I was incredulous at the number of books I was able to read–nearly ninety! Much of this is thanks to my library’s audio book service, as well as having three sons in college and frequent road trips to and from their schools. Having an audio book going while I drive, do housework, walk my dog, and more, has enabled me to read far more than I could have otherwise. Do you use your library’s audio book services?
You can check out all the books I read over at my GoodReads page. (It’s so much fun “talking” books over there with friends!)
Did you read any of the same books I did?
Narrowing this list down to my very favorites was really tough. So many of them were soooooo good, and for many reasons. Some were “meh,” and others, well, I just couldn’t finish. Overall, though, it was a delightful year of reading. I’d love to know what you thought if you read any of the same ones.
Here are my top ten eleven (because I couldn’t whittle it to ten!) in no particular order:
Beautifully written. A must-read for anyone who writes or loves writing.
Incredible story of survival, strength, and the heartbreaking realities of what the wars in Africa have done–and continue to do–to people.
I’ve loved Of Mice and Men since I read it in high school English class, and Steinbeck has long been one of my very favorite classic authors. Grapes of Wrath recently made it on my favorites list, too. I’m still reading this one, and already it has become another favorite.
A powerful and important book for anyone who wants to know what the reality of racism is like for far too many in America. This book broke–and is still breaking–my heart.
A beautiful and achingly real story of someone faced with a terminal illness and their struggle to find hope and make sense of it all. As a nurse, I especially appreciated Kalathani’s raw and honest story.
I read this book early in the year, and it has stuck with me. It’s the fictional story of a family that survives a tornado that hits Tupelo, Mississippi, in The Great Depression. Thoroughly enjoyed.
What a wild ride this one was! Terrifying suspense, mixed with Jackson’s trademark gifts of sarcasm and humor. Loved it!
Intriguing, super well-written, and ultimately heartbreaking, because this could easily happen (and does) in many a suburb in America.
This one is probably my very favorite of the year. The story reminds me of the sort of books and characters I like to write, infused with nature, a little mystery, and a lot of hope. I’m so glad to see so many other readers have liked it, too.
I read this shortly after a family vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where we walked a few feet of the AT. Absolutely loved this story of this man’s try of it!
I can see why this one was awarded the National Book Award in 2011. A heart-rending story of a motherless family in Mississippi, and how they survive Hurricane Katrina and so much more in the midst of desperate, rural poverty.Up and coming 2020 books I recommend:
One of the perks–actually, privileges–of being an author is reading books before they are available in stores. The following three books will be released in 2020 by dear friends, and they are truly exceptional stories. Be sure to add all three to your TBR (to-be-read) list!
The Tea Chest, by Heidi Chiavaroli
Boston, 1773
Emma Malcolm’s father is staunchly loyal to the crown, but Emma’s heart belongs to Noah Winslow, a lowly printer’s assistant and Patriot. But her father has promised her hand to Samuel Clarke, a rapacious and sadistic man. As his fianc�e, she would have to give up Noah and the friends who have become like family to her–as well as the beliefs she has come to embrace.After Emma is drawn into the treasonous Boston Tea Party, Samuel blackmails her with evidence that condemns each participant, including Noah. Emma realizes she must do whatever it takes to protect those she loves, even if it means giving up the life she desires and becoming Samuel’s wife.Present Day
Lieutenant Hayley Ashworth is determined to be the first woman inducted into the elite Navy SEALs. But before her dream can be realized, she must return to Boston in order to put the abuse and neglect of her childhood behind her. When an unexpected encounter with the man she once loved leads to the discovery of a tea chest and the document hidden within, she wonders if perhaps true strength and freedom are buried deeper than she first realized.Two women, separated by centuries, must find the strength to fight for love and freedom. . . and discover a heritage of courage and faith. (less)
Emma Malcolm’s father is staunchly loyal to the crown, but Emma’s heart belongs to Noah Winslow, a lowly printer’s assistant and Patriot. But her father has promised her hand to Samuel Clarke, a rapacious and sadistic man. As his fianc�e, she would have to give up Noah and the friends who have become like family to her–as well as the beliefs she has come to embrace.After Emma is drawn into the treasonous Boston Tea Party, Samuel blackmails her with evidence that condemns each participant, including Noah. Emma realizes she must do whatever it takes to protect those she loves, even if it means giving up the life she desires and becoming Samuel’s wife.Present Day
Lieutenant Hayley Ashworth is determined to be the first woman inducted into the elite Navy SEALs. But before her dream can be realized, she must return to Boston in order to put the abuse and neglect of her childhood behind her. When an unexpected encounter with the man she once loved leads to the discovery of a tea chest and the document hidden within, she wonders if perhaps true strength and freedom are buried deeper than she first realized.Two women, separated by centuries, must find the strength to fight for love and freedom. . . and discover a heritage of courage and faith. (less)
The Best We’ve Been (Thatcher Sisters #3), by Beth Vogt
How can you choose what is right for you when your decision will break the heart of someone you love?
Many of us believe a house isn’t a home unless there is fur on the floor. Pawverbs, a collection of 100 short stories featuring real-life animals, presents the godly wisdom of Proverbs in a whimsical way–inviting us to explore deep spiritual truths alongside tales of our lovable pets. In this book you will meet:
Having abandoned her childhood dream years ago, Johanna Thatcher knows what she wants from life. Discovering that her fiancé was cheating on her only convinces Johanna it’s best to maintain control and protect her heart.
Despite years of distance and friction, Johanna and her sisters, Jillian and Payton, have moved from a truce toward a fragile friendship. But then Johanna reveals she has the one thing Jillian wants most and may never have―and Johanna doesn’t want it. As Johanna wrestles with a choice that will change her life and her relationships with her sisters forever, the cracks in Jillian’s marriage and faith deepen. Through it all, the Thatcher sisters must decide once and for all what it means to be family.
Pawverbs: 100 Inspirations to Delight an Animal Lover’s Heart, by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley
A charming and wise collection of lessons from Proverbs . . . taught by teachers with paws.
Many of us believe a house isn’t a home unless there is fur on the floor. Pawverbs, a collection of 100 short stories featuring real-life animals, presents the godly wisdom of Proverbs in a whimsical way–inviting us to explore deep spiritual truths alongside tales of our lovable pets. In this book you will meet:
- Guinea pig sisters with celebrity status.
- A street-smart cat who finds his way home.
- A black Lab with a rap sheet.
- A dog and dolphin who are best friends.
- A bearded dragon who enjoys a good soak.
- A lifesaving Great Dane, and many more.
Like little fuzzy, hairy, scaly, or feathery ambassadors, animals are a gift from God to point us to Himself–to the One who promises to never leave us, is always available to listen, and who loves us more than we can fathom. If you are looking for encouragement and inspiration, or even just a kibble-sized morsel of wisdom, Pawverbs is sure to delight your pet-loving soul.
Here are most of the rest of the books I read this past year. Let me know what you read–and which were your favorites–in 2019!
Amy K. Sorrells 
I can’t believe I haven’t read any of those, but I will be putting some on my reading list. There are so many wonderful books and so little time to read them.