It’s time for our first #MustReadin2019 update!
Are you making progress with your list? Distracted by other titles? Please share!
This year, my list is again 30 titles strong. I always have the goal of trying to read at least 20 of the books on the list. I feel like I am well on my way! More importantly, can’t wait to get to more of the titles on this list!
Like last year at this time, I have read 9/30 titles which is close to one third of my list.
Here are the titles I have read so far and some brief reactions/summaries.
Harbour Me by Jacqueline Woodson
Six students spend Friday afternoons together – their assignment to talk. When a place is made for stories and listening, a lot can happen. A powerful middle grade read.
All That I Can Fix by Crystal Chan
This is an interesting book. It’s either going to be super appealing or super upsetting. There’s a lot packed in here. Mental health issues. A father who has made a serious suicide attempt. A mom who is kind of checked out while still holding on.A bunch of escaped exotic animals who are attacking people. Writing about this book it seems really out there. But while reading it, i was pretty engaged.
Wild Blues by Beth Kephart
A title inspired by a story of a real life prison break. I love Kephart’s style. She makes art out of words. I seriously walk around the world in a different way when I read her books. This story of Lizzie, her Uncle Davy and her best friend Matias is dramatic, emotional and uplifting all at once. I love them all.
A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena
A dramatic YA read set in Saudi Arabia. Part love story, part teen angst, part family drama and then there is everything else this book tackles – women’t rights, sexual violence, mental health, drug addiction. What a read.
Far From the Tree by Robin Benway
Cried through lots of this one. Three siblings who find each other as teens – two were adopted as infants, one has spend his life in foster care. Wow. One of those absolute page turners because the characters get under your skin.
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
Upper MG/YA graphic novel. A historical french setting. A prince who loves fancy dresses. A dressmaker trying to make it. Completely engaging.
Shouting at the Rain by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
An emotional read – the complexity or families and the complications of friends. I love how Delsie figures things out in a highly relatable way. Hunt delivers, again. a title that needs to be in the hands of young readers.
Sweep The Story of a Girl and her Monster by Jonathan Auxier
One of my favourites from this list so far. Historical fiction and important magic. Nan Sparrow is a chimney sweep who keeps beating the odds – surviving a daily dangerous job. How her story unfolds is quite incredible. An emotional beautiful read.
The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden
Zoey Albro lives in rural Vermont. Her mother and three younger siblings count on her abusive and manipulative step father Lenny for a roof over their heads because mom’s waitressing job does not guarantee that they won’t be homeless. This title deals with poverty, the huge responsibilities of a young girl and deep commitment to family. While we witness Zoey’s middle grade stressors and dreams, we also view the struggles of poverty and abuse through her eyes. A powerful novel.
If you have been participating in #MustReadin2019 and written an update post, please share using the #MustReadin2019 hashtag!
Leave your link in the comments if you have written a post. Please try to visit a few of the other #MustReadin2019 bloggers/readers and get inspired! And of course, everyone loves comments to know that you have visited!
Want to know more about #MustReadin2019? Read here This post also includes links to all of the bloggers who wrote Must Read lists. This is a community of inspiring readers!
Next update will be on September 5th 2019!
HAPPY READING EVERYONE!
There's a Book for That 
Great list and progress so far. Two that I really loved from your list are Sweep and The Benefits of Being an Octopus. My update is here https://wrigglingbookworms.wordpress.com/2019/04/04/must-read-in-2019-update-1/
Thanks for hosting again!
Thanks for participating! Love this community.
I have not read Kephart’s Wild Blues, but it sounds good. And I have several others on your list, still need to read them! I’m glad you loved Sweep, a real favorite of mine last year. And I’m so looking forward to Linda Mullaly Hunt’s new story! Thanks, Carrie. Happy reading! Here is my post! https://www.teacherdance.org/2019/04/mustreadin2019-update.html
So glad to see you here Linda! I really love Kephart’s writing – I am a fan of all of her titles. Sweep is just fantastic.
I did a very quick post without book summaries, but I’m really glad I took the time to review my progress and consider where to go from here. Here’s my first quarter #MustReadin2019 post: https://millermemo.wordpress.com/2019/04/04/mustreadin2019-4-4-2019/
So pleased that you are enjoying the process Shaye! That’s what these check ins are for – really a great way to figure out what is next!
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It was very helpful to do this update post and remind myself what I want to read next! Sweep isn’t on my list, but it sounds like one I would love. Maybe a read-aloud? https://thedirigibleplum.com/2019/04/04/mustreadin2019-update/
Sweep would be a great read aloud! Really loved this one.
So many good books, Carrie! Shouting at the Rain is my next read and I loved Sweep as well 🙂
Here’s my #mustreadin2019 spring update: http://thepageturninglibrarian.blogspot.com/2019/04/mustreadin2019-spring-update.html
Thanks for hosting, Carrie! Now, I’m off to look at everyone else’s reading lists!
I love how many people loved Sweep! Such a great title.
I love getting so many ideas on what to read next!! 📚❤️
Here is my post:
http://msgreenreads.blogspot.com/2019/04/mustreadin2019-spring-update.html
Isn’t this a great way to do just that? Thanks for sharing!
Finally! An update! It’s a great Saturday to see what everyone is up to in their reading lives!
https://simplylearningtogether.blogspot.com/2019/04/must-read-in-2019-update.html
Also. All that I Can Fix and Sweep caught my eye from your list. Thank you so much for this community and your willingness to encourage and organize us!
It’s a pleasure! Thanks for joining in!
I finished my update post tonight. Six out of my 21 books isn’t too bad I guess. https://cecelibrarian.com/2019/04/07/mustreadin2019-update/
A great number for this time of the year!
I have Ann Braden’s book on another reading challenge. I look forward to reading that one too.
A fantastic title!
Sweep is my favorite of all you’ve read so far. I thought it was fantastic.
I finally got to my update. It’s been a busy week with four events at the local university in the evenings, one meeting in town, and one meeting out of town. Whew. Here’s my update: https://readingtl.blogspot.com/2019/04/mustreadin2019-spring-update.html
Sweep is literally sweeping these lists in terms of popularity! You have been busy!
Here is my update!
https://booksonthebackporch.wordpress.com/2019/04/08/mustreadin2019-spring-update/
So happy you are sharing your updates!
Thank you so much for organizing this. Here is my update: https://trinarrative.blogspot.com/2019/04/spring-check-in-mustreadin2019.html
I have a long way to go!!
Every book is progress! Happy reading.
I adored many books on your list here: Harbour Me, The Prince and the Dressmaker and Sweep. I am gnashing my teeth to find a copy of Shouting At the Rain. Now I really want to get to The Benefits of Being an Octopus.
Here is my update
https://dickenslibrary.blogspot.com/2019/04/mustreadin2019-spring-update.html
So many great books! Loved your update!
Harbor Me and Sweep are two of my favorites from your list. Thanks, as always, for helping us tackle our TBR in a fun community way. Here is my update. I made a lot of progress in the beginning, but have slowed down significantly. I think the goal is still possible. http://readingtl.blogspot.com/2019/09/mustreadin2019-fall-update.html 🙂