Why 9 instead of 10? Because everybody does Top 10. I wanted to change it up a little.
My reading goal for 2019 was to read more non-fiction, and am I ever glad I did. The books I read enlightened, challenged, and amazed me. Here are my top 9 reads from last year.
Non-fiction
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
I figured Dare to Lead would help in my role as secretary for my writing chapter. The benefits of this book extend far beyond any role in leadership. Brene Brown’s insights on how we behave based on our vulnerability was insightful. Her book made me search for how I can be courageous, open, and vulnerable, not only in any leadership role, but in any context. How do I “armor up?” I began quoting her when I recognized points she made in the book related to what was happening at the moment. Often when I read non-fiction books, I cherry-pick rather than read cover-to-cover. I select chapters or sections that relate to whatever interests or applies to me. Dare to Read needs to be read from the first word to the last. I highly recommend it to anyone, in leadership or not.
The Moment of Lift by Melissa Gates
The world would be a better place if EVERYONE read this book. Melissa Gates relates stories and lessons she learned in the years she has been involved with empowering women all over the world. Some of the stories made me squirm, some made me cry, some made me shout for joy. She does not mince words about institutions that interfere with women’s rights. This book opened my eyes to the realities of issues women around the world live with and the amazing possibilities when they are empowered.
Memoir
Becoming by Michelle Obama
I listened to Becoming on Audible, and because Michelle Obama narrates it, I felt like I was having coffee with her every day. This book filled me with hope as she told her story of growing up, facing many challenges as a girl—and as a woman—of color. I was amazed at her courage and determination. I enjoyed hearing about her meeting and marrying Barack Obama and their life in the White House.
Educated by Tara Westover
I put this book down at least three times because the pain of Tara Westover’s story was unbearable. I kept saying, “This couldn’t have happened. She couldn’t have survived this.” Yet, not only did she survive, she thrived. The power of her story is inspiring.
Fiction (I couldn’t resist. This entry counts as three books.)
Still Life, A Fatal Grace, The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny
Oh joy! I discovered the Inspector Gamache series that many friends had recommended. From Amazon: “Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec digs beneath the idyllic surface of village life in Three Pines, finding long buried secrets―and facing a few enemies of his own.” I fell in love with Gamache and with all the residents of Three Pines. If you love mysteries and haven’t read this author, do yourself a favor and introduce yourself.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Another book that rocked my sheltered world. This book was difficult to read because it made me starkly aware of how little I understand about what people of color deal with every day. The first time I’d ever heard the term “woke” was when I listened to an interview with Jordan Peele about his movie Get Out. My eyes were opened then, but Angie Thomas didn’t let me close them. I have so much to learn.
Spirituality
Awareness by Anthony de Mello
My friend told me that when she started reading Awareness, she said, “This isn’t a Christian book!” But she added, “You must read it to the end.” When I started reading it, I agreed with her. This book is a transcript of presentations given by Anthony de Mello, so I felt like I was at a retreat listening to him rather than reading his words. I felt challenged, I felt confused, I felt argumentative. But then I read it to the end. Excellent.
I wasn’t easy on myself. Several of these books were challenging to read. All of them were wonderful!
Fiction or non-fiction, what were some of your favorite books or authors from 2019? My inquiring mind wants to know.
I’m so glad you listed these books. I’ve wanted to read Michelle Obama’s book since it came out. At lunch today, several women were talking about Educated. I’d not heard of it before. Like you, some of them put it down but didn’t pick it back up. They were that disturbed. The only way I read non-fiction is if my book group does. They say if some true stories were written as fiction no one would believe it.
That is certainly true, Diane. If I hadn’t seen interviews with Tara Westover, I’d never believe her story. In fact, I even googled her again before I posted this to make sure she hadn’t pulled a fast one on everyone. As difficult as it is to read, her story is compelling.
Thank you for reminding me of books I haven’t read, Elizabeth! Off the the bookstore!
I’ll be interested to see how you like these books, Jenny. What were a couple of your favorites for 2019?
Hi, Elizabeth. I read fiction all year…except for how to write better books and articles and blogs and…well, you get the idea. I loved The Thirteenth Tale and Todd Borg’s Tahoe mysteries and Nancy Warren’s cozy mystery series The Vampire Knitting Club. Mind you, I don’t read vampires, but these are so good and so–well, cozy!
While you were reading the good stuff, I was enjoying mental popcorn. I’ll be starting off 2020 with your list, though. Thank you again.
Any reading is good reading in my book, Jenn. I’m in the middle of The Thirteenth Tale right now 🙂 For sure give the Louise Penny mysteries a try. I love Inspector Gamache. Rich and I took a cruise to Quebec in September in search of ancestors and research for my “witch” book. His relatives settled in the area, so it’s fun to read books set there. Quebec is beautiful! You feel like you’re in an old European city.