When I began contemplating my 2019 reading year, I adopted a few philosophies toward my reading habits.
“If it sounds interesting, read it!”
My goal was to not care if I read a diverse array of genres or if it wasn’t on any of the popular reading lists and book clubs. I read these books because I wanted to read them, and not because someone told me that I “should” read them or that I was telling myself (for some reason or other) that I “should” read them. I wanted to, so I did. That also went for when I read these books, if I got excited about reading a book, I started it right then, no debate.
“If the book is bad. Stop reading it!”
Over the years, I don’t know how many books I told myself that I had to finish, only to read nothing else while I dragged myself through it’s pages. Imagine what I could have been reading! I didn’t want to waste my time on bad books. I promised myself, if the book was bad, I was going to put it down and move on to something better.
I’m better when I’m reading.
It’s a funny thing to learn about myself, but throughout the year I realized that I’m a better person when I’m reading. I’m a better writer, I have more energy to be creative at work, and I’m less anxious. Most importantly, I like myself when I’m reading regularly.
Back to the books.
Over the course of the year, I read several well-known authors (Fiona Davis and Beatriz Williams). Some of the books ended up on celebrity book clubs lists (Where the Crawdad’s Sing, Eleanor Oliphant, and Next Year in Havana). Others, I simply stumbled upon because what I thought I wanted wasn’t available. Here’s a smattering of some of my favorites.
My first book of the year was The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman. This came at the recommendation of a friend, and what drew me to the story was the character, Eddie, and his connection to the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. Several years ago, I read David Von Drehle’s, Triangle and was completely fascinated by his journalistic account. Written in a duel-timeline format, the novel also follows the coming-of-age of, Coraline, a young woman wrapped up in her father’s Coney Island “freak show.” A wild and young New York City landscape provides the perfect backdrop when Eddie and Coraline’s paths cross and the body of young woman missing from the fire washes up on the Hudson River shores.
I stumbled upon The Editor by Steven Rowley while waiting for another novel to become available at the library. Ever the sucker for a Kennedy plot, I was intrigued by the novel’s supporting character, Jacqueline Kennedy. In the first contemporary fiction novel I’ve read in a long time, the author examines the relationship between mother and son through the lens of a man, James, about to get his big break as an author. His editor is none other than Jacqueline Kennedy. I’ve read plenty about Jacqueline as the socialite, the First Lady, the wife, the mother, and the widow, but I don’t often read about her as, the editor. While this is a work of fiction, the novel brings this particular persona to life and ignites a fascination to understand, this particular Jacqueline. Keep in mind the book is not about Jacquline Kennedy, but the supporting role she plays for James’ character, as his editor. He’s driven to come face to face with old family wounds in order to give his novel the ending it needs to become a best-seller.
Consequently, I read another book, featuring the famous First Lady. A memoir, Jackie’s Girl by Kate MeKeon, describes the author’s immigration from Ireland to America, in the middle of the 20th century – eventually landing a spot as Jackie’s personal assistant in the years following JFK’s assassination.
My favorite book I read in 2019 was Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, this one appeared as one of Reese Witherspoon’s book club picks. The reader is instantly enraptured by the language that Delia Owens uses to describe Kya’s habitat and the plants, animals, and insects that inhabit it with her. Read it slowly, because before you know it you’ve grown up with Kya. The reader feels a strong instinct to protect Kya and instantly becomes proud of the woman she’s becoming and can’t help but read on to defend her. No spoilers here, as it immediately became one of my favorite books.
Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton, which also made it onto Reese’s book club list, takes place in Cuba. The novel tells the story of a young woman, Marisol, a Cuban American blogger journeying to Cuba after the death of her grandmother, Elisa. Her journey is interrupted by flashbacks to Elisa’s youth, during the Cuban revolution and the rise of Fidel Castro. I found this particular novel enlightening because I know very little about Cuban history and the impact it had on the Cuban people. I took time during this reading to pause at different names and look them up for accuracy; to confirm the facts hidden within the pages of fiction. I also read the sequel, When We Left Cuba as it follows the life of Elisa’s sister Beatriz.
Sometimes a book needs a second chance and I am so glad I gave Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman that second chance. I began reading Eleanor on my honeymoon in November of 2018, and while the writing was good, I couldn’t quite get into it. So there it sat, on my nightstand until this past September when I was deciding on a book to bring on vacation and was encouraged to give it another chance. In defense of my earlier statement on bad books, Eleanor is not a bad book; I struggled to get into it. So I set it aside. The wonders time on the beach can do for a book! I began to appreciate the person Eleanor was, the friendships she developed, and how powerful the mind can be.
Similarly, The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce was also one that I struggled to get into. Like Eleanor, The Music Shop is about hope and companionship, with a host of characters that just don’t fit into “normal” society. The ending to these two books makes you so glad you stuck it out.
Finally, I love to read a book that is “in the works” to become a movie, and while I’m always hopeful they get it right, I am frequently disappointed. Time After Time by Lisa Grunwald is next up on the set list, and I’m genuinely curious how it will be done. Part historical fiction, part science fiction, Time After Time explains the solar phenomenon, Manhattenhenge. My favorite part about this novel is the use of Grand Central Station as a central character; the novel would not have the same impact had the author not done her homework on this American landmark. The movie isn’t set to come out until 2021 so you’ll have plenty of time to read it before it hits the theaters.
I truly enjoyed all the books I read in 2019 and I felt that the philosophies I adopted helped me to read more frequently and finish more books. Therefore feeling less guilty about the books I didn’t get to. You can find a full list of my 2019 reads here on my @goodreads reading list.
Happy Reading!
All images below from Goodreads.
