Books I Read in 2019
Posted on: January 13, 2020
- In: Books
- 79 Comments
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
― I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!
I joined the Goodreads Challenge last year and set my goal at 30 books. I was pleased to end the year having read 34. Many bloggers have listed the books they read in 2019, so I decided to do the same. I’ve included links to Goodreads where I’ve left a review for most of them. There may be some you´d like to read.
- Notes from a Small Dog by Sue Vincent
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Mennonite Daughter: The Story of a Plain Girl by Marian Longnecker Beaman
- The Magic Carpet by Jessica Norrie
- The Pilates Class by Stevie Turner
- Philomena by Christene A. Browne
- The Road by Cormack MacArthy
- Baggage by Wendy Phillips
- The Emissary 2:To Love Somebody by Marcia Meara
- Where or When by Anita Shreve
- The Coldest December: A Short Story Collection to Remember the Halifax Explosion
- Broken Mould by B. J. Darling
- Shooting Caterpillars in Spain by Alex Browning
- The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan
- The Emissary: A Riverbend Spinoff Novella by Marcia Meara
- The Storyteller Speaks by Annika Perry
- Coffin for Cash by Nic Morton
- All the Better Part of Me by Molly Ringle
- Partners in Time by Stevie Turner
- Understanding:An Anthology of True and Significant Life Events complied by Stevie Turner
- The Rise of Winter by Alex Lyttle
- The Moon is Wearing a Tutu by Joy Lennick and Eric Lennick
- From Ant to Eagle by Alex Lyttle
- Girl of Kosovo by Alice Mead
- The Gathering by Anne Enright
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
- Roam by C. H. Armstrong
- The Poet’s Dog by Patricha MacLaughlin
- Fire in the Vineyard by Christa Polkinhorne
- The Mystery of Shadow Hills by Carrie Cross
- The Big Book of If by Evelyn McFarlane
- Pure Trash by Bette A- Stevens
- Winter Draws On: Short stories by members of Writer´s Ink
- Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action by Darlene Foster
In 2019 I read many great books and a good variety. It´s hard to say which was my favorite but the top three would be, Becoming, Baggage and The Bonesetter´s Daughter. It´s just a coincidence they all start with B.
My goal for next year is 40. I will not live long enough to complete my TBR pile but I sure want to make a dent in it in 2020. Wish me luck.
Happy reading to all of you!!
79 Responses to "Books I Read in 2019"
January 13, 2020 at 5:25 am
I’ve set my own Goodreads Challenge at 52, though I think I’ll do more! I can’t create a list like you have done however, I tend to pick several in January then to feed off associated recommended books on Amazon or by the same author.
January 13, 2020 at 7:59 am
52 is a good amount. I will be surprised if I make 40. I could never make a list of what I plan to read, only what I have read. Like you, I often read books recommended or that I stumble upon in a charity shop. Although my own shelves are sagging with books I plan to read, eventually. Perhaps I should be more disciplined.
January 13, 2020 at 5:40 am
That’s quite a list, Darlene! Err – the only one I recognised was ‘Amanda in Holland’! I know – I should get out more… 🙂
January 13, 2020 at 8:00 am
I hesitated to put my book on the list but I have read it, many times! I was pleased it was the one you recognized.
January 13, 2020 at 5:47 am
Wow, that’s an impressive list. I managed about 9 last year, aiming for about 10 – 15 this year.. I struggle with time,
January 13, 2020 at 8:02 am
NIne is much better than none. I have had years when I only read a couple of books.I’m retired now, so I should be able to get more reading in. Alas, time is always an issue.
January 13, 2020 at 5:50 am
Terrific list – nice mix, and as always, you support your bellow bloggers! Bravo and here’s to an exciting 2020!
January 13, 2020 at 8:04 am
Thanks, John. I do try to mix it up and I love to support my fellow bloggers as they support me.
January 13, 2020 at 6:22 am
Thanks so much for sharing your list! I have only read two of the ones you have. Thanks for other titles for me to look into!
January 13, 2020 at 6:42 am
I have Steven Pressfield’s book on my Kindle. Loved several of his others.
January 13, 2020 at 8:06 am
My publisher sent it to me as a Christmas gift. It was perfect and came just at the right time. A book every writer needs. I know you will like it.
January 13, 2020 at 6:48 am
Noble goal – kudos from reaching reading (and writing) goals. I’m putting some of these books on my to-read list. Thanks, Darlene!
January 13, 2020 at 8:08 am
I was pleased that I met my goal. The year before I only read 28 books. I was happy to be able to put your book on the list. Happy Reading in 2020. xo
January 13, 2020 at 7:13 am
I’ve read a few of those on your list. Good to see you read your own book. 😉 Isn’t it a thrill to actually turn the pages of our own books? Nothing like it.
January 13, 2020 at 8:11 am
I hesitated to add my book, although Goodreads did. But then I decided I did read it, many times over the year, so it should count. In fact, I probably have it memorized!
January 13, 2020 at 8:14 am
Such a great list! Thanks for sharing! So many I need to add to my list.
January 13, 2020 at 8:16 am
Thanks, there are some good ones on the list. I got some off of your list too. Now to carve out some time to read more.
January 13, 2020 at 8:37 am
The Coldest Winter caught my eye. When I was researching my grandmother’s Dalhousie University education, I learned that she was in Halifax on the day of the explosion and held tend to the injured. The book is now on my TBR!
January 13, 2020 at 8:57 am
There are some excellent stories in the book. You will like it. I can’t imagine being there. Bless her for tending to the injured.
January 13, 2020 at 11:27 am
Yes, she was one who rolled up her sleeves and did what needed to be done when others needed help. She nursed her older brother when his lungs were damaged by gas in WWI.
January 13, 2020 at 10:55 am
A very impressive list Darlene , thanks for all the recommendations.
January 13, 2020 at 2:37 pm
Well done, Darlene. It is quite a satisfying feeling to reach a goal. I’ve been on an exercise kick the past couple of years. I hate running every time, but I have this small period of satisfaction after I’m done.
January 13, 2020 at 6:32 pm
Always satisfying to reach a goal! Well done for keeping up with the running.
January 13, 2020 at 6:20 pm
Darlene, I feel like I’ve been in a bookshop this morning, browsing through the books you’ve read this year! 😀 A wonderful eclectic selection and thank you, so lovely to come across my book. Wow! I am in awe of all your reviews and links to the books and I’ve definitely got some new ones for next year. The Bonesetters Daughter looks fascinating and I’m intrigued by The Gathering. Becoming was one of my favourite books of the year as well … and one I could easily read again! Happy Reading in 2020! 😀📖
January 13, 2020 at 6:35 pm
So pleased you enjoyed browsing the books. I really did enjoy your book. You will not be disappointed by The Bonesetters Daughter and The Gathering, both about families. I love reading books recommended by others.
January 13, 2020 at 10:15 pm
I really liked Becoming and the Bonesetter’s Daughter too!
January 13, 2020 at 10:52 pm
I enjoy reading the list of books you have read and enjoyed. We have some similarities on our book list. I should add more non-fiction to my TBR list, but I get so immersed in fiction. ;-0 Happy reading in 2020!
January 13, 2020 at 10:56 pm
Like you, I tend to read more fiction. Yes, we do have some of the same books on our lists. Great minds and all that! Enjoy that TBR list (which never gets shorter. What´s with that?) xo
January 14, 2020 at 12:31 am
That’s an impressive list, Darlene. I hope you enjoy your 2020 reads.
January 14, 2020 at 1:44 am
Thanks, Anne. Looking back over the year, I did read some great books.
January 14, 2020 at 2:11 am
I’ve heard Michelle Obama’s book is good. I’d be interested in the Mennonite daughter one as well. I’m not familiar with any of the rest of these. I know what you mean about never finishing our TBR list–but that just means we always have something to look forward to. 🙂 My books read in 2019 is here: https://barbarah.wordpress.com/2019/12/30/books-read-in-2019/. Visiting from Senior Salon.
January 14, 2020 at 2:18 am
Thanks for stopping in Barbara. You read some amazing books last year as well. I wish I could read faster but am happy with the 34 I’ve read. You would enjoy the Mennonite Daughter book. It is always good to learn about books you haven’t heard of. xo
January 14, 2020 at 3:49 am
I have read many on your list, including “Becoming”, which was the last book I finished. I liked it too! Thanks for all of the good recommendations. I am always looking for more books to read. I think I have to add the Mennonite Daughter to my list. Many of my neighbors are Mennonites here in Lancaster County, PA.
January 14, 2020 at 5:00 am
You will love Mennonite Daughter and may even recognize some names. I’m pleased I gave you some ideas. Wasn’t “Becoming” great.
January 14, 2020 at 4:20 am
Wow. What an amazing list of books, Darlene. And I’m so proud you read one of my books as well. Thank you!!
January 14, 2020 at 8:39 am
Hi, Darlene – I am also a Goodreads fan. Our mutual book from your list is ‘Becoming”. I loved it! Right after that, I read ‘Catch and Kill’ by Ronan Farrow. I was enthralled all of the way through. I highly recommend it!
January 14, 2020 at 10:38 am
Well done Darlene. I surpassed my last year number of books read too. I’m aiming to do it again. ❤
January 15, 2020 at 1:54 am
Becoming has been on my list for a while now. I tend to read mostly nonfiction, but lately it seems I have been reading fewer and fewer each year. My kids’ books make up the majority of our Goodreads list. 😂 Thank you so much for sharing. Have a great week. ♥️
January 15, 2020 at 1:57 am
Becoming is a great nonfiction book. You would love it. I read children´s books too and love them.
January 15, 2020 at 4:34 am
I giggle that you included your own new book, Darlene. We do read them many times over, don’t we? I see you read Michelle Obama’s book. I’ve seen a few reviews for that book.
January 15, 2020 at 4:45 am
I felt it deserved a mention. If it had not been for reading it over and over before the final publication, I probably would have read another 10 books! Becoming is a very good book, more about family than politics. You would like it.
January 15, 2020 at 5:34 am
Great list of books…I feel like a slacker…15 books for me this year. Love the challenge! Thanks for sharing this Darlene!
January 15, 2020 at 5:52 am
I’ve had years like that as well. In fact, 15 books is still a good amount!
January 16, 2020 at 3:01 am
Congrats on meeting your goal, Darlene! I barely made mine for 2019 – I also might have cheated a tad and read several novellas the last few days of the year – but that still counts. Happy reading for this year!
January 16, 2020 at 4:05 am
Novella’s count! I even included my own book as I certainly read it a number of times. Enjoy your reading for 2020 as well.
January 16, 2020 at 5:50 am
I am impressed by your broad variety of books. Good luck making a dent in your 2020 TBR! I’ve read a couple of shorter books so far this year, and I’m currently reading The House on Cold Hill by Peter James. I’m enjoying its contemporary Gothic feel. (Eerie!)
January 16, 2020 at 6:01 am
It’s great to start the year with a couple of good books, isn’t it? Thanks for stopping by. Have fun reading in 2020. xo
January 17, 2020 at 11:30 pm
Thanks for reading and reviewing my book, Darlene!
January 18, 2020 at 12:41 am
My pleasure. You will see that you are on the list three times, twice for your books and once for compiling Understanding. xo
January 18, 2020 at 1:00 am
Your reading list is impressive. I don’t read as much as I once did but I do enjoy learning what other people read. It gives me a few ideas & a glimpse into what makes someone who they are. Good luck with your reading goal in 2020.
January 18, 2020 at 1:52 am
It is good to see what others read. Have you ever visited someone’s home and looked at the books on their shelves. Also a good way to learn more about a person. Thanks for your best wishes.
January 18, 2020 at 2:25 am
Darlene this is good for me to see from such a prolific writer as yourself. Each year I vow that I will read more. Thanks for ever inspiring and for the suggestions in this extensive list.
January 18, 2020 at 2:31 am
There are some good ones on the list. I have to make a conscious effort to stop writing and read. But by reading a variety of books, it expands my writing ideas. Happy reading!
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January 18, 2020 at 10:57 am
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January 20, 2020 at 5:32 am
I can’t believe that you had time to read so many books, write and blog…amazing!
January 20, 2020 at 8:02 am
I am retired so I have no excuse not to. I think I actually read more when I worked full time. Commuting by bus gave me 2 hours a day reading time!
January 24, 2020 at 11:34 pm
Very impressive list, Darlene. Love the Dr. Seuss quote. 🙂
January 24, 2020 at 11:45 pm
It was a good mix. Dr. Seuss always has the perfect quote!
January 25, 2020 at 12:34 pm
I find it interesting (and wonderful) that so many good quotes are from children’s authors.
Darlene Foster's Blog 
January 13, 2020 at 5:20 am
Thanks for sharing your list, Darlene! My own TBR list is already way too long, but now you’ve given me a few more to add to it!
January 13, 2020 at 7:55 am
There are some good ones there. I hope you enjoy them. Juggling reading and writing can be a challenge. xo