Best Books of 2019

Best Books of 2019 {Life and Links}

12/31/2019

The motto at Figs and Flights is "life fueled by food and travel."

{Life and Links} are my lists for creating the best life between trips, delicious food always, and comfortable and smart travel. Themes vary seasonally, include tips and tricks, and my favorite items. It's the stuff that's so good I need to share it with you.

Here's what I want you to know about the things I'm recommending to you:

I will only recommend items that I use regularly and that I absolutely LOVE
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See all of my favorite items using the LIFE tab

I love to read, I'm always reading a book if not more than one. I love novels, autobiographies, travel related reads, and more. Old school paper books are my favorite. I am always picking up and dropping off books from the Seattle Public Library.

Here are the very best best books I've read in 2019. The links take you to Amazon where you can get a proper book or an ebook. I'm sure you can find most of these at your local bookstore or library.

Let me know if you've also read any of these books, or if you're inspired by my list to do so!

I found a huge book in Barcelona!

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Becoming by Michelle Obama was the hot book last Christmas. I requested it from the Seattle Public Library and finally got my hands on a copy in May.

Hot Tip: Large print books have shorter wait times at the library!

I devoured every word of her very interesting and very long autobiography. Her writing is beautiful, her story is inspiring and relatable, and you'll love hearing her stories about meeting and dating Barack and her perspective on life in the White House with two young children.

get becoming by Michelle Obama

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

You may know Elizabeth Gilbert from her book Eat, Pray, Love which was huge in ~2008. She's back with City of Girls.

This novel will transport you to a single girl's life of excitement in New York City in the 1940s. It's an easy read, a page turner, and one for the rebels! This was one of those books I was sad to finish. City of Girls might be my very favorite read of 2019.

get city of girls by Elizabeth gilbert

The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes

Jojo Moyes is one of my favorite authors. You probably know her from the book and movie Me Before You. I've read many of her books and The Girl You Left Behind was exceptional!

I was sick a few months ago and devoured this book in just over 24 hours. The tale spans two time frames and places: France during WWI and London many, many years later. The common thread is a painting of a woman who's story is beautifully weaved through both places and times. The book covers heartbreak and hope, you'll love the journey.

get the girl you left behind by jojo Moyes

Birth Order by Linda Blair

As an only child I've always been fascinated by large families and siblings. Both my parents are one of FIVE and I didn't get any brothers or sisters!

I've always wanted to read about birth order. I borrowed two books on the topic from the library. One lost my interest quickly with broad generalizations applied to each position.

Birth Order by Linda Blair was great, I read every word. She doesn't just cover characteristics based on your own birth order, she speaks to romantic partners and compatibility between birth orders, how your parents' birth order may affect you, and so much more. The book is insightful without being too general or sweeping with birth order based characteristics.

get birth order by Linda Blair

Educated by Tara Westover

Educated by Tara Westover is the most popular book around at the moment, I just saw someone reading it on a plane this week.

Tara's story is enthralling. She grew up in Idaho to parents who were removing themselves and their family from civilization as Tara grew up. She didn't have a birth certificate, never saw a doctor, and didn't step foot into a classroom until her first day of college. Her educational journey is the core of the book but the INSANE circumstances her family created for their children was more interesting to me. It's wild to read her matter of fact way of explaining her childhood normal which is dangerous and insane to us as the reader. You'll cheer for Tara and for her escape from the mountain!

get educated by tara Westover

Walking to the End of the World by Beth Jusino

Beth Jusino is my boss' wife. Her story, Walking to the End of the World, is an adventure throughout France and Spain ON FOOT! This true story tells the tale of a 1000 mile journey along the Camino de Santiago.

At times you'll long to be seeing the world with Beth and her husband. Other times you'll be glad to be snuggled up with a book while their journey gets scary and hard! The road is long, literally, and Beth's writing will bring the adventure right to you. You'll love chapter after chapter of the journey along a historic path with the Camino pilgrims.

get walking to the end of the world by Beth jusino