Books I've read in 2019
all the tops & all the flops...
all the tops & all the flops...
Thank you for all the overwhelming feedback regarding my reading challenge! It seems like I'm not the only one struggling with short attention span, problems with concentration and finding time to read as life gets more and more demanding. But my attempt to be more offline, getting comfy at home and enjoy reading books was one of the best decisions I've made this year! In case you wanna join me I've listed all the books I've read in 2019:
JAN
Der Distelfink (The Goldfinch) – Donna Tart *****
This must be my book of the year! I've started my challenge with this read back in January but funny enough it turned out to be my favorite read! I loved it so so much and still think about the characters. If you like Art and „Das Parfum“ by Patrick Süskind you will devour this book.
FEB
Vier Stern Stunden – Daniel Glattauer *
The best was followed by the worst. I usually enjoy reading the Austrian author Daniel Glattauer but this novel slash play was the most boring & ridiculous book I've probably ever read.
Becoming – Michelle Obama ****
Incredibly interesting autobiography by former FLOTUS Michelle Obama that made me like the Obamas even more. I've enjoyed reading about her career, family life and even personal tragedies and learning more about her personality. Very inspiring book for independent women!
MARCH
Normal People – Sally Rooney **
Was quite an easy read but somehow made me upset and confused. Not really enjoyed reading it
APRIL
Ein treuer Freund – Jostein Gaarder ***
If you've ever read Sophie's World you'll definitely enjoy this book. Very demanding but also educating read about friendship, love & philosophy.
MAY
An Edited Life – Anna Newton *****
Another book of the year, albeit an unusal one. An Edited Life is not a novel – it's more a life coaching slash organization guide and it helped me in a time where I felt very very low... Anna shares super helpful hacks for work/life balance, home/finance/wardrobe declutter and I've tried so many of her tipps. Congratulations on this wonderful book, Anna, it really helped me getting back on track!
Schäfchen im Trockenen – Anke Stelling ***
Very funny, slightly weird but definitely worth reading.
Everything I know about love – Dolly Alderton *****
I've never laughed so much while reading a book! It was like talking to a childhood friend about school years, first love and the good old times. Yahoo Messenger and ICQ – lmao
Such an entertaining but also touching book about love in all forms, especially friendship. Enjoy every single page.
JUNE
Die Kunst Chanel zu sein – Coco Chanel & Paul Morand ***
Very interesting book about Coco Chanel's life, how she made a career and her fashion point of view.
JULY / AUG
My year of rest and relaxation – Ottessa Moshfegh ***
Quite entertaining novel about a young woman that gradually escalates her use of prescription medications in an attempt to sleep for an entire year. Sounds weird? It is – but I really enjoyed reading it.
SEPT
In Extremis – The Life and Death of the War Correspondent Marie Colvin - Lindsey Hilsum ****
What an epic book! I've always admired war correspondents and their brave and fearless dedication to war reporting but this book about Marie Colvin gave me so much more insights into this life. A true inspiration for modern women (not matter what your job is) and a must-read for everyone who is interested in the world, peace and humanity.
OCT / NOV
Calypso – David Sedaris ***
I must admit I've expected too much. Everyone is raving about this book and indeed it's definitely a nice read BUT I think it's overhyped. In my humble opinion Naked is by far the better book. However, I love Sedaris' twisted brain, there are definitely some similarities to mine haha
DEC
Abgeschnitten – Sebastian Fitzek / Michael Tsokos ***
The favorite book of my best friend, the book that kept my husband awake for days, a book that raised my expectations to the max. I could only loose. Yes it's very gripping, shocking to say the least – a book you can't stop reading. But in the end there were just too many twists and turns what made it feel very odd. Still recommended though.
Everybody died so I got a dog - Emily Dean ****
I must admit it took me around 120pages to get really hooked but it's an incredibly touching yet positive book I would recommend to read in Winter. After this true story you'll appreciate your own and your loved one's health so much more!
