Well, I think I set a new record this year with at least 34 books (it may hit 35 by the end of the year). I partly owe this success to John Flanagan, my most frequently read author this year, and the fact that Brandon Sanderson didn’t release any epics this year. I also owe a little thanks to my boys, who still like having their dad read to them, which put a few more books on my list that I wouldn’t have gotten to otherwise.
I don’t know that my reading list was any more varied than usual, though it did go in a few odd directions; from Amy Poehler’s “Yes, Please!” to “The Intimate Bond: How Animals Shaped Human History” by Brian Fagan, and from Jodi Lynne Nye’s “Magic Touch” to the anthology “Altered Perceptions”, I’ve tried to read a little outside my usual comfort zone this year. Though I admit for the most part if followed a rather predictable pattern. I’ll work on that next year. Or I won’t. I’m not sure I should feel guilty for reading what I like.
Next year will probably see a decline in how many books I get through, as I’ve dropped my Audible account for the time being. I had a few different reasons, and perhaps I’ll write about it someday. But that will likely be twelve fewer books I’ll be listening to next year. Or maybe I’ll just start listing all the “Mr. Putter and Tabby” books I read during the year. They really are works for art for their genre.
Where am I headed next year? Hard to say. I need to read another Sanderson’s “Reckoners” series before the finale comes out early next year. I want to go back and read Brandon Mull’s “Beyonders” trilogy again. I’ve got a special edition of Michael J. Sullivan’s “The Death of Dulgath” coming any time now. And I’d like to see where Dan Wells is going with his new John Cleaver books. I’m sure I’ll pick up a bunch of new books to add to my list when I go to LTUE next February. And There are at least four more “Ranger’s Apprentice” books to read. If I find myself without anything to read I’m certain my kids will have plenty of recommendations.
All of this is addition to my regular scripture study, which I don’t count, but perhaps I should. We’ll see about that next year. And who knows, I may go back to audio books from time to time, if only to revisit some of my past favorites.
So what was my favorite book this year? It would probably come down to either “Heir of Novron” by Michael J. Sullivan, or “The Return of the King” by J.R.R. Tolkien.
What were your favorite reads this year?