The 5 Best Books I Read in 2019

If you’ve been reading my blog or following me on Instagram for any length of time, you already know that I’m an avid book reader. There have been seasons in my life of not reading very much (I basically stopped when I had a newborn), but my love of it has never gone away. My usual reads are historical or international fiction novels, but as I look through the best books I read last year, there are three (!!!) biographical-type novels that make the list and are completely nonfictional. So that should say a lot!

If you’re looking for a new book or two, here are my favorites from last year…and if you want to know some favorites from this year so far, click here to find out!

What’s a Girl Worth by Rachel Denhollander
My word, this book was so hard to read. I knew about the gymnastics scandal with Larry Nassar from a few years back (if you haven’t heard of it, here’s a brief overview), but I didn’t know the details - and they are both shocking and heartbreaking. Be forewarned that this one is about abuse (trigger warning), but it was so eye-opening to hear not only what Rachel went through, but every survivor who tries to bring things like this to light. I know our system is broken in many ways, and the extent to which this is true destroyed me a little in a good, life-changing way.

Maid by Stephanie Land
Have you ever thought about the life of someone who lives just above or below the poverty line? In my compassion I have tried to envision it, but I honestly had no idea how hard it is to combat homelessness, poverty, and minimum wage jobs. Stephanie, a single mom, shares her brutally honest story. The spoiler alert we all know is that she becomes a bestselling author, but not after a lot of struggles - and a lot of very gross houses she had to clean. This one shifted my perspective in so many ways.

All the Water in the World by Karen Raney
Ohhhh this one is emotional. A girl with cancer. A family in crisis. And the book finished in a way that made me want to re-read the whole thing. If you want to dwell a little in the bittersweet sadness that reflects our current reality, you’ll want to pick up this book.

Born Under a Million Shadows by Andrea Busfield
This is a classic kind of novel that I love - set in another country, with some true details from history, based around a compelling but made-up story. It was gripping, kept me turning the pages, and had a few surprises along the way. This book took me to another place and time, and I was a little sad when it was all over.

Hillbilly Elegy by JD Vance
As I type this, I’m realizing that two transformational books I read last year were about people in poverty, although JD Vance’s novel is more about the generational type and the mindset that goes along with it. I loved his honest look at the circumstances he grew up in and how they shaped his life and community. He is both open and analytical, and I appreciated that he stayed away from a political agenda - yet somehow, I could relate everything back to what’s going on in the United States these days on a whole lot of levels.

Have you read any good books this year or last? What recommendations do you have? I’m always looking for new reads!