My Top 5 Books of 2019

As the end of the year and the end of the decade draws closer, it's time for my annual round-up of my top books from the past year.

I worked hard to hit my goal of reading 50 books this year but I am proud of myself for reaching my target for the first time since 2016! So, with 50 books read and ticked off my tbr this year, what were my top books of 2019?

Note: These are all books I read in 2019, not necessarily books that were published during the last year. My top five are also in no particular order.

Because You'll Never Meet Me by Leah Thomas

Because You'll Never Meet Me is one of those books that sat on my tbr for years without me getting around to picking it up. Luckily, 2019 was the year I finally gave it a chance - and I'm definitely glad I did! Sweet yet emotional and with a quirky twist and unique writing style, BYNMM was undoubtedly one of my stand-out fiction books of the year.

Holy Island by L.J. Ross

I tried out Kindle Unlimited during the summer and Holy Island was one of the first books I downloaded onto my e-reader. Fast-paced and intriguing, with just enough suspense and supernatural subtext to keep me turning page after page (or clicking through screen after screen), I was instantly hooked. I blitzed my way through the first four DCI Ryan Mysteries books during the summer of 2019, but I think Holy Island is still my favourite of the series - so far!

Nevernight by Jay Kristoff

Nevernight was the first audiobook I've listened to in years but it was the perfect companion for the long commute home from work each day. Once I got into the story, the plot had me hooked, supported by a rich, detailed fantasy world and a great cast of characters. I'm yet to get my hands on the next book in the series, but I can't wait to continue Mia's story!

No One is Too Small To Make a Difference by Greta Thunberg

It wasn't just fiction books that contributed towards my reading total this year. Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg's speeches were undoubtedly inspirational enough to warrant a spot among my top books of the year. When it comes to the world around us, the time for change is now, and I have a great deal of admiration for Greta and her tireless campaigning. No One is Too Small to Make a Difference really is a must-read.

50 Years of Glastonbury by Malcolm Croft

I've always enjoyed Glastonbury even though I've never been lucky enough to attend the festival. I've been watching and listening to performances for years and I love the green aspect of the festival, as well. 50 Years of Glastonbury collates some of the best photographs and snippets of information about this world-famous festival into one brilliant volume which has successfully made its way into my top books of 2019.

Honourable Mentions

There are always going to be some great books that I read and enjoyed but just narrowly missed out on making the top five. However, I think that they still deserve some recognition, so here are my 2019 honourable mentions:

• The Easter Egg by Sarah Eaglesfield
• Tales of Old Northamptonshire by Marian Pipe
• Puck by Kim Askew and Amy Helmes

Giveaway

As usual, I'm giving one lucky reader the chance to win their choice of book from my top five. Just enter via the Rafflecopter widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Terms and Conditions:
1. Giveaway closes on 9th January 2020 at 11.59pm (GMT)
2. The prize consists of one copy of one of the books from my top five shortlist above, as chosen by the winner
3. This giveaway is open to residents of the UK aged 18 and over
4. The winner will be randomly generated once the giveaway has ended
5. The winner will be informed by email once the giveaway has ended
6. The winner will have 72 hours to claim their prize. If the winner has not responded by this time, they will forfeit their prize and a new winner will be announced

What were your top reads of 2019? Share your favourites in the comments below!