In 2019, what I will call the before times, I was very hopeful and aspirational and I put together a list of must read books for that year . On the surface, the list looked and sounded good.  I anticipated it would’ve been even easier to get done and complete the reading.

Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out that way and I didn’t complete the reading list. And while I was able to read some additional titles, I just never felt right about not finishing those books. This year I am creating another list, which in addition to my book club selections should make for a rounded reading curriculum.

This time, I’ve decided to be more direct with my choices and I’ll be choosing books that I am not only eager to read but also following my tried and tested method to ensure that I keep my reading habit, consistent: a mix of genres and formats. In addition, I am reading books I already own. This I hope will keep me interested, motivated and most importantly, reading even when I probably feel like I should be doing anything but. And I’m inviting you to read along with me for the entire year!!

As a side bar, I do hope you love my book selections and will be inspired enough to choose a fave or two from the list. Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

January 

My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

I love reading books based in Modern Africa. The colourful and vibrant cultures of the continent can’t help but seep through the pages of books set in Nigeria, Ghana or beyond. This is a book club selection that I felt was serendipitous because I remember reading a preview of this book when it was first released. So I’m looking forward to diving in. This is the only book on my list that I don’t own and will instead be borrowing. Get your copy here.

February 

King Leopold’s Ghost by Adam Hochschild

I had previously planned to read this book in 2019 but never worked up the courage to start it, so I intend to make this my February read and truly get into this horrific retelling of the exploits of the King of Belgium in Africa. Get your copy here .

March 

Discerner of Hearts by Olive Senior

Olive Senior is one of my ALL-TIME favourite Jamaican authors. Her storytelling reminds me of early mornings in the country, with an enamel cup of mint tea with a lot of sugar. The way she captures experiences, relationships and moments is exquisite. Get your copy here.

April 

Feeding the Soul (Because It’s My Business) by Tabitha Brown

I’ve been following Tabitha Brown ever since she debuted on Tik tok in 2020 and I’ve been a fan throughout her rise. I’m looking forward to  reading more about her journey and how she’s been able to build her life, so deliberately while exercising so much faith and patience. Get your copy here.

May

The Intuitionist by Colson Whitehead

Ever since I read The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead, I’ve wanted to read something else he’s done. The great thing about his work is that he jumps across multiple genres, which for me, because you never know what to expect. One thing that remains certain, his talent is unmatched. Get your copy here .

June 

Motherland by Wandeka Gayle

I purchased this short story collection by Wandeka Gayle based solely on the fact that we went to college together years ago and I have been privy to her journey for years. Seeing this collection actualized was a joy to behold and I cannot wait to dive in. I should also mention that June is #ReadCaribbeanMonth so wanted to ensure that a book by Caribbean writer was the focus. Get your copy here.

July

Robopocalypse: A Novel by Daniel H. Wilson

I’m a fan of apocalyptic stories and I’ve the work of some of the best, so I admit the title caught me but what made this even better, is the fact that Stephen King himself described this book as “Terrific page-turning fun.” That’s an endorsement I can live with. Get your copy here .

August

Psyche by H.G. de Lisser

For the uninitiated, H.G. de Lisser was a Jamaican journalist and author who died in 1944. He left a number of novels and forever immortalized the tale of Annie Palmer, that we have turned into Jamaican folklore, with his book, The White Witch of Rose Hall.

I’m not sure his books are still in circulation because sadly, they never made them into the school curriculum across the Caribbean (or if they did, they are no longer used). I got my copy of Psyche at Bookland in New Kingston.

September 

The Pesthouse by Jim Crace

I was on a book haul a few years ago and this book literally called to me and based solely on the description of the story, I decided that I will give it a try. Hoping for the best! Get your copy here.

October

Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell

Any book by Malcolm Gladwell is an easy decision for me and I was intrigued by the premise of this title specifically because I am an introvert who finds it a bit difficult to let strangers in. I’m looking forward to the insights. Get your copy here.

November Book

11/22/63 by Stephen King

There’s a funny story about this book. It was released in 2011 and I pre-ordered a hard cover copy and have owned it ever since but for the life of me, I never got around to reading it. I have read many Stephen King books over the years, but this one has been sitting, until now. Also, I decided to make it the November read because of the title. Get your copy here.

December Book

Barracoon: The Story of the Last “Black Cargo” by Zora Neale Hurston

With a year filled with so many varied stories, I felt it was apt to read the account of the life of the last slave shipped to the USA. I had mentally planned to purchase this book some years ago and then it was gifted to me by surprise, so I know I have to read it. Get your copy here.

Of course, there will be other books in between, some are bonus titles that I need to complete and others that might just pop up. I am bravely making allocation for those and also inviting you all to join me on this journey. Here’s hoping you discover titles that you are interested in reading as well.

What are some of the books you’re planning to read this year?

Be inspired, Be informed, Be Glorious!

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Kevin