
Have you read the book about hands? It’s a real page turner.
I’ve finally achieved a reading/listening goal! 🎉 In 2017, my New Year’s Resolution for 2018 was to complete at least 12 books. By the time December 2018 rolled around, I had only completed eight books, but I was determined to do better in 2019.
For 2019, the goal was to read or listen to 13 books, and I did that, with a few days to spare, which means I have time to squeeze in one more!

Of the books I read this year, my top three recommendations are, “We’re Going to Need More Wine” by Gabrielle Union, “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah, and “Free Cyntoia” by Cyntoia Brown-Long. I’m partial to memoirs and autobiographies if you couldn’t tell! 😝I also feel the need to mention that I started, stopped, and restarted 1984, but only managed to get halfway through. I’m not sure if it was because I already knew the outcome or because there were many parts of the book that seemed to lacked value or storyline progression. Either way, I didn’t finish it in high nor did I finish it in 2019. Maybe in 2020?
In order from the greatest emotional impact to the least, I present to you my 2019 reading review!
- We’re Going to Need More Wine x Gabrielle Union (audio)
- I listed this as numero uno because it felt “right on time.” Gabrielle Union spoke about the realities of following your dreams, being Black in America, and raising Black sons.
- Born a Crime x Trevor Noah (hybrid read)
- This is my number two choice because I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN, literally. I read it in 25 hours. I STAN Trevor Noah, so maybe I’m a little biased; however, listening to his stories allowed me to connect with him that much more. I HIGHLY recommend listening to the audio of Born a Crime because simply reading the physical copy doesn’t do it justice.
- Free Cyntoia x Cyntoia Brown-Long (audio)
- “Free Cyntoia” secured the spot at number three because it was the ultimate redemption story! From the beginning, the odds were stacked against her, but Mrs. Brown-Long overcame every obstacle put in her way. ANNNNDDD it’s lowkey a love story. ❤️
- Black Privilege x Charlamagne tha God (audio)
- This book would be a really great gift for any entrepreneur.
- Hey Lil’ Black Girl… It’s Your World x Fredrecka McGlown (physical)
- Perfect of any millennial Black woman.
- Little Fires Everywhere x Celeste Ng (hybrid)
- The ending. Whew!
- Where’d You Go Bernadette x Maria Semple (hybrid)
- Any and all SAHM can relate perfectly with this one!
- Animal Farm x George Orwell (hybrid)
- I read this one in high school, but I wondered if my perspective would have changed. The only thing that changed is the fact that Animal Farm is more accurate than ever!
- The Hate U Give x Angie Thomas (hybrid)
- I really enjoyed this one, but reading about Black men and boys being gunned down is EXHAUSTING!
- If Beale Street Could Talk x James Baldwin (audio)
- See number nine, but this time instead of being killed, he was falsely accused and imprisoned.
- Girl, Wash Your Face x Rachel Hollis (audio)
- I enjoyed reading this, about as much as I enjoyed my number 12 read. My biggest issue with this self-help book was the privileged perspective through which the guide was written. That’s all I’ll say on the topic…
- Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck x Mark Manson (audio)
- If I’m being honest, I only read this one because of all of the hype surrounding it. I’m sure it was helpful for some readers, but if you already have a f*ck it attitude, then this was a redundant read.
- Crazy Rich Asians x Kevin Kwan (hybrid)
- I really enjoyed this story and it was nice to be dropped into the life of the rich and well-connected every time I picked up this book. It landed at number 13 simply because it didn’t move me like the other titles. I’d still 8/10 recommend.
What was your favorite book of 2019? What moved you or changed your way of thinking? Let me know!
Love,
Jae Mommma