Hello everyone,
It is time to look back at the most excellent and truly outstanding books I read in 2019. This has been a year where I have read more genres than ever, and discovered so many interesting voices which a may not have tried out previously.
In total I read 59, but they included a reread of Harry Potter which I am deciding not to include. So without further ado, here are my top 10 of 2019, in no particular order…
The Girl In The Tower by Katherine Arden
I loved the Winternight Trilogy so much that I had to include one of them in my top 10. The second book was my favourite of the series, brilliant throughout and no shortage of action. The plot moved forward dramatically, and I was totally gripped by it.
Once Upon A River by Diane Setterfield
If you love literature and the art of storytelling, then this is a standout example. The level of detail, the themes explored, characters with interesting backstories and sub-plots, all make it a memorable read.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
This was a profound and supremely powerful work of fiction that left a lasting impact on me as a reader. It takes on an important issue with eloquence, a compelling plot, and brilliant characters. I would now recommend it to anybody, and wish I had read it sooner.
The Muse by Jessie Burton
A novel of remarkable complexity and acute symbolism, The Muse consumed me with its profoundly intelligent narrative, dual timelines, and an intricately woven plot. Compelling and complex, I loved it.
The Evidence Against You by Gillian McAllister
This is an excellent, profoundly written thriller. The pace may be relatively slow, but it is rich with suspense and intrigue. It has a relatively simple concept, but the writing made it so effective.
The Seven Deaths Of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
I have never read another book quite like this one. From the sheer uniqueness of the concept to the near faultless execution of an exceptionally complex, labyrinthine plot, this was a truly extraordinary book. As far as standalone novels are concerned, I have not read many better!
The Passengers by John Marrs
This is a must-read for all thriller fans. It is a pulsating ride that hardly relents right up until the end. You cannot fail to be gripped by this due to the fast pace and the innovative concepts.
Changeling by Matt Wesolowski
This was an absolutely superb read that combines excellent and unique storytelling with powerful themes and a continuous sense of atmosphere. The originality of the format was a highlight, as was the strength of the writing. But the twist at the end was the icing on the cake!
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
This is a hugely imaginative, majestically written work of fiction that left me thoroughly captivated. It is one of those books that reminded me why I love reading, with an original and fascinating concept, and a riveting plot that gradually gathers pace.
The Song Of Achilles by Madeline Miller
This was a brilliantly written book, and a splendid portrayal of the much hinted at romance between Achilles and Patroclus during the Trojan War. I loved almost everything about it and was totally immersed, with the writing just getting better and better as the story went on.
And there we have it! What were your best reads of 2019? Have you enjoyed the books I’ve chosen? Let me know in the comments!
Argh Stephen! As always, you’re adding more and more great books to my never-ending TBR!! 😝😉 I’m glad you read such enjoyable and interesting ones this year, and I hope to get to at least a few of these in 2020 😁
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Yes I’m such a bad influence on your TBR! 😅 But every book on this list is worth reading, and I hope you can enjoy some of them soon. 🙂
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So glad The Song of Achilles and The Hate U Give are on this list! I started them but couldn’t finish, and now I’m planning to read them in 2020! 😄
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Thank you, Nikita. I hope you enjoy them!
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Amazing top 10! I’m seeing some favourites here 🙂
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Thank you! I’m glad that you liked some of these books. 🙂
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Argh! ALL of these are still on my TBR. I need to get to them soon. Awesome list!! I hope you have a great rest of 2019 🙂
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Thank you, Erica! Really, is every one of them on your list?! Have a great 2020 😊
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The Evidence Against You by Gillian McAllister was a new addition thanks to your list!! 🙂 I’m a bit iffy with The Hate U Give just because of the content, but I will likely read it anyway as I definitely agree it’s an important read! 🙂
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I actually ended up DNFing The Seven Deaths Of Evelyn Hardcastle… Seeing as so many people love it, though, I might have to give it another shot at some point!
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I hope you do. It isn’t for everyone I guess, but for me it was a brilliant read!
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I have a copy of The Hate You Give and am really excited to read it (guilty confession: I have had it for ages 🤫). One of my favourite reads from 2019 was A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder by Holly Jackson 😊
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Don’t worry, I’m sure you will get to read it soon and I hope you like it as much I did! I have thought about reading the Holly Jackson book before – maybe I should get to it!
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I still need to read the bear and the nightingale and the ten thousand doors of January🤦♀️( a goal for 2020😂). Great post Stephen! 😊
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Thank you, Holly! Good luck with reading those books and I hope you love them!
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Thank you and your welcome! 😊
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Some great books on this list which are are on my TBR. Just picked up The Song of Achilles to read as it’s our book club read for this month.
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Thank you, Mani. I hope you love The Song Of Achilles, it is a fabulously written, compelling book!
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Interesting list! One of those is actually one of my worst reads of the year (maybe you can guess which) 😉
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It wouldn’t be Evelyn Hardcastle, would it?! 😅
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You guessed it! 😀
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The Song of Achilles is one book that intimidates me, but also thrills me. I meant to read it this year, but I think I’ll have to be in the right mood to read it. I’m hoping to tackle it in 2020
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It took me a long time to read it, but I’m really glad I did. Hope you do end up liking it!
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So many great books on here. I’m excited to get to the Ten Thousand Doors of January in January!!
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Thank you, Meeghan. I’m certain you’ll love the Ten Thousand Doors Of January, it’s such a well written story with a great concept. 😊
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The Hate U Give and The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle are excellent books! I’m so glad that you enjoyed them so much! 🙂
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Thank you, Jenn!
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A brilliant list, Stephen! I am very excited to read The ten thousand doors of January and The Hate U Give and the fact that both are on your top 10 books of 2019 list definitely bodes well!
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Thanks so much, Darina! They are both excellent books and I hope that you like them as much as I did 🙂
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