The Best 5 Books I Read This Year
March 18, 2020
I did not plan the launch of Elemuse to happen in the middle of a pandemic; but here we are. And I’m sure a few years down the road, I’ll look back and laugh. Truth be told, I’m laughing now. This has to be one of the most ‘Adelyn’ things to do; and truth be told, I love that something so special to me is becoming public in the midst of such messiness.
Here’s the thing, a world experiencing an intense health and economic crisis needs beauty. We need musicians and artists and authors and chefs to remind us how much good there is still around us; and how much power beauty has to ignite joy and hope and calm.
And more practically, we need something to do while we’re on day 5 of social distancing. If you’re interested in introducing rest into this new rhythm and decreasing anxiety, I wrote about that earlier here. One of the ways that I personally am introducing that into this unexpected season through reading.
It gives me perspective, slows my heart rate (hello, anxiety old friend), and is my favorite escape. Perhaps you are also a fellow book-devourer, or maybe you just need a bit of a break from Netflix. Either way, welcome, let’s read! And without further ado, here are the best 5 books I read last year:
Fiction
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Set in the rural coastal region of the Carolinas, this was my favorite from the last year. It is a bit of mystery intermingled with a coming of age story and beautiful nature imagery. And I loved it. The audiobook is especially well done as well.
Memoir
Educated by Tara Westover. Gripping, intense, impossible to put down, and a true story – you must read this. I promise it’s even better than you’ve heard.
Business
Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller. If you are a business owner, this season of rest is such a good time to strengthen what you’re building! I recommend this already to all of the wonderful small business owners I mentor, so you may have already heard me mention it. But regardless, it’s one that you should read, and then read again!
Self Improvement
Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport. If you’re interested in Marie Kondo-ing your screen life (and ready for some amazing advice), then you’re going to really enjoy this. I found this to be one of the most freeing and challenging books I read in this past year.
Historical Fiction
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert. Y’all, I love Elizabeth Gilbert. She is one of my favorite authors of all time and this book is simply a delight. If you’re craving a phenomenal fiction book, this is it. I could not put it down and was utterly charmed the entire way through.
Note; bookstores & libraries are closed in most places, but that doesn’t mean you are without new reads! If you are not looking to purchase a book, Libby, by Overdrive has thousands of free books and audiobooks that you can checkout using your library card!
[…] Reading. If there’s one thing I am loving most out of this slower pace, it is more time to read. If you’re interested in reading something new and wonderful, click here: The Best 5 Books I Read Last Year. […]