I know what you’re thinking: “Cierra, we’re not done with December yet!” Which is true. But similar to many things in life: when you know, you know.
The books I’m featuring today have qualities that are unique. They’ve all been a mix of amusing, stimulating, informative, and overall, captivating. These are books that I’ve probably raved about in many posts or videos between January 1st and now, and they’ve taken a special spot in my heart.
(Psst: click the pink “review” text to go to my reviews for these books!)
So, here are my favorite reads of 2019.
Becoming was a whole moment for me. I read this back in May and it took me the entire month to finish it. Not because it was too long. Not because it was boring. No. It took me so long to read it because it was so impactful to me that I didn’t want to finish it. Michelle Obama’s life is incredible and the sense of self and belonging that she has is so admirable to me. I just loved it so much.
Unsaid has made it onto this list because of how emotionally invested I was in this story. This book truly captured me and I remember turning pages so fast just to see how it would end. I also loved the whole “narrator from the afterlife” aspect. This book was just great.
Another example of a book that completely captured me, I loved every moment I spent in the world of Spin the Dawn. Every character, every plot twist, every lush bit of description. This book promised a journey and delivered.
Little Fires Everywhere has become one of my favorite books because it is an excellent example of strong writing and strong voice of an author. It was also great at keeping me guessing with foreshadowing that didn’t give away the entire plot of the book. Definitely want to read more from Celeste Ng in 2020.
I rave so much about The Storm Crow because it has one of my favorite tropes (humans and animal connection), and also, the world building was amazing. I am so looking forward to The Crow Rider sequel next year!
The day I finished Someday was a day I was both anticipating and dreading, because it was the end of the Every Day era for me. These books hold a certain nostalgia for me because I read the first one wayy back in 2014. Maybe Someday (get it) I’ll reread the entire trilogy back-to-back-to-back and finally do an in-depth review on it.
Illuminae marked me traversing into a totally new genre this year: YA science fiction. Though I haven’t completely finished the trilogy yet (bad Cierra!), I think I am certain that Illuminae will be my favorite of all three.
Gemina was great, but it didn’t thrill me and leave me as emotionally shattered as Illuminae did in some parts. But who knows, maybe the version of me who has actually finished Obsidio will look back at this post and shake her head at my current self’s oblivion as to what awaits me in the final installment. *Shudders*
Everything about Girls of Paper and Fire blew me away. I will 100% reread this book at least once if not multiple times in my lifetime just to revisit the myriad of feelings that it brought up. I loved this book with my whole heart. I c a n n o t wait to read Girls of Storm and Shadow, though that’s a 2020 agenda for now.
And last, but definitely not least, Choice of the Sezel was a phenomenal ending to the Daughter of the Zel trilogy by Phoebe Ritter. I have talked and talked and talked about this series here on the blog, but truthfully it is because I really loved it. It was just so great seeing the development of the MC of this trilogy, and Choice has definitely landed a spot on my favorites shelf because of the amazing storytelling it features.
So, there you have it! Those are my 9 favorite reads of 2019. If you’ve read any of these books, let me know below! Also feel free to share some of your favorite reads from 2019 too! Until next time 🧡
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