This year, Goodreads is telling me that I’ve read around 35 books. Since doing a “Top Ten” list would mean including nearly a third of my total reading, I don’t think that sounds reasonable. Especially because a good number of them were read-aloud or children’s books (i.e. Harry Potter) So, I’ll just give you a short list of favorites. [sidenote: it’s hard to make time for reading when you don’t have homework, you don’t get paid to read, and usually have small children in the car with you!]
Favorite Book of 2019: The Art of Dying, Rob Moll.
I’ve talked about this book a lot, I know. I made my mom read it, and my entire book club. I think the reason it’s gotten so much mileage for me this year is because it has both breadth and depth. It can be comfort to the bereaved, but also instructive to those of us who aren’t reeling from loss. If I had to pick one book for someone interested in the topic of death and dying, this would be my pick.
Favorite Memoir on Death and Dying of 2019: Lament for a Son, Nicholas Wolterstorff
This book is a short read, but takes you into the depths of grief more effectively than others I’ve read. That doesn’t sound like it should be a compliment, but it is. It combines beauty with profound insight and raw emotion in a powerful way. If you are processing through grief, read it. If you want to understand your friend’s grief, read it.
Favorite Christian Living of 2019: Liturgy of the Ordinary, Tish Harrison Warren
In a season of wondering what’s next and trying to better understand my role at home as wife and mom, this book was a helpful pointer to intentional living, finding beauty in the ordinary, and worshipping throughout the day.
Favorite Fiction in 2019: The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkein
I’ve read it a million times, but it has never been so sweet. You all know this, though. I don’t need to belabor the point—these books are perhaps my favorite of all time.
Some Other Mentions:
honorable mention: Rebecca, Daphne duMaurier. Amazing.
least favorite: Exodus, by Leon Uris. It went on and on, and felt pretty one-sided.
currently finishing: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Believe Me, by John Fea
books I’ve listened to or read with my daughter a million times: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis; Henry Huggins, by Beverly Cleary; The Jesus Storybook Bible, Sally Lloyd-Jones; The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible, Jared Kennedy; The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum.
tried and failed: judge me if you will, but I cannot for the life of me make it through Russian lit without imposed deadlines. I gave myself the whole year to get through Crime and Punishment. I think I made it 100 pages. I don’t doubt it’s quality, just its ability to hold my attention without having to take it to class.
