Buckle your seatbelts, ladies and gentleman. Today’s post is the first of two chronicling everything I read in 2019 in the form of mini-reviews.
The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee
I loved loved loved this book! The glitzy, futuristic setting and nail-biting dramatic twists and turns made for the perfect post-New Year’s read. I highly recommend to fans of Gossip Girl and anyone who wants a good old fashioned soap opera.
Rating: 4/5 stars
From Twinkle, With Love by Sandhya Menon
A good, solid, geeky romance! The characters felt very authentic and I appreciated how honest and interesting Twinkle’s character was. I also learned a lot about Indian culture and enjoyed reading about a successful female artist in a male-dominated field.
Rating: 3/5 stars
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
I really enjoyed this book! It normally takes me a minute to get invested in a fantasy narrative, and while I was interested in the plot, it didn’t get juicy until the climax. I loved one of the relationships and HATED the other… I’ll leave that right there. It’s probably my favorite of the series. Also, it’s really important to me that you know when I was writing this, I accidentally typed “fantasy” as “fantasty” and I think that should become a thing.
Rating: 3/5 stars
Take the Key and Lock Her Up by Ally Carter
I finished this book in less than 24 hours, which speaks to how engaging and interesting it was! Carter wrapped the series up nicely and resolved that KILLER cliffhanger from the second book. Overall, it’s a good, quick read.
Rating: 3/5 stars
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
The hype is REAL. I read this book because I loved the movie and wanted to see if the book could level up. This story surpassed my expectations. Large casts are difficult to write, but Kevin Kwan made it work beautifully; I was never once confused about who was who. The description was beautiful, and if anyone wants to ditch school, fly to Singapore, and fill up on street food with me, let me know.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Heartless by Marissa Meyer
SO. FREAKING. GOOD. I loved this book with my entire being. It’s an amazing origin story for the Queen of Hearts that explained how a sweet, noble girl became the feared queen with a penchant for beheading. One of the best origin stories I’ve read.
Rating: 5/5 stars
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
I genuinely enjoyed this book! I read it at a time when I wanted a warm, beachy, summery read, and this book delivered. The plot wasn’t super substantial and I appreciated that aspect. If Jenny Han had plotted too much, it would’ve felt forced. Also, the story was very whimsical and idealistic, perfect for an easy, breezy read even though the characters sometimes felt a little cardboard. I’d recommend this read for a beach trip or a cold day that you wish were a beach trip.
Rating: 3/5 stars
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This book is a lyrical, contemplative novel that juxtaposes Kya’s poetic story and a gripping murder mystery. The descriptions of nature and development of each character were so rich they could’ve given me cavities; Owens has a knack for description and I couldn’t get enough of it. The ending when both timelines converged was beautifully constructed and downright wild. BIG fan.
Rating: 5/5 stars
China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan
See my review for Crazy Rich Asians above. Everything I loved about the first book, I loved about the second.
Rating: 5/5 stars
The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines
This book is a sweet and humbling story about the joyful rollercoaster that is Chip and Joanna’s life. Through triumph and trial, they’ve learned how to find sweetness in life through family, friends, and God’s divine timing. I enjoyed the casual tone and listening to the audiobook added another layer of personality; I felt like we were chatting over coffee. Overall, it’s a sweet and easy read.
Rating: 4/5 stars
The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
If you’re a fan of royalty and follow the British royal family like some people follow their favorite football team, then this book is for you. The characters felt so real they could pop off the page and I loved the roller-coaster aspect of the plot. Looking back, I’m not sure why I gave this incredible royal love story 4/5 stars instead of 5/5? Might have to change that.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Emergency Contact by Mary H. K. Choi
I really enjoyed this book! I listened to it on audiobook and that format worked really well for me. The angsty characters and authentic plot made for a great reading experience. If you’re looking for a book that makes you want to run away with your partner and cut your own bangs while listening to soft indie rock, this is the book for you. That’s a weirdly specific situation, but read it and you’ll understand.
Rating: 4/5 stars
It’s Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
Another easy, breezy, beach read. I liked how Jenny Han developed the narrative from the first book in the series, even though Belly didn’t end up with the guy I hoped she’d end up with. I’m looking forward to reading the third book in the series when I need a summer pick-me-up.
Rating: 3/5 stars
Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
I loved this sweet story! The characters were so lovely and the story was a charming, inspiring message about identity and bravery in the face of hatred. I highly recommend to romance lovers and people who’re looking to add more diverse fiction to their shelves.
Rating: 5/5 stars
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Another one of my favorite reads of 2019! I loved Christina Lauren’s humorous writing and couldn’t get enough of the quirky characters, funny dialogue, and hilarious twists of fate. Christina Lauren created a story that inspires us to find love in the unexpected places with the unexpected people.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Which of these books did you read in 2019? What’s next on your 2020 TBR?
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