Katykatykaty
VIP Member
Well that just makes it even worse, we couldn’t even keep the team together for a day! Where is the loyalty?It's taken me to day 4 to admit it, I raced ahead on day 1
- Notice
Caffeine Fiend
VIP Member
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!
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!
ToolaRoola
VIP Member
I've finished the year on 81 books read. 4 less than last year but 31 more than my target.
I counted up the books I own on Kindle and stuff I've added to TBR on Kindle Unlimited, Libby, and Borrowbox and the total is 719 there are some duplicates on there so maybe more realistically there are 700.
My plan this year is to read as many as possible that I own and to remove them if I'm unlikely to read them, I've been adding to the lists for 4 years!
I've started a new book tonight but not adding it to Storygraph until tomorrow so it has the new year date and is also an A book for the new A-Z challenge.
Happy new (book buying and reading) year, folks
---
@carlaharla I LOVED Issac and the Egg.
I very nearly DNF'd it but so glad I didn't.
I'm on training next week and it's about feelings and they ask when was the last time you cried. Might just have to tell them it was over an egg and not elaborate any further
I counted up the books I own on Kindle and stuff I've added to TBR on Kindle Unlimited, Libby, and Borrowbox and the total is 719
there are some duplicates on there so maybe more realistically there are 700. My plan this year is to read as many as possible that I own and to remove them if I'm unlikely to read them, I've been adding to the lists for 4 years!
I've started a new book tonight but not adding it to Storygraph until tomorrow so it has the new year date and is also an A book for the new A-Z challenge.
Happy new (book buying and reading) year, folks
---
@carlaharla I LOVED Issac and the Egg.
I very nearly DNF'd it but so glad I didn't.
I'm on training next week and it's about feelings and they ask when was the last time you cried. Might just have to tell them it was over an egg and not elaborate any further
Reality_tv_lover
VIP Member
13 books this year and my favourite was Lindsey kelks love story
ordinaryjelly
VIP Member
@wishiniwasskinny I am in hospital and can more or less read a 350 page book in a day and a half if it has caught my interest. 100 pages in the morning, 100 pages over the afternoon, some before bed and the rest the following morning.
I think we all predicted that snowmobile person would turn up. Adam was quick to think of the lighter and getting Abby to shoot. But have we seen the last of him? It would be too convenient if we have.
How long can Chloe hold on?
Will help come? Why did we meet the cleaner Miss Miller (?) in one of the first chapters for her to never be seen again?
How is this getting wrapped up in two more chapters? I think the next two will be just as action packed as this one.
How long can Chloe hold on?
Will help come? Why did we meet the cleaner Miss Miller (?) in one of the first chapters for her to never be seen again?
How is this getting wrapped up in two more chapters? I think the next two will be just as action packed as this one.
LaBlonde
VIP Member
yes please CFI've had a really crap reading year. It does feel like Ive read all the good books or that Ive read such good books now my expectations are much higher.
Would anyone be interested in a 2024 reading round up? If so I will get the questions up over the weekend
prepare for all my answers to just be in memoriam over and over though 
ScoutFinch
Chatty Member
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
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
Caffeine Fiend
VIP Member
2024 READING ROUND UP
What is your favourite fiction read of this year?
What is your favourite non fiction read of this year?
What is your favourite audio book of this year?
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?
If you rate books what was your average rating and/or sum up your year of reading.
Have you pre-ordered any books for 2025 yet / which books are you most looking forward to being released?
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.
What is your favourite fiction read of this year?
What is your favourite non fiction read of this year?
What is your favourite audio book of this year?
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?
If you rate books what was your average rating and/or sum up your year of reading.
Have you pre-ordered any books for 2025 yet / which books are you most looking forward to being released?
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.
ordinaryjelly
VIP Member
So fab books on these wrap ups. I am still without buying a book. Come January I will be two years without buying a book, and I know that suggests my pile of tbr was out of control. It was my birthday this week and I did receive a lot of books so the tbr has grown a bit again.
Per Jacobsen - 25 days.
I have just read chapter one. I think it's going to be an easy read. Won't say any more as I know a few others were planning to do the 25 days.
Has anyone else read the first chapter yet?
Per Jacobsen - 25 days.
I have just read chapter one. I think it's going to be an easy read. Won't say any more as I know a few others were planning to do the 25 days.
Has anyone else read the first chapter yet?
Mamacita
VIP Member
And not everyone has the same views so what's problematic for someone doesn't necessarily need to be problematic for others (aside from properly awful things that should universally be considered problematic
)
carlaharla
New member
2024 READING ROUND UP
What is your favourite fiction read of this year?
I don't have a standout favourite but I really loved Isaac and the Egg by Bobby Palmer and How To Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix. I got very attached to both the egg and Pupkin.....if you know, you know.
I also really liked Penance by Eliza Clarke, it felt so real!
What is your favourite non fiction read of this year?
I had quite a few 5* non-fiction reads this year
Unmasked by Ellie Middleton - I was diagnosed with autism this year and this book just resonated so much and really helped me
Do No Harm by Henry Marsh - Written by a brain surgeon in the UK and I just found this fascinating and also a bit terrifying
Wintering by Katherine May - This was just me in a book, it felt so comforting and it's one I'll definitely re-read each winter
What is your favourite audio book of this year?
Well apparently I gave Icebreaker a 5* which was on audio - I think I was feeling generous there.
I also loved Dust Child by Nguyen Phan Que Mai but I don't think that was particularly due to the audiobook, it was just an amazing story.
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?
I can't really think of any however there was Bel Canto by Ann Patchett which had been sat on my shelf for years and then my friend gave it 1* so I was dreading reading it. Anyway, ended up reading it and it was a 5*
Then there were a few like Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Lessons in Chemistry which I feel were overhyped and in my opinion were just a bit meh.
If you rate books what was your average rating and/or sum up your year of reading.
My average rating was 3.4 which I think is really low but I think I became a harsher reviewer this year. I felt like I gave as lot of 2's and 4's so I suppose it's rounded out.
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.
To read more than I buy - this year I read 148 books but bought 261 new physical books. Which brings me to 592 books I physically own which I haven't read which I know is just insane. But I can't help buying them! Also, a lot are charity shops buys, swaps from free little libraries etc so I haven't spent a fortune but then that seems to help justify it. I can't do a book buying ban but I might try and do a balancing the books like Drinking By My Shelf used to do on Booktube to try and keep a grip on it.
What is your favourite fiction read of this year?
I don't have a standout favourite but I really loved Isaac and the Egg by Bobby Palmer and How To Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix. I got very attached to both the egg and Pupkin.....if you know, you know.
I also really liked Penance by Eliza Clarke, it felt so real!
What is your favourite non fiction read of this year?
I had quite a few 5* non-fiction reads this year
Unmasked by Ellie Middleton - I was diagnosed with autism this year and this book just resonated so much and really helped me
Do No Harm by Henry Marsh - Written by a brain surgeon in the UK and I just found this fascinating and also a bit terrifying
Wintering by Katherine May - This was just me in a book, it felt so comforting and it's one I'll definitely re-read each winter
What is your favourite audio book of this year?
Well apparently I gave Icebreaker a 5* which was on audio - I think I was feeling generous there.
I also loved Dust Child by Nguyen Phan Que Mai but I don't think that was particularly due to the audiobook, it was just an amazing story.
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?
I can't really think of any however there was Bel Canto by Ann Patchett which had been sat on my shelf for years and then my friend gave it 1* so I was dreading reading it. Anyway, ended up reading it and it was a 5*
Then there were a few like Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Lessons in Chemistry which I feel were overhyped and in my opinion were just a bit meh.
If you rate books what was your average rating and/or sum up your year of reading.
My average rating was 3.4 which I think is really low but I think I became a harsher reviewer this year. I felt like I gave as lot of 2's and 4's so I suppose it's rounded out.
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.
To read more than I buy - this year I read 148 books but bought 261 new physical books. Which brings me to 592 books I physically own which I haven't read which I know is just insane. But I can't help buying them! Also, a lot are charity shops buys, swaps from free little libraries etc so I haven't spent a fortune but then that seems to help justify it. I can't do a book buying ban but I might try and do a balancing the books like Drinking By My Shelf used to do on Booktube to try and keep a grip on it.
Carapop
VIP Member
So I have finished In Memoriam and whilst it was really quite lovely I just didn’t fall madly in love. A solid 4*
I must be the only tattler to have enjoyed The Ministry of Time I feel a bit hoodwinked learning that the author is industry though. it apparently won a Goodreads award AND the Netgalley book of the year.
I must be the only tattler to have enjoyed The Ministry of Time
I feel a bit hoodwinked learning that the author is industry though. it apparently won a Goodreads award AND the Netgalley book of the year.Lipsofchicken
Well-known member
I had a lovely lazy day yesterday and stayed in bed for most of it. I read The Women by Kristin Hannah which was a great book, but I think her book The Nightingale was slightly better.
Having started on such a good book, I’m wondering what I should read now! I have a copy of Tomorrow Tomorrow Tomorrow kicking around so I’ll probably get on with that.
Hope your 2025 is full of lovely books xx
Having started on such a good book, I’m wondering what I should read now! I have a copy of Tomorrow Tomorrow Tomorrow kicking around so I’ll probably get on with that.
Hope your 2025 is full of lovely books xx
StephenTJackson
VIP Member
I went into the Oxfam bookshop in York ages ago, saw the prices and walked straight back out.
I don't mind paying for charity items, but they were taking the piss on prices. I get the shop would be expensive to rent etc. But when I can buy the book on WOB/MusicMagpie for less and it's barely cheaper than buying it new, they can gtfo.
Hannahebee
VIP Member
I've read 69 books this year and I have no idea how many I'm going to read next year but ones things for sure I'm going to take each day as it comes.
wishiniwasskinny
VIP Member
The Goodreads Community 2024 Year of Books
anniemouse
VIP Member
Here’s mine, I don’t think The Housemaids Secret worthy of 5 stars now. I must have enjoyed it at the time but the rate Freida churns out books is not sitting right with me.
Caffeine Fiend
VIP Member
Top 10% could be a huge range though. It could easily be anything over say 50 books.
Bit like being in the top 10% of earners in the UK is earning 60k but that top 10% is everyone earning over 60k. The range will be massive.
Bit like being in the top 10% of earners in the UK is earning 60k but that top 10% is everyone earning over 60k. The range will be massive.