2019 – A Year of Reading and Listening
My goal this year was to read 67 books. Total read was actually 135 (for a total of 33,918 pages).
Every year I join the reading challenge on Goodreads. For the past
couple years my goal is to read my age in books.
Obviously, the bar is set higher as I get older.
couple years my goal is to read my age in books.
Obviously, the bar is set higher as I get older.
Below are the books I read this past year that I rated to be 5 stars
(in no particular order).
Very eclectic list.
(in no particular order).
Very eclectic list.
Also included is a list of my top 10 podcasts for the year.
5 STAR BOOKS OF 2019
White Bird- Palacio, R.J.
Outstanding!
Outstanding!
Here We Are: American Dreams, American Nightmares- Shahani, Aarti
Aarti Shahani's Here We Are: American Dreams, American Nightmares is a true,
honest depiction of her family's immigrant story in America.
It is true that each immigrant’s story is personal and unique,
all need to deal with the complexity of being an immigrant in America.
Very interesting and insightful story.
honest depiction of her family's immigrant story in America.
It is true that each immigrant’s story is personal and unique,
all need to deal with the complexity of being an immigrant in America.
Very interesting and insightful story.
Saint X - Schaitkin, Alexis
This is not your "run of the mill" mystery, instead it is a multilayered story told from shifting
viewpoints that will have you thinking long after you finish reading the book.
viewpoints that will have you thinking long after you finish reading the book.
You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters- Murphy, Kate
This is a fascinating and insightful book about listening.
It is a human need to be heard, but are we really listening? There are many of us that want to talk
but not many of us who will listen. Listening is essential to communication in fact
“People get lonely for lack of listening.”
Distractions are everywhere. In the era of instant "communication" via social media,
are we really communicating. Is technology to blame?
Kate Murphy in You're Not Listening: What You're Missing and Why It Matters
explores the different aspects of different kinds of listening in this enlightening book.
It combines just the right amount of research, stories and reference material to make it easily read.
Absolutely a must read for all.
It is a human need to be heard, but are we really listening? There are many of us that want to talk
but not many of us who will listen. Listening is essential to communication in fact
“People get lonely for lack of listening.”
Distractions are everywhere. In the era of instant "communication" via social media,
are we really communicating. Is technology to blame?
Kate Murphy in You're Not Listening: What You're Missing and Why It Matters
explores the different aspects of different kinds of listening in this enlightening book.
It combines just the right amount of research, stories and reference material to make it easily read.
Absolutely a must read for all.
Know My Name- Miller, Chanel
Powerful!
This Tender Land- Krueger, William Kent
"Our eyes perceive so dimly, and our brains are so easily confused. Far better, I believe, to be like
children and open ourselves to every beautiful possibility, for there is nothing our hearts can
imagine that is not so". ~William Kent Krueger
Outstanding story!
children and open ourselves to every beautiful possibility, for there is nothing our hearts can
imagine that is not so". ~William Kent Krueger
Outstanding story!
Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover, and Me- Brodeur, Adrienne
How could this story of a mother and daughter's complicated and dysfunctional relationship be so compelling?
I read this book in one sitting, completely unputdownable
I read this book in one sitting, completely unputdownable
The Book Women of Troublesome Creek- Richardson, Kim Michele
This book draws you in and lifts you up.
Fascinating history of the "blues " and the Pack Horse Library Project
Fascinating history of the "blues " and the Pack Horse Library Project
Cilka’ Journey - Morris, Heather
It is so hard to read about the atrocities faced by Jews and dissidents in concentration camps and
prisons in World War II. Cilka had to withstand mistreatment, humiliation, rape and so much more
during her many years of imprisonment but all the while had a sense of purpose and a sense of survival.
We follow her from hope to hopelessness and back again. She is a survivalist in the true sense.
This book follows Heather Morris's previous book, "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" and fills in some of the
story that began in The Tattooist.
An amazing story of survival and bravery.
This book is a work of historical fiction, however Cilka Klein was a real person and a phenomenal
amount of research went into the writing. I highly recommend this book
prisons in World War II. Cilka had to withstand mistreatment, humiliation, rape and so much more
during her many years of imprisonment but all the while had a sense of purpose and a sense of survival.
We follow her from hope to hopelessness and back again. She is a survivalist in the true sense.
This book follows Heather Morris's previous book, "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" and fills in some of the
story that began in The Tattooist.
An amazing story of survival and bravery.
This book is a work of historical fiction, however Cilka Klein was a real person and a phenomenal
amount of research went into the writing. I highly recommend this book
The Body: A Guide for Occupants- Bryson, Bill
I have been living in this body for 60 + years but it wasn't until I read this book did I learn about how
many of the systems function and what doctors and scientists already know. Easy to read,
entertaining, all the while being scientific make this a great informative book.
many of the systems function and what doctors and scientists already know. Easy to read,
entertaining, all the while being scientific make this a great informative book.
Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City- Desmond, Matthew
Olive Again- Strout, Elizabeth
I didn't realize how much I missed Olive until I read this book.
Following Olive's life as she ages, the good, the bad and the ugly makes me appreciate the
aging process. I feel a certain affinity to Olive as I see myself..the good , the bad and the ugly.
Loved the book.
Following Olive's life as she ages, the good, the bad and the ugly makes me appreciate the
aging process. I feel a certain affinity to Olive as I see myself..the good , the bad and the ugly.
Loved the book.
Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? Big Questions from Tiny Mortals About Death- Doughty, Caitlin
Being a fan of Caitlin Doughty and her previous books, I was excited to see that she had written another.
This book answers questions that kids (and quite frankly inquisitive adults) ask about death and dying as
well as the job of the mortician. She answers these questions with science, facts, history and humor.
This book answers questions that kids (and quite frankly inquisitive adults) ask about death and dying as
well as the job of the mortician. She answers these questions with science, facts, history and humor.
The Nickle Boys- Whitehead, Colson
How It Feels to Float- Fox, Helana
This was a very difficult book to read, but I am so happy I did. This story will stay with me for some time.
Mental illness, grief, and questioning sexual orientation all add up to a compelling story.
Despite Biz's chaotic thoughts, the story was told smoothly and powerfully.
Biz was often"visited" by her dead father (ghost or imagination) in the beginning of the book
but after an incident on the beach with her school friends, Biz no longer is visited by her father.
After taking a photography class and meeting Sylvia, Biz becomes friends with Jasper, a
classmate, and together they travel to find more about the father Biz lost. This story is
emotionally intense and raw. Tough topic, terrific read.
Mental illness, grief, and questioning sexual orientation all add up to a compelling story.
Despite Biz's chaotic thoughts, the story was told smoothly and powerfully.
Biz was often"visited" by her dead father (ghost or imagination) in the beginning of the book
but after an incident on the beach with her school friends, Biz no longer is visited by her father.
After taking a photography class and meeting Sylvia, Biz becomes friends with Jasper, a
classmate, and together they travel to find more about the father Biz lost. This story is
emotionally intense and raw. Tough topic, terrific read.
No Crumbs Left:Whole 30 Endorsed, Recipes for Everyday Food Made Marvelous- Turner, Teri
I have been following Teri on Instagram for years and have been looking forward to this book....it did not
disappoint. Food is Teri's love language and it certainly shows with not only the recipes but also the
narrative and quotes included in the book. This book is a real gem!
disappoint. Food is Teri's love language and it certainly shows with not only the recipes but also the
narrative and quotes included in the book. This book is a real gem!
We Love Anderson Cooper- Maizes, R.L.
This is a wonderful collection of stories all of which deal with overcoming challenges of one type or
another. Each story different from each other yet all cohesive in the theme and all very readable and enjoyable.
Couldn't help but root the characters in each story with their quirks and Idiosyncrasies after all,
all of us outsiders want to be cheered on and loved, Highly recommend.
another. Each story different from each other yet all cohesive in the theme and all very readable and enjoyable.
Couldn't help but root the characters in each story with their quirks and Idiosyncrasies after all,
all of us outsiders want to be cheered on and loved, Highly recommend.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz- Morris, Heather
The Last Romantics- Conklin, Tara
I was drawn right into the story. I will need to process this book before I start a new one
Daisy Jones and The Sixth- Reid, Taylor Jenkins
What a great story!
What a great story!
A Woman is No Man- Rum, Eyaf
Powerful story by a courageous writer.
Finding Dorothy- Letts, Elizabeth
Loved this back story of The Wizard of Oz. This movie spans the decades and has played a role in so
many childhoods. This book brings it all back and more.
Anyone who has seen the Wizard of Oz and/or read the book(s) will love this book.
many childhoods. This book brings it all back and more.
Anyone who has seen the Wizard of Oz and/or read the book(s) will love this book.
On the Come Up- Thomas, Angie
Another thoughtful, important book by Angie Thomas
When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir- Khan-Cullors, Patrisse
Harry’s Trees- Cohen, Jon
This book has all the feels. Read it!
Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity and Love- Shapiro, Dani
Read this memoir in one sitting. Fascinating story of how a simple thing like a spiting in a vial
can impact the life you know it. Calling to question what is family and how family plays a role in
forming and possibly re-forming who we are.
can impact the life you know it. Calling to question what is family and how family plays a role in
forming and possibly re-forming who we are.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers- Rogers, Fred
My kids grew up in the 80's and as a parent I looked forward to Mr. Rogers coming on at 4 pm as much
as the kids did. Mr. Rogers's warmth and understanding of children was apparent in all his songs.
I found myself hearing the music as I read through the lyrics/poems. Such great memories.
The lyrics stand the test of time. Great book.
as the kids did. Mr. Rogers's warmth and understanding of children was apparent in all his songs.
I found myself hearing the music as I read through the lyrics/poems. Such great memories.
The lyrics stand the test of time. Great book.
The Library of Lost and Found- Patrick, Phaedra
What a wonderful heartwarming story. What a wonderful heartwarming story.
Families are complicated and Martha's was no exception. Having devoted her life to caring
for her parents, Martha found purpose in volunteering at the library. Books play a central role
in the story, especially one that just "happened" into Marthas possession. Great characters and
wonderful story line.
Families are complicated and Martha's was no exception. Having devoted her life to caring
for her parents, Martha found purpose in volunteering at the library. Books play a central role
in the story, especially one that just "happened" into Marthas possession. Great characters and
wonderful story line.
What the Eyes Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City-
Hanna-Attisha, Mona
Hanna-Attisha, Mona
Mona Hanna-Attisha is a true hero.
A hero for kids, for Flint, and for Michigan!
A hero for kids, for Flint, and for Michigan!
Folded Wisdom: Notes from Dad on Life, Love and Growing Up- Guest, Joanna
This book speaks to me so much.
It is what I, as a parent, wish I could have expressed my support and love as clearly as Bob to my children.
It is what I, as a daughter, would have loved to receive from my parents.
And it is exactly what I, as a human, should be sharing with those I love.
Excellent book.
It is what I, as a parent, wish I could have expressed my support and love as clearly as Bob to my children.
It is what I, as a daughter, would have loved to receive from my parents.
And it is exactly what I, as a human, should be sharing with those I love.
Excellent book.
Top 10 Podcasts for 2019
The Shrink Next Door
Dirty John
Catch and Kill
The Daily
Stay Tuned with Preet
Heavyweight
Reply All
The Dropout
Finding Fred
Dolly Parton’s America
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