Over the 200 books I have read in 2019 (I’m still shocked that I read that much), I came across amazing authors where their writing styles and compelling storytelling had me engrossed and wishing that the book never end. When you meet an author that gives you that feeling, they have just become your new favorite author! It might be too soon for some since I only read one book, but I am going to take a leap of faith and keep a lookout for the following authors in 2020:

 

Moïra Fowley-Doyle

Doyle had the capability to entwine magical storytelling with magical realism that is done with such detail and wonder that I was enthralled with the stories she created, a feature that I have not encountered in the YA genre in a long time. All the Bad Apples is my favorite of hers so far but the other two are just as good and will have you fascinated with her narrative.

Candice-Carty Williams

Queenie was a book that both surprised me and thrilled me. I felt a strong connection with this book and I can see why Jojo Moyes recommended it to her readers. I loved how Williams created a flawed character that was both realistic and intriguing for me to read. I had a deep connection with Queenie and because of that I had a hard time putting this book down. I can tell that Williams more interesting stories up her sleeve.

Sara Barnard

Goodbye, Perfect was one of the most realistic YA books I have read in a long time. When you read a book that leaves with a heartwarming tingle down your spine, then you realize that author has something special. I can’t wait to read more of her books next year!

Louise O’Neill

Louise O’Neill has been on the scene for awhile but The Surface Breaks was my first encounter with her writing style. O’Neill took a classic fairy tale and made it both engaging and relevant that I had a hard time putting it down. A lot of people say that Asking for It was her best one and I can’t wait to read it but I still think this is one of the best books I read this year.

Sally Rooney

Sally Rooney writes for the millennial generation…that is the feeling that I got when I read both Normal People and Mr. Salary . She just writes with raw emotion and with such truth that it is not hard not to identify with. Her writing figuratively lept off the pages for me and that’s why I wait to read Conversations with Friends and other future books.

Brian Conaghan 

The Weight of a Thousand Feathers was a beautiful and heartbreaking story about a young teen trying to carry the burden of taking care of his mother, who has multiple sclerosis and trying to give his brother, Danny, a normal childhood. While reading this story, I quickly connected with Bobby. His development throughout the story was astounding and an emotional journey that the reader can embark on. We watch him be given an impossible task that we, the readers, ask if we would do it ourselves. Conaghan had a way to reflect truth and pain in his writing. Although brutal, I just could not put it down. It was interesting to see a young carer as the protagonist, a big deviation from the YA genre. I read the description of The M Word and I can’t wait to read it.

 

Sophie Cameron

Last Bus to Everland was a truly remarkable and magical book that explores what happens when you want to escape your real world but need to face the fact that it is okay not to perfect all the time. We are all on a journey of self discovery and life experiences gives us a chance to learn more about themselves. An engaging book from beginning to end!

Giovanna & Tom Fletcher

I don’t normally read science fiction but this was by far the best one I have ever read! I could not put it down! I’m just itching for the next book but also, it makes me want to read books that they have individually written.

 

Hall of Fame

Jojo Moyes

I have made it no secret that Jojo Moyes is my all time favorite and reading The Giver of Stars just only cemented that fact. She just has a true gift of bringing life in her words and making it so magical and so real before our eyes. I hope (fingers cross) that she is coming out with a new one, but if not, I have her back catalog to go over.