25 (ish) books in 2019

[Chickoletta]

Inspired by, but also slightly overawed by, the 50 book thread, this is a thread for those who love to log their reading but don't have the time or inclination for such a high target. The aim is to read 25 books but it really doesn't matter if you don't get close to that or far exceed it - the idea is to exchange recommendations and thoughts.

I loved this thread last year and was really inspired by some of the suggestions so have taken the liberty of starting this year's version.

I only managed 19 books last year due partly to being a slow reader (even though I'm an English graduate and teacher) and also it being a rather busy and stressful year. I'm definitely hoping to beat that score in 2019.

Please number your books and give titles in bold to make it easy to follow as well as sharing thoughts about them.

My favourite book of last year was The Heart's Invisible Furies', as recommended here.

Just finished my first book of the year:

1. 'Why Mummy Drinks' by Gill Sims (bought for me by my own mother for Christmas - no offence taken!!)
Light hearted and well-observed, this was very enjoyable. Some laugh out loud moments as well as many wry observations about family life. I think I would have enjoyed it more if her children didn't sound so totally insufferable!

Looking forward to sharing our reading this year.

[tomhazard]

Thanks for new thread I really enjoyed last year!

I've got a pile of books from Xmas waiting to be read so I look forward to contributing and reading other recommendations.

[AdventureTravelDreamer]

Thanks for the new thread. I have name changed from Homemadehopeful and will try and actually stay with it this year!!

Currently reading Poverty Safari by Darren McGarvey as well as You Are Awesome by Matthew Syed (reading this to my DC) Also have the first book club meeting in a few weeks time so will be reading The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden before then too.

[drspouse]

I'm in, I read more than 25 books last year but 50 is not going to happen.
Currently reading The Novice's Tale by Ann Swinfen, present from my dad for Christmas.

[IdClimbHimLikeATree]

Ooh I would like to join please! I saw the 50 books one and I'm pretty sure I'd get nowhere near, 25 is much more likely - at least I think it is!

I'm reading The Silent Companions but have only just started it.(Do we make it bold when we've finished?)

[Howlongtillbedtime]

I'm in !
I managed to do a 26 book challenge last year which really helped me to read things I wouldn't normally pick up.

I am reading All the light we cannot see
Loving it so far.

[Tinkhasflown]

Thanks for the new thread, I so enjoyed last years.

I'm just starting Reservoir 13 by Jon McGregor . I'm also reading Ma'am Darling but dipping in and out of it.

[KeepSmiling83]

I'd love to join. I saw the 50 book challenge and was hoping someone would start a 25 book one. I haven't done anything like this before but have vowed to read more this year so this may keep me on track as well as giving me some inspiration for books.

I'm not sure I'll make 25 as I've got lots going on at work as well as doing a distance learning uni course but I really want to try.

*1. Last letter home by Rachel Hore.
*
Only a few chapters in but enjoying it so far.

[strawberrypenguin]

I'm in. I followed last years 25 books although didn't post much.

Finished my first (started it last year but I'll claim it for this)

1. Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor

Incredible book, really loved it.

[Capybaras]

I'd love to join please! Currently reading History of Wolves by Emily Fridlund.
Got loads of books as Christmas presents so have a stack ready to go. Hoping this will get me reading more rather than faffing on my phone!

[ShouldReadMore]

I'm in.
They don't have to be highbrow do they?

[Matilda2013]

I’m going to lurk around too tend to do over 50 but often get a bit lost on the 50 book thread and prefer seeing some of the recommendations from here too!

[CharliesMouse]

May I join too please? I've no idea how many books I read last year but I'm sure it was nowhere near 50. I'd like to keep track this year and 25 seems doable. I'm currently reading The History of Wolves by Emily Fridland too, Capybaras! I'm really loving it so far. It's beautifully written and I'm hoping it doesn't just fizzle out in the end.

[ShouldReadMore]

I do the Goodreads challenge but only managed 27 out of 30 last year.
This year I'm sticking to what I like, rather than trying to make myself read something different. I like crime, thrillers and the odd rom com.

[SpiritedLondon]

I’d like to join please.... I’ve really lost my reading mojo, partly to do with an increase in screen time ( thanks MN) and partly because the perimenopause has arrived and I seem to have lost my ability to concentrate. I really want to keep trying though and I have a commute 4 days a week to utilise. I’m not sure what I’m going to start with but I’m hoping that if I list some of my favourite books that some wise person might recommend some excellent titles - absolute page turners if at all possible.

[toffee1000]

Hi, was on the thread last year, although not from the beginning. I managed 14 books, as am too distracted by YouTube. Having said that, by last June I’d read three-and-a half books, so I’d managed the other 10.5 by the end of the year. Which I think was about the time I joined the thread, so clearly this thread is a good motivator!!
I was on a 15th book but didn’t finish it by the end of the year, so it’ll be book one this year. So book #1 is The Dun Cow Rib by John Lister-Kaye.

[SpiritedLondon]

Ok my first book is The Guest Cat by Takashi Hirade. I’m not sure this is going to grip me sufficiently but it’s thin... which is granted a poor reason to read a book but is how I discovered The Old Man and the Sea which I loved.

[wasthataburp]

My first book is Big Little Lies. I'm half way though and enjoying it so far

[ShouldReadMore]

1. As Good as it Gets by Fiona Gibson.
A comedy about a slightly jaded couple with teenage children.
I like Fiona Gibson, this is an easy and fun read which I started in December but still counts as I finished it yesterday!

If I don't like a book I give up quite easily.
Started but didn't like, Her Name was Rose by Claire Allen.
Now started The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne, which I see was mentioned in the thread. I saw this recommended on Twitter.
I follow a lot of writers on Twitter, not those who only use it for promotion but there are many who post interesting or fun tweets and also recommend books by other writers.

[drspouse]

Oh I loved Her name was Rose. How far did you get?

[missyB1]

Hooray for the thread!
Currently reading Jodi Picoult “A Spark of Light”.
Favourite book I read last year was “Do no harm” by Henry Marsh.

[Totorosfluffytummy]

Oh good, I considered the 50 but this is much better
I was hoping for a book or 2 for Christmas but didn't get any so I need to start going to the library again.
Just started The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan

[CarpeDiem83]

I'm in please!

Think I managed to read about 20 books last year but lost count near the end....... I've just finished Becoming - Michelle Obama which I technically started on NYE but am going to include in my 2019 total. Back at work on Monday so between that and my 15 month old DD my reading pace will slow somewhat!

[drspouse]

@CarpeDiem83 I don't suppose you want to sell your copy of Becoming on?
I'm on the library waiting list but I'm 89th!

[ShouldReadMore]

drspouse I didn't get far with Rose, there was a long stretch of tedious wallowing about FB. I found myself skipping page after page and decided that wasn't a good sign in the first chapter or so.

wasthataburp I loved BLL, read most of her books but that one is the best. I didn't expect to like the TV series after having read the book first but I loved it.

[GreatestShowUnicorn]

I’m in as also can’t commit to 50 but determined to read more this year!
1 Peter May Coffin Road