Books #33

[ToxicPony]

2024 READING ROUND UP

What is your favourite fiction read of this year?

After much back and forth, I have decided to go with 'The First to Die at the End' by Adam Silvera. I bawled, which usually gets a book a 5* rating from me.

Others that stood out:
In Acension by Martin McInnes
Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton
Everyone on this Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson (who is my top pick for best new author to me this year)

What is your favourite non-fiction read of this year?

Apparently out of the 233 books I've read, only six have been non-fiction, so it's not the greatest honour. Probably 'If Nietsche were a Narwhal' by Justin Gregg, about animal intelligence.

What was your favourite audio book of this year?

I don't listen to audio books.

What books surprised you, good or bad?

Surprisingly good: Beneath Devils Ridge by Loreth Ann White. This had been on my kindle for years and I'd avoided it, but I gave it 5*.

Surprisingly bad: Divine Rivals, despite the insane hype I found it boring and a bit pretentious. Also, The Tattooist of Auschwitz. It was insanely popular and I thought it was utterly rubbish.

If you rate books what was your average rating and/or summarise your year of reading.

3.3 was my average rating for the year and I think it summarises it quite well - a LOT of middling, average books and few standouts either great or awful. Definitely fewer 5* than in previous years (roughly 10 percent) but also barely any 1*. My favourite books of this year probably wouldn't have made it in previous years.

This year I set myself a task to read any Goodreads nominees that I had on my kindle, and got through nearly 20 of them in about three weeks.

I barely read any of the booker nominees (only the winner, Orbital) which is unusual for me, but hardly any of them piqued my interest.

I read fewer romance and romance fantasy books than in previous years. I'm finding the genres are both giving diminishing returns.

I extended my love of murder mysteries and also discovered a liking of police procedurals. A surprisingly different mini-genre that I consistently liked was 'lgbt magical cosy mystery'.

I read and really enjoyed a good amount of horror. For the first time ever I started to 'theme' my reading, starting mainly at Halloween with spooky season stories, but following into winter and Christmas.

Have you pre-ordered any books for 2025 yet / which books are you most looking forward to being released?

New books from Ruth Ware, Janice Hallett, Clare Mackintosh, Taylor Jenkins Reid, John Mary's, Gillian McAllister, Kristina Perrin, Sarah Moss, VE Schwab, Emily Henry, Cara Hunter, RF Kuang, Anthony Horowtiz...and many more plus some great looking debuts. I'm very excited about 2025 releases, it looks to be a very stacked year!

Do you have a list of books you are aiming to read next year or do you have any reading goals for the year ahead.

Goals include going through my kindle library and getting rid of books that realistically I don't want to read - I have roughly 400.

I aim to read series closer together rather than spreading them out to 'save' them and forgetting everything that happened between books.

I aim to read some more accessible classics and become cultured as hell.

 

[Katykatykaty]

2024 READING ROUND UP

What is your favourite fiction read of this year?

After much back and forth, I have decided to go with 'The First to Die at the End' by Adam Silvera. I bawled, which usually gets a book a 5* rating from me.

Others that stood out:
In Acension by Martin McInnes
Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton
Everyone on this Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson (who is my top pick for best new author to me this year)

What is your favourite non-fiction read of this year?

Apparently out of the 233 books I've read, only six have been non-fiction, so it's not the greatest honour. Probably 'If Nietsche were a Narwhal' by Justin Gregg, about animal intelligence.

What was your favourite audio book of this year?

I don't listen to audio books.

What books surprised you, good or bad?

Surprisingly good: Beneath Devils Ridge by Loreth Ann White. This had been on my kindle for years and I'd avoided it, but I gave it 5*.

Surprisingly bad: Divine Rivals, despite the insane hype I found it boring and a bit pretentious. Also, The Tattooist of Auschwitz. It was insanely popular and I thought it was utterly rubbish.

If you rate books what was your average rating and/or summarise your year of reading.

3.3 was my average rating for the year and I think it summarises it quite well - a LOT of middling, average books and few standouts either great or awful. Definitely fewer 5* than in previous years (roughly 10 percent) but also barely any 1*. My favourite books of this year probably wouldn't have made it in previous years.

This year I set myself a task to read any Goodreads nominees that I had on my kindle, and got through nearly 20 of them in about three weeks.

I barely read any of the booker nominees (only the winner, Orbital) which is unusual for me, but hardly any of them piqued my interest.

I read fewer romance and romance fantasy books than in previous years. I'm finding the genres are both giving diminishing returns.

I extended my love of murder mysteries and also discovered a liking of police procedurals. A surprisingly different mini-genre that I consistently liked was 'lgbt magical cosy mystery'.

I read and really enjoyed a good amount of horror. For the first time ever I started to 'theme' my reading, starting mainly at Halloween with spooky season stories, but following into winter and Christmas.

Have you pre-ordered any books for 2025 yet / which books are you most looking forward to being released?

New books from Ruth Ware, Janice Hallett, Clare Mackintosh, Taylor Jenkins Reid, John Mary's, Gillian McAllister, Kristina Perrin, Sarah Moss, VE Schwab, Emily Henry, Cara Hunter, RF Kuang, Anthony Horowtiz...and many more plus some great looking debuts. I'm very excited about 2025 releases, it looks to be a very stacked year!

Do you have a list of books you are aiming to read next year or do you have any reading goals for the year ahead.

Goals include going through my kindle library and getting rid of books that realistically I don't want to read - I have roughly 400.

I aim to read series closer together rather than spreading them out to 'save' them and forgetting everything that happened between books.

I aim to read some more accessible classics and become cultured as hell.

How have you read 233 books and none have been audio books? What is your secret?

 

[ToxicPony]

How have you read 233 books and none have been audio books? What is your secret?

Honestly, I just read all the time. Before work, lunch breaks, evenings. I've not got kids and I don't watch much TV!

 

[SaintLeo]

Also, The Tattooist of Auschwitz. It was insanely popular and I thought it was utterly rubbish.

Me too! I thought I was the only one. The writing is terrible. The characters are so one dimensional I didn’t care about any of them, which feels awful to say given the subject matter. I’ve never understood how it became such a big thing.

 

[ScoutFinch]

2024 READING ROUND UP

What is your favourite fiction read of this year?
I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes. I also read and loved books 4-7 of the Strike series, and a special mention to The Women by Kristin Hannah, which was also fabulous.

What is your favourite non-fiction read of this year?
The Five by Hallie Rubenhold.

What was your favourite audio book of this year?
The Five was the only audiobook I managed, so it would have to be that. I get too distracted!

What books surprised you, good or bad?
Love and Fury by Paris Fury In a good way. I really like her and think she’s very strong for dealing with Tyson and raising so many children.

Bad surprise would be That Festive Feeling by Heidi Swain. I don’t know how it’s possible for the characters relationships to progress at such a ridiculous pace, whilst simultaneously NOTHING HAPPENS. It’s quite a feat.

If you rate books what was your average rating and/or summarise your year of reading.
4.0 exactly - I’m not sure if I’m a generous rater or I just read better quality this year? I have much less time for reading now I have a toddler so I am a bit fussier with what a choose to pick up, so maybe that’s reflected in my ratings.

Have you pre-ordered any books for 2025 yet / which books are you most looking forward to being released?
I haven’t pre ordered any yet, but I will buy the new TJR, Emily Henry and Stephen King. I’m also quite excited for Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V E Schwab.

Do you have a list of books you are aiming to read next year or do you have any reading goals for the year ahead.
I’m going to try and read the ACOTAR series. I think 2025 might be my year of fairy porn

 

[AllieBee]

2024 READING ROUND UP

What is your favourite fiction read of this year?

After much back and forth, I have decided to go with 'The First to Die at the End' by Adam Silvera. I bawled, which usually gets a book a 5* rating from me.

Others that stood out:
In Acension by Martin McInnes
Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton
Everyone on this Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson (who is my top pick for best new author to me this year)

What is your favourite non-fiction read of this year?

Apparently out of the 233 books I've read, only six have been non-fiction, so it's not the greatest honour. Probably 'If Nietsche were a Narwhal' by Justin Gregg, about animal intelligence.

What was your favourite audio book of this year?

I don't listen to audio books.

What books surprised you, good or bad?

Surprisingly good: Beneath Devils Ridge by Loreth Ann White. This had been on my kindle for years and I'd avoided it, but I gave it 5*.

Surprisingly bad: Divine Rivals, despite the insane hype I found it boring and a bit pretentious. Also, The Tattooist of Auschwitz. It was insanely popular and I thought it was utterly rubbish.

If you rate books what was your average rating and/or summarise your year of reading.

3.3 was my average rating for the year and I think it summarises it quite well - a LOT of middling, average books and few standouts either great or awful. Definitely fewer 5* than in previous years (roughly 10 percent) but also barely any 1*. My favourite books of this year probably wouldn't have made it in previous years.

This year I set myself a task to read any Goodreads nominees that I had on my kindle, and got through nearly 20 of them in about three weeks.

I barely read any of the booker nominees (only the winner, Orbital) which is unusual for me, but hardly any of them piqued my interest.

I read fewer romance and romance fantasy books than in previous years. I'm finding the genres are both giving diminishing returns.

I extended my love of murder mysteries and also discovered a liking of police procedurals. A surprisingly different mini-genre that I consistently liked was 'lgbt magical cosy mystery'.

I read and really enjoyed a good amount of horror. For the first time ever I started to 'theme' my reading, starting mainly at Halloween with spooky season stories, but following into winter and Christmas.

Have you pre-ordered any books for 2025 yet / which books are you most looking forward to being released?

New books from Ruth Ware, Janice Hallett, Clare Mackintosh, Taylor Jenkins Reid, John Mary's, Gillian McAllister, Kristina Perrin, Sarah Moss, VE Schwab, Emily Henry, Cara Hunter, RF Kuang, Anthony Horowtiz...and many more plus some great looking debuts. I'm very excited about 2025 releases, it looks to be a very stacked year!

Do you have a list of books you are aiming to read next year or do you have any reading goals for the year ahead.

Goals include going through my kindle library and getting rid of books that realistically I don't want to read - I have roughly 400.

I aim to read series closer together rather than spreading them out to 'save' them and forgetting everything that happened between books.

I aim to read some more accessible classics and become cultured as hell.

233 books! That is amazing. I would love to know how you managed so many. I only managed 127, maybe 128 this year if I finish the one I'm currently reading!

 

[Caffeine Fiend]

Does anyone else children have a kids kindle? Finding cheaper books or those included in amazon kids seems tedious. There doesnt seem to be any way to filter kindle deals for kids books.

Ive managed to get the series of unfortunate events series on the amazon kids thing for free and little CF has already read the first 2 so thats perfect and will keep them going for a while.

 

[Harlot O'Scara]

Very impressed at the people on 100+, 200+ books! Last time I managed over 100 was lockdown!

I'm going to hit 65 this year and I was pretty pleased with myself for that

 

[Eureka]

I finished my last book of the year this morning which brings my total to 80 for the year. It's the most I've ever read, really proud of that considering I work full time and I'm also in college. About a third of that is audio books, I listen to them in the car and while walking the dog.

 

[emmer_moans]

I finished my last book of the year this morning which brings my total to 80 for the year. It's the most I've ever read, really proud of that considering I work full time and I'm also in college. About a third of that is audio books, I listen to them in the car and while walking the dog.

I've done 75 and that's thanks to about 25 audiobooks - I have a lot of time in the office where I can put earbuds in and it keeps me engaged with my work because it helps the time fly by. Well done on your 80. I'm going to aim for 52 again in 2025.

 

[Smca53]

I aim to read series closer together rather than spreading them out to 'save' them and forgetting everything that happened between books.

You’ve just inspired a new goal for me, too

 

[Chocolategoggler]

Very impressed at the people on 100+, 200+ books! Last time I managed over 100 was lockdown!

I'm going to hit 65 this year and I was pretty pleased with myself for that

I think being a fast reader helps. I also appear to have the gift of scanning quickly. Evidenced by companions on shopping trips describing me as a radar at the shop door, then pouncing on my prey once spotted. (Usually a book).

 

[aalmaalm]

I’ve just finished my last book of the year & finishing on 99! I started reading again last year and spend a lot less time on my phone scrolling social media aimlessly!

 

[ToxicPony]

I'm really upset, I think my final book of the year might be a one star

 

[Chocolategoggler]

Beloved author Jacqueline Wilson, who created the Tracy Beaker series, has been made a Dame Grand Cross (GBE) for services to literature.

 

[AllieBee]

I'm really upset, I think my final book of the year might be a one star

Mines a 1.5 star, just finished it and wished I hadn't bothered!
---
Here's me for December. It was a slow month for me with only 7 books read.

My easy favourite of the month was Blue Sisters.

I've made myself a favourite reads shelf on Goodreads so I can keep track of the books and authors I enjoy the most next year.

I passed my target with 128/104 books read but will reset my target as 104 again for 2025.
---

Mines a 1.5 star, just finished it and wished I hadn't bothered!
---
Here's me for December. It was a slow month for me with only 7 books read.

My easy favourite of the month was Blue Sisters.

I've made myself a favourite reads shelf on Goodreads so I can keep track of the books and authors I enjoy the most next year.

I passed my target with 128/104 books read but will reset my target as 104 again for 2025.

Quoting myself to add my December reads

 

[Chocolategoggler]

My December reads:

Not as good a month for 5 star reads which I can only award if I can't put the book down.
The 3.5's were ok reads. The 4* were good but I didn't feel the need to own them.
That said someone was obviously desperate to get their hands on either the Mrs Beeton book or the 23 Burlington Square one as there were sharp words at the library when I took them back.
It was busy and someone tried to take the book, but received a verbal slap down from the librarian. As they had both been recommended to me I felt a bit sorry for the person. They might have just been picking it up to look at it. I mean I've been accused before, which I mentioned on here, when a librarian swelled up like a bullfrog and accused me of taking a book when I couldn't get the machine to work.
Some of these librarians think they're God!!!

 

[Libbylulu]

I loved the Faraway Tree books as a child and thought I’d indulge my inner child and re read ahead of the film. But I’m struggling to find the originals, it seems Jaqueline Wilson has rewritten them to be more politically correct? Is this the case?

 

[wishiniwasskinny]

4 books in December for me.. 35 books in total this year. I’m going to set 25 for 2025 as my reading challenge on Goodreads this year, a I’m back at work in late January after 12 month maternity leave

 

[Caffeine Fiend]

Better late than never..

2024 READING ROUND UP

What is your favourite fiction read of this year?

Weyward by Emilia Hart. I was truly moved by this one. I did a full review of how it made me feel on the book club thread at the time. It genuinely wouldnt have been one that I would have picked up if not for it being our book club pick. It made me feel so strong and powerful and that women can do anything if we do it together.

Special shout out to The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis. It was his usual writing but I found it captivating and I particularly love how he writes unreliable narrators. I actually listened to this one and he did a good job on the audio!

What is your favourite non fiction read of this year?

Say Nothing by Patrick Raden Keefe, weirdly I listened to this before knowing the tv show was being released. Just brilliant, research second to none, so detailed and interesting. Would recommend to anyone. The TV show is also well done imo and accents good.

Special shout outs to Seventeen by Joe Gibson (i gave this 4.5 stars ultimately because I really wanted to know more about the time inbetween the 2 timelines but I do appreciate its a human being and his life and he can share as little or as much as he chooses)

Also O Brother by John Niven. I really enjoyed listening to this one aswell. So well written, author very self aware which I appreciate. I remember the memoir unnatural causes and I found the author unlikeable and just self absorbed and not self aware at all. Anyway this was a story of enduring love and how life can be so different for 2 individuals from the same household.

What is your favourite audio book of this year?

See above. Say Nothing was fantastic.

I also liked Binding 13 on audio. It was well narrated and its a bit of a beast of a book so it was less daunting for me to listen. Also None of This is True by Lisa Jewell. It worked so well on audio with the format.

What book/s surprised you good or bad? I.e did something not live up to your expectations or did any surpass any expectations you had for it?

Not living up to expectations probably Intermezzo by Sally Rooney. I love the premise, the writing is great and I love Peter as a character but I am struggling to pick it up. I started it in October I think and Im still only 50% through. Long chapters often make me struggle with a book too especially with lit fic where not much happens. I dont think it will end up a low rated book for me but I did think Id be more enthralled by it.

Good Material by Dolly Alderton surprised me. I actually only read it as I got it from the library and I found myself really enjoying it. I have read her memoir and didnt find her particularly likeable. I also read Ghosts and it was pleasant but nothing earth shattering really but I think she would probably become an auto buy author for me going forward as her books are very readable.


If you rate books what was your average rating and/or sum up your year of reading.

Average rating according to Storygraph was 3.77. I actually only read 3 x 5 star books this year which is astounding tbh. Its been bumped up by my romance 4 star ratings. I dont ever rate them 5 which is probably unfair and snobbish of me but theyre palette cleansers for me and I dont ever feel the writing is great enough for a 5 star. Maybe I need to change that going into next year.

Overall not a great reading year to be honest. Ive read around 75 books which is approx 1.5 per week which is always my aim but I feel Ive got there with the skin of my teeth and also feel like Ive fallen back into bad scrolling habits this year, engaging too much on socials, online forums and just wasting time when I could be reading. Id love to change it next year but its a struggle. My main aim really for the sake of my sleep is for phone to go away at least 1 hour before bedtime and try and use that time to read.

Have you pre-ordered any books for 2025 yet / which books are you most looking forward to being released?

Have I pre ordered, yes, yes I have.

Great Big Beautiful Life - Emily Henry
The Sirens - Emilia Hart
Onyx Storm - Rebecca Yarros (havent read the first 2 that I own)
The Bones Beneath My Skin - TJ Klune (I havent actually read any TJ Klune books before but this sounded amazing)

I have also pre ordered the Elle Kennedy special editions of the Off Campus series from Illumicrate. They should arrive January. The special edition of the Chestnut Springs series by Elsie Silver from Fairyloot but again these wont arrive until September or so. Ive read both of these so its more for a shelf trophy than anything else.

I am also waiting to see if Waterstones or an Independent has any special editions of My Friends by Fredrick Backman available. Amazon have it for pre order already but I havent ordered yet.

Do you have a list of books you are aiming to read next year or do you have any reading goals for the year ahead, this doesnt have to be quantity based or anything like that.

I think I have maybe covered that above, scroll less and read more. I think I may put timers on apps / my phone to try to prevent it happening as I cant be trusted it seems. This is so long as I am a complete yapper so I apologise In advance. I also thought I had lost this and I wouldn't be doing it again so phew!