This year, I read 20 books. It’s both more than I expected and less than I hoped. When the year started, I was deep into Bookstagram and months away from starting this blog. There’s a certain expectation among the Instabook community. In those months of posting, I felt pressure to keep reading. What else could I post but another book read or bought? It quickly became exhausting, and I took a much-needed break.
I started the year hoping to read almost 50 books. I ended the year happy that I had made it through 20. While I didn’t hit my goal for the year, I did track the books I read this year. That means I have some fun metrics to consider!
This year I read a total of 6,854 words.
Where I Found Them
More than half of the books came from Amazon’s Kindle First Reads or a used bookstore. I prefer hard-copy books, but the First Reads program was a cost-effective way to get new books. Besides one total dud, I enjoyed a majority of the books I got from the program.
I only had one borrowed book and hope to spend more time in the library this year.
Genres
All those books fit easily into 5 genres. I managed one magical realism, four historical fiction, four contemporary fiction, and four romance reads. Most of the books I get from Kindle are romance or contemporary fiction, so it’s no surprise these genres are included.
My biggest category consisted of seven thriller/murder mystery reads. Murder mysteries and thrillers can be hard to separate. I think murder mysteries are more akin to a police procedural. Thrillers may involve a murder but more often include several twists and a last-minute resolution.
I’m always saying I don’t like thrillers. Looking at this list, though, I’m not so sure! A majority of the books I read fell into that category. One I strongly disliked, but the rest were great reads. So, I guess I like thrillers?
Top Reads
A World of Curiosities
You can read my full review for details, but not much I didn’t like about this book. Louise Penny gives Agatha Christie a run for her money. Inspector Gamache is the modern-day Poirot facing his greatest challenge yet.
The Dinner List
A surprising read I picked up at my favorite used book store. I thought I was done with anything romance, but this one changed my mind. Serle takes you through Sabrina’s story and her struggles with love.
Never Look Back
This lovely thriller focuses on three characters and their connection to a historic crime. As the mystery of this 1970s murder unfolds, each plays a unique role in uncovering what really happened. With plenty of twists to keep you engaged, this is one memorable book.
The Chemistry of Love
What a sweet love story! I found this book at the right time. I was burned out on books I just didn’t enjoy so I turned to something short and sweet. This one captured me from the beginning. Maybe it was all the Lord of the Ring’s references? If you’re looking for your next romantic comedy, check out this one!
Recipe for Second Chances
Another delightful romantic comedy! This one, though, incorporates delicious descriptions of food. Stella heads to Italy to celebrate her best friend’s wedding. It’s all fun and food until she runs into an old flame that never really fizzles out.
Worst Reads
The Imperfectionists
We’re scraping the bottom of the barrel on this one. It went from bad to worse very quickly. It follows eight characters through the decline of a printed newspaper. None of these characters are lovable, absolutely none.
What Never Happened
I dub this book the thriller that failed to thrill. 20 years later, a young woman returns to the location of her family’s murder. While settling in, she investigates a series of mysterious deaths. I was disappointed in how the deaths were resolved and can’t even remember who killed her family.
First Impressions
Following Austen in her early days, we discover her connection to an elderly clergyman. While their story unfolds in the past, Sophie searches for a rare book for some suspicious clients. I don’t have a full review to look back on, but I remember getting disappointed in Sophie’s resolution. Austen’s story felt very unlike the Austen I’ve come to know and love. Don’t waste your time with this one.
The Widow
This one includes a political thriller that misses the mark. There is no one to root for in this story of power, deception, and control. At least she gets what she wants in the end.
Dog Dish of Doom
I went into this with high expectations. The back cover literally said I would laugh out loud. Well, made it to the book short of a single laugh. It follows a rather awkward and unconventional character. Through patience and a little luck, she solves the murder of her newest client. Nothing about this was memorable.
New Year, New Goals
I don’t like to set reading goals. While I hope to read more than I did last year, I want to read for the fun of it not to meet a quota. Life gets busy and sometimes I go weeks without picking up a book. Some weeks I choose to focus on running, working, or writing instead. That’s okay!
I’ll be happy with reading more than I did last year. What are your reading goals for the new year?
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