The Best Books of 2019: Unearthing Must-Reads for Every Avid Reader

Are you searching for captivating stories, profound insights, or simply your next great escape? Look no further! This curated list presents the best books of 2019, carefully selected from a year of extensive reading. Whether your interests lie in enthralling fiction, compelling historical accounts, or inspiring Christian living titles, you’re sure to find a gem to add to your reading stack. Prepare to discover titles that resonated deeply and expanded my world, offering something truly special for nearly everyone.

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My Reading Transformation: From Zero to Over 100 Books

The year 2019 marked an extraordinary milestone in my personal reading journey. For the very first time, I surpassed the incredible feat of reading over 100 books. This achievement still astounds me, especially when I reflect on where I was just a few years prior. It’s a testament to the power of intentionality and goal setting.

It wasn’t that long ago, back in 2015, that I openly shared a rather embarrassing confession: I hadn’t read a single book the entire previous year. Not one. As someone who had always considered myself a passionate reader, this realization was genuinely disheartening. It felt as though a significant part of my identity had simply faded away, lost amidst the busyness of life.

Looking back, I can now understand that this period reflected a challenging season of life. However, it also powerfully illustrates why setting clear, achievable goals each year is so crucial for personal growth. Had I not taken the time to reflect on that unproductive reading year, I wouldn’t have recognized the absence of books in my life. More importantly, without setting a specific goal—even as modest as reading one book a month—I would never have prioritized reading and rediscovered the immense joy and benefits it brings.

While reading may not be everyone’s top priority, for me, becoming a dedicated reader once again was deeply important. I cherish the unique blend of escape, knowledge acquisition, and worldview expansion that books offer. They are more than just stories; they are windows into different lives, cultures, and ideas, and I firmly believe they contribute to making me a more empathetic and well-rounded individual. And if you’re exploring a “best books of 2019” list, chances are you share that passion, which makes you a kindred spirit!

Since setting that initial goal five years ago, my reading habit has blossomed, with each subsequent year seeing an increase in the number of books devoured. As soon as I granted myself the freedom and permission to read—and held myself accountable to that goal—I actively sought out various avenues to access books affordably and consistently. This included navigating the complexities of signing up for a library in our semi-rural area, subscribing to email lists for book sales, and following insightful book bloggers who introduced me to countless new titles. The lesson here is clear: where there’s a genuine will, there’s almost always a creative way to achieve your aspirations.

Practical Strategies: How to Read More Books Consistently

Are you inspired to integrate more reading into your daily life? I’ve shared these tips before, but their effectiveness makes them worth repeating. These simple yet powerful strategies have been instrumental in transforming me into the avid reader I always aspired to be:

• Always Have a Book Ready to Read: This might seem obvious, but its importance cannot be overstated. Eliminate any potential barriers to reading by always having your next literary adventure at your fingertips. I ensure I have books waiting on my bedside table for quiet evenings, loaded onto my Kindle for portability, accessible through my library app for on-the-go moments, and downloaded to my Audible account for multitasking. This multi-platform approach means there’s never a valid excuse not to pick up a book, regardless of where I am or what I’m doing.
• Embrace Audiobooks for Enhanced Productivity: More than half of the books I “read” each year are audiobooks, and they have been an absolute game-changer. Audiobooks allow me to seamlessly integrate reading into activities that traditionally don’t involve a physical book. I listen while I’m walking, tending to my garden, cooking meals, commuting, or tackling DIY projects around the house. This is undeniably the single most impactful strategy that has enabled me to significantly increase my annual book count. And for those who wonder, listening to audiobooks is not “cheating” – research suggests our brains process information from spoken words in much the same way as from written text, engaging similar cognitive pathways. Many fiction titles lend themselves particularly well to audio, making everyday tasks more engaging. My husband, Brian, and I even enjoy listening to audiobooks together during our 20-minute drives to town and on longer trips, transforming mundane travel into opportunities for shared literary experiences and engaging discussions.
• Set a Realistic and Motivating Reading Goal: The journey back to being a reader began with a simple, achievable goal: one book a month in 2015. This initial target provided the structure and motivation I needed. Having a goal forces prioritization. When faced with the choice between mindlessly scrolling through social media, watching a generic TV program, or diving into a good book, the desire to reach or even exceed my reading goal consistently steers me toward reading. It creates a positive feedback loop, where each completed book fuels the desire for the next.
• Keep a Detailed Record of Your Reads: Tracking the books you’ve completed offers multiple benefits. It provides a tangible sense of accomplishment, helps you recall specific stories or lessons, and allows you to reflect on how each book impacted you. Personally, I use the Notes app on my phone for a quick list of finished books, the “Lists” section of my Flexible Planner for my ever-growing “to-be-read” stack, and my Book Notes Journal to capture memorable quotes and key ideas. Regardless of your chosen method, the act of recording your reading progress is incredibly rewarding and reinforces your commitment to the habit.
• Make Intentional Choices to Support Your Goal: Achieving any goal requires making conscious decisions that align with that aspiration. For me, this means being selective about other forms of media consumption. While there are many interesting podcasts, I limit my subscriptions because I know they would inevitably encroach upon my dedicated reading time. The same applies to television. I’m highly selective about what shows I watch, ensuring that any screen time is truly worthwhile, as it directly competes with the pleasure of reading. This intentionality isn’t about deprivation; it’s about actively shaping your life to reflect your desired priorities and passions, whatever they may be.

With these strategies in mind, let’s dive into the most anticipated part: my list of the best books I read in 2019!

NOTE: The books are presented in the order I read them throughout the year. I have not attempted to rank them numerically or assign star ratings, as I find such systems inherently subjective and often inconsistent. Instead, my aim is simply to articulate why each of these titles stood out as exceptional among the 104 books I had the pleasure of reading last year, offering unique insights and lasting impressions.

13 Standout Books from 2019: My Top Recommendations

Neverwhere, Neil Gaiman

Discovering Neil Gaiman this year was an absolute delight, and it began with the audiobook of Neverwhere, narrated by Gaiman himself. His narration is nothing short of phenomenal – we were genuinely astonished to learn it was the author reading, given his impeccable command of voices and inflections. This novel is a quintessential Gaiman creation: a wonderfully twisty, turning narrative that blends elements of urban fantasy, sci-fi, and a touch of the magical. It delves into the bizarre but never veers into horror (my definition of which involves things that could actually happen to people, not fantastical creatures in other realms). The story follows a seemingly ordinary man who stumbles into an unseen, underground London and, through a series of unexpected events, finds himself unable to return to his mundane life above. What ensues is an Odysseus-like quest to find his way back, complete with intriguing creatures and obstacles to overcome. It’s a journey filled with dark humor, unique characters, and a truly imaginative world. You can read my original review here.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, Gail Honeyman

This book is a truly engaging and often humorous read that subtly offers profound lessons about human nature and connection. Through the eyes of Eleanor Oliphant, a socially awkward woman who appears to be somewhere on the Autism spectrum, we witness her gradual, heartwarming journey of opening her heart and life to genuine friendship. Her transformation is a beautiful exploration of vulnerability, kindness, and the inherent beauty in living a full and connected life. It’s a wonderfully crafted novel that resonated with me so deeply that I’ve enthusiastically recommended it to many and even gifted it on several occasions. It reminds us that appearances can be deceiving and that everyone has a story worth uncovering. You can read my original review here.

Surprised By Hope, NT Wright

Among the several Christian living books I explored this year, Surprised By Hope stands out for its fresh perspective and potentially life-altering insights. Far from being the dense theological treatise I initially feared, this book masterfully challenged me to re-examine many 20th and 21st-century Christian viewpoints that are often more culturally influenced than biblically rooted. I particularly appreciated Wright’s emphasis on our responsibility to be good stewards of the Earth, caring for it as God’s creation—past, present, and future. This ecological understanding deepened my appreciation for the world around us. Additionally, this beautiful quote resonated deeply, reaffirming the profound value in cultivating spaces we love and nurturing beautiful gardens:

“When people cease to be surrounded by beauty, they cease to hope.”

This book offers a compelling vision of hope, resurrection, and the kingdom of God that is both intellectually stimulating and spiritually enriching. You can read my original review here.

Code Name Verity, Elizabeth Wein

It’s somewhat surprising that this powerful novel made my “best of” list, primarily due to its intense subject matter (shared with The Tattooist of Auschwitz) and an ending that, while impactful, wasn’t my personal preference. However, the sheer brilliance of the rest of the book more than compensates. At its heart, Code Name Verity is a profound exploration of friendship amidst the backdrop of World War II, a war that forms a significant and harrowing part of the narrative. It’s a tale woven with danger, moments of unexpected laughter, periods of joy, and scenes of terrible adversity. The plot also unfolds with a compelling mystery, keeping you utterly engrossed. The writing is simply superb; I still find myself thinking about the characters and their sacrifices long after finishing it. This is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone who appreciates stories of enduring human connection under duress. I even gifted it to a family member who enjoys the genre. You can read my original review here.

The Man in The Window, Jon Cohen

Oh, how I adored this heartwarming and gentle novel. The Man in The Window is a truly beautiful story, sweet and kind without ever descending into sappiness or clichés. It exquisitely portrays the potential for beauty and connection that exists in every life, suggesting that sometimes, the most profound relationships arrive when you least expect them. This book beautifully underscores the invaluable role of friends and family in our lives and powerfully illustrates that isolating oneself is rarely the path to true happiness. It’s a tender exploration of finding companionship and rediscovering life’s joys, even in unexpected circumstances. You can read my original review here.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Heather Morris

As I mentioned in my initial review, I hesitated to read this New York Times bestseller for a considerable time, given its harrowing setting. However, I am profoundly grateful that I eventually did. This is a truly remarkable story, and despite its incredibly tough scenes and the atrocities it depicts, it’s one everyone should know. It’s a powerful reaffirmation that even in the darkest corners of humanity, hope, resilience, and love can endure. The story centers on a couple who met amidst the horrors of the war and inside the concentration camp, their primary goal becoming simply to survive. With this unwavering mindset, they did. Their enduring love sustained them, and after liberation, they continued to cherish each other, their friends, and family for decades, remarkably free of anger or resentment. You will undoubtedly shed tears while reading this, my friends, but you will also discover immense joy and the profound strength of the human spirit. Even the final note from the couple’s son is a testament to their beautiful legacy. You can read my original review here.

Born a Crime, Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah’s memoir earned its spot on this list because it profoundly opened my eyes to a way of life and a historical period about which I had very little prior knowledge: apartheid and the tumultuous era of South Africa in the 1990s and early 2000s. While it is the memoir of a famous comedian, you absolutely do not need to be familiar with his work to appreciate this book (I wasn’t before reading it). This is the incredible, often wild, story of a boy growing up in a country that systematically marginalized him and countless others based purely on race. His childhood scrapes and adventures are truly astonishing! Noah is portrayed as incredibly enterprising and resourceful, blessed with a mother who is both fiercely loving and unyielding, navigating a tough life with remarkable resilience and never giving up on her son. This is precisely the kind of world-expanding book I seek out, and I am so glad I read it. It deepened my understanding and, I hope, made me a more compassionate individual. You can read my original review here.

The Ballad of The Whiskey Robber, Julian Rubinstein

First things first: please do not let the rather unassuming cover deter you from this absolute gem of a book. The Ballad of The Whiskey Robber is one of those “truth is stranger than fiction” true stories that will have you simultaneously laughing out loud and shaking your head in utter disbelief. It offers a fascinating window into the countries of Romania and Hungary in the tumultuous years following the fall of communism, vividly depicting the chaos and unique challenges that emerged in everyday life. Beyond its incredible narrative, this book is a wonderfully entertaining read that is also incredibly insightful, providing a unique peek into a part of the world and a historical moment many might not be familiar with. It’s a true crime story unlike any other. You can read my original review here.

Daisy Jones & The Six, Taylor Jenkins Reid

You know those rare books that completely consume you, making it almost impossible to put them down, and lingering in your thoughts until you can return to their pages? That was precisely my experience with Daisy Jones & The Six, which surprised me immensely as I wasn’t initially sure it would be my kind of story. It was a New York Times bestseller, a category I don’t always gravitate towards, and I had just finished another book by the same author that hadn’t particularly captivated me (I found it somewhat cliched with underdeveloped characters and a “twist” that didn’t quite land). However, countless book bloggers were raving about Daisy Jones & The Six, especially its unique interview-style format that gradually unfolds the story from multiple perspectives. I was pleasantly surprised to find their enthusiasm entirely justified. It’s a fantastic, immersive read with an irresistible retro 70s rock and roll vibe, yet it manages to convey the essence of that era without being overly explicit about drugs and sex (these elements are discussed naturally within the interview format, rather than graphically depicted). The storytelling felt incredibly realistic, almost as if I were truly reading a transcript of a band’s oral history. And here it is, proudly on my best-of list! The moral of the story? Don’t be afraid to take a chance on a book, even if it seems outside your usual preferences or if a previous experience with the author wasn’t stellar. You can always stop if it’s not working, but if it clicks, it could easily become one of your all-time favorites. You can read my original review here.

The Gown, Jennifer Robson

Who would have thought that a book centered around the creation of Princess Elizabeth’s wedding dress after WWII could be so utterly captivating and worthy of a “best of” list? Certainly not I! I decided to take a chance on The Gown because I appreciate well-researched historical fiction, and this novel was based on an actual event, incorporating real historical figures and meticulously recreating scenes that truly happened. The author’s note at the end, filled with fascinating details, is an excellent complement to the story. Hats off to Jennifer Robson for her masterful ability to weave these real-life occurrences (which might not have been inherently dramatic) into a compelling narrative featuring interesting characters I genuinely cared about. She skillfully brought together historical fact and engaging storytelling, creating a truly memorable reading experience that celebrates the craft and the hidden stories behind grand historical moments. You can read my original review here.

I Will Always Write Back, Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda

By now, it’s likely apparent that I have a particular fondness for true stories, whether they serve as the rich backdrop for historical fiction or form the core of compelling non-fiction. I Will Always Write Back, a Young Adult title, blurs these lines beautifully. It reads like a captivating non-fiction account, chronicling the decades-long correspondence between elementary school pen-pals and the interwoven stories of their lives between those heartfelt letters, extending into their early twenties. This book was yet another profound eye-opener, revealing the stark realities of poverty beyond what many of us can truly imagine. More importantly, it powerfully demonstrates how even a small commitment of our time and resources can create an immense, life-altering difference. The true story of Caitlin and Martin will undoubtedly stick with me for a very long time, serving as a poignant reminder of global interconnectedness and the impact of individual kindness. You can read my original review here.

How to Pray, Pete Greig

I read this insightful book, along with the next one, in December, which meant they didn’t receive individual “Good Things List” reviews (you can find my comprehensive “best of 2019” list from January here). This gives me the opportunity to provide a more detailed review here. If I were to rank the books on this entire list, How to Pray would undoubtedly claim the top spot for me. When Pete Greig describes it as “a simple guide for normal people,” he means it wholeheartedly. This is, without a doubt, the most accessible and practical book on prayer I have ever encountered. Just a few pages in, I found myself stopping repeatedly to take notes, realizing immediately that this was a book I would need to revisit, probably multiple times.

I initially experienced this as an audiobook, and its impact was so profound that I promptly purchased a physical copy for Brian for Christmas (and, of course, for my own re-reading pleasure!). It’s rare that I insist Brian read a book I’ve already finished, but this is a notable exception. I wholeheartedly recommend How to Pray to anyone seeking to integrate prayer seamlessly into their real, everyday life. Greig shares inspiring and motivating stories, elucidates the fundamental importance of prayer, and offers eminently practical ways to incorporate it into our daily routines, all delivered in a wonderfully down-to-earth and non-preachy tone. When I discovered a few pages in that he was a founder of the worldwide 24-7 prayer movement, I initially worried the book might advocate for an extreme, monastic approach. Instead, it powerfully demonstrates how to step *into* your life, engaging in continuous, natural conversation with God. Furthermore, the book points to a wealth of free online resources, including an accompanying course, making it an incredibly comprehensive guide.

Lovely War, Julie Berry

I had heard numerous glowing reviews about Lovely War, which prompted me to place a hold at my local library, resulting in a two-month wait—a clear indicator of its widespread popularity. Although I knew it involved some aspect of Greek mythology, I hadn’t delved into specific reviews. That Greek god element, it turns out, was the most unique and perhaps unusual aspect of the narrative for me. Here’s how it’s woven in: In the 1940s, we encounter Aphrodite, dressed as a contemporary woman, meeting Ares, who is clad in a 1940s suit. They find themselves ensnared in a golden net, as per the ancient myth, by Aphrodite’s divine husband, Hephaestus, who puts them on trial. Other gods appear and disappear throughout the narrative, but to argue her case – that her “job” of fostering love is vital – Aphrodite recounts the intertwined stories of two mortal couples before, during, and after World War I.

Honestly, I could have enjoyed the book perfectly well without the divine framework, even if it did lend a unique touch. It was the human stories of the couples that utterly captivated me and continue to resonate. Julie Berry masterfully portrays people beginning their lives young and full of optimism, their initial encounters, and then the profound transformations and challenges they face throughout the devastating war years and into its aftermath. The book is filled with heartbreaking scenes, many of which are meticulously based on true battles and historical events, interspersed with moments of profound beauty and tenderness. The ending was truly satisfying; I was deeply touched, brought to tears, and celebrated their journey with them all the way to its poignant conclusion. It’s a sweeping, emotional, and unforgettable historical romance that speaks to the endurance of love in the face of immense adversity.

Honorable Mention: The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling (First Four Books)

In 2019, I finally embarked on the globally acclaimed Harry Potter series for the very first time. I felt as though I had missed a significant cultural phenomenon, especially given how much my own children and other adults in my family adored it. While a series that began over two decades ago isn’t typically eligible for a “best of 2019” list, I absolutely had to mention it because I can now fully appreciate the immense “hoopla” surrounding it.

J.K. Rowling is an undeniably skilled writer, and her storytelling prowess visibly strengthens as the series progresses. I chose to experience these books as audiobooks, and the narration by Jim Dale is simply fantastic, bringing each character to life with distinct voices and nuanced performances. The enduring themes of friendship, family, acceptance, belonging, and the timeless battle between good and evil are beautifully integrated into intricately plotted and engaging narratives. The magic system is imaginative, the world-building is rich, and the characters are utterly charming and relatable.

Their popularity shows no signs of waning; I had to wait a full three months for the library edition of The Order of the Phoenix audiobook, which I am currently immersed in. Furthermore, Audible reported that its most downloaded book of 2019 was, astonishingly, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It’s truly amazing how these stories continue to captivate new generations of readers. So, if you, like me, have somehow managed to avoid reading or listening to this beloved series, I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive in. It’s an experience worth having.

I sincerely hope this curated list of the best books from 2019 proves valuable for your own reading life. I’d absolutely love to hear about your top reads from that year in the comments below!

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