Whoop, there it is! Another wonderful year of reading captured in a top 10 post that actually shares 16 reads that have rocked my world. Confession time: this year my reading count is down by a minimum of 10 books on previous years due to more than a few binge sessions of some incredible Netflix series and movies. My book count as of today, 19 December 2019 is 56 with another six books sitting on my bedside table and a long, long reading list to take into the next decade.
Before we jump in, here’s my 2016, 2017 and 2018 best reads lists. I haven’t counted, but let’s assume there’s at least 10 on each list (and there is!), then including this post, you have 40 books to consume. Enjoy, my pretties, I know I have!
Here we go, in no particular order because ranking them would do my head in, as it’s hard enough nominating a top 10, and with Booktopia links with no affiliation (because, eww) but for simplicity of obtaining:
My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinham
I’ve been reading Gloria Steinham since my early teens, and certainly long before I understood the concepts of her books. Her writing is sublime and this was such a beautiful memoir of an incredible icon.
I read this in two days, forgoing sleep and maybe a touch of hygiene in the process. I love love LOVED this memoir and it has stayed with me long since finishing the last page. My older daughter read it too and we’ve had some wonderful discussions about the power of education and the conflict within families.
The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis
I read a profile piece on the author of this novel which made me initially pick it up. Once I turned the first page I was completely and utterly besotted with the characters and the narrative. Again, the characters stayed with me beyond the book and it was so beautifully, perfectly written. Pure joy of language. Bliss!
Finally, a business book, I hear you cry! This is a massive mofo of a book and would be a suitable weapon of choice during a home invasion (suitable for both invading and protecting). I’m a sucker for a sneaky peek into other people’s routines and lifestyles. There are elements that are … well… batshit crazy- psychedelics, I’m looking at you- but some really great strategies, tips, tricks and actions to implement in one’s quest for a productive, fulfiling life.
Well, duh, of course this is in my top 10. If you haven’t read it, why TF not? My mum has, my daughter has, everyone I know has. It’s incredible.
Help Me: how self-help has not changed by life by Marianne Power
I shared my love of this book on Instagram and almost lost my poo when the author responded! This was such a good read; funny, sad, evocative and had that rare quality of inspiring snort laughs alongside a ton of self-reflection.
First, We Make the Beast Beautiful by Sarah Wilson
I’m not sure why it took me so long to read this book because I’ve been a huge fan of Sarah’s writing way back to her Sunday Life column days. This book is incredible, harrowing, uplifting, life changing. Read it.
The Yellow House by Emily O’Grady
An incredible YA novel that was creepy as hell, beautifully constructed and language that was perfection.
The Shepherd’s Hut by Tim Winton
Tim Winton is my ultimate, the best writer in the whole wide world and he could write a shopping list and it will be in my top 10. That’s it.
Footsteps- The New York Times Anthology of Literary Pilgrimages Around the World
If you were under any illusion that I’m a cocaine-guzzling, nightclub hopping cool kid, this anthology of fellow word nerds taking trips around the world to see where their favourite authors did their grocery shopping will demonstrate that I am, in fact, not a cool kid. Not in the slightest. This made my top 10 because each piece was incredibly well written (New York Times writers, am I right?) and because I’d happily geek out at each and every destination.
So that’s my top 10 and because I can’t resist, here’s some more reads that could have made it in, but for the hair on my chinny, chin chin:
After the Lights Go Out by Lili Wilkinson
Rushing Woman’s Syndrome by Dr Libby Weaver
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
488 Rules for Life by Kitty Flanagan
And one more, just because I love the author more than life:
Change by Stealth by Melitta Hardenberg
Tell me, what’s been your favourite read(s) this year?
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