2019: My Favorite Books
At the start of 2019, I told myself my goal was to read at least one book a month. I have always loved reading but hadn’t really been allowing myself the time and space to just sit and be still and read —- and my sweet danged ol’ Lord there are just so many good books out there! I ended up reading 18 books this year and after I had a few people ask me for book recommendations I figured I would compile a list of my top favorite books fo 2019. List below (friendly reminder that images are clickable)
Please note some of the links below are affiliate links. I do make a small commission when links are used for purchasing products, however, all opinions are my own. Thanks for clickin and supportin.
TOP 5 FAVORITES (in no particular order):
Forever is the Worst Long Time by Camille Pagan
I LOVE this book, y’all. It is some of the best writing and one of the best stories I have read in a really long time. I finished the book with tears in my eyes and definitely plan on reading it again in 2020.
Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner
One of the most moving, honest, heartbreaking, funny memoirs I’ve ever read AND the author lives in Portland! This book will make you laugh, break your heart, and make you grateful for the life you live. Read this read this read this (trigger warning: sexual abuse does occur in this story)
Verity by Camille Pagan
I read this book in 24 hours. Yes, literally 24 hours. It is a PAGE TURNER. If you’re into thriller/mystery/murder books this one is for you 100%
Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
If you’re looking for a fun story that will keep you turning the pages, this book is a top fiction read of the year for me. They recently turned it into a movie so you know it’s good.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Listen, everyone RAVED about this book, and I really liked it, but I have to be honest in that with everyone going on and on about how good it was it almost made me feel as if I would have enjoyed it more if I would have gone in not known anything about. All of that to say, I still really enjoyed it. It’s a story about two young individuals experiencing the Nazi’s occupying Europe during WWII.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Normal People by Sally Rooney
The person who mailed me this book said it really focuses on the complexity of interpersonal relationships and she couldn’t have been more spot on. It was a great story about super interesting characters, their life stories, and how they continue to live with and affect each other as they grow up.
Crank by Ellen Hopkins
This one is an oldie but a goodie that I picked back up to read again this year. I will say it is a very intense (true) story about a mother losing her daughter to drug use, but is told from the daughters perspective. Interesting, very quick read, and is part of a six-part series if you’re into that kind of thing.
Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls
2019 was the year of memoirs for your girl L Simps and I really, truly enjoyed this book so much. It is written by the same author of The Glass Castle except this book is about her grandmothers upbringing, including pictures and all. Truly a lovely story.
While I Was Gone by Sue Miller
You know a book is good if it makes Oprah’s Book Club. I keep finding myself suggesting this book to friends who are looking for great writing and great storytelling. Written like a memoir, Sue Miller takes you on a crazy ride of life and loss and love and living freely because that’s what we were meant to do, I think. This book moved me deeply and I will be reading it again in the future.
Forever is the Worst Long Time 2. The Sound of Gravel 3. Verity 4. Where’d You Go, Bernadette 5. Crank 6. All the Light We Cannot See 7. Normal People 8. Half Broke Horses 9. While I Was Gone
There you have it, my friends. My favorite books of the 18 I read in 2019. If you love to read, I hope something on this list sticks out to you and you are as moved as I have been during this journey of rediscovering my love for reading. Until next time, nerds!
