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.

Just finished my third book so not up to date!

Little Fires Everywhere

The Essex Serpent

4:50 From Paddington

I have to wait until Saturday to go to the library!

I finished #7, Tutankhamun by Nick Drake - an unremarkable but enjoyable piece of historical detective fiction.

Book 8, 21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari, was my first experience with audio books. Thought provoking non-fiction, but I think I would have retained more if it was in a printed form. Still, I enjoyed listening to it when walking to work and back (I usually listen to much lighter podcasts).

I also finished Little Fires Everywhere literally last night, my no 11 (I'm away from home and kept waking up and feeling ill but it calmed me down a bit!)

Has anyone read her other book (Everything I Never Told You)?

Finished The Silent Patient which was a super fast read. Unfortunately that was the only thing about it that was super

Ok everyone... Calm yourselves...
I FINISHED ALEXANDER HAMILTON. No 12 but I read most of it last year.

1. Transit by Rachel Cusk

This is a really emotionally intense book about a writer (Faye) trying to find her feet after her divorce. I read Outline, the first book in the triolgy, and loved the style but I imagine it won't be for everybody. It reads almost like a collection of separate stories and there is very little plot to speak of but I found it very compelling all the same. It finishes with a chapter set at a truly awful claustrophobic dinner party populated by the most appalling guests and I must say I was glad to have finished it. I will read the last book in the triolgy, but I need something else to read first before I'm ready to jump into Faye's world again.

I've finished book number 8, Miss Smilla's Feeling For Snow. I enjoyed it, but found it hard going in places, scientific, and the ending was abrupt.

My next book is No I don't want to join a book club by Virginia Ironside.

Am done with #4, From a Distance by Raffaella Barker. It’s a good book with three different threads, that come together in an interesting way. Also one of the main characters makes a lot of ice cream in varying flavours so I liked those bits made me want ice cream!!

2/3 through Dear Mrs Bird and liking it less and less with each chapter. The writing style doesn't go AT ALL with the subject matter, it's really jarring. Will try and zip through to the end asap but won't be looking out for more by this author.

Finished Anyone for Seconds by Laurie Graham, no 13. I really like her books, both the historical and the contemporary ones.

Due to illness, bereavement and a crazy time at work, I've fallen significantly behind with my reading. Just finished number 3 Frederica by Georgette Heyer. I loved this so much and really eked out the final chapters as I didn't want it to end. I read this partly in tribute to my grandma, who died just before Christmas, as she'd always told me that I'd love Georgette Heyer but I resisted until now. This was a really witty, beautifully observed novel set in Regency drawing rooms - what's not to love?!

I've started The Salt Path as number 4.

Gave up on No I don't want to join a book club - just couldn't get on with it - and now reading How hard Can it be by Alison Pearson. Just fancied something light hearted.

Book 8 The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo a beautiful book.
Book 9 The Art of Hiding, Amanda Prowse this is the first book of hers I have read. It was fine, a light read but not exactly gripping. I have a few more of her books on my kindle so might look to them when I want another light read.
Book 10 Forget Her Name, Jane Holland a psychological thriller. I've really only started it though so will let you know how it goes. Already has me intrigued though.

Sorry total bold fail there!

Try again....
Book 8 The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo a beautiful book.
Book 9 The Art of Hiding, Amanda Prowse this is the first book of hers I have read. It was fine, a light read but not exactly gripping. I have a few more of her books on my kindle so might look to them when I want another light read.
Book 10 Forget Her Name, Jane Holland a psychological thriller. I've really only started it though so will let you know how it goes. Already has me intrigued though.

I have Sylvia Plaths The Bell Jar on my kindle. Might read it next given the good reviews here.

Close to Home - Cara Hunter
Eight year old Daisy went missing from a family party. However no one claims to have seen anything. DI Adam Farley knows that in 9 out of 10 cases it is someone known to the victim so someone must be lying.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book with its narrative and the inclusion of news reports and tweets. Makes it very realistic as to how people view these things IRL. I’ll happily go look for more by this author now.

Finished book number 6 last night which was The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan. Late to it as I thought I wouldn't enjoy it as it looked a bit twee but actually I did like it. Quite a nice gentle read really.

So i have only started reading my first book of the year this week as i have a 4 and a half month old so finding time to read is hard. But i really want to read as much as i can, dont think ill even make it to 25 but worth a try!
Right now I'm reading The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood.
Half way through and enjoying it so far!

The Bell Jar was a great read. If you still haven't read it, I recommend it.
I then started The Guilty Feminist by Deborah Frances-White I can see why she's guilty. (I hadn't heard the podcasts) She starts off singing her own praises for a few pages, all a bit cringe, and then I stopped reading at "cisgendered" !?!! Nonsense.
Now reading Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman. Really enjoying reading this so far. Wish I had more time for reading!

@drspouse I love Laurie Graham too. I'm just going back over the thread to see what else you're read and liked in case there are some good recommendations :D

Ooh I hope I can help!

1. Third Girl by Agath Christie - my first Christie. A Poirot story, quick read, ejoyable plot and I didn't guess whodunnit! A bit old fashioned in parts but still a good read!

Still getting through My Cousin Rachel - a great book but takes a little more effort than a Poirot

Book 10 Forget Her Name, Jane Holland was rubbish! I just found it all a bit unbelievable, including the conversations between the characters. I have another Jane Holland book on my Kindle, but I'm not sure I'll bother.

Book 11 Beartown - Fredrik Backman this finally became available to download from the library so I'm launching straight into it. Hope I like it as much as everyone else seems to.