Best 9 of 39 books from 2019

If you know me, you know I love to read- for work, for book club, while I am drying my hair in the mornings (#notkidding). I love consuming content. In addition to reading, I get a weekly news magazine, listen to podcasts while running and enjoy Netflix documentaries (bonus below). I love being a go-to person when someone is looking for something to read. Looking back through Kindle was a great way to remember 2019. I can remember where I was reading various books, which ones stayed with me and which ones were 'reading-palate-cleaners' aka beach reads. :) Read on for the top 9 that I found myself suggesting again and again throughout the year.

Bad Blood - I couldn't put down this true story that reads like a novel. I was both disgusted and amazed by the deceit and willingness to be deceived that made the story of Theranos and Elizabeth Holmes.

Educated- I was amazed by Tara Westover's memoir. Besides having to overcome an extreme childhood to receive an education, she essentially had to make a decision to leave behind her entire faith, foundation and family in pursuit of her own truth.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone- This story is by a therapist receiving therapy. Entertaining and introspective, I even drew the parallel of what it's like to be a marketer marketing to marketers. It's a tangled web of strategy and anxiety.

An American Marriage- I was a little late to reading this one. I truly hope this will become a mandatory reading classic- it should. Tayari Jones holds her own up to John Steinbeck.

The Success Cadence- I might not have found this one if I hadn't known the Atlanta author, Bart Fanelli. This became a great reference framework for our Arke team to leverage.

The Girl Who Smiled Beads- I've been fascinated by Rwanda ever since reading Madeline Albright's Madame Secretary, in which she writes that not intervening was one of her life's greatest regrets. This memoir of surviving genocide only further cements this tragedy. (and now I want to go read Madame Secretary again!)

Maid- It's so easy to take for granted being anywhere on the middle class spectrum. I still recall what an eye opening read Nickel and Dimed was and Maid drives the point home for 2019. It's a hell of a lot easier to fall behind than it is to stay ahead.

The Hate U Give- I first took my daughter to see the movie, then had to read the book. This book highlights challenges that minorities face that non-minorities could never imagine.

Talking to Strangers- Malcolm Gladwell never fails to take any topic and turn it on its head. This time he makes a case that the reason we can be deceived so easily is actually a survival mechanism. Interestingly, this read made me think back to reading Bad Blood and reconsider those that were so willingly deceived by Elizabeth Holmes.

Bonus! The most interesting documentary I watched was on the FYRE Festival. My takeaway was both the power and danger of social media and influencers.

Please share your favorite reads and help me build my 2020 reading list!