I did a lot of reading in 2019, y’all. I know I have the pleasure of writing about many of the books I’ve read here, and occasionally elsewhere as well. I’ve always used that as an excuse to buy more books (also, there’s no such thing as too many books). But as I came closer and closer to my second reading goal of 2019, I found that I have a lot of unread books in my possession!
I read over 100 books in 2019, which is absolutely insane! Obviously, I’m a big reader; I’ve always used reading as an escape, and now it’s a part of my job. But I thought I’d do a bit of a wrap up of my favorites of the year and chat about what’s coming in 2020.
The Disasters by MK England
I absolutely adored this book because MK England did something that needs to be done more in books; show not tell. The Disasters is about a group of academy rejects who have to save the universe. No big deal, right? It’s full of killer action, a touch of romance, and mad diversity. Full review here.
My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix
I love Grady Hendrix so much. He writes some truly incredible horror, and this was no different! My Best Friend’s Exorcism was full of gore, classic ’80s vibes, and the chapter names were all song names (playlist here, but as the music follows the themes of the story, mild spoilers). It’s (obviously) about an exorcism, and it’s a wild ride. Full review here.
Bloom by Kein Panetta & Savanna Ganucheau
Ohhhhh this book. It’s a graphic novel by one of my favorite comics creators, and the sister of his partner in crime! I knew I was going to love Bloom long before reading it, but when I actually got into it, I fell in love. This is a Maryland beach romance that is also about baking. What’s not to love with that? Full review here.
Where’d You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple
Yes, I read this book because the movie was coming out; no, I’m not sorry about it. It’s such a neat story about a woman who disappears. It’s told through found materials (text messages, email threads, and faxes). It is so unique, and if you’re thinking of watching the movie, I highly recommend you check out this book first. Full review here.
Rebel Girls by Elizabeth Keenan
Rebel Girls was a book that I knew I would love, based on the cover alone. But when you also add that it’s an early ’90s homage to riot grrrls and the solidarity of women, I was beyond sold. Full review here.
Wilder Girls by Rory Power
Wilder Girls is technically another horror book, but I would consider it to be more of a suspense read. An all girl’s school has an outbreak of some sort of disease, and they’re all quarantined away from everyone they’ve known. But they don’t want that to be the case anymore. It’s a lot of “oh dang.” Full review here.
Warrior of the Wild by Tricia Levenseller
Vikings? Check. Powerful female character? Check. An impossible task? Also check. Warrior of the Wild is rad, and you should really read it if you haven’t already. Full review here.
These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling
I love witchcraft, especially when put into a magical realism scope. These Witches Don’t Burn definitely did that for me; modern witches doing their best to keep each other safe and strong. Love it! Full review here.
One of Us is Lying by Karen M McManus
One of Us is Lying is The Breakfast Club, but with murder. It’s a rad and unique re-imagining. This book inspired a TV adaptation, which is super exciting. Plus, it has a sequel book slated for next year, so you may as well start reading this immediately! Full review here.
The Haunted by Danielle Vega
Is that another horror book? Of course it is! Danielle Vega is another of my favorite horror writers. I absolutely adore how well she does gore. If you’re into gore and horror, check out The Haunted (along with her Merciless series, because wow). Full review here.
This is such a small sample of the books I read this past year, and I can’t wait to get into more diverse reads next year.
The other day I pulled all of the books that I own but haven’t read off of my shelves. I came down with around 110 books, which is an exhausting number, especially since I own them all! My reading goal for 2020 is to (of course) read 110 books, but also to make sure they’re all of the books that I currently own and haven’t read. It’s even more intimidating looking at my stacks in person, but I think it’s important for me to focus on what I do have, instead of what I could have. Some of the books I’m most excited about reading in 2020 are Furyborn, Unpregnant, and Lady Smoke.
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