Hi everyone! Another yearly book post!
First — in case you need the update, my boys are still cute and goofy.
David and these boys make life so sweet! And messy. And loud. And lovely. Definitely not boring.
I love our loud/messy/fun times but I also thrive on quiet moments.
I am learning to lean in to my enneagram type 9-ness and make sure I have time during the week to read, be alone, and embrace the cozy and quiet. See Inner Sanctum of Enneagram 9’s heart below. Book, coffee, and comfy chair in a bubble (source: Instagram enneagramandcoffee)
My heart is happy when reading is part of my life.
Now that we’re starting a new year, let’s talk about books I read in 2019. And the stats! (tracked using a spreadsheet from Book Riot)
Bookish Stats
Books Read: 50
Full list here on Goodreads
Fewer books than last year (60) which is completely fine. I set my reading goal lower in 2019 with the intention of reading my Bible more. I did achieve that goal and want to make sure I always have room for both kinds of reading in my life.
Pages Read: 15,762
# Fiction Books Read: 22
# Nonfiction Books Read: 28
As always, reading a little more nonfiction than fiction. I really enjoy both but I will probably always be more picky about what fiction I read. Nonfiction is just easier for me to pick up based on a topic I want to learn more about.
I am usually reading 2-4 books at one time (one non-fiction, one fiction, one digital book, and occasionally an audiobook as well).
I like doing it this way because I would rather read fiction at night, non-fiction or devotional in the morning, and audiobooks when I’m multi-tasking.
Books Read that were Published in 2019: 7
I listen to a couple reading podcasts (What Should I Read Next? and Currently Reading) so these probably influence my decisions to read more current books. 13 books were published in 2018.
The oldest book I read was Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis. This actually isn’t very old, it was first published in 1955. I’m going to make it a goal to read at least one older classic in 2020.
# YA or Middle Grade Books Read: 5
These are not always my favorite, but every once in a while I hear a recommendation that intrigues me or want a change in pace. My favorite was the quirky Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
Longest Book: Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith/JK Rowling, 498 pages
For some reason, I read three books in this series this year. I do like them but not sure I would keep devoting that much reading time to them.
The 2nd longest book was Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. (473 pages) OF COURSE this book was wonderful (in a painful, heartbreaking way).
Shortest Book: Hidden Christmas by Timothy Keller (160 pages)
I loved reading this book right before Christmas. It was the perfect morning devotional that made Advent and Christmas all the more meaningful and sweet.
Authors Read: Mostly new-to-me, 65% female, 25% persons of color
35 books had authors that I had not read before. 64% of the books had female authors. 25% of the books had authors who are persons of color.
I like that the Book Riot tracker has tracking for the author’s race because reading outside my worldview — whether same race or not — can be so powerful. 2019 was definitely an increase in this area — I can see on my 2018 spreadsheet that all but two of the authors I read were white and most were American.
Source of Books: Mostly print books from the library
90% of the books were from the library. Woohoo, go Sioux Center Public Library! I took full advantage of their digital ebooks and audiobooks as well (15 digital books and 7 audiobooks.)
Bookish Plans
My goals are to keep reading more than 1 book at a time (works for me), quit books I don’t like, and read 1 “classic.” My Goodreads 2020 Reading Challenge is set to 40 books.
Favorites
Here are the books I really enjoyed and would recommend:
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
A lot of tough, emotional things going on in this book. The storytelling through many generations is wonderful.
Ghost Boy: My Miraculous Escape from a Life Locked Inside My Own Body by Martin Pistorius and Lloyd Davies
This is an incredible story — I loved the triumph of Pistorius’s escape from being trapped with no way to communicate. The family dynamics of supporting a family member with a disability was interesting to read as well.
Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger
I think about this book all the time — it makes it really easy to understand the exact components of what makes things go viral or how you really spark word-of-mouth.
A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny
I have been making my way through this series over the last few years. They keep getting better and better! These books are especially great if you can time them to the right season. It’s so wonderful and cozy to read about the snowy village of Three Pines, Quebec during winter.
The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth
I like thrillers/page-turners that aren’t too dark and with at least a couple likable characters. This one was great.
The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
I started this book a couple years ago and stopped reading it after a chapter. Glad I picked it up again because I loved it! Reminds me of Fredrick Backman-style of writing.
Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life by Tish Harrison Warren
Lovely book — real and also full of powerful scriptural truths. I keep thinking about some of her metaphors from everyday life.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
Just so good. Of course the peek into therapy sessions feels so revealing and interesting. Gottlieb is very authentic in her own struggles and human-ness.
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
This one was on my To Read list for a couple years but the length and tough story kept me away for a while. It was so worth reading. This is my favorite kind of historical memoir to read, where the story is incredible and it reads like a novel.
I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown
A great read that broadened my perspective. Challenging in a good way.
Here’s my honorable mention list:
- Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
- Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout
- Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
Thank you for stopping by! If you’re a reader as well, I wish you a wonderful year of reading!
In The Mixing Bowl 