SPL's Recommended Reads of 2019

Can you believe it’s the end of the year? And an end to a decade? 2020 is right around the corner, but we want to share our recommended reads of 2019 before we move on.

The Other Americans by Laila Lalami

“Beautifully written from the perspective of a number of different characters, it tells the modern story of the immigrant experience,” Riva D.

“I loved the format of it with each chapter from a different character’s point of view. Also, many of the characters were not native to America and seeing their perceptions of being ‘American’ was really interesting and put a spotlight on the feelings of immigrants and how they are treated. It was a well-written, character driven book. HIGHLY RECOMMEND,” Eva S.

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

“Another beautifully written book by Ann Patchett. It tells the story of a dysfunctional family and the role of their house over generations,” Riva D.

Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal

“This is a phenomenally written book that covers a variety of women’s topics from sexism and ageism to finding where you belong in your own community, and it somehow still manages to throw in a mystery to be solved. Exciting and endearing,” Amanda M.

The Curse of the Boyfriend Sweater by Alanna Okun

“An incredibly relatable series of memoir essays from a modern young woman who crafts. Some of it made me laugh out loud, and some of it was just a little too true to be comfortable. I enjoyed every part,” Amanda M.

Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells

“This series starts with All Systems Red and is five books long. It is also wonderful. Read them all,” Becky M.

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

“I listened to this book and, first of all, the reader was great. This really makes a difference with audiobooks and she did a super job. Also, I love reading books about places I’m not familiar with and this book is set in Nigeria. I loved the relationship between the sisters and the crazy things that happen. Also, there’s a sort of joy in the revenge of the beautiful woman in this book that, while crazy, makes me smile,” Eva S.

“This is a darkly hilarious, satirical little piranha of a book. A neat vivisection of sisterly love and protection, of vanity and expectations, told with spare, stark prose,” Kathryn I.

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

“This is the story of a cotton plantation slave, Cora, and her incredibly painful attempt to run with Caesar, another slave, to escape their bondage. This is an important and necessary read on the historic treatment of Africans and our shared history. The lyrical writing is at once mesmerizing and terrifying,” Sarah B.

Chasing the Scream by Johann Hari

“Amazing portrait of the failing drug war, the roots behind it and the people it affects,” Rae-Lynn B.

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

“A beautiful, unique, adventure story. If you enjoy books like The Name of the Wind by Patrick Ruthfuss, you will like Strange the Dreamer,” Gina F.

The Broken Earth Trilogy by NK Jemisin

“NK Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy (The Fifth Season, The Obelisk Gate, The Stone Sky) features fantastic world-building, a fascinating protagonist, and a narrative twist that will make you want to re-read the series. It’s no wonder all three volumes won the Hugo Award three years in a row,” Dana D.