I read 102 books last year and yes, I realize we are approaching May of the following year. I’ve been in a writing slump, recently ended with a huge work win. Life and other things have occupied my time and my brain power. I’ve been emotionally drained and continually triggered. I have felt the sparks of ideas and absolutely nothing caught flame. I wanted to write but it was never my priority. My safety net has and will always be books. So even though I haven’t published reading recaps in quite some time, I’ve had many a one-off conversation about recent reads, favorites, and recommendations. And I will always come back to books. They are my home. They are safety. They are escapism and comfort. And when I can’t write, I will read.

I used to gamify my reading and admittedly, I still feel competitive with my friend, Maggie who will always, ALWAYS read more than me. I’m a fairly fast reader, but she’s insane! That being said, I have no problem putting a book down, a do not finish “DNF” if I’m not feeling it, or the writing is awful or it’s just not for me. Last year I was surprised, disappointed, disgusted, intrigued and everything in between. Which I think means, I’m doing it right.

If you missed my recaps during 2023, start here and check out my ode to Ann Patchett where the discussion is still ongoing.

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Do you actually like Shakespeare?

Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. And I was especially delighted to discover that BBC radio does audio recordings of many a Shakespeare play with prominent and brilliant English actors. Sign me up! Through many a plane ride last year, I listened to the plays as I traversed the globe. Audio books count and don’t trust anyone who tells you differently. Simon Vance, Saskia Maarleveld, and Mary Jane Wells are some of my favorites.

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A smattering of my favorites

I don’t even remember how I found these four books. Goodreads? Librarian recommendation through the Libby app? All that said, I highly recommend these books. All fall into the category “LOVED THIS” and would recommend.

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Like but maybe not love

These four still fall under interesting, different, and would recommend. I would consider these memorable enough that I could provide a synopsis if asked, which sometimes is not the case. I also love a character who is older than 22, has some life experience, and where marriage and a baby is not the wrap up and culmination of the story. Blargh. I have entered my “get off my lawn stage” of life and passed over the “gosh I hope he picks me” phase.

I want weird and interesting characters improving themselves. I want stories of loss and tragedy. I want unconventional heroines and quirky and memorable supporting characters. I want to learn about places and lives I never heard of and couldn’t imagine. Death doula? Sign me up. Art thief? I will always be interested. Women who are witches? Aren’t we all? Pretty much anything British and set in London? Sign me up.

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Last year I read fiction and non-fiction, classics and thrillers. I picked up books I had read before, to enjoy yet again (maybe the 300th time I read Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society). I knowingly read pop culture garbage (I am definitely talking about Spare) so I could be informed when my opinion was asked. I read spicy books on Kindle Unlimited and closed-door romance which I find utterly boring and uninspiring. But if that’s your jam – have at it.

More than liking, loving, or never finishing a book, the important thing is to read ANY book. Just read. And if you do, tell me about your favorite book so I can add it to my list.

Judy – I think it’s about time you recommended one to me, don’t you think?