Summing up my reading for 2019

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.

The Goodreads Oracle says I’ve read 144 books and almost 40,000 pages this year, very slightly down from 2018, which was itself slightly down from my all-time peak – or at least “since records began” – of 150 books in 2017. More interesting than these stark figures, however, is how my reading measured against my long-running goals regarding independent publishers, translations, female and/or BAME authors. Unlike last year, when I failed my target of 25% BME authors, I passed with flying colours on all four measures.

Comparing this year’s chart with last year’s, the 2019 percentages are higher in all areas apart from independent publishers, so that’s something I’ll be watching more closely next year. In fact, my 5-star favourites (represented by the blue column) didn’t even reach 50%. Of course, I don’t rate a book according to who published it, but maybe I need to widen my net if I want to let more independents in.

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).

I’m not sure it tells me much other than that I’m interested in reading (and writing) about human and social issues and that, unlike last year, none of my choices stand out for their zaniness or humour. And that I’m getting the hang of spreadsheets and what they can do for obsessional minds.

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 won’t set any specific targets for 2020, but I expect I’ll continue in a similar vein. If you’ve followed my reviews, dipped in occasionally, thank you! I do hope you’ll come back again next year.
 
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?