Sunday, January 2, 2011

Thoughts on 2010 reading and some books that touched me in a special way...


I read 114 books in 2010.  That is 20 less than 2009.  I found it interesting that I actually read fewer books even though I didn't work outside my home this year.  I guess I had lots more to distract me and take up my time.  I'm having a tough time selecting "top 10" or "top whatever" lists this year.  I read some really good books this year - ones that touched me in a special way.  I think I've mentioned that I don't force myself to finish every book I pick up - although this year, with blog tours and reviews promised, I did more "forcing" than I would have liked.  No more promised reviews from me.  Just too stressful.  I like being able to put a book down if it isn't doing it for me at that time.  Sometimes I pick it back up again.  Sometimes I don't.  Life's short and I definitely apply the 50 page rule or rather the rule that says subtract your age from 100 and that's the number of pages to give a book.  For me, that would be 47 this year.  The 47 page rule will be operational in Kay's reading world in 2011.

OK, to the lists.  I've divided them into regular fiction, young adult books, and mysteries.  I didn't include non-fiction as I think I read only 3 non-fiction books this year.  Each book will be linked to my review - if there is one - if not, linked to Amazon.  They are in the order that I read them only and may not have been published in 2010.  These are the books that touched me the most this year, in whatever way. 

Fiction

Young Adult Fiction

Mysteries
Total Books Read in 2010 - 114
Books Read on the Kindle - 51
Personal Books Read - 54
Mysteries - 52
Written by Women - 93

I think those statistics give an idea of my preferences.  I suspect the mystery total will be higher in 2011 and probably the Kindle percentage will be higher as well.  Most of my books are in storage right now.  I have 3 big tubs in a closet here at home but 20+ boxes sit in a storage unit.  I'm not borrowing from the library right now as my house is so dusty and chaotic, I feel they might get damaged or lost.  Also, I'm loving the font size I use on my Kindle.  E-books are here to stay for me.  I'm not sure why I gravitate to women writers, but I think I always have for the most part. 

My best book read in 2010 - Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny - without a doubt.  If you are a mystery reader and you haven't tried this Canadian series, let me urge you to pick it up.  It's best read in order.  Still Life is the first book.  Truly a fine, fine mystery series with an author whose talent grows by leaps and bounds with each book.  You can tell I'm a bit of a fan!

And now, off to continue reading Left Neglected by Lisa Genova, another talented author.
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25 comments:

  1. You have a great list here. I've read a few of these and will have to give a close look at several of the others. Happy reading in 2011.

    Mason
    Thoughts in Progress

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  2. I am really looking forward to reading Hoffman's book. Hopefully this year. Cutting For Stone is another one I really want to get to.

    I read so many good mysteries this past year and it looks like you did too, Kay.

    I think it will be a while yet before e-books outweigh paper books for me. I have such a huge TBR collection and I plan to focus a lot on that this year, if I can.

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  3. Looks like you had a great year of reading!

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  4. Nice list, Kay. I agree about the Elly Griffiths books and hope there will soon be another. I also agree about not finishing books if they're not working for you. Life is just too short. I see I need to catch up a bit on the Gamache series. I think I've read four... must see how many new ones I must look for.

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  5. Mason, thanks so much!

    Wendy, both books are worth your time I think. I also have a lot of paper books to read, but I find myself picking up my Kindle over and over. I will probably just settle in for a nice 50-50 split.

    Chelle, it was a good year for book discoveries.

    Cath, I have a new Elly Griffiths book on the way to me from Book Depository. It's called THE HOUSE AT SEA'S END. I think it just published, but I had it preordered as the British version always comes out first. I'm excited about it. And if you've read 4 Penny books, you are 2 behind - and what a great 2. You've got some good reading ahead. :-)

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  6. I loved Saving CeeCee Honeycutt and Cutting for Stone. I also loved your reflections Kay and if I stick to your page test rule, I need to stop at 42 this year...LOL

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  7. I know what you mean about fear of losing library books! I keep mine in a pile by the door. It may look awful, but then they don't get mixed into the general population of books with risk of getting lost forever!

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  8. Thanks for sharing your list. I just can't get enough of them! Guess it's time for me to start subtracting my age from 100, too ;-)

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  9. I'm so with you on the Tarquin Hall! I absolutely love that series. Did I tell you I'm thinking of doing our bathroom in the colors on the cover? :<)

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  10. Welcome back, Kay! I'm glad you're going to be around again. Your thoughts on Bury Your Dead have convinced me to buy it; I love thrillers!

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  11. Looks like you had a good reading year, and here's hoping 2011 is another one!

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  12. Love your list so much..I've read a few of them!! I will read Still Life..I've been wanting to read this one for over 2 years now!!

    Have a great 2011 in books and life!!

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  13. Diane, a 42-page test sounds good to me!

    Jill, you made me laugh. Isn't it interesting that we could possibly lose books forever in our stacks? LOL

    JoAnn, I think the 100 page subtraction test could work for any age! LOL

    Nan, no, you did not tell me about the color scheme for the bathroom. Sounds cheerful.

    Bellezza, just be sure and read the previous book before you read BURY YOUR DEAD. A continuing storyline makes that almost imperative.

    Florinda, thanks for the good wishes!

    Staci, I can't recommend Louise Penny's books enough. I know not everyone loves them like I do, but I think they are well worth a try.

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  14. I love your lists! I've pretty much stopped doing tours for the same reason you said - those deadlines hamper my enjoyment of the book.

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  15. Great lists, Kay! I really enjoyed some of them and have others on my TBR list.

    I never thought I'd like reading eBooks as much as I do. I love to sit in my home library and gaze at the books, but reading on my Kindle or iPad is awesome!

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  16. Kathy, I was such a early finisher when deadlines were presented in school - this all just felt way too much like that. Couldn't relax.

    Joy, I agree. I feel that there will be a place for paper books and e-books in my life from now on.

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  17. I wish I had an ebook reader back when I had my books in storage. It would have made my life so much easier.

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  18. You read more than twice as many books as I did this year! Good for you. You already know that I loved Stiltsville, but I think we're on opposite ends when it comes to Saving CeeCee Honeycutt. ;)

    Enjoy the ebooks. If I didn't have so many unread books in my house, I'd make the switch in a heartbeat. I love reading on a NOOK when I'm manning the NOOK desk at work. Much easier on these old eyes. :)

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  19. Chris, I am thankful for the e-reader and the wealth that resides on it! LOL

    Les, I know that you and I felt a little differently about CEE CEE. LOL

    The new color NOOK is so pretty. Bet they are selling very well.

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  20. I'm going with the 50-page rule and planning to back away from ARCs, again, after I get through the first few months of this year. I overbooked myself.

    Cutting for Stone is a book my group is planning to read and I'm sooo disinterested in it. It's nice to know you enjoyed it.

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  21. Great list! I have a few of these books sitting on my shelves. Wishing you a great reading year in 2011!

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  22. Nancy, I totally understand about being overscheduled. It's so easy to do. I hope that you will try CUTTING FOR STONE. My book group really liked it, but I know that not every book speaks to every person. :-)

    Thanks so much, Anna!

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  23. I started the Louise Penny series after reading your glowing words about it and I'm so glad I did. It was so great to be captured by her story and to renew my love of reading mysteries. I have the next two in the series ready to go but I'm planning to space out my pleasure. So, thanks for introducing me to many hours of pleasure.

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  24. You are so welcome, Margot!

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  25. I still have to read Sand in Your Eyes that you sent me. Especially now that I see it was a favorite!

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Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting! It's always nice to chat. Have a good day with lots of fun reading and a little chocolate doesn't hurt either!

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