YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Books read 2019

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Books read 2019 https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:36:30 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Sara L. on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019/page/2#post-2090129 Mon, 06 Jan 2020 14:54:52 +0000 Sara L. 2090129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lisap - I don't know if I read faster on my e-reader but I do read more because it's easier (always opens to exactly my page).  My Kindle is small enough to fit in my purse so I have it with me when I'm waiting at unexpected times. Peri - yes, I rarely read anything heavy or sad.  There's enough of that in real life, I don't need it my fiction too.  I read to escape.   Gretchen - I read a lot of romance as well.  Have you listened to the Heaving Bosoms podcast? It's two friends that summarize romance novels (in a positive way) and it's hilarious. Here's my Goodreads profile name:   <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.goodreads.com/saralavy">https://www.goodreads.com/saralavy</a> Gretchen on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019/page/2#post-2090037 Mon, 06 Jan 2020 05:28:45 +0000 Gretchen 2090037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I dove deep into romance reading this year - escapism and a guaranteed happy ending were needed - and ended up at 90. (It helps that I had a lot of plane travel).  All are tracked on Goodreads and I love seeing friends there! For 2020, I decided I needed a new challenge, and a way to calm the every growing TBR list. So I took the prompts from the PopSugar reading challenge and the Around-the-year challenge, and created a "reading jar". Every Sunday I'll pull a prompt out of the jar, and read a book based on that prompt. My hope is it will shake me out of my default reading, and work down that TBR pile! JAileen on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019/page/2#post-2090034 Mon, 06 Jan 2020 05:14:20 +0000 JAileen 2090034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I just finished The Clergyman’s Wife.  In fact, I read it in one day.  It’s about Charlotte Lucas from Pride and Prejudice.  I really enjoyed it. Roxanna on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019/page/2#post-2089837 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 16:13:46 +0000 Roxanna 2089837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love reading all these responses! Honestly, books and reading is one of my favourite things to talk about. @Angie - thanks for weighing in! I also adore books about the English or Scottish countryside. The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher is my all time favourite (set in Cornwall) , and Christmas on the Island (set in northern Scotland) by Jenny Colgin was one of my favourites this year. Both feature dogs, picturesque countrysides and village life, but both also deal with surprisingly serious issues thoughtfully and beautifully. @Lisa - yes, you do read books quicker on an e-reader. I like to read both on my e-reader and real books because I love them.  @Suz - I was hoping you would weigh in! You have so many of my favourites or books on my TBR listed. My goal for 2020 is actually to read LESS. I have a tendency to read quickly (though not as quick as Sara!) and whip on to the next book. But I actually like to read slowly, deliberately, make notes, even commonplace the books that really resonate. And I find that slowing down while reading is the perfect counterpoint to my usual frenzied pace and life. So this year I will read less and enjoy it more :) Helena on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019/page/2#post-2089823 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 15:34:46 +0000 Helena 2089823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ NYTimes article on books to look out for in 2020! <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/01/books/2020-books.html?action=click&module=Editors%20Picks&pgtype=Homepage" rel="nofollow">https://www.nytimes.com/2020/0.....e=Homepage</a> Peri on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019/page/2#post-2089708 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 03:28:49 +0000 Peri 2089708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another jaw drop for Sara L! I read 30 and was proud of that...til now!! But Sara, I think I will follow you because we seem right on the same track with what we like. Fantasy and YA is right down my alley. And I loved Red White and Royal Blue too, one of my favorites of the year.  Roxanna, I haven't read Aru Shah yet but it's on the list. I think I've read everything Rick Riordan himself has written.  I read for total escape from the real world, so I shy away from anything heavy or sad.  Anonymous on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089691 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 01:56:53 +0000 Anonymous 2089691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow - again ! Sara - do you find you read faster on a device than you do an actual book ? Sara L. on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089685 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 01:39:06 +0000 Sara L. 2089685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz - certain writing styles do take me longer and non fiction generally slows me down too. My oldest son (13) also reads super fast and read all 7 Harry Potter books in 2.5 weeks. Suz on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089681 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 01:27:02 +0000 Suz 2089681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ WOW, Sara, that just astonishes me. I don't really that fast, no way, no how -- and I always considered myself pretty quick!  It does depend on the material, though. If I have a challenging philosophical tome it's going to take me a heck of a lot longer than a novel, and if I have a dense novel where linguistic play is key to enjoyment, I sometimes find I need to read with my eyes instead of my ears. Listening actually takes longer than reading (for me) but I still find listening increases my reading enormously just because I can fit it in at various times of day. I do what you do, Sara, and read (or listen) while waiting in line, waiting for my kid, waiting at the doctor's, etc.  Sara L. on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089672 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 01:13:12 +0000 Sara L. 2089672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ha, not consecutive 4 hours. I rarely have that sort of time unless traveling. I just know that my Kindle estimates 300-350 page books in the 4 hour range and it seems to be fairly accurate. Anonymous on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089666 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 00:58:14 +0000 Anonymous 2089666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm in shock and awe at 187 books a year. I can't even comprehend this - and I thought I read a lot!   I average between 55 and 60 a year, and only get part-way through many more too but 187 boggles my mind.  I'm not sure I can power through 300 pages in 4 hours either, unless it's genre fiction  - although if it's not 4 consecutive hours, I can do that.   Gah - off to read some more !   Sara L. on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089653 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 00:20:01 +0000 Sara L. 2089653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I read really fast, typically about 300 pages in 4 hours. Thanks goodness for the library as I'd never be able to afford my book habit otherwise. I also read during all the little cracks in my day -when I pick the kids up from practice and it runs late, or waiting for water to boil while making dinner. I read while I watch TV in the evenings too which drives my husband crazy - I'll all of a sudden notice the TV and say "wait, what's going on, back up". Suz on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089649 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 00:00:14 +0000 Suz 2089649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sara, I am reeling at the number of books you managed to read! You must be a speed reader! Wowza.  I read constantly both for work and pleasure -- though most of my pleasure reading now is actually listening. I find my eyes are tired after hours on screen and looking at manuscripts either on the computer or on paper. So I listen when I walk and before I sleep.  Anyway, last year I read or listened to 84 books for pleasure (outside of work requirements), which is fewer than my total of 96 in 2018. Oops!  Favourite fiction (pretty much all literary fiction because that's my thing):  Milkman, Machine without Horses, Life after Life; The Friend; Trust Exercise; The Little Red Chairs; The Great Believers; Half of a Yellow Sun; Olive, Again; Season of Fury and Wonder; Night Boat to Tangier.  Favourite poetry books read this year: Odes and Laments, Rail, The Familiar. Favourite nonfiction this year: The Library Book; Inheritance; Older Sister, Not Necessarily Related; Sontag; The Emperor of All Maladies. I made it a goal a couple of years ago to tilt my reading in favour of BIPOC authors and books in translation and have done so. This list of favourites doesn't really reflect that -- but I'm pretty sure it is coincidence because last year's would have included a bunch (e.g. There, There; Sing, Unburied Sing; The Boat People; Seven Fallen Feathers; Split Tooth; Old in Art School.) This year I wound up reading more Irish writers and enjoying them. That Edna O'Brien book (The Little Red Chairs) is not for the faint of heart but WOW, can the woman write.  Bonnie on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089648 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 23:42:36 +0000 Bonnie 2089648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I read 54 books last year and my favorite is usually the last one I read which was My Heart Laid Bare by Joyce Carol Oats,  I am currently rereading Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie and thoroughly enjoying it.  I read mysteries between the literature books and love the Michael Connelly series. Style Fan on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089610 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 20:21:56 +0000 Style Fan 2089610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carla, the CBC interview about Middlemarch was fascinating.  I learned so much about George Eliot and was in awe of her ability to write novels in the time that she lived. Roxanna, I find the No. 1 Ladies Detective books to be great to read in between the 'heavier' books.  They are delightful.  I want to go to Botswana too. A few years ago I read 'The Reason You Walk:  A Memoir' by Wab Kinew who is Aboriginal and is now the Leader of the NDP and the Opposition Party in Manitoba.  It is not a light read but a very powerful book.  I also heard about from the CBC. anne on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089528 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 12:37:32 +0000 anne 2089528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rosanna, I found it a gripping read, as much as the first book. It is more a novel, less factual, more based on other accounts of prisoners than her story. Worth reading for sure. Helena on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089461 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 04:00:27 +0000 Helena 2089461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Roxanna, it's good - tremendously difficult in some spots, and her tension with her culture (esp as a woman) are noticeable and uncomfortable - but she speaks very personally, and it is really providing some insight into the complexity of Somalia's struggles, in terms of the multi-layers of clans and traditional societies, colonialism, religion, and political opportunism and power struggles, and the clash between them all - from her perspective at least.  The YA books are written by an American man (I'm not sure of heritage), but he does share multiple voices within them - so not #ownvoices, but he does give voice to people from the past who perhaps can't do so for themselves (Refugee does tackle some current day situations too). I know your kids are younger than mine, but if they are at all inclined towards history, they may enjoy this author in a few years time - my tech-addicted son devours these. MsMary on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089446 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 03:14:26 +0000 MsMary 2089446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, you are like my sweet husband. He'd rather be out and about (preferably on his bike) than reading a book! I read 52 this year and was quite chuffed about that number. It included the entire oeuvre of Liane Moriarity (Big Little Lies) as well as the entire Inspector Gamache series by Louise Perry (big shoutout to you Canadians!). Also did all of Octavia Butler (the pride of my home town) and much of N.K. Jemison. Apart from the mystery/sci fi picks, I was wild about Ronan Farrow's Catch and Kill. Roxanna on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089423 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 01:37:45 +0000 Roxanna 2089423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @jaileen Louise Penny’s inspector Gamache series is my favorite. Tana French is also great but a bit darker. As I said in my post, I loved Ausma Zehanat Khan’s among The Ruins. For a lighter cozy type series, try The Lady Hardcastle series by TE Kinsey (also great on Audio.) JAileen on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089420 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 01:28:53 +0000 JAileen 2089420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would like mystery book recommendations, please. I read Bel Canto several years ago, and really enjoyed it.  I also read several in the #1 Ladies Detective Agency series.  I wanted to go to Botswana after that.  It was serialized a few years ago. Angie on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089418 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 01:15:51 +0000 Angie 2089418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sara L, YOU READ 187 books in one year!!! That's a new book every two days! I don't read many books because it's not something I enjoy doing. I'd rather do something else. But I do read a few - and they are almost always about horses, dogs, and the British countryside.  Roxanna on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089416 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 01:11:06 +0000 Roxanna 2089416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @msmaven those are brilliant recos. Adding the Rushdie and the Jefferson bio to my list. @SaraL WHAAT?! That is incredible! I am listening to red white and Royal Blue right now on audio and loving it Also this really resonated - “not because I love YA so much but because books written by women who write fantasy with female protagonists get classified as YA).” Grr. @anne how was the follow up to the Tattoist off Aushwitz? @mollymac I’ve been meaning to read Colson Whitehead but I’m afraid it will be too heavy for me right now, but it’s on my list. I adore J Ryan Streadal too. Roxanna on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089415 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 01:05:50 +0000 Roxanna 2089415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Omg - I just love hearing about all the great books you all are reading! @carla I also lay off the heavier books because of compassion fatigue. I too get a lot of my recos off CBC! I went through a classics kick a few years ago and read and enjoyed many of them, but then I realized how many were written by white British or American men (or occasionally women) and I wanted to read books with more diverse world views. #Ownvoices books have really changed my perspective on the world (abs helped my kids see more characters in books that look like them!) @Helena I’m so impressed by your diverse reading list! An American marriage and The Hate U Give were already on my list but I’ll add those YA picks. How is the autobiography? This year I also wanted to read more indigenous authors so I started with Braiding Sweetgrass: indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge and the teachings of plants. It is PHENOMENAL. Highly recommend! @kkards I love Liane Moriarty for light reads that still have some teeth to them @nemosmom you should try one! Big little lute’s was my favorite of hers. @rachy I always adore your eclectic picks! Adding Gunslinger Girl to my list :) @StyleFan I adore Alex McC Smith - both ladies detective agency and Sunday Philosophy club (I find them the perfect palate cleansers after heavier books.) Molly Mac on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089385 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 23:26:26 +0000 Molly Mac 2089385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love book recommendations. I am not sure how many books I read last year, but I read approximately one a week. Historical fiction is my favorite but I will read almost anything. Some of my favorite books I read this year are 1)The Underground Railroad by a Colson Whitehead-This is a moving story of a young woman fleeing slavery in the antebellum south. It has some magical realism. 2)The Winter soldier by Daniel Mason-A medical student in Vienna pre WWI becomes a surgeon in the military when war breaks out. A young nun who is also a nurse, becomes his mentor and something more. 3)The Lager Queen of Minnesota-J. Ryan Stradal-this is a story of two sisters, betrayal, and beer. 4)The Bolter-Frances Osborne-The real life story of Indina Sackville. She married 6 times and was part of "The Happy Valley Set" in 1920's colonial Africa. I also loved The Raven Boys series which was a recommendation from a YLFabber (I can't) remember who. Maybe we need to start a YLF book club anne on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089359 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 22:26:35 +0000 anne 2089359@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Just a quick answer rather than encompassing the whole of 2019 - here's what I read in my recent 3 day holiday. MsMaven on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089351 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 21:52:05 +0000 MsMaven 2089351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Last year I bought 39 books and read 31--typical for me. I haven't yet instituted a book-buying-ban, but I'm going to try not to buy more until I finish. Fall quarter DH and I took a class in Don Quixote--50 years after I took a similar class as an undergrad. I saw Salmon Rushdie on TV and bought his book, Quichotte, which I enjoyed tremendously. I think it's worth reading even if you haven't read Cervantes. Brilliant book in my opinion. My favorite for last year. Right now I'm finishing Thomas Jefferson: the Art of Power, by Jon Meacham, a book I received as a Christmas present a year ago. I am enjoying this--and the parallels between the early American republic and today are fascinating. I enjoy Meacham's writing and hope to read more of his books. I like to read biography and history. Another book I enjoyed was Richard White's Railroaded on the building of the transcontinental railroad. We visited Promontory Point about 5 years ago--I have no memories of visiting there (before the official park) when I was a kid growing up in Salt Lake, and don't remember learning much about it in school, so this is an interesting experience. On the lighter side: I discovered I was several books behind on my favorite mystery writers, Martha Grimes, Ellie Griffiths, and Daniel Silva. I caught up on the last 2 Grimes books on the airplane and I'm going to have to get Silva's book soon. My friend sent a couple of her favorite novels for Christmas, so I have those on my to-read pile as well.   nemosmom on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089347 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 21:44:19 +0000 nemosmom 2089347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I didn't read nearly enough last year. I used to read several books a year, but with my new job, my brain struggles to "let go" enough to escape into a book these days. I have a few on my wish list for this year, but who knows if I will get to them. </div><div> </div><div> </div> rachylou on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089342 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 21:01:39 +0000 rachylou 2089342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I read a lot but almost 100% syfy, with a little historical mystery thrown in. I did however finish last year crazy, ex-spook Kevin Shipp’s book - I found it in a little library and it took me something on the order of 5 years to read his 150 pages of large print. Lol. He really is a nut, but I think his basics are factual. The other book that sticks in mind is Gunslinger Girl. Ok story only, but you can’t beat the setup: Sharp Shooter in a Post Apocalyptic Circus. You know there’s some good clothes there. Lolol Carla on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089338 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 20:53:20 +0000 Carla 2089338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ @pil - cool! @Stylefan - as an avid (maybe rabid) CBC Radio listener, I get a lot of my book ideas from the interviews and reviews they do.  Wasn’t that ‘Middlemarch’ discussion interesting?  I went on a classics women author kick a few years back and read all the George Elliot and Elizabeth Gaskell in addition to Jane Austen and the Brontes.  I find that you get different things from these books when you read them at different ages and stages of your life. <div> </div><div>Books in my ‘to read pile’ - so I can’t comment on quality - ‘Juliet’s Nurse’ by Lois Leveen ‘Girl Runner’ by Carrie Snyder ‘A Literate South’ by Beth Schweiger </div> Style Fan on "Books read 2019" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/books-read-2019#post-2089332 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 20:16:03 +0000 Style Fan 2089332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I read Bel Canto years ago.  I also try to avoid books that remind me of work because of compassion fatigue.  I read a few books this past year.  I have been working my way through the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith.  I will read about 2 or 3 of them and then take a rest.  I also read An Odyssey by Daniel Mendelson.  I read Run, Hide, Repeat by Pauline Dakin after hearing an interview with her on the CBC. This year I am planning on reading Middlemarch by George Eliot.  I listened to a discussion on the CBC about this book and decided I would reread it.  I read it in an English course at University when we read a novel a week.