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.

I've just finished book number 7, Britt Marie was here by the author of A Man Called Ove. Thoroughly enjoyed it and will buy more of his.

Ive just finished book 7 *The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. I have just loved all.of his books and really enjoyed this one.

I had started The Husbands Secret by Liane Moriarty as book 7 and gotbhalf way through before realising thatvI had read it before, doh!

Not sure what book 8 will be. I'm thinking The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo as my daughter loved it so much she is begging me to read it!

Book 5 for me was The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. Really enjoyed it.

Batsy. I'm so glad you enjoyed Britt-Marie. It's such a wonderful book

@ritzbicuits yes I had to keep checking dates too, easier in paperback though. I think the characters (other than the main one) were not brilliantly drawn which I agree made them blur into each other a bit. It was OK but expected a bit more from the amount of 'best seller' reviews!

Will try not to give out any spoilers

Currently reading a non-fiction ebook on caves for no. 6

I'm reading Miss Smilla's Feeling For Snow, enjoying it so far. I love books about Scandinavian countries, anything where it's cold and cosy. I loved A Year of Living Danishly but can't really find anything similar now.

I also love books about Germany because I lived there for a while, but struggle to find any that aren't set during the war.

Quite a few recommendations for The History of Wolves - I will have a look for it. Thank you.

Currently a few pages in to The Woman in the Window.

Have Stephen Fry’s Mythos and Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In on my bedside table.

I would highly recommend The Outrun by Amy Liptrot. Read it a couple of years ago but it is one of the best books I’ve read.

Ooh I dropped off this thread a while ago. I finished #3, Career of Evil, which I enjoyed. I have a #4, but I’m procrastinating reading it by rereading the first two Cormoran Strike books!! #4 should be “From a Distance” by Raffaella Barker, which I got through a book subscription service. It’s not even that long. I remember my book #4 last year was quite a large book.
I’m only counting new books in my list, as in ones I’ve not read before. I suppose my rationale is that I’ve already read my “reread books” so I’ll get through them faster. I am still doing better than last year, this thread is keeping me on track.

I have just finished The colours of Bee Larkham's murder and also read #6 The Fast 800 alongside it.

I wasn't a massive fan of the Bee Larkham book and sometimes struggled to pick it up. However I did want to finish it and I read the last 10 or so chapters quite quickly.

The Fast 800 was a quick read and I am planning on trying it from tomorrow!

Currently a few pages in to The Woman in the Window.

I'm afraid that's as far as I got Ivy.

@batsypatsy I absolutely loved Miss Smilla's feeling for snow . Read it quite a few years ago but still remember it.

1. Derbyshire Cavemen by Steve Cliffe - a short ebook about the archaeology of Derbyshire caves, including links to myths and legends and the more recent history of mining and show caves. A really interesting introduction for the non-specialist - I had no idea so many human remains have been unearthed across the county.

Next I'm trying My Cousin Rachel by Daphne Du Maurier.

JiltedJohnsJulie

I was hoping it would be along the lines of Girl on the Train, which I enjoyed but not everyone did.

I'd love to join in.

1. Normal People by Sally Rooney

Enjoyed it, but not entirely sure why. Lots of discussion to be had afterwards, and found audiobook much nicer than reading myself due to lovely soft Irish accent.

1. Crazy Rich Asians

Great fun, how the other half live, but to the extreme. It's part of a trilogy, really lighthearted and easy to read, I've just downloaded the second one.

@IdClimbHimLikeATree there's a second Rosie Project book, and a third out this year. Can't wait!

Dadadadadabatmum Oh ace! I'll definitely look for those! I did the quiz at the back of the book. I'm definitely not suitable for Don unfortunately

I was hoping it would be along the lines of Girl on the Train, which I enjoyed but not everyone did. I liked Girl on the Train but really couldn't get into this one. I've read a few books this year and it's the only one I've given up on so far.

I'm just trying to pick my next book. Has anyone read Dear Mrs Bird, Love Iris or The house in half moon street? I'm trying to decide which one to read next!

I'm just trying to pick my next book. Has anyone read Dear Mrs Bird, Love Iris or The house in half moon street? I'm trying to decide which one to read next.

No. Sorry, I know that's not much help

@JiltedJohnsJulie I've read Dear Mrs Bird - it was a nice easy read and I enjoyed it. No major stand out but I'll definitely read the sequel when it comes out, the book felt like it was setting the scene.

Ivy I really liked The Woman in the Window. If I remember right, I read it quite quickly ad I couldn't wait to see what was going on.

I'm looking for my next read but just not sure what type of book to go with. I've list my reading mojo. I read the Butterfly Lion which is a really lovely book although more of a short story (it's actually a children's book), but also very sad! I read the whole book in one sitting. I think Michael Morpurgo writes books for adults too so must have a look online.

Just finished The woman on the Orient Express, no 10.

13. The Widow - Fiona Barton loved it!
14. The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath finally getting round to reading this! So far so good..

Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar is amazing. Might reread it, it’s been a few years!

I've got The Bell Jar in my to read pile, might read it next.

Just finished Betsy and Lilibet by Sophie Duffy. Really enjoyed it - wartime to present day saga of one woman (with a bit of Queen Elizabeth thrown in for good measure) and her family.

Now starting The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides after hearing him interviewed by Simon Mayo on the Books of the Year podcast.