Please or to access all these features

What we're reading

Find your new favourite book or recommend one on our Book forum.

26-ish books in 2022

791 replies

StColumbofNavron · 31/12/2021 11:49

Roll up, roll up ...

Shiny new thread for 2022.

I am setting my target at 25 this year.

I want to read at least a min of 5 in hardcopy and at least 4 non-fiction.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
livingonpurpose · 27/02/2022 21:44

@AnGofsMum I'm listening to The Other Bennett Sister on audiobook at the moment and really enjoying it. Just got to part 2, so it's now beyond the timescale of P&P. It is a whopper though - something like 18 hours for the audiobook!

AnGofsMum · 27/02/2022 10:20

1.A Country Christmas - Veronica Henry

  1. The Skylarks’ War - Hilary MacKay
  2. Still Life - Sarah Winman
  1. Never Greener - Ruth Jones (audio)
Essentially the story of an affair which plays out over 30 years or so. This was well-written and quite gripping even though the characters made me want to scream and swear!
  1. The Man Who Died Twice - Richard Osman (audio)
Brilliant sequel to The Thursday Murder Club. Very cleverly plotted with some good twists along the way. Gently humorous and full of heart.
  1. The Other Bennet Sister - Janice Hadlow
I was given this as a present and it sat on my shelf for quite a while; having spent much of my adult life reading, studying, teaching and writing about Jane Austen I just wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this book about the imagined life of Mary Bennet from P&P. Reader, I was wrong. This is a truly wonderful book - it cleverly weaves material from the original novel and other sources, such as Jane Austen’s letters, into a really beautiful, well crafted and never cheesy narrative. It’s a bit of a whopper at 655 pages but I found myself rationing the last few chapters as I didn’t want it to end. Highly recommended.
dollybird · 25/02/2022 10:43

@Nordicmom

Ended up finishing 4 . A Class of their own - Matt Knott Then finished 2 others with the same theme on my kindle 6.A Class Act - Rob Beckett
  1. Respectable, Crossing the Class Divide - Lynsey Hanley
Then started on the “My Friend Anna “ by Rachel DeLoache Williams that the new Netflix show is based on but since I’ve watched it all already I will probably read the book quickly . I’m still in middle the “ Into the Water “- Paula Hawkins . I’m thinking I won’s get to 52 this year but over 26 is realistic . I have several others I’m in the middle of on my kindle so will probably be finishing those but also want to empty my book drawer with about 15 books left in it .for some reason I do all my reading in English although it’s my second language ( been here over 20 y ). My mum and brother do give me books in my own language but I never buy any when I’m there I’m now just accustomed to reading English always .
I really liked Into the Water. DD is reading it now.
ExtremelyDelighted · 24/02/2022 07:59
  1. Freckles by Cecelia Ahern (book)
  2. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (audio)
  3. The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri (audio)
  4. Goodnight Mr Tom by Michelle Magorian (audio)
  5. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by JK Rowling (audio)
6 The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater 7 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling (audio) 8 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Askaban by JK Rowling (audio) 9 Persuasion by Jane Austen audio/kindle mix. I haven't read any JA for years and never read this one before, what a treat. Beautiful language, beautiful settings, great array of characters, loved it.

I am using audio far more this year than in the past but can't do it at the same time as anything else unless the something else is fairly simple, like driving on an open road, gym or crocheting. Everything else distracts me too much (town driving, work, housework). Looking forward to listening at the allotment once the evenings lengthen a bit more though.

Nordicmom · 24/02/2022 02:00

Ended up finishing
4 . A Class of their own - Matt Knott
Then finished 2 others with the same theme on my kindle
6.A Class Act - Rob Beckett

  1. Respectable, Crossing the Class Divide - Lynsey Hanley
Then started on the “My Friend Anna “ by Rachel DeLoache Williams that the new Netflix show is based on but since I’ve watched it all already I will probably read the book quickly . I’m still in middle the “ Into the Water “- Paula Hawkins . I’m thinking I won’s get to 52 this year but over 26 is realistic . I have several others I’m in the middle of on my kindle so will probably be finishing those but also want to empty my book drawer with about 15 books left in it .for some reason I do all my reading in English although it’s my second language ( been here over 20 y ). My mum and brother do give me books in my own language but I never buy any when I’m there I’m now just accustomed to reading English always .
livingonpurpose · 23/02/2022 16:04

Grin I've cut out all TV viewing since the start of the year, so all downtime is spent reading. It's amazing how many books I'm getting through from doing this. Plus listening to audiobooks while I'm doing other things like housework/washing up/walking the dog/etc.

I never used to read this much but I have such a big TBR pile of books sitting on my Kindle (and my library reading list) and I've been feeling this massive sense of urgency to get through a good chunk of them - like I'm missing out from not reading them. So it's become a bit of a priority for me. Although I'm sure I'll probably slow down soon.

dollybird · 23/02/2022 13:56

Blimey livingonpurpose do you do anything but read all day 😅 I'm only on book 6, and thought that was good going!

StColumbofNavron · 23/02/2022 13:34

That’s an impressive run of books and books that you’ve liked too @livingonpurpose. I’ve got 8, yes 8 on the go, but 3 are readalongs and one with DS3 and one is short stories so just dipping in and out.

OP posts:
Puddock1 · 23/02/2022 09:07

@livingonpurpose okay thanks, I'll keep my eye out for Spring in the 99p deals and give it a go 😁.

livingonpurpose · 22/02/2022 11:33

Gosh I've really fallen behind in posting my reads here, so I'm just going to do a brief catch up:

16. Educated - Tara Westover
Listen to audiobook on Borrowbox. It was okay, got a bit confusing as was reading Girl A at the same time and kept on getting them mixed up.

17. The Final Revival of Opal & Nev - Dawnie Walton
Similar in style to Daisy Jones & the Six in that it's interview style and about musicians, but this book also addressed the impact of race and gender (sex). Enjoyable.

18. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
Re-read of this classic that I first read during my GCSEs. I found that although I vaguely remembered the storyline, it was so long ago it felt like a new read for me. So well done.

19. Bring Up the Bodies - Hilary Mantel
Read Wolf Hall years ago and for some reason I never continued with the rest of the series as they were released. So after re-reading WH last year I'm now progressing to these unread books. Love this time period. Loved HM's writing. Perfect.

20. Mortimer & Whitehouse Gone Fishing - Bob Mortimer & Paul Whitehouse
Listened to this on audiobook via Borrowbox. A recommendation from the 50 Books thread, I thought I'd give it a go (never watched the series of the same name). I enjoyed the banter between the two comedians and learned far more than I ever wanted to about fishing and fish.

21. A Thousand Ships - Natalie Haynes
I really enjoy these re-tellings of Greek myths from the female perspective books and this one didn't disappoint. I liked the fact that it told the story of the downfall of Troy from many different women's perspectives.

22. Spring - Ali Smith
Third book in the Seasons quartet and this was definitely my favourite so far. I'm now used to Smith's poetical way of writing, and this one didn't have anything particularly odd in it that stretched my credulity like with Winter. I also found the insight into immigration detainment centres particularly moving.

23. A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
Loved this book. Interesting how well told the female character is considering the book is written by a middle aged/older male. The book is the tale of Jean Paget who after surviving being marched around Malaya with a group of other women and children prisoners of war under Japanese control, goes on to create a wonderful town 'like Alice' Springs. Recommended.

24. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo - Taylor Jenkins Reid
Listened to the audiobook on Borrowbox. A journalist interviews an ageing Hollywood star about her life, told through the story of her seven marriages, as she is finally able to reveal her truth. Very enjoyable.

livingonpurpose · 22/02/2022 11:13

[quote Puddock1]@BaconAndAvocado Great to hear that a TV series is planned! I didn't know so will look forward to that.

  1. Winter by Ali Smith I'm normally quite partial to a weird book but this one just wasn't for me! Disappointed that I didn't enjoy it as it gets a lot of 5 star reviews. I think it went way over my head and I'm now wondering if I'll enjoy any of the other seasons. I've got Summer on my Kindle but not sure I could cope with any more floating heads!

Onto Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie.[/quote]
@Puddock1 I've been reading the Seasons books by Ali Smith, and just finished Spring. I have to say this has been my favourite by far (haven't read Summer yet) after feeling exactly as you did about Winter. The floating head thing definitely went way over my head! So I say stick with it and give Spring a go.

BaconAndAvocado · 21/02/2022 16:27

highlandcoo was Rostov really 30?! So very wise for his years.
KB definitely couldn’t pass for a 30 something........trying to wrack my brains to think of another potential Rostov but think I’ve got Covid brain fog.
All my brain was telling me was Benedict Cumberbatch who lacks the requisite warmth I think.

highlandcoo · 21/02/2022 14:14

I'm waiting for autumn too!

I like Kenneth Branagh as an actor but he's really too old for the role. Count Rostov is surprisingly young at around thirty years of age iirc. To be honest, I did picture him as older than that myself as I was reading the book. So maybe it doesn't really matter.

StColumbofNavron · 21/02/2022 09:55

I think I’ve got three of the Seasons books on Kindle. I’m waiting until Sept to start Autumn - I know it’s probably not necessary.

OP posts:
Puddock1 · 21/02/2022 09:49

@BaconAndAvocado Great to hear that a TV series is planned! I didn't know so will look forward to that.

  1. Winter by Ali Smith I'm normally quite partial to a weird book but this one just wasn't for me! Disappointed that I didn't enjoy it as it gets a lot of 5 star reviews. I think it went way over my head and I'm now wondering if I'll enjoy any of the other seasons. I've got Summer on my Kindle but not sure I could cope with any more floating heads!

Onto Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie.

BaconAndAvocado · 20/02/2022 19:27

Yes, a very difficult role to fill!

StColumbofNavron · 20/02/2022 18:27

He isn’t a bad choice and I don’t have an alternative but I feel there must be one.

OP posts:
BaconAndAvocado · 20/02/2022 17:03

So beautiful Puddock1
I’ve just read online that Kenneth Branagh is set to play the lead in the tv series. I actually think he’s not a bad choice.

Puddock1 · 20/02/2022 15:14
  1. A Gentleman In Moscow by Amor Towles Such a beautiful book - I didn't want it to end! I normally get rid of books after reading them but this has taken pride of place on my bookshelf. 5/5

Struggling on with Winter by Ali Smith. Half way through and not really enjoying it but will persevere a bit longer!

mamaduckbone · 19/02/2022 21:19

'The Fault in our Stars' - incredible! Couldn't put it down, despite it being American YA fiction.
'My grandmother offers her regards and apologises' - unusual but disappointing as 'A Man Called Ove' by the same author is one of my favourites of all time.
Just started 'This is going to hurt' which I've had on the bookshelf for ages - I want to read it before I watch it. Very funny so far.

dollybird · 19/02/2022 16:19
  1. Our Stop by Laura Jane Williams. Total chick lit, a fun easy read
Puddock1 · 19/02/2022 13:06

@drspouse I loved Cat and the City! One of my favourites from last year. Hope you enjoy it too.

VittysCardigan · 19/02/2022 11:18

Had my first DNF of the year yesterday. Actually threw it across the room - a first for me. Verity by Colleen Hoover. Terrible writing, terrible everything. What made me throw it was when the male character told a bartender not to serve the female character anything apart from water, and the female character went along with it.FFS. BLEUGH.

drspouse · 19/02/2022 10:02

Here are my presents - haven't heard of either but they both look good.

26-ish books in 2022
drspouse · 18/02/2022 16:04

8 - Saplings by Noel Streatfeild - inspired to read this again by another thread. I just love it, possibly more than her children's books, though the style is similar.

Swipe left for the next trending thread