Best Books of 2019

Here again is my list of the best books I read the past year.  They are in no particular order.

When:  The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, by Daniel H. Pink

Important book that I read twice, once to digest, another to take notes.  Since lots of people make new year's resolutions, this might be a great place to start.  It gives scientifically valid advice on how and when to accomplish things. Some samples:

Three principles of successful beginnings:

·         Start right

·         Start again if lst start fails

·         Start together

People can create “turning points in their personal histories” by choosing a date and/or time to begin again.  “Imbuing an otherwise ordinary day with personal meaning generates the poser to start new beginnings.”  The single largest motivator for making meaningful progress was to set up small high probability targets and celebrate when you hit them.

“Coordinating and synchronizing with other people is a powerful way to lift your physical and psychological well being.”  I have been actively trying to do this.  Part of our motivation for moving to Johnson City was the fact that there are more things to do here that we can enjoy with other people.  Thanks to Paul for recommending this book.

Pachinko, by Min Jin Lee

Sweeping novel covering several generations of Koreans who immigrate to Japan right before WW II. Young girl in Korea lives with mother, who owns a boarding house.  All is well until Japan takes over and starts taking land and starving out the Koreans.  Girl gets pregnant by rich man who is already married.  She marries Christian minister who takes her to Japan to be with his family and where he is supposed to have a church.  That is just the beginning of a long and convoluted story about their lives, and the lives of their children and grandchildren, all of whom are affected by how Koreans are treated in Japan, officially Korean citizens, but having lived in Japan as second-class citizens all their lives. Runner up for National Book Award.  Compelling writing.  I recommend it.

The Library Book, by Susan Orlean

Fascinating book about the LA library, its history, architecture, personnel, with focus on the story of when it burned in the 1980’s, and the person who was accused of burning it.  It is hard to explain this book because of its far-ranging topics, but I found it compelling, sometimes hilarious reading.  This is the best book I read this year.  Favorite quote:  “Books invite all; they constrain none.”  Hartley Burr Alexander

Nudge, by Thaler and Sunstein

Interesting look at how to influence people’s decisions by how you present them.  It was especially good in looking at financial decisions.

A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman

Enjoyable book about a curmudgeon who tries to control everything, only to be undone by well-meaning neighbors and a cat. Thanks to Mairzy for recommending it.

The Alice Network, by Kate Quinn

Great read, very interesting and fast-moving story of a network of female spies in France in WWI, primarily.  I thought it was pure fiction until I read the author’s notes at the end.  Several of the main characters are based on the exploits of real people.  I enjoyed it immensely.

Bettyville, by George Hodgman

Ashamed to say I got this book because I read that the author had committed suicide.  I had never heard of the author or the book, and it had gotten lots of awards. Really poignant memoir about a man who goes back home to Missouri to take care of his mother, who is getting some dementia.  His life is a mess—has been fired from his high-flying editing job in New York.  The narrative switches back and forth through time, so we find out about his life, not just what is happening now.  Outstanding writing  great read

All the Little Live Things, by Wallace Stegner

The title suggests a sweet little story, which it is not.  It is however, a beautifully written, poignant tale about how life and its pain, aggravation will impose itself on a person, even when you make the decision to withdraw to a lovely spot to retire and move on.  I love Wallace Stegner.  His writing and insight into the characters and life always move me.  I am glad that I do not have to live with the regrets this character did.  I have had such a charmed life.  Even the painful parts led to something much better.  That doesn’t happen to most people, I think.

“We’ll take up new positions, in other words....That’s the way the military reports defeats. ‘Our troops have taken up new positions.’ Life is one new position after another.”

Some time soon, I may do best books of the last decade, if I get inspired.  I have kept notes on books I've read for longer than that.  I'd love for you to respond with the best books you've read recently.  I always enjoy your recommendations.  

Wishing you love, joy, and health in this new year.