Best of 2019 Books + 2020 Reading List
A new decade is just around the corner. Before we jump into the new year, I took some time to reflect on the books that held the most meaning to me this year. Uncover that list as well as my 2020 reading plans.
Interested in the complete list of books I read in 2019? Check out “What I Read” or find me on Goodreads!
Best of 2019 Books
A book that reminded me that it’s simple, ordinary, everyday actions that have the power to impact the world: The Ministry of Ordinary Places by Shannan Martin
A book you can curl up with on the couch and devour in a day: The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty
This book shows you how “life doesn’t have to be pain-free to be full” and beautifully captures how to “thrive, not just survive,” when life throws you the unexpected: Breathe Again: How to Live Well When Life Falls Apart by Niki Hardy
A book that opened my eyes to realities I had never considered about life in the post-war era: Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris
An enticing plot, complex characters, mystery, suspense, and more. This book left me on the edge of my seat until the very last page: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
2020 Reading List
This list is sure to grow and evolve throughout the year as new books release, recommendations are shared, and book club picks are finalized. My hope is this list offers you ideas as you build your 2020 reading list.
Non-Fiction
Life
When Less Becomes More: Making Space for Slow, Simple, and Good by Emily Ley
Start with Your People: The Daily Decision that Changes Everything by Brian Dixon
Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
A Million Little Ways: Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live by Emily P. Freeman
Faith
The Story: the Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People by Zondervan
Rhythms of Renewal: Trading Stress and Anxiety for a Life of Peace and Purpose by Rebekah Lyons
You Are the Girl for the Job: Daring to Believe the God Who Calls You by Jess Connolly
It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered by Lysa TerKeurst
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Writing
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg
Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content by Ann Handley
Fiction
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan
Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty
The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton
We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter
Want even more recommendations?
You can find a list of book recommendations from recent years by clicking here.
I’d love to know which books you plan to read in 2020! Let me know in the comments.
Affiliate links are included in this post. I earn a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase any of the books linked.