Books of 2019

So far, these books have been instrumental in shaping the way I think, feel and live. Therefore, I recommend them highly, much like the ones from 2018. Stay tune for more later this year!

Small animals: Parenthood in the Age of Fear by Kim Brooks. An incredible book on modern parenting – I loved that Kim kept it short and sweet but leaves you with much to think about.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett. This is one of the most phenomenal books of the year. I can’t say enough good things. This book changed the way I see certain things, like race. More on that here.

Us by David Nicholls. This is one of those books that you read and then want to read again. It’s a wonderful love story, from a unique perspective.

The silent patient by Alex Micheledes. I love a good mystery. This one is like “Gone Girl” and “The Girl from the Train” mixed together to form a mystery that keeps you on your toes.

What My Mother And I Don’t Talk About edited by Michele Filgate. Raw, honest, and awkward at times. This book touches on the variety of relationships that we have with our mothers.

China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan. Not saying this because I’m Asian, but the entire three-part trilogy about some crazy rich Asian families really floored me. Kevin Kwan is an astonishingly good writer. Enough said.

Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan. Again, see above. I feel like I learned an enormous amount from reading Kevin’s books.

Maid by Stephanie Land. A beautiful memoir of a single mom working to beat the welfare system is not only inspiring but also admirable. I’m not a single mom, but I can definitely feel the struggles that she went through to make a better life for herself and her kids.

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. I can never say enough good things about Malcolm. He’s blown me away with this book–it makes me think about how important those little decisions can be and how quickly we make them without blinking an eye.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. A story about two French sisters during World War II, both with different aspirations and different lives but are interconnected by war.

Books of 2018

In 2018, I finished 50 books, more than I’ve ever finished in any year of my (adult) life. The following is a sample of my top favorites from last year.

Quiet by Susan Cain – a book about introverts, for introverts. In other words, perfect for me.

The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling – popular for a reason. I finally get it now.

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan – crazy good writing about something I can never comprehend – being rich. I know what it’s like to be Asian though.

You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me by Sherman Alexie – a rich, poignant poetry/prose about the tumultuous relationship between the author and his mother.

Educated by Tara Westover – this is an astoundingly good memoir. Enough said.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls – I can never imagine the kind of childhood the author had, but can definitely empathize with being poor.

Drive and When by Daniel Pink – One’s about motivation, and the other is about timing – two topics I’ve yet to read much about, and both were very insightful.

Podcasts

These are the ones on regular rotation on my phone.

• The moth
• NPR’s Ask Me Another
• Ted Radio Hour
• The Indicator
• Hidden Brain
• Work Life with Adam Grant
• NYT Modern Love
• The Art of Manliness

Websites/articles

• Stephanie Land home page
• Orangette (a food blog)