2019 Book Review

I do most of my reading (ok, listening of audio books via the OverDrive library app) during my commute to work. This year I listened to 34 books.

If you are looking for your next book to read or a holiday gift, here are 10 that stood out for me in 2019 (in no particular order):

1. In Pieces by Sally Field | What an honest portrayal of her circumstances and understanding of who she is as a person.
2. Stories I Only Tell My Friends: An Autobiography by Rob Lowe | So many interesting stories shared with kindness.
3. Becoming by Michelle Obama | Inspiring and honest glimpse into not only her life as FLOTUS; but the life of a daughter, sister, student, wife, working parent, friend, and so much more.
4. What Made Maddy Run: The Secret Struggles and Tragic Death of an All-American Teen by Kate Fagan | Opened my eyes, really hit home, this story will stay with you. Read this to understand the impact of anxiety and depression. And please read this to remember Maddy.
5. Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth by Sarah Smarsh | A compelling and interesting read, filled with facts and history on poverty in America.
6. The Other Einstein: A Novel by Marie Benedict | I was drawn into this historical fiction account of Einstein’s wife and her intellect and contributions to the work he is known for. The life of a woman who may not have received her due credit—living in the shadow of the man she loved.
7. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens | It felt like everyone was reading, talking, and raving about this book. Me too, it was a page turner that I really enjoyed.
8. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides | Another page turner, it was more than the British accent of the narrator that kept me wanting to listen long after I arrived at my destination.
9. Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate | A beautifully written story about a young Sudanese refugee that captures with honesty and humor what it is like to be an immigrant in America. I am going to read this with my children.
10. Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou | I was late to read this book. Glad I finally read this and watched the HBO documentary. The power of a cult of personality and the courage of whistle-blowers.

If you are curious about the 24 other books I read this year, check out my bookshelves on Goodreads.

What books are you still thinking about? Please share your recommendations + favorites in the comments.

This post reflects my personal views. It is not necessarily a reflection of the official views of my employer.