2019 Was A Book Year To Remember

It’s been a phenomenal year for books — I read 52 this year, most of them new releases, yet barely scratched the surface of my list. Below are my 5-star, stayed-with-me reads that I wish I could read again for the first time. (Books I read and loved this year, but which come out in 2020, will appear on my most-anticipated post.)

NINTH HOUSE, Leigh Bardugo. Bardugo’s first adult novel, and first book that takes place in our world, tackles the classism and misogyny that corrupts hallowed institutions like Yale University. Galaxy “Alex” stern is the sole survivor of a terrifying multiple homicide in the outskirts of LA. While recovering in the hospital, fully aware that her troubles are far from over when she’s discharged, she receives a visit from a mysterious stranger who proposes an unconventional solution to the fix she’s in: she can come to Yale, expenses paid, but in exchange must keep watch over the school’s secret societies. Anyone who loves ghost stories, gothic novels set on college campuses, or urban fantasy will love NINTH HOUSE. Not yet convinced? Read my profile of Bardugo on VICE. Aggregated critical reviews, Indiebound, Amazon.