This post contains affilliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we will make a small commisson at no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.
My Favorite Books from 2019
I don’t write about books very often on the blog, but I love reading and enjoy posting my favorite books of the year. I did a post like this back in 2017, but I didn’t get to it last year, so the list below includes my top 10 books from 2019 and my top 5 books from 2018.
If you want to follow along with what I’m reading in 2020, then you can follow me on GoodReads.
I read a lot of non-fiction, so I’m breaking my list into three main categories: Historical Ficion, Non-Fiction and Homeschool Non-Fiction.
There are some really good books on the list this year and I hope you enjoy the recommendations. Also, be sure to let me know what you enjoyed reading this year in the comment section below. Happy reading friends!
Follow Graceful Little Honey Bee on:
Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Historical Fiction
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
This book is an epistolary novel which means it is written as a series of documents, in this case letters. It’s set right after WWII on the British Island of Guernsey, which was under German control during the war. It’s a story about a group of people and how books brought them together during hard times. I listened to this on audio and really enjoyed it. There is also a movie on Netflix, which was also excellent.
This was another book that I listened to on audio this year. I love anything Anne of Green Gables related, so I was excited to listen to this book about the life of Marilla Cuthbert before we meet her in the Anne books. I think it was well written and I really enjoyed the story.
This was the longest book that I read this year at over 600 pages. It’s a fictional account (although based on true events and people) about the daughter of Thomas Jefferson. I learned a ton about the time period and the famous Jefferson family through this book. It was highly entertaining and I didn’t want to put it down.
Non-Fiction
Arctic Homestead: The True Story of One Family’s Survival and Courage in the Alaskan Wilds
This book was insane, seriously. It’s about the last woman to file a homestead claim in America back in the seventies. She along with her family braved the Alaskan wilds and had many, many close encounters with death. The trials that this family went through were incredible. They were definitely some tough and extremely courageous people.
The World of Laura Ingalls Wilder: The Frontier Landscapes that Inspired the Little House Books
I really enjoyed this book about the landscapes of pioneer America that surrounded the Ingalls family during the time period of the Little House books. It takes you through Laura’s whole journey as a pioneer and tells you all about the people, places and plants along the way. Any Laura fan is bound to fall in love with this book .
The Lucky Few: Finding God’s Best in the Most Unlikely Places
I read this book at the height of my recurrent miscarriage journey and it was just what I needed to read. It’s the story about Heather Avis’ journey through infertility, foster care, adoption and raising children with Down Syndrome. Definitely a heartwarming and inspirational read.
The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction
This was a great book about the benefits of reading aloud, no matter what your age. It really dives into the science behind why reading aloud is beneficial not just for children, but also for adults and especially adults who have Alzheimer’s. It’s an especially important read for our fast paced, technology driven culture.
The Finnish Way: Finding Courage, Wellness, and Happiness Through the Power of Sisu
I really enjoy books about the fabric and values of other cultures. This one is a memoir of sorts that dives into the Finish culture and how they practice Sisu which is basically the mentality of being strong, courageous, mentally tough and looking at the bright side of life, something that is definitely needed for survival in their dark and cold climate. This was another book that I enjoyed on audio this year.
I’m passionate about getting my kids outside as much as possible and I highly value time in nature as a family or by myself, so this book was like candy to me. It’s all about the Swedish ideals of being out in nature, no matter what the weather. It’s a great read that really makes you think about how in America, it seems that we’ve forsaken nature for progress.
This is another book about how time in nature is extremely important and even crucial for children. It really dives into the science behind why time in nature is so important and the many benefits of it. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I did listen to it on audio and I’m not sure it would have been as enjoyable had I read it in book form because there is a lot of science that may have been a tad boring to me.
Trials of the Earth: The True Story of a Pioneer Woman
This was a really wonderful autobiography by Mary Mann Hamilton who was a true pioneer woman in the American south. She tells her story in a straightforward kind of way about her journey as a woman in those difficult times. She went through many trials, but strove to stay strong, work hard and be courageous through it all.
A Love Letter Life: Pursue Creatively. Date Intentionally. Love Faithfully.
I thought this book was truly wonderful. I listened to it on audio and it was great because it’s narrated by the authors Jeremy and Audrey Roloff, who not only share their love story, but also give lots of wonderful and wise marriage advice along the way. I highly recommend this book if you are married or looking to be married one day.
Homeschool Non-Fiction
Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakable Peace
This book is one that I read back in 2018, so it’s a little bit vague in my memory, but I know that I really enjoyed it because it encourages homeschooling parents to relax, do one thing at a time and enjoy the journey. It’s also a quick read, making it easy to return to year after year when you need a little extra encouragement for the marathon that is homeschooling.
Mere Motherhood: Morning Times, nursery Rhymes, and My Journey Toward Sanctification
I really enjoyed this memoir by Cindy Rollins, who was a homeschooling mom to a large pack of boys. I loved Cindy’s humor and personality when she was on the Mason Jar podcast, so I think that played into why I enjoyed her book so much.
The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids
I loved this book by Sarah Mackenzie who also wrote Teaching from Rest (above) and is the host of the Read Aloud Revival Podcast. The Read Aloud Family is about how reading aloud is important for kids and how it helps to build a relationship and connection through books. It also has a ton of valuable book lists in the back.
What books did you enjoy this year? I’d love to know!
Follow Graceful Little Honey Bee on:
Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Comments