book report / 2019 faves.

I read 55 books in 2019 and these were my seven faves:

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens / I don't know what to say except that this lives up to all the hype. I had a tiny issue with one small part of the plot, but overall, loved it. Couldn't put it down!

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid / I wouldn't have chosen this book based on the description but I decided to read it because I kept seeing rave reviews. Well, here's another rave review! I loved the format, the themes, the characters. It's hard to remember Daisy Jones & The Six aren't a real band!

Beartown by Fredrik Backman / At first glance, this book seems to be all about hockey—the team, the players, the club, the culture—but it's about so much more than that, too. I really, really liked it. I fell in love with the characters and felt invested in the town. I was so glad when I realized this was the first in a series.

Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year by Anne Lamott / I loved this! Probably in large part because my son is seven months old and my daughter is two years old and so much of what Anne wrote resonated with me. If you're a mom, I think you will like this. You might also like this even if you're not a mom because Anne's writing is so good. (I listened to this one and the narration was great.)

Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane / This book was a journey in the best way possible. I felt like I had been holding my breath the entire time I was reading it and when I finished, I could breathe again. The writing, wow. I wish I had highlighted so many things, but honestly, I would have highlighted A LOT. If you like complicated characters and books about family, read this. I want to read it again.

Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?: And Other Questions You Should Have Answers to When You Work in the White House by Alyssa Mastromonaco / I really liked this and before I was even halfway done, had already recommended it to a friend. Part memoir, part advice, you should read this if you're interested in the White House, Obama, politics, or succeeding in your career/life. I can't wait to read Mastromonaco's newest book.

Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan / A love letter not only to the author's mother, but to all mothers. This was a fantastic memoir. I think I would have liked it even before becoming a mom, but now that I am one, I loved it. When Kelly began telling about her nannying job, I thought, 'Where is she going with this?' It was perfect. I laughed and I teared up multiple times. (P.S. I listened to it and loved the way Kelly did her mother's voice.)

What were your fave reads in 2019?

P.S. If you want to follow along, I keep track of my reading (books I've read and books I want to read) on Goodreads and I also share a mini-review on my Instagram stories each time I finish a book.