Time for Part Three of my 2019 year in books series (Part One, Part Two , Part Four). This batch has a bit more non-fiction in it, some writing about writing, as well as some very good and experimental fiction. This year, I made a goal for myself to read more, and have. This happened, in part by always having books around that I was excited about reading, and if I wasn't into a book, I put it away for another day or returned it to the library. I find there are times that I’m just in the mood for a particular kind of book. I also listened to audio books for some longer non fiction pieces as it was harder to carve out time to read them, and I can listen while I’m working in the studio or running.
A few notes: I’m breaking up the list into four parts because I have been reading a lot more books this year, and I want to keep a record of them here. Included below are most of the books I read this year in July, August and September. I love getting book recommendations, so I’m sharing mine here, and I’d love to hear some of yours. If you’ve got any great books you want to share, leave them in the comments below. I’m only including books here that I recommend, which is most of the books that I read. I tend to not finish books that I don’t like. Also, I get A LOT of books from the library, libraries are amazing!
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens - I tried to read this at the beginning of the year, but couldn’t get into it. I wasn’t in the right mood. But I’ve heard very good things about it, so when Sonia suggested it as a book to listen to on a long car trip, I was on board. I’m glad I finally got to read it, I liked the story, and the connection to water, and the natural world. The foreshadowing and the back and forth in time felt a bit heavy handed at times, but I really liked the ending.
The Salt Path by Raynor Winn - Hands down I recommend this book to everyone. I still think about this book all the time! The author and her husband lose their farm just as her husband gets a devestating diagnosis. Finding themselves homeless, they decide to walk the South West Coast Path. An if not now, then when, kind of decision. I was so impressed with their story and the writing.
Love, Nina by Nina Stibbe - A fun read of a memoir told in letters between sisters, as Nina works as a nanny in London in the 90s.
Aug 9th, Fog by Kathryn Scanlyn - A fictional re-working/re-telling of a found diary, this slim volume has a curiosity about it that feels very much in line with some of Anne Carson’s artist books.
The Governesses by Anne Serre - A bit of a creepy, dark and fantastical story of governesses on a rural estate in France. I’d never read anything by Anne Serre and really enjoyed this one.
Tuesday Nights in 1980 by Molly Prentiss - I met Molly briefly at a residency in Oaxaca, where she was (if I remember correctly) finishing up this book. So I was excited to finally get a chance to read it. It’s set in 1980s New York, in the art world, which I especially enjoyed. All those hours of studying art history coming alive in the pages. But what was most interesting was her use of color and the body throughout.
Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe - I read Patrick Radden Keefe’s book the Snakehead earlier this year and loved it, so I was excited to read his new book on the troubles in Northern Ireland in the 70s and onwards. Growing up (with an Irish family) in the 90s near Boston, there was a lot of talk about the IRA in my household and region. I’ve also been obsessed with the show Derry Girls on Netflix, so reading this was really interesting to get a more detailed history. It focused on the murder of Jean McConville in 1972, and some of the players in the IRA during that time and onwards, as the author tries to figure out who killed her, and understand all the dynamics at play. Her story was just one of many that are told in this book.
Hashtag Authentic by Sara Tasker - A fun and inspirational book about instagram and storytelling. I took Sara Tasker’s online instagram course a while back and this is a nice supplement to it.
Agnes Martin by Francis Morris and Briony Fer - I finally got to go see the Agnes Martin room in Taos at the Harwood Museum of Art. It’s so good! If you’re ever in the area, go visit. I got this book shortly afterwards so that I could revisit some of her paintings.
Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney - So good! I’m totally in the Sally Rooney camp now.
Meander, Spiral, Explode by Jane Allison - A book all about different narrative styles of writing. I really enjoyed reading this. It challenges all the things you’re so often told about how to structure a novel. Also all of the examples made my to-read list way longer.
How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell - I got this for myself as a birthday present, as a reminder to take some time away from the constant online world. Written by an artist, I related to this book on so many levels. Definitely recommend!
Supper Club by Lara Williams - This novel was a bit of a wild ride, a supper club take on fight club. Finished it in one sitting which is always satisfying (on a long airplane ride).
The Sisters by Dervla McTiernan - This one is a novella prequel to Dervla McTiernan’s books The Ruin and The Scholar, a detective series set in Galway, Ireland. Spoiler - I’ve since read her other two books and really enjoy this series.
The Missing Hours by Emma Kavanagh - I think that I found this one by randomly browsing at the library, which I hardly do anymore. It being a British detective novel, which is obviously a favorite genre of mine, it was a safe bet. A standalone novel about the kidnap and ransom industry, I found the whole world fascinating and terrifying.
All at Sea by Decca Aitkenhead - Another book that I recommend to everyone, I still think about this one a lot as well. Written by journalist Decca Aitkenhead, it tells the story of her unlikely romance with her husband, and dealing with the grief after he dies trying to rescue their son on vacation. So beautifully written, I was haunted by this story (in the best way).
Hidden Nature by Alys Fowler - I loved this book! I’m going to say that more than once here. But it’s true. I really enjoyed reading Alys Fowler’s descriptions of exploring the canals of Birmingham. During her journey she also falls in love with a woman, and begins the process of ending her relationship with her husband. As a queer writer and reader and lover of nature writing, I was really happy to find this book. Her other books on gardening are also great!
The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer - Ok I just said this, but I also really love this book! I cried at the end. I’ve told everyone I know to read this book. I wanted to read it for ages, but somehow didn’t get around it until now. Go read this book! I love how Meg Wolitzer writes about creativity and the longevity of friendships in this book, it really struck a chord with me.
To be continued…
Read 2019 In Books Part One , 2019 In Books Part Two , 2019 In Books Part Four