The Best Books I Read in 2019

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In the spirit of reflection, I’m sharing my top 10 books that I couldn’t put down last year. Some are new and some are old but they are all fabulous reads that either entertained, educated and/or made me cry. Read on for my favorite books in 2019!

I’m a huge fan of reading and always have been, but I don’t usually blog about them; I leave that stuff to the book experts!

But 2019 was a fabulous year for reading for me, mainly because I have a nursing baby. Breastfeeding has always been my excuse to sit and put my feet up for a few minutes multiple times a day and a good book makes those minutes even more precious. I managed to read 42 books last year and was pretty proud of that, considering everything else that’s on my plate.

If you’d like to keep track of all the books I read and share your own recommendations, let’s be friends on Goodreads!

1. Every Note Played (Lisa Genova) – Two of this author’s books made my list this year and both were simultaneously heartbreaking and joyful. This one follows the life of a world-renowned pianist who loses the use of his hands (and subsequently his entire body) to ALS.
2. Still Alice (Lisa Genova) – The other Genova book I read this year tells the story of a 50-something Alzheimer’s patient who gradually loses her ability to work professionally, recognize her husband and live the life she loves. Hauntingly beautiful.
3. Things You Save in a Fire (Katherine Center) – This book was a delightful and funny look into the lives of paramedic firefighters and the battle to be a respected female in a male-dominated profession.
4. Echo (Pam Muñoz Ryan) – This was actually my second time reading Echo (this time for a book club) and I enjoyed it just as much as the first time! Don’t be put off by the bizarre fairy-tale beginning; the rest of the book only contains a few small fantastical elements.
5. Since You’ve Been Gone (Morgan Matson) – I was really nervous that this was going to end up being a trashy, sex-filled YA story with no real plot but was pleasantly surprised! It includes some cute romance and dramatic self-discovery. Might have been the most fun of all my 2019 picks!
6. Daring Greatly (Brené Brown) – I’ve been a fan of Brown’s TED talks for years but this is the first of her books for me. It might be the best self-help book I’ve read, ever. It made me analyze my life and how I utilize shame, blame and vulnerability in ways I’d never before considered.
7. Dreamland Burning (Jennifer Latham) – A beautiful tale of racial tension and belonging wrapped up in an engaging murder mystery!
8. Shoe Dog (Phil Knight) – I’m confident that this is the best business memoir I’ve ever read, period. Knight is the founder of global brand Nike and his professional life story (from peddling cheap Japanese shoes to becoming an overnight billionaire when the company went public) is just fascinating. It made me laugh, gasp and cheer for this underdog and his success.
9. Girl, Stop Apologizing (Rachel Hollis) and
10. Girl, Wash Your Face (Rachel Hollis) – Both of Hollis’s motivational books were well worth the hype, if you ask me. Some may not agree, but if you’re looking to reach some lofty dreams and need a motivational butt-kicking, Rach is your girl. I highly recommend both via audiobook since they’re read by the author.

Don’t forget to catch up on all my favorite books in 2019 (including the other two favorites in the picture above that almost made the list) on Goodreads.

I’d love to see your recommendations too!