Books I Read in 2019

I really love reading. I’ve not always been a book worm. Honestly, audiobooks are usually the way I go. I’ve found that listening is so much fun and I can get something else done at the same time. A win/win. How about you? Do you prefer reading books or listening to them?

I’m the type of person that reads all kinds of books. If I hear about a book that sounds interesting I’ll read it. If at any point I get bored, or it seems too graphic or whatever I’ll stop reading it.

Life is too short to read books you don’t like.

This year I switched over from the Overdrive app to the Libby app. Both connect to your local library but some people (like my husband) say Libby is easier to navigate.

Without further ado here is a list of the books I read in 2019:

Loving My Actual Life: An Experiment in Relishing What’s Right in Front of Me, Alexandra Kuykendall (non-fiction)

The author goes on a nine-month experiment to cherish her life. She’s on the brink of forty and wants to pay more attention to today. She hits topics such as creativity, morning routine, home organization, and silence. She’s a Christian that writes in an honest, down-to-earth kind of way. She doesn’t have it all together which makes you feel like you too can achieve more. Relateable, relevant and refreshing are words that come to mind when thinking about this book.

Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens (fiction)*

This is a good one. A mystery, interesting family relationships, beautifully set in the marshland of North Carolina. I felt amazed reading this coming-of-age story about a girl and what she could accomplish on her own through extremely difficult circumstances. Through the descriptions of nature, it reminded me of how much I enjoy being outside and how much of my childhood was spend outdoors. I should note that it does have some dark elements which help to fully immerse you in the character’s world. I would’ve loved to listen (audiobook) to this while sitting on the North Carolina coast watching a heron search for supper or while on a road trip through the south. Book rating here.

Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness, Dave Ramsey (non-fiction)

As many of you know, my husband works for Ramsey Solutions. We’ve been following Dave’s budget plan throughout our marriage but I thought it was time I read this book. If you’re looking for a kick start to put your finances in order this book is for you. I found it inspiring. He uses tough love to get you moving, provides valuable information and debunks myths that help lead you to success. Plus he’s funny which always helps when talking finances.

The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding, Jennifer Robson (historical fiction)*

I initially grabbed this book because I am obsessed with anything to do with the royal family. Guilty. It’s the story of the ladies who worked on Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown. I found it to be a sweet and moving story of friendship that is woven together through the art of embroidery. Also, I would love to learn how to do my own embroidery work someday.

Note: There is a disturbing scene from the Holocaust and other violence. Reviews of book here.

Three Steps to Total Photo Organization and Safe Storage, (This was an ebook but is now a course) Kate Miley (non-fiction)

A long-time goal of mine has been to place all my digital photos on the same hard drive and organize them so I could find what I wanted easily all while ensuring that no photos would be lost to a computer crash. Kate lays out a simple to follow three-step plan to make that possible. She is thorough in the steps, systems, and products she recommends. She also provides a Facebook help group to those who purchase the book. I’m so thankful she took the time to write this book for all of us out in the world with photos all over the place and no system to get them in order, Kate is our guide.

Rebecca, Daphne Du Maurier (fiction)*

I tore through this book. It completely captivated my mind. It’s dark and I did feel a bit down while reading it, but it was fascinating and I became engrossed in the story. This book has mystery, love, marriage, competition and struggle. It’s set in an estate near the ocean called ‘Manderley.’ It was not really scary but had some eerie scenes so I wouldn’t read it if you’re home alone. Reviews of Book here.

Boundaries: When to Say Yes and How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life, John Townsend and Henry Cloud (non-fiction)

I was introduced to this book back in college but for whatever reason didn’t read it until now. Recently I was so desperate for change that I was finally ready to do the work this book requires, finally ready to fully dive in. It helped me to listen to the audiobook but I also liked having the actual book to reference. At times it was difficult to get through at those points I found skimming or picking certain sections made it easier.

So many big takeaways. This quote on guilt hit me hard, “Guilt will keep you from doing what is right and will keep you stuck.” Truth. The idea of seeing boundaries in your life as fences instead of walls, walls keep good and bad out fences let both flow in and out as you choose. Such a healthy approach!

It was powerful and helpful to hear the importance of taking care of myself that it’s not selfishness but stewardship. Also, they go into detail about inner thought life which is something I’ve been working on for years. Another light bulb moment was the truth behind saying no to someone. Yes, it may hurt them but it will not harm them. Some people may be hurt at times by receiving a no but the intent is never to harm anyone. It truly empowers and gives clear thinking about how to stay in your lane and live your best life. I wish I would have read this book 20 years ago. This is a book I would like to revisit year after year.

Dream More, Dolly Parton (motivational biography)

Since moving to Tennessee I’ve noticed Dolly’s wonderful influence in this part of the U.S. At our local library I heard about her book gifting program for kids called Imagination Library. Children are mailed a book a month from birth to the time they start school, totally free of charge.

So when I came across “Dream More” I was automatically interested. I loved it and read it in an afternoon. So funny and encouraging, I like Dolly even more now. It’s a continuation of her popular commencement speech at the University of Tennessee. I was blown away by her work ethic, her sheer talent in songwriting and her genuine love of people. She makes you feel like you can do anything you dream of and is proving that to be true by leading the way into her own dreams.

Happier at Home: Kiss More, Jump More, Abandon Self-Control, and My Other Experiments in Everyday, Gretchen Rubin (non-fiction)

I am a huge Gretchen Rubin fan. I feel like she gets me. I’m inspired by her desire to improve her life without making huge changes like where she lives, who she is married to and such. She likes to make changes that are attainable and that require little to no cost. She is not afraid to be herself and do things she enjoys. One example is that she started a Children’s literature book club for adults. She was not sure anyone else would be interested but they were. Her group got so big it became two groups. This is another book I would like to revisit year to year. The truth is that I’m happier when I’m reading her books.

After listening to this podcast I checked out the book 1000 books to read before you die and thought it fascinating all crammed full of book suggestions.

You may be interested in other books I’ve read.

I hope this list inspires you to pick up a new book. Please let me know what you’re currently reading? I’m always adding to my list.

*Contains scenes with strong language, sexual and/or violent content. I try to skip over those passages. Besides the few passages that contain this content, I think these are great books.

If you purchase from a link on this blog a small percentage of the sale may come back to me. You are never charged more for the product. It’s a way to keep this site going and I’m very selective about the things I list. It’s mostly things we already own and love or things I think you would enjoy. Thank you for reading!