I’ve read a lot of books this year. Sure, right, tell us something new! I surpassed my Goodreads target. Don’t you always? Isn’t it because you set the barrier so low? Yet but I beat it by almost 50%. Surely it’s about quality, not quantity? Indeed, that’s why earlier this month I shared my 13 favourite reads of 2019. Thirteen? Not ten or a dozen? You like numbers? Come on, let me show you some! I’ve got some pretty graphs too. |
You’ll find short summaries of each of this year’s favourites, by clicking on the image to the left. Below, in tabular form, are the results of my attempt to isolate the wow factor in the books I’ve particularly enjoyed. One point if it’s exceptionally strong on plot or character (pale blue background), with two points to be awarded across a choice of six other factors (pinky brown background). |
Wait! We’re not finished yet! Last January, I set myself another three specific goals for 2019 relating to reading diverse.
While I exceeded my ambitions regarding reading women in translation (click on the image for more detail on those books), I was less successful in Reading the world. I’d hoped to increase my list from 70 to 100, but only got as far as 81. Never mind, if I keep progressing at a similar rate, I’ll get there by the end of 2021. My third reading goal – to focus on supporting writers I can learn from and for whom that support has the potential to make a difference, however small, i.e. good writers but not necessarily the highest flyers – was too fuzzy to make much of, but I’ll keep it as an attitude if not an aim. |
I’ll sign off with a picture of the 14 novels I’ve reviewed in December: if you click on the image you can see the whole month’s reviews. All that remains is for me to wish you a heartfelt Happy New Year!
How was your reading year? Will you set any goals for 2020?