24 Books I'm Reading in 2019
I have a problem: I like to buy books. I like to receive books as gifts. And I like to find books for free second hand. But, I rarely have time to read books.
In 2018, I obtained a lot of books. Every time I picked up, bought, or was given a book, I generally read the first couple chapters and *oo shiny* a new book came along to permanently distract me. My "to read" stack seems to grow every month, and I even venture so far as to start them. The problem I have is that I never finish books I already have.
On this list are 24 books that I actually own and have started, but never finished. I have decided that in order to solve this issue, I will not obtain any books within a month until I have finished two that I already own. This is in hopes that I actually read all 24 books on this list before 2020.
Remember my goal to read more books this year? I hope this plan will make me follow through.
Having read the first few bits of each of these books, I can definitely recommend them. As I seem to be okay with not finishing books, I would never finish (or recommend) a bad book. I know a lot of people who literally cringe at the thought of leaving a book unread or a movie half-watched, but I am not one of those people.
That being said, all of these books will be linked in this post (just click the images) for you to take a look!
Why these books?
To give you some background on my books of choice, know that I don't enjoy novels. A lot of novels I just can't get in to, and worse, some I can't put down. I don't have the time for a book that is life-consuming at this stage.
My favourite books are ones that I can pick up and put down (probably for months ha). I love lifestyle and travel books, often comprised of short essay style chapters, similar to an extended magazine without pictures. (If they have pictures, that's cool too.)
Don't get me wrong, it's not like I couldn't read a novel. I've read all the classics. Dickens, Austen, Tolstoy, Wilde, Shakespeare, etc. But right now, I like to cozy up and read cookbooks and biographies and self-help books and travel guides. I am alone here?
Without further ado,
24 Books I'm Reading Finishing in 2019:
1) The Little Book of Lykke: the Danish search for the world's happiest people
This book by Meik Wiking is one of my favourites already. I've previously read (and finished) The Little Book of Hygge by the same author and I keep it handy for reference. I'm almost finished this one, and might be completely done by the time this post is published. It's filled with great examples of how the Danish live quite happily, and suggestions of how you can too. It's in an easy-to-read, almost essay-like format. Good coffee table stuff. If you like books on well-being or alternatively, culture, this book is for you.
2) The Inviting Life: an inspirational guide to homemaking, hosting, and opening the door to happiness
Similar in context to the latter book, this book was written for people who are looking to excel at hospitality. From what I've read so far, this book by Laura Calder shows how anyone can make anywhere welcoming. I think the underlying message is to truly open yourself to the world and make friends and you just might find happiness along the way.
3) First, we make the beast beautiful
I'm over halfway through this book, but honestly I haven't finished it yet because it's just too good. Sarah Wilson has perfectly captured what it means to be anxious and offers real and valuable ways to embrace your anxiety. This book is definitely one to be savoured over time.
4) The Crown: the Official Companion
In this book, Robert Lacey explains the difference between episodes of the Crown and what actually happened in real life. As someone who enjoys following the lives of the British Royals, both past and present, I'd love to finish this book.
5) Make Something Good Today
Erin and Ben Napier wrote an inspirational book about their lives. If you don't know who they are, the couple is from HGTV's show "Home Town". I compare them to a younger version of Chip & Joanna Gaines, except that both of them take equal responsibility throughout the renovation process.
6) An Atlas of Natural Beauty: botanical ingredients for retaining and enhancing natural beauty
I would compare this atlas to a recipe book, in that its content isn't for everyone. By Victoire de Taillac and Ramdane Touhami, it contains a lot of practical knowledge on herbs and remedies for aiding in my quest to live more naturally. It's also a beautiful manual, and would definitely just work for decor or as a "coffee table" piece.
7) Forest Bathing: how trees can help you find health & happiness
This publication by Dr. Qing Li is much like my other self-help or lifestyle books. Its about finding ways to live better and enhancing your everyday life through simple and natural methods. I know I'm really excited for this one because I can't wait to put its theories into practical use.
8) Whiskey in a Teacup
Reese Witherspoon is an American actress from the South who recently has been more into home making and running her clothing brand, "Draper James". She ended up writing this book, which is part cookbook, part account of her life.
9) TW : Flatline
K. Kingsman is a friend of mine (you can see one of our adventures here) and I've only recently picked up her novel. As you know, I'm not really the novel reading type, but this book sounds like it will be a good one. Two very high-schoolers being drawn together? Could be the next Twilight - you'll have to read to find out.
10) Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
I have been told to read this book by Elizabeth Gilbert more times than any other book, and so I will read it. I haven't started this one yet, but it seems like a good one about really diving into your creativity.
11) Eat Pray Love
A novel by the previous author, it recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. I honestly can't believe I haven't read it yet, but I have watched the movie. The one with Julia Roberts. Yeah, the one everyone and their grandmother has watched.
12) La Face Cachée De Margo
"Paper Towns" by John Green, but in French. Or should I say, en Français? Last year, I restarted my journey learning the French language and have since tried to finish a novel written entirely in French. I picked this one because it was the only French novel at my local bookstore.
13) Legendary Ireland: Myths and Legends of Ireland
I picked up this title by Eithne Massey on my trip to Ireland last spring, and was really drawn to the stories within. I love reading about a country's culture and fairytales is a great way to do that. And when it's purposely written for adults, even better.
14) Lagom: (not Too Little, Not Too Much) : the Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life
"Lagom" basically follows the trend of the hundred people trying to capitalize off writing a book about hygge. This one is by Niki Brantmark, and follows a similar structure and style to "The Little Book of Hygge". There's no way I can't finish it.
15) Go Set a Watchman
I immensely enjoyed Harper Lee's first novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird" and I've heard this one is only to be enjoyed by those who want to dive deeper. This novel was still an early draft and was never intended to be published, but I think it will have an insight into Harper Lee's work.
16) The Condé Nast Traveler Book of Unforgettable Journeys: Great Writers on Great Places
This book is full of short anecdotes from different writers on traveling. If you are a lover of writing and a lover of travel, I think this is a great read.
17) The Tao of Travel: Enlightenments from Lives on the Road
Very similar to the previous one, except that it's written by one author: Paul Theroux.
18) The Writer Abroad: Literary Travels from Austria to Uzbekistan
I like this type of writing okay?
19) London Villages: Explore the City's Best Local Neighbourhoods
Zena Alkaya put together this wonderful guide to London's neighbourhoods and I cannot wait to read it before my next trip there. I think it's a must-read for anyone who is traveling to London for their second (or tenth) time.
20) The Hands-On Home: A Seasonal Guide to Cooking, Preserving & Natural Homekeeping
This is basically another cookbook-style work that aids in my expedition to live more natural. Erica Strauss put together an in-depth and seasonally based guide to living "old-fashioned".
21) The Happiness Passport: A World Tour of Joyful Living in 50 Words
When I began this list, I thought I owned 24 books that I had yet to finish (honestly, I thought I probably had 50 books unfinished), but it turns out that I only had 20. This Little Book of Hygge copycat by Megan C Hayes caught my eye at the bookstore the other day, and I think I might have to add it to my collection.
22) American Cozy: Hygge-Inspired Ways to Create Comfort Happiness
Ditto. This one is by Stephanie Pedersen.
23) Breakfast at Tiffany's
Truman Capote wrote a novel, and it became one of my favourite movie's of all time. I still have yet to read that novel, so why not now?
24) The Harry Potter Series
Before you panic, I actually have read the entire series by JK Rowling more than once. I just haven't read them yet in my twenties and I thought it would be good to visit this old friend. I'm already on book four, and I started in December. Hopefully I can finish the remainder before Harry Potter's birthday (that's my goal at least).
Books don't just go with you, they take you where you've never been.
- Anonymous
I hope you've enjoyed diving into my list, and in turn, learned a bit more about me. What books are on your list for 2019? How many?
