Top 3 Books I Read in 2019

1. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

As a war history junkie, I love a good tale about WWII. Though, this war novel is actually a woman’s tale, which is often not the case with novels detailing wars. The book details the story of two sisters in France who don’t always agree on what’s best at a time like this. One sister, Vianne Mauriac is a concerned, caring mother in the quiet village of Carriveau, while the other, Isabelle, goes off to become “The Nightingale,” a hero in the Resistance who risks her life saving others. This story is definitely a read for everyone and succeeds in telling a woman’s tale of war.

2. Lilac Girls

This is another women’s perspective of war I found myself not wanting to put down. The book is based on the true story of a New York woman who helped a group of Holocaust survivors known as the Rabbits. The women were put in concentration camps and tested and experimented on. The story unfolds between three different female characters: Caroline Ferriday the New York socialite, a Polish teenager named Kasia Kuzmerick, and a doctor trapped in the male-dominated realm of Nazi power named Herta Oberheuser. The point-of-view switches between each character every chapter, letting the three stories unfold bit by bit simultaneously and come together in the end. This story is one of love, hardship, and redemption— and certainly one you have to read. 

3. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

I know I am late to the game on this one, but, wow, was it thrilling. I’m sure by now everyone knows what this thriller is about and, if you don’t, I don’t want to give it away by spilling the bloody details. But I will say, the character development of the main characters, husband-and-wife duo Amy and Nick is phenomenal. It was as if I couldn’t decide to love or hate either one and my opinions changed per chapter. This story is definitely well written and so enthralling, you have to read it if you haven’t. I will definitely be reading more by Flynn in the future.