'GMA' anchors share their favorite books of 2019
Robin, George, Michael and Lara share the books they loved this year.
The holidays are fast approaching, and if you still don't know what to get your literary-minded loved ones -- or yourself -- look no further.
Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Michael Strahan and Lara Spencer shared their favorite books of the year this morning on "Good Morning America."
Read below for the full list of our anchors' 2019 favorites and more must-reads this holiday season.
Join our GMA Book Club and read along with GMA on Instagram!
Robin's Picks
"One Big Heart" by Linsey Davis
This book is a perfect present for children age 8 and under, and a must-read for the whole family. Written by ABC News correspondent Linsey Davis, the picture book tells an inspiring story of inclusion and connection as it celebrates what makes us different and what we all have in common.
Robin says, “This is one that really resonated with my family. My family loved this book.”
Linsey says, “I just felt like … for all young people we needed to get a more open heart to diversity and embracing people who are more alike than different. Realizing that people are different but we are more alike.”
"Becoming: A Guided Journal" by Michelle Obama
If you loved Michelle Obama's bestselling memoir, "Becoming," you will definitely want this companion piece on your Christmas list. The journal features an intimate introduction from the former first lady and more than 150 thought-provoking questions and quotations to inspire you and help you reflect on what you've overcome and what you hope to accomplish.
Robin says, "Michelle Obama's 'Becoming' journal focuses on self-empowerment and owning your own story, which is both powerful and uplifting. The prompts are thought-proving and an excellent follow-up to her memoir 'Becoming.'"
"Limitless" by Laura Gassner Otting
Laura Gassner Otting wants you to unlock your "limitless" potential. The book features personal anecdotes and stories from Gassner Otting's interviews with leaders from all kinds of businesses and backgrounds as they encountered career changes. This isn't your average self-help book, and Gassner-Otting debunks what it truly means to be successful.
Robin says, "'Limitless' takes 'thinking outside the box' to a whole new level. Laura Gassner redefines success and discovers what it really means to be happy in her inspirational book."
"Spy" by Danielle Steel
Legendary author Danielle Steel is back at it again with her thrilling new novel of a young woman caught up in a dangerous double life in the shadow of World War II. As Europe erupts in flames, Alex Wickham makes her way from her idyllic home in Hampshire, England, to London to volunteer as a nurse ... but her fluency in French and German quickly catch the attention of another branch of the service that thinks she would make the perfect secret agent. To keep her alive as she goes behind enemy lines, no one can ever learn her secret -- not her family and not even the pilot she falls for.
Robin says, "I've always been a big fan of bestselling author Danielle Steel. I devoured her book 'Spy,' which is a coming-of-age story that so many can relate to with her comforting style of writing."
"The Yellow House" by Sarah M. Broom
Sarah M. Broom's debut novel shares a side of New Orleans most tourists don't get to see. The novel follows Broom's childhood and upbringing in New Orleans East, a place 50 times bigger than the French Quarter and neglected well before Hurricane Katrina. She takes readers on an intimate exploration of systems of race and class, as well as a look into family ties, homesickness and loss.
Robin says, "Sarah Broom is an engaging guide taking you on an extraordinary journey that will move you to learn more about your family history in her extraordinary debut memoir, 'Yellow House.'"
"Beach Calling" by Missy Buchanan
Looking for a last-minute gift for mom? This devotional journal for women offers a fresh approach to aging -- all from the dream classroom of the beach. Author Missy Buchanan doesn't think you should dread the golden years, and she provides spiritual lessons on how to navigate the challenges of loss and decline as well as how to focus on faith in a world of change.
Robin says, "Author Missy Buchanan has become a dear family friend and helped my mom write her memoir. Missy's latest book, 'Beach Calling,' is equally beautiful. If we’re blessed to grow old, Missy shows how we can age faithfully, sharing lessons that will seep into your soul."
George's Picks
"All The Wrong Moves" by Sasha Chapin
This entertaining coming-of-age memoir tells the story of a man consumed with conquering the game of chess. From Kathmandu to Bangkok to St. Louis to Los Angeles, he travels across the globe in pursuit of his obsession. He even finds a wise mentor along the way who offers insults and witticisms like, "you're the best player in your chair." Critics are calling the autobiography an "entertaining odyssey," and this book might be the perfect gift for all the "gamers" in your life.
George says, “This book came to me completely as a surprise. It’s a memoir called 'All the Wrong Moves' about a young guy who just decided to take up chess and try to become a champion. You don’t have to know anything about chess. You don’t have to be good at chess. It’s funny. It’s heartwarming in some ways and it’s about a journey, about a journey of a young man. It’s a great book.”
"Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style" by Architectural Digest
This is George's pick for his wife, Ali Wentworth, who is a design guru. The editors of "Architectural Digest" have culled years of material to create a book of stunning images from the personal spaces of private celebrities, like David Bowie, Barack and Michelle Obama, Truman Capote and more.
George says, "Anyone who loves interior design as much as my wife Ali will love this."
"The Topeka School" by Ben Lerner
"The Topeka School" is a family drama that follows Adam Gordon, a senior at Topeka High School, who grows up in a culture of toxic masculinity. His mom is a famous feminist writer, and his father is an expert at counseling "lost boys." Both work at a renowned psychiatric clinic and struggle with their own demons. When Adam, one of the cool kids at school, attempts to befriend loner Darren Eberheart, a patient at the clinic unbeknownst to Adam, disaster ensues.
George says, "A deep dive into our culture from one of the country's most brilliant young novelists."
"Run Away" by Harlan Coben
This novel from New York Times bestselling author Harlan Coben follows a successful Wall Street manager as he searches for his daughter, who's been missing for six months. He plunges into a dangerous world of crime and murder as he faces obstacles ripped from the headlines. Critics are calling it a "thriller that begs to be read in one sitting."
George says, "Another Coben classic -- you’ll tear through it -- and wish it could last."
"The Impeachers" by Brenda Wineapple
Talk about timely: This book delves deep into the first-ever impeachment of a U.S. president. As the country begins to heal after the brutal Civil War, Vice President Andrew Johnson becomes the "Accidental President" after Lincoln is assassinated. Johnson quickly proves to be no Lincoln, and Congress has to stop the man who acts less like president and more like king.
George says, "Lots of topical echoes in this engaging history of America's first presidential impeachment."
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