Potholders

Friday, December 29, 2017

My Year in Books


Like many others at this time of year, I can't resist looking back at My Year in Books and reminiscing a bit. Goodreads is a good way to do this, especially because without it, I'm afraid I would have forgotten far too many good reads. The number of books and pages I read doesn't really matter to me; quality and enjoyment is much more important than quantity in my personal reading life.


I did try to choose some of my favorites. While I rated all of these 4 or 5 stars, I chose them as 2017 favorites based more on staying power or how much I've thought about them after finishing. I made a futile attempt to place them in order, but finally realized that even though I consider these my favorites, I enjoyed them for different reasons. Bambi is a beautifully written story (and so much more than Disney led me to believe), but it's completely different from the more simply written but poignant Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. Two of these were re-reads (The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid and Watership Down), but for me they were even better the second time around.

So what's ahead in 2018? I've already started these books, but don't anticipate finishing any of them in the next few days, so they will be my first books read in the New Year. 


I would love to hear any of your 2017 favorite recommendations or books that you're looking forward to reading in 2018. I wish you the happy anticipation of a pile of good books, along with time to read and enjoy them.

16 comments:

  1. wow! you've read a lot. I read 32 books and that was hard for me. All were the written word. I am looking forward to the beginning of the year when the pressure is less :)

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  2. I second you on Beartown and Little Fires Everywhere. Those were two of my top reads in 2017!

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    1. I think Beartown is the first book in a trilogy, so I hope Fredrik Backman publishes the next one in 2018!

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  3. Your reviews are always informative and enjoyable. I'm looking back at my year because of your post. A Small Porch, Girl Who Drank from the Moon, and Exit West come to mind, but I loved so many books in 2017 it's hard to pick only a couple.

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  4. I just finished Magpie Murders and I'm hoping to finish one more before January 1st. In other words, I haven't looked at my year in books yet!

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  5. I haven't read many of your favorite books for this past year, but Watership Down is one of my faves. I guess I haven't read that one in 30 years! Saying that makes me feel reeeealy old. I have not as yet reviewed my year in books, but I have several that I hope to finish up before the NY. I think I have read lots of nonfiction this year, and that may be why I have not enjoyed books as much lately. I enjoy fiction more. Here's to a great new year in books!

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    1. I wanted to write about my 2017 books because I don't think I'm posting any more this year. If I was smarter, I would have saved it for next week! I like nonfiction also, but don't find it nearly as immersive and can't-put-it down reading as fiction. Wishing you a very Happy New Year, Becky, filled with health, happiness, peace, and good books!

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  6. I will look up bear town. My daughter al is going to host some tuesday texts in 2018 . She's a voracious reader.
    I read and enjoyed a few books in 2017. Down deep dark was a real favorite the year before i'd read it again. The spirit catches you and you fall down..same thing. Amazing read. I read a year of living bibically andloved it.
    Hope you'll join us on tuesday texts twice amonth

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    1. You and your daughter have come up with a great idea; I'm always interested in reading others' thoughts about books. I look forward to joining your Tuesday Texts!

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  7. What am I going to read in 2018? Hmm. I did get two nonfiction books for Christmas. "Gathering from the Grassland: A Plains Journal" by Linda M. Hasselstrom was published by a small press. Hasselstrom owns a ranch in South Dakota and writes nonfiction and poetry. I generally enjoy her writing so am looking forward to this book. "A Warrior of the People" by Joe Starita is an account of Susan La Flesche, the first Native American physician. In the late 1800's this young woman graduated from medical school. Starita is a prof at UNL and so local to me. I heard him speak about this book and this remarkable young woman.

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  8. I truly appreciate the time and thought you put into the reviews you share - so many of my favorites were recommendations from you! Next year I'm going to keep reading through the books I already own (which includes that E.B. White biography), tackle another Read Harder challenge and host Book Bingo. Here's to another wonderful year of books and reading!!

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  9. I don’t often do the reviews. Reading is such a personal thing for me and too often I have recommended a book to someone who turns their nose up. But I do appreciate the online book community I have found. Of course my TBR pile is growing by leaps and bounds! I picked up The Antlered Ship at my library and it is lovely.

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  10. Your book list has helped my list, and my reading has improved in the nonfiction arena because of it with such books as “the Hidden Life of Trees” and “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat”.
    Our nonfictions compare well with novels like “Sourdough” and “Exit West”. I am ever grateful for Goodreads and my friends there. Another challenge, another year coming.
    I have on hold at the library “Magpie Murders” and “Sing Unburied Sing” for January and I can’t wait.
    At present I am slowly going through “Devotions” by Mary Oliver and am hoping it will last a year of bedtime reading for 2018.

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    1. It sounds like 2018 will be a wonderful year in reading for you! I'm also looking forward to Sing, Unburied, Sing, along with some great nonfiction. Happy New Year and Happy Reading!

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  11. I didn't quite make my goal this year, but I am not bothered in the least... I read so many great ones!! I love that so many bloggers & friends share their thoughts, as I've had many a good recommendation from the likes of you. ;)

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  12. You have become such a reading inspiration to me Bonny! Your book recommendations are spot on and your reviews are marvelous! Here is to a wonderful year of reading in 2018!

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