So far, 2019 is proving to be an excellent year for newly released books, and keep in mind, we’re just getting started. Fall always seems to bring in fabulous, fabulous new books. By the grace of God, I’ve managed to cross off eight books that were released this year, and I’m going to share with you my brief thoughts on each.
Some of the Most Talked About Books in 2019
Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Gah! I still have a book hangover from this book. It was… brilliant. It followed no rules. The tone, format, and style was a one of a kind. It felt like reading a Behind the Music. Daisy Jones and every single member of The Six felt like real people, a real band. I laughed, I cried, and it still sits heavy in my heart, in all the best ways. This story was perfect.
Recursion by Blake Crouch
I’m just going to say it. I was disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, Recursion is still a good novel, but based on how much I LOVED Blake Crouch’s Dark Matter, I had higher expectations. Recursion felt repetitive and I kind of just needed it to end.
Before She Knew Him by Peter Swanson
This is the third Peter Swanson novel I’ve read (other two: The Kind Worth Killing and Her Every Fear, I rated each one 4 stars) and I have to say, he did not disappoint! Before She Knew Him had so many unexpected twists and turns, I felt invested in the story early on, and felt like it was exceptionally well paced. If you’re looking for a wonderful thriller, this is it! And if you haven’t read Swanson’s other two novels, listed above, I recommend them as well.
Whisper Network by Chandler Baker
I wanted to like this book. It was so relevant to the #MeToo movement and felt like it had SO MUCH potential. But it fell so flat for me. In fact, my favorite part about the whole book was the authors note at the end, after the novel concluded. Telling story after story of her own sexual harassment experiences as a corporate lawyer. It was so interesting! And I can totally see how she built her novel from strands and threads of her own truth. But the outcome was a mess of story that had so many plot holes…
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb
This was a wonderful book and grabbed me from the very first page. We got a closed door look at what really goes on in therapy. It was so intriguing and excellently done. I genuinely cared about the author herself, her therapist, her patients, and even her family. I wish this book was another 432 pages.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
I loved this book. Mainly because the ending was SO GOOD! I know you’ll role your eyes at the format, past / present, his / her perspective. Yes, it’s been done a million times over, but HANG IN THERE FOR THE ENDING! It kind of blew my mind.
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
Oh my. I’m always a sucker for a multigenerational family saga. Literally any day of the week. This book follows two families, that are next door neighbors, in the suburbs of New York. It’s beautifully written and engaging as anything. However, and I’m really sad to report this, the ending didn’t really do it for me. I don’t blame the author, it was a tricky book to wrap up. But even though the last 1/5 wasn’t my favorite, it was still a marvelous story, and I would definitely recommend if you’re a fan of family dramas.
The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
I’m nearly halfway through this thriller, so I can’t give a full review yet, but I will say it is QUITE THE PAGE TURNER! It’s your typical Ruth Ware, in all the best ways. So far I would recommend!
And keep in mind, we’re just getting started. My list doesn’t even touch books that will be released this fall. Happy reading!