2019 has been a wonderful year for reading. I won’t lie, part of me wishes I read more this year but the books I read, I truly enjoyed. As we are coming to the end of the year, I wanted to do a little bit of a round-up of my best books of 2019.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
I find people fascinating which has led me to read a lot of memoirs. Let me tell you right now, it is no exaggeration when I say this is the best memoir I have read. I learned a lot from reading this. It is currently on loan to m aunt but I cannot wait to get my hands on this again and re-read it. There are so many little nuggets of wisdom in her words from her career to how she dealt with relationships while being ambitious. Side note, If you like podcasts, Michelle Obama reads the audiobook and well, that voice. Trust me when I say, you will not regret getting both versions.
If Only by Melanie Murphy
I had the privilege of reading the debut novel by Melanie Murphy this summer and let me tell you, it hit me in the heart. The story focuses on the concept of those moments in life where you make a decision and years later wonder what might have happened if you did something differently. With the help of a family heirloom, the female protagonist, Erin is able to go back in time and do exactly that. The plot is stunning and filled with multi-faceted inclusive characters and explores what many of us feel in our twenties as we try to find our way.
It’s Not About The Burqa Edited by Mariam Khan
As a Muslim woman who adores books, let me tell you 2019 is the year I have discovered some wonderful writers from women of colour and part of that is thanks to books such as It’s not about the burqa which is a collection of essays from Muslim women writers of all backgrounds sharing their experience. Each one is beautiful and touching in its own way.
Little Black Book by Otegha Owagba
I first read this in 2017 maybe? I am not sure but I re-read it this year and it is the business book every woman needs. Regardless of if you work for yourself or work for a big company or a bit of both, the advice in here is empowering and reminds you, you can do anything you set your mind too, you just need to put in the work.
Conversation With Friends by Sally Rooney
I wasn’t sure I was going to put this in here but the book was so wonderfully weird I couldn’t include it. This was the last fiction I read and let me tell you there were times where I didn’t know what to think. Sally Rooney has a way of writing the most complicated characters and makes you think about your interactions with those around you. Conversation with friends is about four people whose lives intertwine in an interesting way. The book demonstrates the insecurities many women feel, class and privilege and provides a stark reminder, not everything is as it seems.
Be The Change by Gina Martin
If I thought we needed this book when it first came out I definitely feel like we need it right now. After changing the law on upskirting Gina is sharing the lessons she has learned along the way. The book is filled with practical tips and tricks on effective activism. If you are made about an issue and want to change it, this is the book for you.
There are many more books that I am sure I have missed out on this list but these are the books that stood out to me this year.
Which books are on your best of 2019 list? Let me know.
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