For a busy year of kids, traveling, work and everyday madness – we certainly squeezed in quite a few books this year! What did we read in 2019? And what do we plan on reading in 2020?!? Here’s the recap!
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Our last book *wine* club night was the weekend of Thanksgiving this year, and finished out year eleven of book club meetings! Slightly unusual for us to meet on a Sunday afternoon – but calendars were tight and this date worked for everyone so we went with it. I
Here are the six books we read in 2019:
- Educated – Tara Westover
- My Dear Hamilton – Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie. If you read the book or saw the play and wanted to know more about Eliza this is the book for you!
- Becoming – Michelle Obama. No matter what your view of politics, how her family bonds started in the neighborhoods of Chicago and her
- Where the Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens.
- Mrs. Everything – Jennifer Weiner.
- Cilka’s Journey – Heather Morris. If you haven’t read “Tattooist of Auschwitz” I would recommend reading this first as Cilka is part of the original book and you will read more of her journey in this novel.
Book Club 2020
Excited for the new decade and we are already set for 2020! These were added to our Christmas lists so we could have a jump on 2020 reading selections. Planning our first book club date in the 20’s!
- The Chain – Adrian McKinty. I’m l
ooking forward to this read, different style and storyline then what we usually pick, the cover states “This book is the Jaws for parents”. - The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek – Kim Michelle Richardson. Set in 1930s Kentucky’s pack-horse librarians promoting literacy and “blue people” in the hills of the Appalachian.
- Ask Again, Yes – Mary Beth Keane. Already snuck this book in this month; a good read on friendships, family, co-workers, mental health and the paths taken
Reading Beyond Book Club
I also have a “small” pile of books waiting for me. Ok, somewhat “large and continues to grow” pile of books. Some of these are bookstore finds, some library finds. I am looking forward to starting and/or finishing them this year.
- Maid – Stephanie Land. Hard work, low pay and a mother’s will to survive.
- The Guest Book – Sarah Blake. I have had this book on my list for quite some time and finally treated myself to it!
- Maybe You Should Talk to Someone – Lori Gottlieb. This was on another book club list of mine and we start reading this month.
- Exposure – Robert Bilott. Currently one of my
library finds, and part of the backstory on the movie, Dark Waters, currently in theaters. - Before and After – Judy Christie & Lisa Wingate. I really want to read this one, based on the book “Before
We Yourreal life stories of the adoption scandal the novel was based on. - All the Missing Girls – Megan Miranda
- The Alice Network – Kate Quinn
- A Beautiful Day – Fred Rogers. We’ve seen the movies and I can always find time for an uplifting read from Mr. Rogers.
One of my goals this year is to keep better tabs on my reading lists – I had my Goodreads 2019 recap and missed a few of our book club selections! Even with the missing books I always love seeing what I escaped in during the past year. Forgot I even read a few of these – and would read them all again!
I too have a large and ever growing list of books to read and now I’ve added several more thanks to your recommendations! Happy Reading!
I just joined a book club this past year, but haven’t attended a meeting yet. Definitely a goal for 2020.
We welcome people even if they didn’t read! Sometimes it helps to start attending to motivate yourself to start reading!
I used to read more but between working full-time and blogging I haven’t had much time. Maybe I will take time for a book or two in the new year!
Adding these books to my reading list now!
Wow you did get quite a few books in. I am inspired to get back into reading. I’ve got to make the time despite how busy things get. Thank you for this.
Looks like you had a great year for reading!! It is amazing how reading can change our lives! Thank you for sharing!
I love reading, That is awesome to recap what you have read!
I read Where the Crawdads Sing! Great book. I love your list and definitely appreciate the struggle of keeping tabs on all the books you’ve read or want to read!
These look great! I’ve been on a memoir kick lately, and Michelle Obama’s book has been on my radar, but I haven’t read it yet. Where the Crawdads Sing is also on my TBR pile. I try to read at least ten minutes a day, and sometimes that’s all I can manage. But slow and steady gets me through several books a year.
Sounds like your year was a success and you’re ready for 2020!! I enjoy reading, too, but my reads seem to focus more on professional development. I need to step out of this PD box, and enjoy someo other genres. Thanks for sharing your list!! This is a great place for me to start.
I also enjoyed all the missing girls. My mom had me read it after she did. Great book!
These look like some really interesting reads. You’ll have to let us know how your 2020 list goes!
Of course!
That made me chuckle about your *wine* club. I should start a “book club” too! lol Who doesn’t love wine and books! And CHOCOLATE!
Sweet and salty treats are always an important addition to the night!
I am always looking for some new books to add to my list. I had a goal of 24 books this year and I read 35. 2020 I am upping the goal to 50.
Way to go! I am hoping to be a bit more consistent this year and power through with a few a month! Need the time looking at paper vs. screen time!
I can’t wait to read the Alice Network. Also on my list
There are a few of those on my list too! I love reading! Sometimes I “miss” the characters after the story has ended. Lol.. Thanks for sharing!
Some of these books sound so good. I really should take the time to read more often. I can’t wait to read your reviews on these as you read them.
Some of these books are on my list, but definitely looking forward to reading Becoming by Michelle Obama.
It really is an amazing story!
Lots of great suggestions in this post- thank you!
Nice book list one of my little goals this year!
I have a list of every growing books to read. Great to know that you have already a list in mind for 2020. I would love to read the one written by M. O.
Ah yes, the ever growing pile of books to read. I love to buy books, love how they look stacked or on a shelf. I’m not allowed to buy any more until I read the pile I already have! Thanks for the engaging read!
Same here! I have SO many and want so many more – that’s why I head to the library as well most weeks!
Wonderful list of books! Couldn’t go a day without reading.
Great suggestions! I love to read and am always looking for good book ideas!
I used to be part of a book club and enjoyed it. We’ve all scattered and no longer meet so it’s impressive that you w met for so many years! I’ll check out some of the books you read.