Twenty nineteen was the year I got back into reading books. I’ve always enjoyed reading (for leisure, not textbooks), but I stopped when I started college. This year, I got back into reading again, and I’m so happy I did. Not only have I gotten back into reading books, but since I have this platform, I decided to write reviews of all the books I read.
To finish this year of leisure literature, I decided to rank all six of the books I read this year.
Disclaimer: They were all great, but there are some I liked more than others.
6. World of Style
Author: Aimee Song
Genre: nonfiction
Release Date: October 23, 2018
Number of Pages: 352
SJ Rating (out of 100%): 34%
Overall Opinion: I was so excited about reading this book and broadening my knowledge on style and fashion. After reading the first few pages, I quickly realized there were many more pictures than words, and it was merely a coffee table book. Still, I enjoyed the photography and outfit inspiration. For more on this book, check out “A Picture Book for Fashion Bloggers.“
5. Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy
Authors: Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant
Genre: nonfiction
Release Date: April 24, 2017
Number of Pages: 240
SJ Rating: 50%
Overall Opinion: I was hoping this book would have quotes and sayings and words that would stick with me. Yes, I learned some things but nothing too memorable. After a while of reading this book, I found myself feeling like it was a chore to read it. For more on this book, check out “Everything Option B Has Taught Me.”
4. Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Genre: young adult fiction
Release Date: December 2, 2010
Number of Pages: 372
SJ Rating: 80%
Overall Opinion: Honestly, I loved this book way more than I thought I would. It was beautifully written, and the characters are the exact opposite of cliche, which I loved the most. There were a couple of moments where I felt like there were holes in the plot, but I still recommend reading it; I found it to be the perfect vacation read. For more on this book, check out “St. Clair.“
3. Turtles All the Way Down
Author: John Green
Genre: young adult fiction
Release Date: October 10, 2017
Number of Pages: 286
SJ Rating: 90%
Overall Opinion: This book was brilliant, as expected from a John Green book. It was long awaited and did not disappoint. It was beautifully written, and the characters were extremely relatable, especially as a young adult. John Green has done it again. For more on this book, check out “Holmesy, I Love You.”
2. WorkParty: How to Create & Cultivate the Career of Your Dreams
Author: Jaclyn Johnson
Genre: nonfiction
Release Date: August 21, 2018
Number of Pages: 256
SJ Rating: 92%
Overall Opinion: Reading this book made me so excited about the new year and all that I can do with this blog. It started off semi-autobiographical with different points, and it ended with facts and the guidance the title suggests. I finished this book feeling enthused and inspired; I also fell in with Create & Cultivate. Official book review coming soon.
1. 180 Seconds
Author: Jessica Conant-Park
Genre: young adult fiction
Release Date: April 25, 2017
Number of Pages: 302
SJ Rating: 95%
Overall Opinion: I had never heard of Jessica Park before, and after reading this book, I can’t wait to read more of her books. Esben and Allison were, by far, the most romantic duo I read about this year. I had a difficult time putting this book down to face reality. I fell in love with 180 Seconds, to keep it simple. For more on this book, check out “I Need 180 Seconds.“
After reading 1,592 pages this year, this is my ranking. I’m happy I got back into leisurely reading in twenty nineteen, and I am ecstatic about the books I’ll spontaneously purchase and read in the new year.
Featured image credit: Patrick Tomasso
