2019 was a big year for me – reading-wise. I joined my first book club, got a library card and joined Goodreads. Soooo yeah, a big BIG year. In total I read 32 books – some were good, some great and some I’d rather not remember.
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One. Daisy Jones & the Six. In the running for my favorite book of the year. The audio book draws you in- they have a different voice for every character. Daisy Jones & the Six is a Fleetwood Mac-esque story line that delivers.
Two. The Hate U Give. This is a good book that brings the controversial topics of Black Lives Matter to a Fictional narrative. Great book to read in a book club to allow you a platform to talk about your thoughts using fiction.
Three. Then She Was Gone. I’m obsessed with Crime Podcasts – and this book gave me the thrill I was needed. I can’t talk more about it with out giving spoilers – but it’s a good one.
Four. Harry Potter Series . I can’t believe this is my first time finishing the full Harry Potter Series. I listed to the whole series while training for the marathon and loved every hour of it.
Five. Educated. INTERESTTINGG, heartbreaking memoir about a girl born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho and how she survived in a modern world.
Six. The Whisper Network. A fictional look into the Me Too Movement. Takes you through the life of a victim and the true life events they walk through when apart of an investigation. Fictional story adds some color and far fetched ideas – but still a great book. Would be great to add to a book club reading list.
Recommended Books:
– From the Corner of the Oval: A Memoir by Beck Dorey- Stein – Interesting look into the life of a White House Staffer.
– The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang – A different kind of love story, but very well written.
– Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman – A very different type of story compared to what I’ve previously read. Would highly recommend.
– Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me [And Other Concerns] by Mindy Kaling- I’ve read this over 5 times – perfect beach read.
– Crazy Rich Girlfriend Series. Loved the movie – loved the book. The series left me wanting more – so waiting for the 4th book, Kevin 🙂
– Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly. The story of three women and how their lives connect during World War II.
– The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. The Alice Network was a group of courageous men and women who infiltrated the German lines in rural France during World War II.
– The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. Heather Morris takes you through the Non-Fiction story of the Tattooist of Auschwitz.
– All We Ever Wanted by Emily Griffith – I cant remember details about the book, but I remember loving it – so that’s a good sign.
Wouldn’t Recommend:
– Girl, Wash your Face by Rachel Hollis – I think you are either a Rachel Hollis girl, or not, I fall into the latter. Her type of motivational speaking is a big turn off for me. If you’re looking to read it – let me know, you can have my copy.
– One More Thing by B.J. Novak – Man this was bad. I listened to it and the whole time you felt like a joke was building and/or about to hit – and it never did. Save your time.
– The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Megan Mallay – I really like her and her husband, but this book just felt weird. It was written like a podcast, which I dig – but it felt like they were trying to shoot for the moon on every joke.
2019 Reading List:
– From the Corner of the Oval: A Memoir by Beck Dorey-Stein
– The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
– Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
– Educated by Tara Westover
– Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
– Girl, Wash your Face by Rachel Hollis
– Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
– Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
– One More Thing by B.J. Novak
– Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? [And Other Concerns] by Mindy Kaling
– Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
– China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan
– Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan
– Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
– The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
– The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
– Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple
– All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin
– Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick
– Open by Andre Agassi
– Magic For Liars by Sarah Gailey
– The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
– Whisper Network by Chandler Baker
– Bear Town by Fredrik Backman
– The Greatest Love Story Every Told by Megan Mullally
– Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
– Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K Rowling
– Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
– Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
– Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
– Harry Potter and the Half- Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
– Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Sarah Elsea 