The best books I read in 2019
2019 has been a bit of a crazy year for me. There have been curve balls and life changes, lightbulb moments and new discoveries, and it’s safe to say that I’m ending the year in quite a different place than I started it.
But one thing that has remained consistent throughout 2019 has been my love of reading. This is the year that I well and truly got my book-loving bug back, and I can’t tell you how much joy it’s brought me. What started as a little challenge to read 52 books over the course of 52 weeks turned into a full blown literary love affair, and as I write this blog post for you in mid-December, I’ve just finished reading my 85th book of 2019!
I’ve been sharing my reads over on Instagram (I have a 2019 books highlight if you’d like to have a little nosey), but for today I thought I’d share a little round up of the best books I’ve read this year. It was a struggle to narrow down the highlights, but these are the books that have stayed with me the most.
I’ve separated them into fiction, memoir and non-fiction, so hopefully there’s something that tickles your fancy. Enjoy!
fiction
I read the majority of this book whilst sat on a beach in the sunshine on the Isle of Skye back in April, and just thinking of that afternoon spent getting lost in this novel puts a huge smile on my face. This book is incredibly heartwarming, but rich and full of character too. 8 months on after reading it I still think a lot about the themes of community, loneliness and friendship, and I know I’ll want to come back to this book again in the future.
I read a lot of novels this year about young women figuring out life, but I think this is the one that resonated with me the most. It follows three women in their early thirties who have known each other since university, and explores what happens when life doesn’t live up to the expectations you had when you were young. It was so well written, and I love how wove in themes of motherhood, class and love, as well as friendship.
Daisy Jones & The Six - Taylor Jenkins Reid
If Instagram is anything to go by then every man and their dog have already read this book, but I couldn’t not include it in this list as it was one of my faves! Daisy Jones & the Six tells the story of a fictional 70s rock band (who are apparently loosely based on Fleetwood Mac), recording their hit album, and all the drama that comes with it. The storytelling was so unique, but I swear I felt like I was in the studio in California with them as I devoured the pages.
This book was so incredibly well written that I could hardly believe it was a debut novel. I don’t want to share too much here in case I give anything away, but I think this is one of the most moving accounts of trauma and it’s after effects that I’ve read to date. I also loved the detail with which the characters were built (I swear I could hear their voices in my mind they were so clear), and the exploration of key topics such as class, privilege and truth.
Before I dive into this one, I’ll admit - if it hadn’t been chosen for the book club I attend, I would never have picked up this book. But do you know what? It ended up being one of my absolute fave reads of the year! A feminist retelling of some of the Odyssey, this is a novel filled with myth, magic and the power of motherhood. It was one of the only books this year that I felt completely absorbed by, and I’d thoroughly recommend it, even if (like me!), you’re not sure it’s your bag.
memoir
How to Fail: Everything I’ve Learned From Things Going Wrong - Elizabeth Day
I have adored Elizabeth Day’s podcast, How to Fail, since the very first episode, so when I heard that she was writing a memoir with the same title, I immediately pre-ordered it. I wasn’t disappointed - Day is so generous with her experiences and perspectives, and reading this inspired me to challenge my perfectionist tendencies - failure is an essential part of success, and taking a risk every now and then is essential for growth.
I know this topped a lot of lists last year, but I only got round to reading it this summer. I’m so glad I did, as this is hands down one of the most moving books I’ve ever read. Westover tells the tale of her remarkable upbringing as the daughter of Mormon fundamentalist parents, and how she eventually escapes in order to educate herself. It truly is an incredible story of self-invention, struggle and identity.
Hands down the best memoir I read this year, and one I think will stay with me for a very long time. In My Name is Why, poet Lemn Sissay recounts the story of his childhood - separated from his mother as a baby, taken in by a seemingly loving foster family, before spending six years being passed from care home to care home. This is a powerful and heart breaking read, but told with all of the lyricism and beauty you would expect from a renowned poet.
The Shepherd’s Life: A Tale of the Lake District - James Rebanks
This is another book on my list that I didn’t think was my kinda thing, but ended up loving all the same (perhaps a nudge to keep diversifying the genres I read in 2020?). I actually read this book while on holiday in the Lake District in spring, but I think the evocative descriptions and stories of a way of life passed down through the generations would have had me devouring it even if that wasn’t the case. It gave me such a huge respect for the farming industry and the families whose lives are shaped around it, and also made me think a lot about tourism, too.
Once More We Saw Stars - Jason Greene
I’ll admit this was a difficult read in parts for me, with some situations and themes hitting very close to home, but I’m so, so glad that I read it. It’s one of the most inspiring and uplifting accounts of grief I’ve ever read, and it was cathartic to see so many of my own emotions and experiences reflected on the page. Once More We Saw Stars is a story of loss, hope, strength and surrender, and I’m so glad that Jason Green decided to share it with the world.
non-fiction
Have you ever had the experience of books finding you exactly when you need them? That’s what happened for me with Daring Greatly. I’ve had this on my “to read” pile for years, but when I finally got round to picking it up in April, it was divine timing. This book really challenged my perspective around vulnerability and success, and looking back now, I can see it inspired so much of the work I’ve done this year, too. A great read for anyone looking to prioritise joy.
Girl, Wash Your Face - Rachel Hollis
I haven’t seen this book advertised much here in the UK, but when we went to New York back in June, it was everywhere. I devoured it while we were there, and would love to return to it again soon. It’s full of practical advice, new perspectives and moments of clarity that definitely inspired a few light bulb moments of my own! The follow up, Girl, Stop Apologizing is also great if practical goal setting advice is your bag.
Big Dreams, Daily Joys - Elise Blaha Cripe
Speaking of goal setting, the best book I read on the topic this year was Big Dreams, Daily Joys by Elise Blaha Cripe. Not only is this book beautifully designed, it’s absolutely jam-packed with time management tips and action inspiring wisdom to help you turn those “someday” dreams and goals into your current reality. I’ve put so much of the advice into action in my own life with good success, and I’ve also shared snippets with my clients.
Purpose: Find Your Truth and Embrace Your Calling - Jessica Huie
Purpose is a subject that really fascinates me, and one that shows up time and time again in my line of work, and so when Amazon suggested this book for me, I knew I’d find it interesting. It really resonated with me on so many levels, but I particularly loved how Jessica Huie articulated her own purpose, and how she found the courage to pursue it after many years of corporate success. A great read for anyone craving something more, but not sure about how that looks just yet.
This book isn’t really like any of the others in this section, but it doesn’t fit into memoir or fiction either, and I knew it had to make it to my best books of 2019 list. Three Women is unlike anything I’ve ever read before, and articulates female desire, expectations and unmet needs in a way that is completely unique and boundary breaking. There’s a reason it’s been top of the bestseller lists all year.
What have you been reading this year? I’d love to hear your favourite books of 2019 so that I can add them to my “to read” list!
