What I read in 2019
Added 2020-01-08 19:01:00 +0000 UTCI meant to review the books I read in 2019 on my recent video - oops!
Here's what a read in 2019 with a tiny review. If you want to follow what I've been reading, you can always add me on Goodreads! None of these books were released in 2019, just the ones I happened to read.
Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates
Oof, what a sad book. Revolutionary Road was one of the books that I always meant to read but never did (I've also never seen the movie). Great book, very easy to read but the subject matter is dark and depressing. What happens when we end up in a life that we never wanted in the first place? Would love to go back and watch the movie now!
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Another book that I always meant to read and never did. It was fine... to be honest, I actually skipped a few pages here and there when the descriptions were taking too long. It was much more interesting learning about the background behind the book rather than the book itself - how Dorian's sins were reflections of Wilde's own. So many gay innuendos, wowza.
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
BEST BOOK OF 2019. Probably one of my favourite books of all-time. I love Tartt's Secret History so I wanted to read this one, too. It's a bit intimidating being about 1,000 pages but I read it so quickly and loved it. I heard the movie was terrible and I'm not surprised - there's too much in this book that a movie that would never do it justice. Fabulous story about grief, loss, guilt and finding yourself. Please read it. And The Secret History. So good. Best books.
Aphorisms on Love and Hate by Friedrich Nietzsche
A little one in-between reading big books. It had some interesting snippets and it's always nice to try something different every once in awhile.
I never read this in school but I can see why they force some students to read it. Interesting, but a bit young and boring. Worth a read for the metaphors but not something I would say I greatly enjoyed. Maybe it would have meant more if you read it at a certain time in your life.
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Good book! I love a murder mystery and this was no exception. Took awhile to get into it as the language, speech and writing style are really unique. Once you get past that, it's an easy read. I watched the movie after finishing it - enjoyed both!
The Water Cure by Sophie Mackintosh
This was fine. The story/plot was unique so it takes quite awhile before you understand what's going on. Interesting book, nothing too special.
I loved it! I actually did one of my final projects in high school about Obama's first campaign. Found him and the whole thing so interesting. Michelle's book gives some background to his presidential campaigns/being in office, but he's definitely not a key figure. The story follows her childhood and onward - really insightful, empowering and inspiring! A book I would definitely reference again.
