The Best 10 Books I Read in 2019
I didn’t exactly hit my Goodreads goal. But I tried, and here are the best 10 that I ended up reading, and why they’re included in the list.
10. I Owe You One, Sophie Kinsella
I picked this up from my local library on a whim. It was in the “lucky day” section — new and/or popular releases that might be difficult to come across otherwise. I read the back, thought it interesting enough, and found myself hooked.
It’s a light and romantic read, but I finished it within a few days. I think the characters are likable, the story moves quickly, and leaves you on an edge wanting more each time. I even bought a copy for my mom for her birthday.
9. Talking to My Daughter About the Economy, Yanis Varoufakis
This one’s another library story. I picked it up from a display near the front — this time at my school’s library — because I was going to be taking economics the following year and I thought I’d get a jump start on some knowledge.
If the title scares you, don’t worry. It’s called “Talking to My Daughter” for a reason. Varoufakis literally writes this book to his daughter, explaining various economic concepts with examples from pop culture (The Matrix being one example). Very readable and very informative!
8. Boy Erased, Garrard Conley
The first of three memoirs on this list. You may have heard of this book in the context of its recently released film adaptation, and although I have not seen it, I can say confidently that the book was better. Conley writes about his trauma in a fascinating waltz of disconnected and in-the-moment, and we all have something to learn from his story. Haunting and hopeful, I deeply enjoyed this book.
7. Becoming, Michelle Obama
I know you’ve heard of this one. You’ve likely even read it! Michelle Obama’s highly anticipated book, Becoming, lives up to the praise. Her story is unique and powerful, and her voice is truly captivating. And although (spoiler alert!) I’m very disappointed to know she and Barack walked out of Les Mis during intermission, I loved Obama’s prominent voice throughout her story.
6. The Diary of A Young Girl, Anne Frank
This may be the most surprisingly compelling work on this list. I picked up The Diary of A Young Girl at Barnes and Noble, because I saw it on sale and I’d always wanted to read it. I finished it within about a week.
Anne’s writing is compelling and reflective. Watching her grow up, fall in love, learn more about herself and others, and describe the Nazi occupation with more and more wisdom throughout the book is inspiring and heartbreaking. This is something I truly feel everyone should read.
5. Educated, Tara Westover
I read this after my mom had finished it, and her raving review (from a person who doesn’t read much) was definitely enough to motivate me to pick it up right away. The story flies by, and you will find yourself in various states as Tara’s journey progresses. To name a few: shocked, saddened, scared, bewildered, and hopeful.
4. The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood
This is an old book, indeed, but 2019 was the first year I had read it. The writing can be seen as quite difficult (one Goodreads reviewer rants about the limited use of quotation marks, although I believe they’re an important stylistic choice), and the subject matter is heavy at best. However with everything going on in America today, it’s more important than ever to understand how such a corrupt and sickening government could come to power.
3. A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini
This was a book for a class, and I loved every minute of it. I did cry at the end, which is something that I rarely do while reading. But truly, it’s beautiful and heartbreaking and meaningful. A powerful story about how women come together even in the darkest of patriarchies. Also, Hosseini’s other books are excellent and worth the read.
2. The Boys in the Boat, Daniel James Brown
This is one book that I can definitively say changed my life (which you’re more than welcome to read about in my article here). The short version is that it inspired me to learn more about crew, and I am now a full-time, official rower on a local team, after not having done a sport for 5 years.
This book is eloquently written, and surprisingly engaging. During the races, it felt like my eyes were glued to a page. I could see the entire stage in front of me: the lake, the boys, the boats, the finish line. I’ve described it to many like watching a movie. A powerful book with a powerful protagonist.
1. All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr
And finally, my number-one book of my year. In fact, its my favorite book of all time. It’s beautiful and alive, each page absolutely breathes with excellence. A novel incredibly worthy of its Pulitzer, this is a book I will never stop recommending.
The story follows a girl and a boy as they grow up opposite in Germany and France through the rise and fall of the Nazi regime. You will love them, you will learn with them, and you will mourn for them. It took me months to read, and it was so worth it. I was heartbroken when it was over, and desperate to re-live everything again. Do yourself a favor, and read their (fictional) story.
