My Favorite Books of 2019

In last years’ post with my favorites of the year, I mentioned that I track the books I read on Goodreads as well as in my handy handwritten book journal. To be honest, I’ve found it hard to keep up with my journal and find myself having to go back to add books from the last few weeks. I’m not sure if it’s because it’s a new habit or if it’s because sometimes I find it difficult to explain my feelings on a book and put if off until later. It may not stick with me as deeply as my favorites, but I find that each book means something a bit different to me and it’s difficult to always put that into words. My 2020 goal is to be more consistent with writing reviews right after finishing a book rather than the days or weeks I sometimes put it off. I’m hoping this will make me feel a bit more productive with my ever-growing to-read pile, or maybe being able to focus more on the books that really mean something.

Looking at my 2019 list, Goodreads once again came through with a quick snapshot of my year in books which is always fun to see. I read almost 34,000 pages this year, that’s insane! I do wish it summarized my top reads and worse reads though as it’ hard to scroll through so many books to see my ratings. But that’s a slight critique.

Now, here is the list of the books that I loved this past year, in no particular order. This year compared to last year didn’t give me as many 5 star or favorites, but I think I read the most 4 star books out of any year. I also read several very long books that delayed my to-be-read pile a bit, but they were so worth it.

What were your favorite reads this year? Did you also read any of the ones I listed below?

Click the book covers to read my full review and a synopsis of each book.

1. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

“F**k.” That’s what I said out loud after finishing this book. A bit uncouth, however that’s all my brain could fire off while dealing with the emotional upheaval of finishing this book. Because for 47 hours (I did an audio version and yes it was 2 full days, ~1,400 pages for those of you wondering), I was so thoroughly entertained and engrossed in the life and revenge of Edmond Dantes, I wasn’t sure what else to do or how to come back to reality. I even thought about starting it from the beginning right then and there, which is pretty telling.

2. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

This was my first five-star review of 2019. Where The Crawdads Sing is about strength, resiliency, loss, hope, love, loneliness, trust, determination; I could add a whole slew of other emotions this book hits on so perfectly and makes you feel right along with the main character, Kya. One of my favorite aspects of this book however, is the detailed poetic descriptions of the marsh that add to the overall atmosphere of the story.

3. In An Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire

Every time I get scared that the next installment in this Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire is going to be the one that tanks, I am shocked all over again that it is just as perfect as the last. Although not my favorite so far of the series, In an Absent Dream is still a beautiful fairy tale that truly captivated me from beginning to end.

4. Educated by Tara Westover

While reading this book, I went through so many strong emotions; anger, frustration, disbelief, shock, sympathy, heart-wrenching sadness and horror. Tara Westover so wonderfully depicted a harsh reality with such beautiful writing. I couldn't put this book down, and although it's a memoir, it read like a well-written novel; captivating me from start to finish.

5. A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza

Let me first start by saying I'm not a fan of family dramas and did not have this book on my to-read list specifically for that reason. I have tried reading many many family dramas in my past and I've only liked maybe 1 or 2, so I just know it's not my genre and to stay away. Well, this book got it right where so many other family dramas get it wrong.

6. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

I love Kristin Hannah’s writing style and have enjoyed many of her books, but The Nightingale had always been my favorite of hers. After reading The Great Alone, it is now a very close race. This novel was just so well written, I can’t really say enough positive things about it. I loved the atmosphere Kristin Hannah created. There is a wild beauty and almost comforting seclusion within Alaska’s landscapes.

7. and 8. Columbus Day and SpecOps by Craig Alanson

I’m really enjoying this series so far, they are a fantastic military Sci-Fi with plenty of action and plenty of comedy. Craig Alanson does an amazing job of world building and describing the several alien species introduced throughout this book.

9., 10. and 11. Shades of Magic series by V.E. Schwab; A Darker Shade of Magic, A Gathering of Shadows and A Conjuring of Light

It’s fitting that last year V.E. Schwab’s Villians series was on my favorites list and now her Shades of Magic Series is also on my favorites. Schwab has a wonderful way of creating complex characters and compelling fantasy worlds that are so real you feel like you could step through the pages and walk right alongside them. These characters, similar to Schwab's characters in the Villains series, are ones you find yourself continuously rooting for even when they are doing unsavory things such as stealing or smuggling. They are strong and badass but also complex enough that you can truly relate to their plights and emotions.