it. I'm glad I didn't as it appears to be a lot harder than it looks. I don't have kids but can't imagine having to work like this while trying to raise children. Way to go!
8.
Lab Girl by Hope Jahren - Another book I couldn't seem to get away from found me in 2019. After a poll this became one of my book club's non-fiction reads for the year. I enjoyed it and found myself utterly enjoying a topic I knew nothing about and it involved...SCIENCE!
9.
The Fifth Risk by Michael Lewis - My Favorite "political" read this year. I don't like to read them often but if I do, I want something that goes fast but is informative and this was it.
10.
My Reading Life by Pat Conroy - A book about books and the man who loves reading and writing them. Beautiful writing. I've actually never ready anything else by him but I intend to.
See you next year! 2020 looks to be another great reading year for me. I hope it is for you too.
