This has been a fabulous year of reading for me. As I look forward to further literary adventures in 2019, I thought it would be fun to share some of the highlights. Let’s start with my favorite books so far:
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
One of my 2019 challenges is to reread all six of Jane Austen’s main novels. I started my reread with her first published novel, and I cannot express how rewarding that experience was as I love this book. The simple plot, the well-drawn characters, the dazzling wit, and so many other factors made this reread such a delight for me!
Widdershins by Charles de Lint
One of the world’s greatest fantasy authors, I’ve been in love with the works of Charles de Lint for years. This book, a sequel to The Onion Girl, is simply magical. De Lint proves with this one why he is the best at urban fantasy.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
I hate that it took me so long to finally get around to this book. Charlie is a special fifteen-year-old, someone who observes life rather than participates. This book covers a range of disturbing yet true life events. This book is so endearing to me that it belongs on that special top tier of my heart only reserved for literature of true awesomeness. Thank you Stephen Chbosky for helping me to become infinite.
Collected Stories by Gabriel García Márquez
This has been the year of immersing myself in the works of Gabriel García Márquez as I also finished his memorable novel One Hundred Years of Solitude. Nobody writes like Márquez, as he balances realistic drama with magical realism. I highly recommend starting with some of his short fiction before tackling his epic masterpiece.
We by Yevgeny Zamyatin
I’ve been reading a lot of sci-fi this year, and I loved this Russian classic that served as inspiration for Orwell’s 1984. The writing style sets this book apart from other dystopian fiction I’ve read. Many passages often feel more like poetry rather than prose, with several events that are dreamlike to accentuate the internal struggles occurring with its narrator. If dystopian fiction is your thing, check it out.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde, you have won me over. This little novel is such a masterpiece. The story of a young man who slowly sells his soul, it is beautifully told. Wilde is one of the wittiest authors who ever lived, and there is some really funny dialogue to be found in this dark and twisted tale. I will definitely be checking out more from this author in the future, but his one published novel is a must-read.
Little Men by Louisa May Alcott
While Little Men fails to reach the same epic status of its well -known predecessor, I actually found it to be a quite charming and lovely little book. The story of a school founded by Jo March and her husband, the characters were all well drawn with some truly nice life lessons to be discovered.
In addition to discovering some new favorite books in 2019, I also posted about several bookish topics. Here are some of my favorite posts of the year:
My Journey Reading Haruki Murakami
Most followers of this blog know how much I love Murakami. In this post, I talk about my early reading experiences with this unique author.
How Mr. Darcy Can Make You A Better Man
The original suave gentleman! Although Darcy came across as an arrogant jerk at the beginning of Pride and Prejudice, he quickly proved himself to possess the qualities every man should have if he wants to capture that special someone. My post discusses how to achieve this goal.
Why Louisa May Alcott Is an Inspiration to Writers
Think you know everything about the author behind Little Women? Over the years, I’ve written extensively about this incredible woman who wore many hats in her life. This post talks about her inspiration to me a s a writer.
Finally, I wanted to share this photo taken at Hemingway’s Island Grill at Pensacola Beach, Florida. I always enjoy visiting my Florida family, and my wonderful wife snapped this photo of me and the man himself. Here’s to more bookish adventures for the remainder of 2019!
I Would Rather Be Reading 
Some of my favorites on here, too! I wish I would have enjoyed WE as much as you did. I read it this year, too, for my TBR Pile Challenge, but it didn’t grab me.
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