My Top Books of 2019: 8 Fiction, Memoir, and YA Picks

I absolutely love all the book talk that’s happening right now.

For one thing, this is the most wonderful time of the year to add to my to-read list. All the curated Best of 2019 lists reignite my reading mojo. They remind me how many amazing books are in the world and blow up my library hold list.

In addition to collecting all the recommendations, I also like going through my list of completed books and reflecting on my own reading year. In 2019, my reading life honestly felt a little off-kilter. One unexpected surprise was that I read 77 books this year! Since I’ve started keeping track of my yearly reading, I’ve averaged between 55-60 books. I suspect the difference this year is that I spent January through June reading for almost an hour every day with students. It wasn’t hard to zip through books that way, especially when I was choosing titles to recommend to 6^th graders with low reading levels.

That said, I feel like I read fewer stand-out books in 2019. My school didn’t have a library, so I didn’t have immediate access to buzzy new YA titles or librarian recommendations. Over the summer, moving and tons of travel killed some of my reading motivation and the availability of library books. I also didn’t participate in Modern Mrs. Darcy’s reading challenge, which is often how I find some of my favorite reads. My choices felt a little haphazard. Haphazard can be fine! But I have an inkling that it left me with fewer stand-out favorites.

Lessons from this year in books? Libraries are essential. Reading with intention is important to me. And despite having a weird reading year, I still read some really excellent books. Read on for my top books of 2019.

Anna’s Favorite Books of 2019

Fiction

Station Eleven – Emily St. John Mandel

This dystopian novel takes place after most of the world’s population has been wiped out by a flu epidemic. It follows a band of traveling actors and musicians who make their living performing in towns on the shores of Lake Michigan. I love a story with multiple perspectives and timelines, and the surprising way the author began to tie all of the storylines together kept me turning pages. The novel is also incredibly atmospheric. I read it while I spent a week alone in our sweltering Chicago apartment, packing for our move across the country. As I read, I began to feel like I actually was one of those few flu survivors, trapped in an apartment unsure if I would survive the week. So I either read this book at exactly the right time…or exactly the wrong one. Either way, I highly recommend it.

Recursion – Blake Crouch

I absolutely devoured this novel. As her mother develops Alzheimer’s, scientist develops a method to reactivate memories. As you would expect in a sci-fi novel, things get out of hand. But nothing else about this plot is expected. It’s twisty and mind-bending and will make you ignore all responsibilities to keep reading. I also loved that underneath an engrossing story were big questions about what makes us human and how imperfect people handle immense power. Even if you aren’t typically a sci-fi reader, this is worth picking up.

The Lord of the Rings series – J.R.R. Tolkien

I never imagined that this series would make my best-of list. I tried reading The Fellowship of the Ring in high school, and it has never taken me more time to finish a book. It was all walking and fighting and walking and fighting. Yawn. So I was reluctant when my husband tried to convince me to try the series again. But darn it, he was right.

LotR is a beautiful, epic saga. The Fellowship is still my least favorite of the trilogy, but I devoured the last two books because I couldn’t handle not knowing what would happen to Sam and Frodo. I also never imagined I would cry so much at the end of the series. First, there’s freaking Sam Gamgee, who may be one of my favorite characters in literature. His loyalty made me tear up more than once. As I read the last pages of The Return of the King, we were also deciding to leave Chicago for DC. Adam may have been concerned for my wellbeing as I sobbed my way through the utterly perfect ending. A tip: if you, like me, are not traditionally a fantasy reader, make sure you read The Hobbit first. It helps.

Nonfiction

Tell Me More: Stories about the 12 Hardest Things I’m Learning to Say – Kelly Corrigan

I found myself hoping I would arrive to destinations early so I could sneak in a few more pages of this book of essays. Kelly Corrigan is funny and relatable. Her essays about the importance of words and how the right ones can increase our connection to each other are wise and honest. I still think about the title essay, and I already want to reread the whole collection.

Heating and Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs – Beth Ann Fennelly

This little book falls somewhere between reflective poetry and hilarious essay. Fennelly writes snappy mini-essays that explore marriage, family, and moments of everyday life. It is thoughtful, but also so funny that I caught myself snickering out loud while reading at the social security office. A quick read, but an utterly enjoyable one.

YA

Long Way Down – Jason Reynolds

Jason Reynolds writes amazing books about teens in tough, real-life situations. In my opinion, this is one of his best (and it’s won the awards to prove it). Will’s brother has been shot, and according to the rules of his neighborhood, he now needs to get revenge on his brother’s shooter. As he gets into an elevator, a gun tucked into his waistband, something unbelievable happens. This novel in verse will challenge any teen’s idea that poetry is boring. As a warning, the language and violence are strong, but not gratuitous. If you know a lower-level teen reader who still wants mature content, this is my top recommendation.

House Arrest – K.A. Holt

Another novel in verse, this was the top contender when my students had to pick literature circle books. And I understand why. A boy steals a wallet to help pay for his baby brother’s medical treatment. This story is his journal, a mandatory part of counseling while he’s on house arrest. It deals with tough questions about family and what, exactly, makes a choice right or wrong. A great book for everyone, from adults to reluctant middle school readers.

Mississippi Trial, 1955 – Chris Crowe

This was a re-read for me, but I may have loved it even more this time around. Fourteen-year-old Hiram is spending the summer with his grandpa in Mississippi. One day, he meets a black teen named Emmett Till, and he is horrified when Emmett is murdered a few days later. This book will keep readers guessing with the mystery of who killed Emmett, while also leading them to ponder tough questions about family and race.

Want more book talk?

Every month, I recap all the books I read in my email newsletter. I read some much-anticipated titles in December and I have complicated feelings – don’t miss out on the details! Sign up here.

If you’re after a certain reading mood, I’ve got suggestions for that, too! Check out my top picks for cozy reads and spooky stories.

What are your best books of 2019? Tell me everything in the comments, or find me @annaleighsaxton on Instagram.

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