These are most of the books I read in 2019, only ‘most’ are in this pile because I own two which I can’t find for the life of me, I even wonder if they have been donated. The others are new at the library and all checked out and I forgot to add one to the pile!
They are not a ‘best of’ selection as they are all the ones I read from the first page to the last. I don’t finish a book if I don’t like it, so these are those I liked (and finished). I remember them all except one and I have more favorites than not.
Where the Crawdad’s Sing by Delia Owens. I was late to this party as I didn’t really fancy it to be honest, but I am very happy that I eventually read it as I liked it, great characters helped by the main character’s talent for sketching and observing.
The Salt Path by Raynor Winn. This was a classic case of judging a book by it’s cover which is beautiful and the book is worth a read even though I did get a little irritated by the couple featured at times. I don’t usually read much non fiction but this has made me look more at the non fiction shelves.
Professor Chandra Follows his Bliss by Rajeev Balasubramanyam. This was an ‘in-between reads’ book. I had nothing to read as the books I was waiting for had not arrived and I needed a book right now, so I scoured the shelves at the library and this one popped out. It sounded ok, so I took it home, it was an entertaining read and a good ‘in between’ book.
The Psychology of Time Travel by Kate Mascarenhas. There was a lot of backwards and forwards in this book as you may well expect. It was well written and easy to keep up with all the characters and times, even though I did have to hop back a few times to establish the time we were in!
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley. Another ‘in between’ book found on the Waterstones website when I was looking for a ‘right now’ book. This is not at all the sort of book I usually read, I have no interest in the ‘who did it and why and when will we find out’ type of story and yet here I was with a classic whodunnit in my hands. I enjoyed it and it was a satisfying read. This was my last book of the year and it is set over New Year, so that was appropriate.
The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna by Juliet Grames. I enjoyed this book although I noted when I had finished ‘good, but quite bleak in parts’.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. I know, I know, late to the party doesn’t even count on this one, everyone had gone home to bed by the time I arrived! I read this beauty on holiday, in large print as that was all the local Cape Cod library had where we were staying and I loved it so much. It is crying out to be a film directed by Wes Anderson, I just hope someone is on this! Oh, I just did some looking on the Google-webs and it is going to be a mini series with Kenneth Branagh, I’ll take it!
Little by Edward Carey. This book caught my eye early in the year as it is written by the same man who wrote the ‘Iremonger’ series which my youngest son loved when he was about 10 or 11. I dove right in and loved it. It is a historical fiction novel about Madame Tussaud and her beginnings. It is just the right combination of dark, clever and historical for me.
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert. I grabbed this as soon as it landed on the library shelf and devoured it! The story romps along and the characters are wonderful and full of life. Another one which would make a fabulous film.
The Rosie Result by Graeme Simsion. I have read the other two Rosie/Don books so it was only good manners to read this one too. I liked it but didn’t love it.
Akin by Emma Donoghue. I spotted this on my director’s desk and was so happy to see a new book by Ms Donoghue. I love loved ‘The Wonder’ and couldn’t wait to read this new book. It was not disappointing, very good story and relatable characters.
Lost and Wanted by Nell Freudenberger. Ok this is the one, I saw it on my list of books read (I note them in my planner) and I don’t remember reading it! I looked at the synopsis on Amazon and yes I definitely read it as it did ring a bell, and I must have liked it otherwise I would not have finished it.
Fleishman is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner. I started this warily as I wasn’t sure it was my thing and I didn’t love the ending, but I did get to the ending! Liked it but didn’t love it. Don’t need a movie of this one…
The books not pictured but read are:
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. Loved this one, loved the cover, loved the story.
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern. I made notes from this book, wrote down quotes. I never ever do this but this was so visual and the story is astounding and wonderful and wondrous.
The Girl who saved the King of Sweden by Jonas Jonasson. I am the worst for owning a book and then never reading it which is how this book came to be on my shelf for so long before I read it. It is full of story and character, packed to the edges of each page with interesting stuff to read and story to follow. I couldn’t find it to add it to the pile which makes me think I donated it. I hope the next person to read it loves it too.
The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes by Ruth Hogan. This was the first book of the year and I liked it but not my favourite. Another one I owned and then donated (I think).
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson. Funny, clever, original and relatable. Such a good book.
Queeny Malone’s Paradise Hotel by Ruth Hogan. Almost my last book of the year and what a cracker, it is heartwarming but not sappy, the characters leap off the page and there are enough twists and turns to be interesting but not frustrating. I loved that it is set in Brighton, England which is somewhere I love!
That is my books of 2019, did you read some of the same ones? What did you read in 2019? I am always collecting book recommendations.
Happy Thursday x
Clare Davis Etheridge 