For some (delusional) reason, I thought I’d read more 2019 than I actually had. But I checked and rechecked my Goodreads/Audible/Kindle apps and the verdict remains the same—a grand total of 17. Below are tiniest of reviews and recommendations. Please tell me if you read any of these and if our opinions are in agreement. Happy Reading!
MY TOP PICK
My favorite by far this year was All the Rivers. I’ve spoken about this at length to anyone who would and wouldn’t listen. It left me breathless. I am not exaggerating when I say that, at times, I felt as if my sternum would snap in two from all the air I’d apparently been holding without the needed release. Something about the writing and the subject matter reached me on a level much deeper than I’d previously thought possible. I don’t cry at books (not physical tears, anyway), but I did here. A brave work. I recommend it oh so highly.
For my least favorite…read on.
Let’s see what else I read this year:
Second Person Singular: This was the first book written by an Israeli-Palestinian author for me. I’ve blogged about it at the time (you can read my brief review here). I learned a great amount from reading this novel—as in genuinely learned. I don’t remember the last time I walked away having truly learned something about the real world from a work of fiction. The writing is clear and precise, despite having been translated from Hebrew. I would definitely recommend this one to anyone but especially to those with interest in the seventy-something year old conflict.
American Like Me: I was so excited for this book to finally come out! I love immigration stories, and most of my own writing revolves around immigration in some way. I first reviewed the book when I finished reading it (you can read it here), and for the most part, I loved it because everyone’s essay illustrated how close our experiences really are underneath it all. Those early days of being the new kid in a place where everyone speaks a language you don’t recognize... The only part that was a let down for me was the fact that there was not a single Jewish voice in the entire anthology (and the only Arab one was that of a well-recognized anti-Semite). It’s a gaping editorial oversight and a disappointing one at that. I expected better of America Ferrera. Where was Natalie Portman? Mila Kunis? Tony Shalhoub, Rami Malek? Other than that—great book.
The Girl at the Border. A book with a complex and complicated plot but some lovely, flowing language. The settings were like paintings, the dialogues came off the page. A solid 4-star review from me. See my full review here.
Anonymous Girl. This book suffered from only one ailment, as far as I am concerned—it did not live up to the incredibly high standard of its predecessor—The Wife Between Us. The standard is unfair but neither is life. The book never truly came together for me. It seemed cliché and flat, but again, I have to ask myself if I would feel the same had I read it before I read the authors’ first book. Read my slightly longer take on the matter here.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. What a breath of fresh air, Eleanor was! We read this in my book club and I’m so thankful. It was such a breath of fresh air! Did I say that already? Anyway, the protagonist has zero tolerance for society’s bullshit and it’s just precious. Highly recommend.
The Broken Girls is a title I’ve had on my Kindle for literal years. I’m not sure why it took me so long to finally read it but I’m glad I did. A captivating mystery with just enough of that supernatural element to ring believable. Recommend.
The Buried: An Archeology of the Egyptian Revolution is a title I was instinctively drawn to. I don’t read as much non-fiction as a I should. There is no tangible reason for it; I just find a better escape in fiction. A fascinating, educational read. A great insight as to Egyptian culture, history, and people.
I’ll Never Tell is a book I had on my list of summer books. It was a fun, easy mystery read. I enjoyed the multiple POVs, including the voice of the victim. For someone who’s never been to a sleep-away camp I sure do gravitate toward books set in those.
Searching for Sylvie Lee..family saga, suspense, immigrant lit—I’m not sure which description suits this title best. A little gray and wallowing but a fascinating novel nonetheless.
Lock Every Door is written by an author who goes by the pen name of Riley Sager. I won’t spoil the rest (though merely mentioning this is spoiler enough, I realize). It’s a thriller with some delicious twists and I am thankful for my little book club for having voted for it as one of our official selections.
Dancing Arabs is not as good as Second Person Singular, in my opinion. More like a collection of anecdotes than a novel, there is too much self-pity and wallowing in it for my taste. On the other hand, the book made me think. And feel! And I found myself thinking about it (and feeling!) for days on end when I was finished, so at the end of the day, I highly recommend it.
The Hypnotist’s Love Story is the first Liane Moriarty novel I read this year. Sometimes you just need a little Liane. Relatable and satisfying, this is one of my favorite novels by Liane.
Truly Madly Guilty is the last of Liane’s novel for me. I am finally caught up and need her to hurry up and turn out more! This one is simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming. Only Ms. Moriarty is capable of this! A little long but satisfying.
Final Girls is officially my favorite thriller! Riley Sager is a genius! Sure, I saw some red herrings along the way but no way in hell did I anticipate the final twists. Can’t wait to read more by Sager.
The Woman in Cabin 10 is a book I kept seeing on displays at a local Barnes & Noble for months. It intrigued me so I made an impulse purchase. My verdict: a good suspenseful read. A solid beach read (and not because the action takes place on a cruise ship).
One Day in December sure did make a splash, didn’t it. I saw it recommended by everyone, including Reese Witherspoon, who gushed about this one like no tomorrow. All I can say is meh. I honestly wanted so much to like this one but alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Perhaps it would work better as a TV show because it’s just way too long and dragged out as a novel. It’s a cute premise but such a long ride through the years and relationships becomes cumbersome (at least in this title). It’s sweet and cute, and it’s well-written, sure, but once you’re done, you forget al about it. At least I did. 3 stars.
Reading Goals: 20 titles. Let’s do this!