2019 End of Year Book Survey
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| Created & Hosted by Jamie from Perpetual Page-Turner |
Remember that time I posted my 2018 survey in December 2019? Because I do! I was determined not to let that happen again, and the second week of January feels so respectable in comparison. Now that I've recapped my year in favorites, here's a more in-depth look at the best (and worst) of my book and blogging life in 2019.
1. Number of Books You Read: 210 books
2. Number of Re-Reads: 64 re-reads
3. Genre You Read the Most From: Contemporary
1. Best book you read in 2019?
As always, I can't choose just one! Here's one for each of the top four genres I read this year:
As always, I can't choose just one! Here's one for each of the top four genres I read this year:
HISTORICAL | Lovely War by Julie Berry
All of my favorites will be mentioned throughout this post, but here's my top twenty-one books of the year.
A Note: I challenged myself not to repeat any books in the answers below so that I could highlight a greater variety of books. It was difficult, but it helped me avoid using my twenty favorite books for every question!
2. Book you were excited about & thought you were going to love more but didn't?
I was so excited for Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal. A Pride and Prejudice retelling set in Pakistan sounded right up my alley! I loved the setting, but I struggled to connect to the characters and found the story boring.
IN A GOOD WAY | This is definitely The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton. Kelly convinced me to read it even though I'd written Morton off after hating a previous book, and it ended up in my top twenty of 2019!
IN A BAD WAY | I figured a companion novel with the most dynamic secondary character from Next Year in a Havana would be a guaranteed win. Alas, When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton was so disappointing.
4. Book you "pushed" the most people to read in 2019?
There weren't any obvious answers here! I'll go with The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. It wasn't a rave read for me, but I still found myself recommending it to others throughout the year.
There weren't any obvious answers here! I'll go with The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. It wasn't a rave read for me, but I still found myself recommending it to others throughout the year.
5. Best series you started in 2019? Best sequel of 2019? Best series ender of 2019? Best series overall in 2019?
STARTED | Does the first book in a spin-off duology count? It better because Courting Darkness by Robin LaFevers was the first think that came to mind here. I loved re-reading the trilogy and then diving into this perfect addition.
SEQUEL | Definitely China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan. I liked the first book when I read it in 2018 but never felt compelled to continue. But I finally did and was completely hooked! This was so addicting and so much fun.
ENDER | While I'd love more companion books in this series, I don't know if there are plans for any. So, I'll go with The Place on Dalhousie by Melina Marchetta because it was worth the wait to get this beautiful story.
OVERALL | Even though I didn't finish the second book, this one belongs to the Rome series by Kate Quinn! The first, third, and fourth were fantastic reads and totally earned their spot on my favorites of 2019 list.
STARTED | Does the first book in a spin-off duology count? It better because Courting Darkness by Robin LaFevers was the first think that came to mind here. I loved re-reading the trilogy and then diving into this perfect addition.
SEQUEL | Definitely China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan. I liked the first book when I read it in 2018 but never felt compelled to continue. But I finally did and was completely hooked! This was so addicting and so much fun.
ENDER | While I'd love more companion books in this series, I don't know if there are plans for any. So, I'll go with The Place on Dalhousie by Melina Marchetta because it was worth the wait to get this beautiful story.
OVERALL | Even though I didn't finish the second book, this one belongs to the Rome series by Kate Quinn! The first, third, and fourth were fantastic reads and totally earned their spot on my favorites of 2019 list.
6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2019?
I don't know who to choose! I recently shared my ten favorite new-to-me authors that I read in 2019, and of all of those I think I'm most excited to read more from Beth O'Leary. The Switch can't get here soon enough!
I don't know who to choose! I recently shared my ten favorite new-to-me authors that I read in 2019, and of all of those I think I'm most excited to read more from Beth O'Leary. The Switch can't get here soon enough!
7. Best book from a genre you don't typically read?
The few things I read that fit this question were just okay. So, instead, I'll go with a genre I do read (fantasy) but a focus that I don't: mythology. Circe by Madeline Miller was creative, gorgeous, and so thought provoking.
The few things I read that fit this question were just okay. So, instead, I'll go with a genre I do read (fantasy) but a focus that I don't: mythology. Circe by Madeline Miller was creative, gorgeous, and so thought provoking.
8. Most action-packed, thrilling, unputdownable book in 2019?
A Dangerous Collaboration by Deanna Raybourn is the fourth book in her Veronica Speedwell series, and it's been my favorite so far! The isolated setting heightened the tension, and the romantic developments were perfect.
A Dangerous Collaboration by Deanna Raybourn is the fourth book in her Veronica Speedwell series, and it's been my favorite so far! The isolated setting heightened the tension, and the romantic developments were perfect.
9. Book you read in 2019 that you are most likely to re-read next year?
There are several books on my potential re-read list, but American Royals by Katharine McGee is at the top. This was a fun, dramatic escape – and I can't wait for the sequel. I'll be re-reading before that releases!
There are several books on my potential re-read list, but American Royals by Katharine McGee is at the top. This was a fun, dramatic escape – and I can't wait for the sequel. I'll be re-reading before that releases!
10. Most memorable character in 2019?
Is there any answer here besides Daisy Jones from Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid? I was nervous to read this book, but it blew me away. The format, the writing, the voice, the characters – Reid nailed it all.
Is there any answer here besides Daisy Jones from Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid? I was nervous to read this book, but it blew me away. The format, the writing, the voice, the characters – Reid nailed it all.
11. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2019?
Here are four of my favorites: Jane of Lantern Hill by L.M. Montgomery, Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson, Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield, and Enchantée by Gita Trelease. All such different styles!
Here are four of my favorites: Jane of Lantern Hill by L.M. Montgomery, Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson, Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield, and Enchantée by Gita Trelease. All such different styles!
12. Most beautifully written book read in 2019?
Without a doubt, this goes to Lovely War by Julie Berry. If I had to choose just one favorite read from 2019, it would be this one. I loved it so much that I re-read it via audio as my last book of the year/decade. Perfect decision!
Without a doubt, this goes to Lovely War by Julie Berry. If I had to choose just one favorite read from 2019, it would be this one. I loved it so much that I re-read it via audio as my last book of the year/decade. Perfect decision!
13. Most thought-provoking book in 2019?
I would never have predicted that a thriller/mystery would be my answer, but Miracle Creek by Angie Kim was such a layered read. It sparked so many thoughts on guilt, immigration, motherhood, and more.
I would never have predicted that a thriller/mystery would be my answer, but Miracle Creek by Angie Kim was such a layered read. It sparked so many thoughts on guilt, immigration, motherhood, and more.
14. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2019 to finally read?
I expected to read a few pages of Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (a bestseller in 2017) and decide that it wasn't for me. Instead, I couldn't put it down! I loved this generational saga and all that it taught me about Korea and Japan.
I expected to read a few pages of Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (a bestseller in 2017) and decide that it wasn't for me. Instead, I couldn't put it down! I loved this generational saga and all that it taught me about Korea and Japan.
15. Book that shocked you the most?
There were a few contenders for this one, but I've got to hand it to Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson. There were multiple ways it went in a different direction than I expected, and it made it such a great reading experience.
There were a few contenders for this one, but I've got to hand it to Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson. There were multiple ways it went in a different direction than I expected, and it made it such a great reading experience.
16. Favorite passage/quote from a book you read in 2019?
Two favorites from books that I haven't mentioned anywhere else in this post:
“Food was the people you cooked with, the people you cooked for, the people you ate with, and the people you thought of as you ate. The people who made the meal what it was.” – Love á la Mode by Stephanie Kate Strohm
“If I am fully known and not rejected by God, how much more ought I to extend grace to my neighbor, whom I know only in part?” – None Like Him by Jen Wilkin
“Food was the people you cooked with, the people you cooked for, the people you ate with, and the people you thought of as you ate. The people who made the meal what it was.” – Love á la Mode by Stephanie Kate Strohm
“If I am fully known and not rejected by God, how much more ought I to extend grace to my neighbor, whom I know only in part?” – None Like Him by Jen Wilkin
17. Shortest & longest book you read in 2019?
The shortest book I read was 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff at 84 pages. And World Without End by Ken Follett was my longest read at 1,030 pages. And honestly? I could have done without reading either one.
The shortest book I read was 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff at 84 pages. And World Without End by Ken Follett was my longest read at 1,030 pages. And honestly? I could have done without reading either one.
18. OTP of the year?
Tiffy and Leon from The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary just stole my heart! I am alllll about falling in love via Post-It notes. I loved how O'Leary took a premise that should have been so awkward and made it adorable.
19. Favorite non-romantic relationship of the year?
CO-WORKERS | I've got to hand it to Well Met by Jen DeLuca, especially since I had zero desire to read about a Renaissance Fair. The setting and interactions between co-workers ended up being one of my favorite aspects!
FRIENDSHIP | Beyond the Point by Claire Gibson is about three women who become best friends while at West Point. It depicted female friendship, including the way it ebbs and flows over the years, in such a realistic way.
FAMILY | The first book that came to mind was The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher, even though I don't actually love the family. I just found it fascinating to read about this woman and her three adult children.
20. Favorite book you read in 2019 from an author you've read previously?
ADULT | The Firebird was the third book I've read by Susanna Kearsley, and it was my favorite of them all! I enjoyed the other two books I read, but this is the one that sold me on reading more from her backlist.
YOUNG ADULT | I wasn't expecting to love Foolish Hearts by Emma Mills as much as I did. Honestly, I was sold on the cover. But I was so pleasantly surprised by how clever and comforting I found the story inside!
ADULT | The Firebird was the third book I've read by Susanna Kearsley, and it was my favorite of them all! I enjoyed the other two books I read, but this is the one that sold me on reading more from her backlist.
YOUNG ADULT | I wasn't expecting to love Foolish Hearts by Emma Mills as much as I did. Honestly, I was sold on the cover. But I was so pleasantly surprised by how clever and comforting I found the story inside!
21. Best book you read in 2019 that you read based solely on a recommendation from somebody else?
I'd We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter online, and it sounded like something I'd enjoy. But for whatever reason, I didn't have a strong desire to read it until I saw it recommended by Julie Anna Reads. And I loved it!
I'd We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter online, and it sounded like something I'd enjoy. But for whatever reason, I didn't have a strong desire to read it until I saw it recommended by Julie Anna Reads. And I loved it!
22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2019?
Do I have a fictional crush on Josh Copeland from The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez? You better believe I do! He was so supportive of the heroine and just so dang dependable. And that ending? He made me cry!
Do I have a fictional crush on Josh Copeland from The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez? You better believe I do! He was so supportive of the heroine and just so dang dependable. And that ending? He made me cry!
23. Best 2019 debut you read?
Even though it didn't make my top twenty of the year, I really enjoyed Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin. It's always exciting to find a new voice in fantasy, and I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel that comes out this fall.
Even though it didn't make my top twenty of the year, I really enjoyed Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin. It's always exciting to find a new voice in fantasy, and I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel that comes out this fall.
24. Most vivid world/imagery in a book you read in 2019?
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow is one of the most gorgeous, imaginative books I've read in a long time. Opening doors to other worlds is every reader's fantasy, and it was so creatively done here.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow is one of the most gorgeous, imaginative books I've read in a long time. Opening doors to other worlds is every reader's fantasy, and it was so creatively done here.
25. Book that was the most fun to read in 2019?
I loved everything about The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren, including the fact that I read it on the train from London to Paris. It was such a fun rom com – a laugh-out-loud story and my favorite trope, hate to love.
I loved everything about The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren, including the fact that I read it on the train from London to Paris. It was such a fun rom com – a laugh-out-loud story and my favorite trope, hate to love.
26. Book that made you cry or nearly cry in 2019?
A handful of books made me cry, but only one made me cry in public. I read Don't You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane while flying home from England, and it was everything I wanted from this favorite author and more.
A handful of books made me cry, but only one made me cry in public. I read Don't You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane while flying home from England, and it was everything I wanted from this favorite author and more.
27. Hidden gem of the year?
The Chance of a Lifetime series by Kate Clayborn were great contemporary romances that definitely qualify as under the radar based on Goodreads! Solid female friendships, developed romances, and just enough drama.
The Chance of a Lifetime series by Kate Clayborn were great contemporary romances that definitely qualify as under the radar based on Goodreads! Solid female friendships, developed romances, and just enough drama.
I struggled with this question and it didn't crush my soul, but the way Hope and Other Punch Lines by Julie Buxbaum explored the aftermath of 9/11 was so affecting. I didn't know so many health problems arose afterward.
29. Most unique book you read in 2019?
Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak had a really unique style and structure. It spans continents and generations, zipping between characters, and shifting where it’s at in time. I almost set it aside 60 pages in but grew to love it.
Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak had a really unique style and structure. It spans continents and generations, zipping between characters, and shifting where it’s at in time. I almost set it aside 60 pages in but grew to love it.
30. Book that made you the maddest?
Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave definitely takes the prize here. I read a few too many two-star books in 2019, but this was my only one-star read and one that made me want to rant about all of its problems.
Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave definitely takes the prize here. I read a few too many two-star books in 2019, but this was my only one-star read and one that made me want to rant about all of its problems.
1. New favorite book blog/bookstagram you discovered in 2019?
Although her blog isn't new, I just discovered Everyday Reading this year and love it. I don't necessarily look at it for book recommendations for myself – it's more that I just really enjoy the variety of her content.
2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2019?
Almost all of my reviews were in Quick Lit posts, but I did write a few full-length reviews. My personal favorite was for Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. And I loved this book so much I read it twice in one year!
3. Favorite bookish related photo you took in 2019?
Almost all of my reviews were in Quick Lit posts, but I did write a few full-length reviews. My personal favorite was for Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. And I loved this book so much I read it twice in one year!
How vain am I to choose three photos that I'm in? Judge away. Haha! Here's why these are favorites: the first perfectly fit the vision in my head, the second was the best day in Paris, and the third just makes me happy.
4. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?
I didn't attend any signings/events or do any blog collaborations like I have in the past. I did, however, co-host #FebruaREREAD with Kelly where we spent the entire month of February re-reading. It was amazing!
I didn't attend any signings/events or do any blog collaborations like I have in the past. I did, however, co-host #FebruaREREAD with Kelly where we spent the entire month of February re-reading. It was amazing!
Going back to England with Kelly! We toured the Cotswolds where I saw the house that inspired Jane Austen's Mansfield Park, visited the best bookstore, bought so many UK editions, and just enjoyed our favorite destination.
6. Most challenging thing about your blogging or reading life this year?
Taking a long break during my first trimester led to an incredibly long review backlog once I finally had the energy to post again. That was a struggle! But I was proud of myself for catching up and finding my blogging mojo again.
7. Most popular post this year on your blog?
Pack Your Bags: 15 Books for All Your Summer Trips had the most views, possibly because that was the last thing I posted before a three-months hiatus. Next was my review of The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez.
8. Post you wished got a little more love?
All of my My Year In {2019} posts have had an abysmal number of views, but I'm chalking it up to the fact that I posted them in that dead time between Christmas and New Years. Maybe they'll make a comeback? One can hope.
9. Best bookish discovery?
It isn't bookish, but I have been loving Microsoft OneNote (on my phone and laptop). I created a notebook for my blog and have so many checklists, book notes, seasonal TBRs, post ideas and more saved there.
It isn't bookish, but I have been loving Microsoft OneNote (on my phone and laptop). I created a notebook for my blog and have so many checklists, book notes, seasonal TBRs, post ideas and more saved there.
10. Did you complete any reading challenge or goals that you set for yourself at the beginning of this year?
I met my Goodreads goal, completed The Picky Pledge Reading Challenge that I created with Alexa, read all the books from #My10toReadin2019 stack, co-hosted #FebruaREREAD and re-read twelve series in 2019.
I met my Goodreads goal, completed The Picky Pledge Reading Challenge that I created with Alexa, read all the books from #My10toReadin2019 stack, co-hosted #FebruaREREAD and re-read twelve series in 2019.
1. One book you didn't get to in 2019 but will be your number one priority in 2020?
I can't believe I haven't read The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes yet! Even though I wasn't excited about it initially, I heard such great things that I had to go buy a copy soon after it released. And yet it's still sitting on my shelves...
2. Non-debut book you are most anticipating for 2020?
I'll share sixteen anticipated 2020 releases tomorrow, but my top three are House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas, If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane, and The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan.
I'm eagerly awaiting The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner. I'm drawn to anything Austen, and this release sounds particularly charming! Tweet Cute by Emma Lord would be a close second because I've heard great things.
4. Series ending you are most anticipating in 2020?
Igniting Darkness by Robin LaFevers is at the top of my list! This was a duology that I didn't even know I needed in my life, but I loved the first so much and can't wait to see how everything ends in the second.
5. One thing you hope to accomplish or do in your reading/blogging in 2020?
There are a few goals I've set that I'll write about next week, but I'm also aware that adding a baby to our family in February will affect my plans. Ultimately, I hope to just continue to make time for reading and blogging.
There are a few goals I've set that I'll write about next week, but I'm also aware that adding a baby to our family in February will affect my plans. Ultimately, I hope to just continue to make time for reading and blogging.
6. A 2020 release you've already read and recommend to everyone?
My first book of 2020 was Headliners by Lucy Parker, the next book in her London Celebrities series. It comes out on January 21, and I loved it so much! This whole series has been excellent, and I highly recommend them if you're a contemporary romance fan.
My first book of 2020 was Headliners by Lucy Parker, the next book in her London Celebrities series. It comes out on January 21, and I loved it so much! This whole series has been excellent, and I highly recommend them if you're a contemporary romance fan.
If you completed the survey, leave a link below.
I'd love to see what made your list for 2019!
Lovely War deserves all of the love, honestly! I still think about those characters every so often, and I can't wait to do a reread. I also really enjoyed Headliners (which is my favorite of that series)!
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