Today I’m looking back on the books I read in 2019. I’m sad to say I was short of my 2019 book goal by 2 measly books! Ugh. Yes, I considered dropping everything to cram in two more books during the last two days of the year but decided that was silly. What does it really matter?
Plus reading 63 books in 2019 isn’t too shabby.
I likely missed my target because I spent so much time reading my own, coming-soon book, Gene, Everywhere a million times! Editing is time consuming (but very necessary) to say the least.
Why Look Back?
At year-end, I believe looking back at various accomplishments (or lack thereof) is a productive thing. And looking back on what I’ve read is particularly important to me as a writer. Beyond the entertainment and possible educational value of each story, reading helps me to become a stronger writer. I truly believe the books we read can be lesson books.
AND, as Stephen King says, books are a uniquely portable magic. So.True! During my process of looking back, I like to consider how each book affected me. Yes, the books I read in 2019—all 63 of these beautiful, compelling, horrifying, historical, hysterical, mystifying, impactful stories—are now part of me.
I carry them with me in much the same way a special memory or place stays on my mind.
Goodreads Reading Challenge
I’m curious if you participate in the Goodreads Reading Challenge every year? I started participating and tracking my books a few years ago. I’m the sort of person who likes to have both a goal and a deadline. And since I love books, the Goodreads Reading Challenge is fun for me (unlike, say, a workout challenge would be—☺).
Here are the books I read in one (blurry) snapshot. To see my complete list, click HERE. Yes, I wrote a review for each book. As I’ve preached before, reviewing books is all part of being a good literary citizen.
Favorite Reads in 2019
If someone twisted my arm and forced me to choose my favorite 2019 read, I’d select The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. Followed by Washington Black by Esi Edugyan. Followed by TheNickelBoysTheNightGuestJustMercyAPieceoftheWorld… Nope, I can’t. I enjoyed too many of these stories to rank them.
How do I find my books and what format do I prefer?
Many of these books I checked out from either the Fayetteville Public Library or the Keiser Branch of the Mississippi County Public Library System. Yes, I’m a dual card-carrying library patron.
Some of the books I read in 2019 were recently published; others had been around a while, possibly in a stack on my nightstand.
I read many of these books because of recommendations and/or reviews.
20% were audio books. The remainder were print.
Each is now a new friend.
2020 Goodreads Challenge
I would like to turn up my reading numbers in 2020, but that’s not realistic considering the 2020 projects waiting for me.
So, I set my 2020 Goodreads Reading Challenge goal to 60 books. I love to imagine the incredible stories I’ll dig into over the coming months. Worlds and adventures and notions undiscovered as of now.
What book do you recommend I add to my already long 2020 list? What are you reading now?
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
The last book I read was GENE, EVERYWHERE. All you readers out there are in for a treat. I knew Gene personally, so this read was extra special to me. I read it out loud so I could get the full effect of every well-written word. I cried a few times because it touched my soul. Mark the date….it’s coming out in March. WOW!! ❤️
I keep track of my book club books on Goodreads but wasn’t aware of the challenge as I have not explored the site in depth. I may have to look into that. I wonder if others read multiple books at a time? I frequently have an audio book going for my dog walks, a book on the tablet and a true in the hands book. Occasionally when traveling I add in a book on cd to the mix. So now you have me wondering how many books I do read in a year!
I always have two books going. Sometimes three!
I hope Ms. Dee Ann Meets Murder will be at the top of your list of books to read in 2020, especially since you write a review on every book you read ?. My favorite book of last year was Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout. Thanks for sharing your list–I see some titles I’ll have to add to mine.
It’s on my nightstand! Because I’m in two book clubs (three sort of), I read those first so I can discuss them, but I promise I will read Ms. Dee Ann in 2020!
I have read San-Antonio series. This is an awesome book I got after so long.
Thanks