My readings of 2019

2019 was the year of reading, in between many other things. As a result, I’m pretty convinced I haven’t read as many books in the past couple of years as in 2019.

The little book of Hygge by Meik Wiking

Moving to Europe during wintertime was a huge change from my Southamerican winters. That is to say, coming from an every-day-is-sunny reality in ma’ ol’ Buenos Aires to the once-in-a-while-sun-appears Germany. This book gave me some ideas to survive winter and understand a bit about how people think on this side of the world.
You can find it on Bookdepository

Ten Arguments for Deleting your Social Media accounts right now by Jaron Lanier

So I picked this up last January, coming back from a quiet trip to Amsterdam and thinking about quitting social media. Above all, I feel it had some pretty good arguments, but to be honest, the whole book turned out to be a little bit boring. For instance, the texts focused more on a global perspective of companies keeping data and using it for governmental issues. In conclusion, it was not what I was expecting: an answer to the question “why quitting social media could be beneficial for the everyday user”.

You can find it on Bookdepository

Just Kids by Patti Smith

I remember being on a Documentary Photography lesson in college and analyzing Robert Mapplethorpe when suddenly someone came up with how beautiful Patti Smith’s book about them was. It wasn’t until 2019 that I saw it in a bookstore here in Germany and bought it. The way it’s written gives me chills; it is indeed beautiful, nostalgic and particularly feel like I’m reading her diary. I’m sure I’ll re-read it soon.
You can find it on Bookdepository

The Alchemist by Paulo Cohelo

Recommended by my friend Barbara (and borrowed from her), The Alchemist by Paulo Cohelo is a short book that can be easily read in an afternoon. Simple writing, although with a good amount of heavy emotional content. It’s nice to read when you feel like you’re a little bit lost.
You can find it on Bookdepository

The Sun & Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur

I had my poet-phase when I was 19. Writing poetry, going to poetry slams, drinking wine and feeling cool playing with words that not everyone would use. By the time I thought poetry was supposed to be this puzzled, super elaborated, versed story until I read Rupi.
Her way of perceiving and describing feelings in such a simple and natural yet emotional way touches you deeply.
You can find it on Bookdepository

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

I simply cannot recommend this book enough to anyone. Creatively speaking, this book could be some kind of Bible for the artists; it’s short, easy to read and straight to the point. Elizabeth Gilbert wrote it as if she’d be chatting with a friend.
(the posts-its you see on the picture are because I’m studying my favorite parts)
You can find it on Bookdepository

1Q84 by Haraku Murakami

This is actually not one book, it’s a complete trilogy of fiction in a dystopian world called 1Q84. Murakami has to be one of my favorite authors. That is to say, I’m planning on reading as much as I can that has been written by him. The novel is told by the characters from their own point of view, which gives the perfect level of detail to understand the plot yet what or why the characters act in a certain way.
You can find it on Bookdepository

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

This has to be the writer’s handbook. Anne Lamott intertwines her autobiographical stories with writing advice: from writing as a habit to being published. I can’t describe how fun it is to grab the book and read. Lamott has this “chill vibe” to tell you things and at the same time let you wondering “how can I apply this to my writing”
You can find it on Bookdepository

Are you reading something at the moment? Do you have any recommendations for me to read next? Let me know in the comment section below!

What do you think? Leave a comment!