Top 10 Books Read in 2019
As I’m pondering and recording my year’s adventures and accomplishments, I’ve decided to join up with the Top Ten Favorite Books lists. Both to leave a little trace for me to re-visit in future years, and hopefully to be as enjoyable for you to read as a few other folks’ lists have been for me today!
Notable information includes the fact that this list does not contain any re-reads. Only new material that I’ve delved into for the first time. 🙂 I hesitate to write up lists like this because every year seems such a let-down compared to some past lists. Especially after that one fabulous year when I first discovered Rushdooney’s legendary Institutes, some fine western memoirs, and dear P. G. Wodehouse all at the same time, but alas, I’ve grown to realize that that intense joy of discovery simply won’t be realized often. And to relish the cream of each year’s books with gusto!
In no particular ranking order here’s the list—a pretty even blend of fiction and non-fiction:
The Return Of the King
A rousing climax to a long tale, as others have aptly said. This book is so well known it needs no description.
But to me–despite going into it wary because of it’s fame and a few misconceptions–it was a heart-piercing finish to one of the most beautiful and heartening tales I’ve ever read in my life. Just the sort to buck you up, rekindle a gleam of courage, and make you lift your chin into the cold Northern wind unwaveringly. Lest you think I’m getting a little fanciful in my old age, I don’t think it’s perfect, but it’s very grand indeed and never to be forgotten. Some stories touch you deeply. And manifest in tangible ways for the rest of your life. This is one of those for me.
Left of Bang
Every time I go to town (yes, I live mostly in the countryside!) for shopping, friends, restaurants, or on long travels–I think of this book. It’s a veritable textbook on reading atmospheres, body-language, and people to correctly predict events and have a keen situational awareness. Fascinating and immensely practical.
The Read-Aloud Family
A fine book about the merits of reading aloud in families. And of the impact of stories on children. I borrowed this one from our county library, but found it so wonderful I shall have to find a copy for my own personal library.
Behold Your God; The Weight of Majesty
A fine study on the attributes of God. Highly recommended.
The Power of Less
A good book for people like me who have far too many interests and projects going on at once! Likely not helpful for everyone, but it came across my desk at just the right time for me. All about small areas of focused potency rather than large areas of vague impact. I disagree with some of the author’s philosophy, but altogether a good, practical read.
Your Carriage, Madam!
A book on posture and deportment for ladies. Amusing and practical. If you read it, get a 1930’s edition. The 1934 version was the one I read. I don’t think I’ll ever watch Ginger Rogers, Jean Arthur, or Myrna Loy movies the same way again! The author has a very interesting take on what made the 30’s stars so glamorous…
From Forgiven to Forgiving
Solid. Biblical. Practical. A help for general relationships and the Christian life. Written more as a help for pastors, but it’s great for average folks like me. Would be especially helpful for anyone who has a hand in raising little children too!
(Warning: Reading this book while watching MCU films may lead you to disagree with everyone else on the true extent of a major hero’s supposed maturity and character arch. I’m not to be held responsible for any such disillusionment.) 🙂
Summer Moonshine
A wacky love-triangle in the midst of trying to sell one of the ugliest old country-houses in England…
Nothing serious or life-shattering. As usual per Wodehouse novels it’s light and silly. A frivolous, complicated, tangle of a plot. But it’s as delightful a rest as I can ask for, with some utterly delicious wording and paragraphs. His novels always help me take my own trying situations with more grace and lightheartedness. A dose of him is better than a vacation! Wodehouse is truly the ice-cream of the book world.
Strong Poison
A rousing good detective story. Sayers is an excellent writer, and this one and Murder Must Advertise are the cream of her detective series. According to me anyway. 🙂 Her writing is a pleasure to read. And I do love a good mystery.
I didn’t read this particular edition though…mine was an old hardback without the new introduction…
Perelandra
The second in a trilogy set in outer space. These tales are laced with beautiful truths and half-hidden gems. I enjoyed this one more than the first book in the series.
Notable Mentions:
Temple Tower
Simply a nice little adventure novel. Book #6 in the Bulldog Drummond Series. Much like a fun 1930’s detective B-film. You have to have a taste for this sort of literature, and I’ve found it’s not for everyone. But to those who love it, this is a fun lark.
Jeeves and the Wedding Bells
Not a true Wodehouse. It’s a continuation of the Bertie and Jeeves tales by another author. Sebastian Faulks was authorized by the Wodehouse estate itself to write this. Obviously not Wodehouse himself, but very satisfactory nonetheless–he does a fine job at what could have only been a very challenging and daunting task! And the perfect ending to a long series of Bertie and Jeeves novels. A nice bit of light reading.
P.S. I’m currently finishing out the year reading John Buchan’s deliciously titled The House of Four Winds from 1935. It’s the last book in a trilogy. And so far it is stacking up to be a blend of fine writing and hearty Scottish flavored adventure…I think I’ll find it deserves to be on this list as well, but doubt I’ll finish it before the new year!