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The end of June is nearly here and with it the midway point for 2019. It’s the perfect time to look back at my favorite books of 2019…so far. As I’m putting together this post, I’ve finished just over 50 books and DNF’d another 15, so I feel like I’ve had a pretty good sampling of what’s been out there in the first half of the year. The toughest part of putting this list together was culling it down to my 9 favorites and for that I’m thankful!
I haven’t read a lot of nonfiction this year, so decided to keep my favorite books here strictly to fiction. The list is ordered by publication date and nothing more. To find the truly best book of the year we’ll need to wait until December.
The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker
Random House (1/15/19) – 304 pages
(Full Review)
Highlights:
– Karen Thompson Walker’s writing is simply gorgeous.
– A large, rich cast of characters who move the story along.
– Just enough of both dystopian and mystery elements.
The End of Loneliness by Benedict Wells
Penguin Books (1/29/19) – 272 pages
(Full Review)
Highlights:
– A non-traditional love story highlighting family.
– Beautiful writing getting to the heart of emotions.
– A story starting at the end, moving back to how we got there.
The Age of Light by Whitney Scharer (debut)
Little, Brown and Company (2/5/19) – 384 pages
(Full Review)
Highlights:
– Fascinating story of a woman coming into her own.
– The novels structure giving glimpses into Lee’s future.
– An epilogue that REALLY works!
The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin
William Morrow (2/5/19) – 358 pages
(Full Review)
Highlights:
– A character driven story at its best.
– Three close siblings throughout their lives.
– Narrated by the youngest at 102, with great perspective.
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Ballantine Books (3/5/19) – 368 pages
(Full Review)
Highlights:
– Told in interview format, with many different players.
– Rock & roll in the 70’s!
– Extremely strong female characters.
The River by Peter Heller
Knopf (3/5/19) – 272 pages
(Full Review)
Highlights:
– A story with everything: adventure, action, mystery, friendship.
– Discovering Peter Heller, a masterful writer.
– Unexpectedly, this book was a pure pleasure to read.
The Other Americans by Laila Lalami
Pantheon (3/26/19) – 320 pages
(Full Review)
Highlights:
– Told from many, many different points of view.
– A daughter grieving over her father’s sudden death.
– Simply stunning writing of characters rich in substance.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Hogarth (4/16/19) 288 pages
(Full Review)
Highlights:
– An intense study of two flawed/damaged young people.
– A very emotional story, beautifully written.
– The journey with characters who change and grow, but also don’t.
Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner
Atria Books (6/11/19) – 480 pages
(Full Review)
Highlights:
– The pleasure of following two sisters for more than 60 years.
– Reliving the big moments in the later half of the 20th century.
– Jo’s and Bethie’s stories are really EVERY woman’s story.
What are some of your favorite books of 2019 (so far)?
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Great list! Mine also included Daisy Jones…
http://bookloverspizza.com/my-best-books-of-2019-so-far/
Daisy Jones would probably be at the top of my list for this year so far!
I think Daisy is at the top of almost everyone’s list!
Great list! Daisy Jones and The Other Americans are on my TBR.
Honestly, you’ll love them both. So different, but both told by many different characters (which I love).
I’ve read 4 of your favorites but really only loved, The River and Daisy Jones. Hope the second half of 2019 is just as good.
Thanks, Diane. My second half is already looking good with my last two reads being 5 star books….reviews coming soon.
I’ve read 3 of the books on your list. I’m reading Searching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok and loving it. You should give it a try
Thanks! Searching for Sylvie Lee is on my TBR list. I hope to get to it sometime next month.
I’m diverging from you more than I would have thought. Last Romantics and The River are “Absolute Yes.” But a whole lot of “no” and “meh” there too.
Just finished Rough Magic which was definitely a 5* for me.
I’m jazzed that I’ve read a lot of great books this year (79 total, 60% 4* and above) but I’ve DNF’d a lot too.
I think DNFing is so important to keep readers out of slumps. Plus, it definitely keeps the ratings percentages up.
I have a copy of Rough Magic, but just haven’t found time to get to it. I read a couple of so-so reviews, so it’s nice to hear you liked it so much. I’ll try to find time next month.
I adore a good epilogue so that makes me want to pick up Age of Light!
I really think you’d enjoy The Age of Light. It had a lot going for it and Lee Miller is a fascinating woman.
Daisy Jones is my only 5-star read this year, but I have The Dreamers as a 4-star as well as Miracle Creek (which I came to by way of you), Good Morning, Midnight (also by way of you), Transcription, and Montana 1948.
Thank you very much, Christie. It’s always nice to hear that my reviews help people find books they like. I’ve not heard about Montana 1948, but am off to Goodreads check it out right now!
I’m in agreement on 4 of these, which is pretty good! The Romantics, The Dreamers, and End to Loneliness didn’t work as well for me. I definitely need to add Age of Light to my TBR!
Two of my favorites that got no buzz at all are: The Falconer and Riots I Have Known.
I liked The Falconer, but not to the same level as you. I may yet get to Riots!
Yes!! We are sharing a couple of faves- The River and of course, Daisy!
I can’t wait to get to The Age of Light and The River!!