Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar by: Cheryl Strayed
I mentioned this one yesterday in my Top 10 Audiobooks of 2019, but this one is equally as good in print form! I began it on audiobook, but loved it so much I immediately ordered the book because there is so much I wanted to underline and remember. I absolutely love this book; it’s definitely an all-time favorite!
We Were the Lucky Ones by: Georgia Hunter
This was the first book I read in 2019 and it has totally stuck with me. Sarah had the author on her podcast and it prompted me to pick it up immediately! It’s an historical fiction novel that reads like memoir and I couldn’t put it down!
This was a reread for me and I loved it more the second time around. Tartt writes about grief so well. I also really enjoyed the plot much more this time; something about the book was easier for me to understand after having some background. It also may have helped that I hosted an online book club and we had some great insight and discussions to help us decipher the story. (This book is included in my post about grief.)
The Night Circus by: Erin Morgenstern
Another reread in anticipation of Morgenstern’s recent release, The Starless Sea (my review), I also appreciated this one much more the second time around. What I love about Morgenstern’s writing is her ability to create magical worlds that I want to immerse myself in. I thought the character and plot developement were a little flat, but the imagery she created made this one such a great atmosperic read! (Also, if you have to choose, I suggest The Night Circus over The Starless Sea!)
Americanah by: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Admittedly, it took me awhile to get into this one, but once I did I couldn’t put it down. This book forces the reader to think. I see this book being added to high school and college curriculum to better teach the nuances of issues like race and class privilege, racism, immigration and emigration. I think it will one day be classified as a modern classic – and for good reason!
I have never read Burroughs before (apparently he has quite a list of published books!), but this book was so well-written, I was engrossed in his story. In Dry, he talks about his struggles with sobriety, admitting himself to a rehab facility, and the loss of one of his closest friends. It’s raw and honest and I truly appreciate when an author can give the reader their heart and soul. Dry is one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read!
A Monster Calls by: Patrick Ness
This book was beautiful and good and so unexpectedly gorgeous! About cancer, caretaking, and grief, this book gave me all the feels. I know I will return to this quick read over and over again because it truly handles the topics and themes of grief so well. (I also included this on my post about grief.)
Dear America: Notes of an Undocutmented Citizen by: Jose Antonio Vargas
Vargas was brought to America as a young boy, but when he went to the DMV to get his learner’s permit for driving, he found out that all of his documentation was fake and he was not, in fact, a US citizen! This book gives detailed insight into America’s problematic immigration system. This read is timely given the situation on the US/Mexico border and I think all Americans (especially those in politics) need to read this book!
Waiting for Eden by: Elliot Ackerman
This book packs a punch in its small size. It’s a beautiful meditation on death, love, loyalty, guilt, and yearning. This book’s premise is unlike anything I’ve read before and Elliot Ackerman masterfully delivers. You’ll want to add this one to your TBR soon, if you haven’t read it already!
Next Year in Havana by: Chanel Cleeton
For some one who claims not to llove rereading books, I sure did a lot of it this year! TI’m happy to report that the rereading of this book held up! This gives the reader the most interesting Cuban history and Cleeton’s writing makes you feel like your walking along the seawall in Havana! Maybe my favorite historical fiction book ever, I can’t wait to revisit it again in the future!
There you have it…my top reads of backlist books in 2019. What books would you add to the list?
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