Best books of 2019

"Perhaps there is some sort of homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers. How delightful if that where true"
Mary Ann Shaffer - The Guernsey literary and potato peel pie society 


My 2019 reading challenge is complete and I am so proud of myself for not only sticking to the challenge, but blowing my original target out the water, setting a new target and beating that too. I have really tried to push my boundaries with this challenge, and have read a real variety of books from different genres, some of which I have never delved into before. I've read so many amazing stories it's been hard to choose my favourite, but here are the stand out five of my year.

The Guernsey literary and potato peel pie society - Mary Ann Shaffer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Its 1946 the war is finally over, and Juliet Ashton has a problem, she's a writer with writer's block. Out of the blue she receives a letter from a Dawsey Adams in Guernsey, who by chance found her name in a book that once belonged to her. They discover a mutual love for books and begin a correspondence. Juliet discovers all about the Literary and potato peel society, that Dawsey and his friends  formed while Guernsey was occupied by Germany, and  delves deeper into the lives of those friends and the goings on of the society, letters are soon flying back and forth between London and Guernsey.

The story is in two parts, the first part Juliet is in London, writing to Guernsey, the second part is her visiting Guernsey. The book is written in letter format, which I've never read before, but it works perfectly at setting the scene and bringing the individual characters to life. I love an historical novel, and learnt so much from this book. The occupation of Guernsey is something I have never read about before and the writer really brought that time in history to life. I adored this book and challenge anyone to not fall in love with it.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz - Heather Morris ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

The tattooist of Auschwitz is based on the very true story of Lale and Gita two Slovakian jews who survived Auschwitz and eventually ended up in Australia. In that terrible place an infallible bond develops between Lale, the man tasked with the job of tattooing identification numbers on the prisoners and Gita. Lale has a more freedom of movement than most in Auschwitz due to the privilege of that dreadful job, and uses this to trade jewels and money from dead Jews to buy food for his fellow inmates. A risk that could of got him killed but undoubtedly saved many people's lives.  

This is a book I think everyone should read, although harrowing at times, it really tackles the horrors of the holocaust in a personable way. We learn of the relationships formed when life really can't get any worse and the strength and courage of those incarcerated for know other reason other than their race or religion.    

The Flatshare - Beth O'leary ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Tiffy needs a cheap flat and fast, Leon works the nightshift and needs cash. Their friends think they are crazy, but it works perfectly Leon occupies the flat during the day while Tiffy is at work, and Tiffy has the flat at night when Leon leaves for his nightshift. 
But with obsessive ex boyfriends, demanding clients, a brother in prison and the fact they still haven't actually met. They soon discover if you want the perfect home, you need to throw the rule book out the window. 

This book was hugely hyped but deservedly so in my opinion. The characters are likeable and relatable, and as the reader you soon empathise with them. A really great read that soon draws you in and has you rooting for your favourite characters. Beautifully written and a real pleasure to read. 

I am Pilgrim - Terry Hayes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An anonymous woman is murdered in a run down motel, all identifiable characteristics dissolved by acid. A father publicly beheaded in saudi Arabia. A notorious biotech expert found eyeless in Damascus. Smouldering human remains found in a mountainside in Afghanistan. A flawless plot to commit an appalling crime against against humanity. One path links them all and only one man can walk it......Pilgrim.

This book is intense and describes in graphic detail horrendous scenes of violence, but also shows the very human consequences of invasions and war, and the hate that can grow from those actions. This book is out of my comfort zone by a mile, but I couldn't put it down, its truly gripping. 


The Lido - Libby Page ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐    

Rosemary has lived in Brixton her whole life, but everything is changing. Only the local Lido remained, where she swims everyday, a place where she remembers her beloved husband George.
Kate has just arrived in the city and feels lonely, she's working as a journalist on the very bottom rung of the ladder, but she's desperate to make a go of it.
When the Lido is threatened with closure, Kate thinks this is an opportunity to shine. But for Rosemary this could be the end of everything. Together they make a stand and fight for the Lido, it's more than just a pool it's the heart of the community.

I adored this book the characters are sensitively written, and the growing friendship between these unlikely pals is heartwarming. It's a story about friendship, community and about ordinary people fighting to make a difference.

What was your favourite book of 2019?
Let me know in the comments, your must read books.
Check out my goodreads account to keep upto date with what I'm reading.

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