2019 was a down year for me as far as reading. In 2018 I read/listened to approximately 75 books! But in 2019 I read/listened to approximately 55 books. I have no idea how I ended up short so many books. I moved across the country during the second half of the year but that was actually when I read/listened the most.
I am a HUGE fan of Audible and have a subscription. Near the end of the year, I was listening to a book a week. I never thought I’d get into audiobooks but they account for a huge chunk of my reading.
The books listed below are not books WRITTEN in 2019, but rather, the books I READ in 2019. You can follow me on Goodreads to see everything I read in 2019. Shelbie’s Goodread’s Account!
The Best
MysteryThriller/Suspense
I could NOT STOP LISTENING! This book is probably my favorite because it gave me all the feels, was deep, and also wildly entertaining. This is not a book the squeamish, though. There is some graphic content.
Romance
THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!! (Insert countless heart emojis) This is NOT your typical romance. This is more like anti-romance, which is why I love it! It’s about a couple who falls out of love and how they move forward…or backward? You’ll have to read to decide.
Historical
This book takes place in Kenya in the 1950s. It’s suspenseful and heartbreaking. When one of the characters was presumed dead near the end I was happy…this is how emotional this book is. It’s infuriating how some people groups were/and still are treated to this day. This is great if you are looking for something outside of traditional historical periods.
Young Adult
This is an interesting one to have on my list because it does not paint Christians in a very warm light, but I think that’s why I like it, in a way. This book hits on some hard issues and holds some views that Christians find controversial. But it also does not hide reality and I don’t like sugar coating. This is a no sugar coating book that feels very authentic.
Mental Health/Issue Book
This was a refreshingly honest and raw look at anorexia in fiction form. I’m obviously a big fan of that and being in recovery, I could really relate to this one.
Christian
This book did NOT have the happy ending I wanted but I loved that it emersed me in a part of Biblical history that we don’t read about often. The years between the last book of the Old Testament and the first book of the New Testament.
Fantasy
I’m slowly making my way through all the Narnia books and this was a joy! Aslan’s words spoke to me and the story was fun and enchanting.
Nonfiction
If I could gift this to every girl I know under the age of 40, I would. This is one of the BEST books I think I’ve ever read in regards to tackling real-life Christianity. The author recounts her thoughts of Christianity and Christians and then the way that heartbreak and travel made God real to her. It was so beautiful and I can not recommend it enough.
Runners Up
These were also 5-star books and deserve a spot on the “Top” list! I read some AMAZING books this year. I don’t like picking favorites from my favorites. Does that make sense? If you’re a bookie I think it will. 🙂
And I Also RELEASED a Book This Year. But I’m Biased, so it Can’t Be on the Top List.
Did you read any of these books? If not, what were some of your favorites in 2019? And don’t forget to subscribe below for my newsletter. 🙂
