This year was a good one for reading, and I’ve found that I
definitely enjoy setting my goal for types of books rather than number. I still
managed to read a lot, 92 in total, which is close to what I would have picked
for a number goal anyway. For a full overview of all the books I read this
year, check out my Goodreads list.
I also delved more into the joy of audiobooks and e-books
while traveling, and when I reached my new library, I found all the books!
Okay, not all of them, but my new local library has nearly four times the
selection of my last library and that’s not counting inter-library loans and
all the book clubs. There’s just so, so many options to explore!
Goal: 1 Book 700+
Pages
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson—I know I said
700 pages, but this beast lies in the 1,200-page range. I had started reading Middlemarch
but got bored, then my local book club had a theme “books outside of your
comfort zone”, and I figured a thousand-page novel should fit. I really enjoy
Sanderson’s works, and if you don’t mind a long narrative and are into fantasy
novels, the world-building and the characters are excellent!
Goal: 2 Novels that
were Adapted into Movies
White Fang by Jack London—one of my favorite books
from when I was a kid. I used to listen to the audiobook over and over, and
more recently, I read it while my own dog lounged about. Though she’s quite
domesticated, she’s got the alpha personality and some standoffish traits like
White Fang. If you enjoy the book like I did, don’t bother with the latest
Netflix adaptation.
Anne of Avonlea (Anne of Green Gables, book 2)
by L. M. Montgomery—This series is such a joy! While it’s been a while since
I’d read the first book, I feel like I’m still familiar with the story, so it
wasn’t hard to pick up where the last book left off. After I read the main
trilogy, I’d like to re-watch the adaptations with Megan Follows.
Mr. Midshipman Hornblower (Hornblower Saga,
book 1) by C. S. Forester—I remember enjoying the show Horatio Hornblower when
I was in high school, and I only just recently found out it was based on a book
series. All eleven of them. Not sure I’ll make it that far. This one was a big
of a struggle to get through.
Goal: 3 Classics
To Kill a Mockingbird:
A Graphic Novel by Fred Fordham inspired by the novel by Harper Lee—this
totally counts. Or maybe I should list it as a book made into a movie made into
a graphic novel? Send help.
The Scarlet Pimpernel
by Baroness Emmuska Orczy—a little predicable considering how familiar I am
with some of the tropes and a movie based off a book based off this book. (Yes,
I’m talking about Zorro.) But
still an enjoyable story.
The Hunchback of Notre
Dame by Victor Hugo—technically several movies were based off this one, but
it’s definitely a classic. Not nearly as good as Les Mis, though.
Goal: 5 Books I Own
Rulers and Mages and
Healers and Warriors (The Order of the Twelve Tribes, book 2 and
3) by Daley Downing—I started off liking the third book best of the series, but
then the plot took a twist I didn’t particularly care for.
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan—good story, but I
honestly don’t remember it very well.
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness—also has a movie
based on the book, but that’s such a broad category. Who’s counting? This was a
wonderful reread, and I liked it even more the second time! If “liked” is an
appropriate word for a book that made me cry. Twice.
Nimona by Noelle Stevenson—I actually read this book three
times this year. Once at the library as an impulse read, and again after I
bought it at the bookstore. And they’re going to make a movie! Bring it one 2022!
A Conspiracy of Stars (Faloiv, book 1) by
Olivia A. Cole—I reread this one before starting on the sequel, and I liked it
even more than I remembered. Sci-fi fantasy is fun!
Goal: 5 Books
Published in 2019
Dragon Pearl by
Yoon Ha Lee—kinda disappointing.
An Anatomy of Beasts (Faloiv, book 2) by
Olivia A. Cole—technically I own this one, too, but it came out this year!
Also, I totally thought it was a duology, but that ending needs another
book. Wow, did I call that wrong. A trilogy perhaps? AaaAaahhhh! I need the
next book!
The Boy Who Steals Houses by C. G. Drews—ended up
liking this book a way more than expected. Sweet yet heartbreaking, Drews
creates well-developed characters I found myself routing for.
Midsummer’s Mayhem by Rajani LaRocca—an interesting
concept, a contemporary Shakespeare retelling, just not the book that spoke to
me.
Sounds of Deceit (The Terebinth Tree Chronicles,
book 3) by Hannah Heath—the third installment of a collection of short stories
leading up to a novel. I can’t wait!
Again, but Better by Christine Riccio—I wanted to
like this one. I really did. Alas, I did not. I expected a contemporary and got…
a fantasy? Yeah, that was weird. So unrealistic too.
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim—lacked the depth that
I was looking for, and it felt like the same girl meets boy and oh, look! They
fell in love. Again. Somebody save me from the romances.
Strange Waters by Kyle Robert Shultz, E.B. Dawson,
Hannah Heath, Beth Wangler, Nate Philbrick, J.E. Purrazzi, and K.L. + Pierce—probably
my favorite Phoenix Fiction Writers Anthology (see book review).
Supernova (Renegades, book 3) by Marissa
Meyer—I got my sister hooked on the first book, Renegades, then she got
her boyfriend hooked, and he’s not even an avid reader. So yeah. All superheroes!
I’m still deciding which is my favorite book in the trilogy, but Supernova
has an excellent ending with some staggering plot twists. I should’ve seen them
coming.
Forward Me Back to You by Mitali Perkins—this book
was one that made it to my TBR simply because a dear friend recommended it and
lent me a copy. Wow, was it amazing or what! A powerful story about blood and
found families, the fight against assault and human trafficking, and culture,
this one is a must-read for fans of contemporary YA.
Starsight (Skyward, book 2) by Brandon
Sanderson—I’ve been on a huge Sanderson kick lately! From Hero of Ages
(fantasy) to The Alloy of Law (western fantasy) to The Way of Kings
(fantasy) to Skyward (YA sci-fi) to its sequel, Starsight.
They’re just so engrossing! And Doomslug comes back!
Now Entering Addamsville by Francesca Zappia—I
enjoyed Zappia’s other contemporary YA novels, but this one just wasn’t for me.
Ghost stories just aren’t my thing.
If I’m completely honest, I try to read recently published
works each year anyway, so this one wasn’t much of a challenge. But it was fun
to mention!
Goal: 1 Book
Published Before 1800
The Art of War by Sun Tzu—not my usual read, I will
admit, but there are so many stories and shows that mention it that I just had
to find out what it was all about. And sure, it was an interesting study. If I
was more into military strategy, I could see its value, though some of the
points seemed obvious. The book led to some interesting discussions with my
dad. Overall, the book was a good change of pace and mental exercise.
Goal: 3 Nonfiction
Books
March: Book Two
and Book Three by John Robert Lewis
God in the Dock by
C. S. Lewis—amazing! While some of the transcriptions didn’t seem as logical as
the essays, I really enjoyed reading Lewis’ theological arguments. So
fascinating and intellectually stimulating.
The Pilgrimage: A
Contemporary Quest for Ancient Wisdom by Paulo Coelho—eh, not my cup of tea.
Walden by Henry
David Thoreau—why is his last name so hard to spell? A book full of great
insights and an interesting perspective on life and simplicity.
Look me in the Eye: My
Life with Asperger’s by John Elder Robison—more engaging than I had
anticipated. Definitely recommend, especially if you want to better understand
the autism spectrum.
The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman—honestly
forgot this book was nonfiction until I was reading it. I might have preferred
reading a first-hand account more because I felt like the narrative jumped all
over the place.
Looking for Me by Betsy R. Rosentnthal—such a good
little book based on the life of the author’s mother. Also a novel in verse!
I’ve enjoyed reading nonfiction this year. Who knew?
Overall: 20/20 Types
of Books
Look, I actually did
it this year! *throws confetti* *accidentally knocks over TBR stack* *shrieks*
Other Notable Books
Summer Bird Blue by Akemi Dawn Bowman
Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia
The Ladies of Grace Adieu by Susanna Clarke
Let’s chat! What were some of your reading goals this year?
Did you meet them? Any books I read make it to your TBR or Read lists?
