A little unknown fact, unless you really know me, is that I absolutely LOVE to read. It is one of my favorite pastimes, and thankfully, I am a very fast reader. I have gotten through a ton of books already this year, and wanted to share some of my top favorites and do a mini book recommendations 2019 with you all.
If you like these posts, make sure you sign up for our email list! I will be doing book recommendations and reviews every other month or so from now on. You’ll definitely see a theme this month of the type of books I have been loving:)
Also, if there are any not on the list that you love, leave them in the comments!
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Book Recommendations 2019
Lilac Girls– If you loved “The Nightingale” I think you will really enjoy this story! It is the story of three different women living during the time when Hitler invades Poland; Caroline, who lives in America, Kasia, a polish teen, and Herta, a German doctor. Their lives eventually end up intertwined in this realistic and heart-griping story that was inspired by actual events.
This was a really fast and enjoyable read for me. I finished it in a matter of days, and the story was just so griping! I did not want it to end. 5/5 recommend
Deja– If you like fictional stories with some fantasy, time travel, young romance, and some suspense, this book is one that you will want to read all at once. It is easy to get caught up in the story, and anxiously await the next twist and turn that the characters will experience, namely Garren, as he navigates early adult life for the second time. I was invested in how the story was going to end, although I do wish it was a little bit longer as I would have liked to get to know the characters in just a smidge more detail. This book is by Michael Gunter, a local writer here in Richmond. 4/5 recommend
Educated: A Memoir – This is the story of Tara Westover, who started her education formally at the age of 17 but went on to earn her PhD. She grew up in Idaho, in a Mormon survivalist family. It really goes through the ups and downs of her life, through family dynamics, new horizons, abuse and several other defining moments.
I really enjoyed this book, and the fact that it was based on a true story, although this factor also made it a lot more emotional because of some of the things she went through. While it was an easier read, some of the things that happened in the story made me cringe, so I spaced out the reading time on this one. 4/5 recommend
The Tattooist of Auschwitz– This is a love story based off of interview with a Holocaust survivor. He tells the story of his time in Auschwitz, how he became a tattooist to the other prisoners during that time, and how he found the love of his life through that time as well.
This book was beautifully written, and the story of the trials that this man (and so many others) endured during this time is truly inspirational. 5/5 recommend
Beneath The Scarlet Sky– This book tells the story of Pino, an Italian boy growing up during the time of Hilter’s invasions. From going to help Jews in the Underground Railroad, to working closely for Hitler himself, it is an exciting book filled with history, suspense, and some love.
This book is slightly longer than the other ones, making it a little lengthier of a read, but worth it in my opinion! It is my most recent read, and I really enjoyed the story and I think the book was written true to the times. 4/5 recommend
The Tuscan Child– In 1944, British bomber pilot Hugo Langley parachuted from his stricken plane into the verdant fields of German-occupied Tuscany. Badly wounded, he found refuge in a ruined monastery and in the arms of Sofia Bartoli. But the love that kindled between them was shaken by an irreversible betrayal. His daughter, Joanna, goes to find out and understand her father’s history and finds things that may be better left buried.
This is a wonderful drama about finding yourself, finding out things about your family, and dealing with the emotional struggles that loss brings. 4/5 recommend
Where The Crawdads Sing– This is the story of Kya, a young girl who grows up in the marshes of North Carolina. It is her coming of age story, combined with a murder-mystery and a wonderful love story.
This is my favorite book I have read in a long time. I absolutely love the story line. It gives the lesson that even those who get judged so harshly, or endure the hardest things in life, can survive and come out of it with a beautiful life. It was an easy read for me, and I finished it in two days. 5/5 recommend
*Here’s to finding new books to plow through, and the amazing authors who wrote them*
These all sound amazing!! I really want to read Where the Crawdad Sings, and Lilac Girls!! Thanks a bunch
Beneath The Scarlet Sky looks soooo good! I have been looking for a great book and I think I just found it. Thanks!
I have read Where the Crawdads Sing. It was so good! I’ll have to take a look at your other choices!
Great recommendations! I definitely need to make more time to just relax and read!
I’ve heard great things about Where the Crawdad Sings! I’d love to read it!
-Madi xo | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
This is a great list of recommendations! I wish I was a fast reader too. I read tons of books as audiobooks, but only a handful each year as an actual book.
Stine Mari recently posted…Penicillin Cocktail with Ginger, Lemon and Honey
These all sound like great books! My favorite books are in the historical fiction genre so a lot of these are right up my alley. Thank you sharing!
I really needed a list like this! Time is far and few between but I’ve got on my 2019 list to start reading more. Thanks for the suggestions!
Wanda recently posted…Instant Pot Turkey Stock
I’ve always read non-fiction and technology books, but will give some of these recommendations a try!
These sound like such good reads! Definitely need to take more time to sit down and enjoy a good book!
Kasey Ma
http://www.TheStyleWright.com
I haven’t read a lot of these, really want to read a lot of them. Just bought The Silent Patient but haven’t read it yet. Bringing it with me next month. I Love reading, my happy place.
Great list of books. I’m intrigued by the Where The Crawdads Sing. I love those types of story endings as well. Thanks for the recommendations.
I’ve read Where the Crawdads Sing. You have several listed that I want to read. I’m an avid reader and I’m always looking for a great read.
Alli Smith recently posted…Best Trunk or Treat Ideas Including Ghostbusters
Thank you for this list! I reading is one of my favorite things to do. I will be sure to add some of these to my pile.
Amber Myers recently posted…5 Ways To Survive Middle School
Now that the kids are going back to school I may have a little bit more time to sit down and read for myself. I may have to check out a few of these books.
These are great book ideas. I love to grab a good book and lounge by the pool or beach.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy recently posted…7 Tips on Rocking the Back-to-School Transition
I’ve had The Tattooist of Auschwitz on hold at the library forever. I can’t wait for it to get in stock so I can read it. I did read a different Holocaust book “The Architect” which I absolutely loved. I’ll be sure to check out your recommendations. Thanks!
Theresa recently posted…Healthy After-School Banana Snack
Thank you for this list of book recommendations for 2019. I need to start reading again, I truly miss it. My kids do read a lot but I stopped. I am going to see about getting a couple of the books you recommended.
These books are all interesting to read. Hope I could have time to read them all!
The husband is the bookworm over here and he’s always checking for new books to read. I will have to tell him about your list.
Lynndee recently posted…Chili Dog Tater Tot Casserole
I’m loving all these great books. I’m always looking for new books to read too. I’ll be checking on some of these.
Great list of books! I am curious about the Deja, I think I will enjoy this book!
I will have to go to the library and see if any of these are available. I’m going camping next week and I’ll have some time to read.
I am planning a vacation and I am making a reading list. I love your description for The Tuscan Child book. I should buy it!
Great list! I want to read The Tattooist of Auschwitz! It sounds like a great book with interesting story
I just added The Tattooist of Auschwitz to my “to read” list. I find reading Holocaust stories very interesting
Thanks for your personal book recommendations. I have Where The Crawdads Sing on my list so it is nice to see you suggest it too! Great reading list!