I’ve been doing the Goodreads Challenge for a few years now and I love it. I know some people are put off by the numbers, worrying that they’re not reading enough, but I’m a data nerd and love the end of year report.
This year I pledged to read 50 books, assuming I’d average a book a week on the commute, factoring in annual leave and the odd shorter book. I add everything I read to my profile, including the children’s books and guided journals I’m sent to review, but not the books I read with Jenson – it would easily double then!
I made a few notes in my bullet journal too, tracking things that Goodreads doesn’t. Of the 80 books I read, 33 were borrowed from the library, 28 were review copies, 7 were gifts/competition wins, 6 I bought myself, and 6 I have owned since pre-2019/were re-reads.
I’d struggle to rank my absolute favourites but there are some worthy of specific note:
Poetry: I used to think I didn’t like poetry. Then I read She is Fierce and How to Cure a Ghost. Now one of my bookish goals for 2020 is to read more poetry.
Mental health: I’ve read so many great non-fiction titles which I’ve found really helpful, particularly Burnout and First We Make the Beast Beautiful.
Feminist: I’m all for girl power, sisterhood, and positive female role models. I can’t recommend Ms Marvel enough and also really enjoyed Roar (a collection of short stories) and Yes She Can, a book I borrowed from the library and need to add to my permanent collection.
Novels: Everyone and their mother has raved about Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine but I’m gonna mention it anyway. I also really loved A Place For Us, which reminded me of one of my 2018 favourites, Home Fire.
What are your 2019 bookish highlights?
