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*2021 - 50 BOOKS FOR THE YEAR*

(860 Posts)
TerriBull Fri 01-Jan-21 08:09:40

Welcome contributors to a new reading year! Some of us may achieve the 50 book bench mark, even surpass it, some may not, I didn't last year, that really isn't important. This is a thread for those who would like to keep a running tally of their reads over the year. Please come and share your thoughts, recommendations and even dislikes of the books you are reading.

As in previous years, all types of reading and listening matter can be included, fiction, non fiction, audio, biographies, memoirs even children's books if a trip down memory lane is your preference.

Here's wishing all those who wish to partake enjoyable reading for the coming year.

mrshat Mon 04-Jan-21 17:32:20

Hello again!
I joined last year but did not continue to enter my reading list here - apologies.
I didn't manage the 50 but got to 46.
I've started this year with
'Shuggie Bain' by Douglas Stuart - This was a birthday present!

NannaJanie Mon 04-Jan-21 15:57:18

Love to join in here. I read non-stop and love all sorts of genres. Had Obamas book for Christmas and have a well-stocked Kindle, my 3rd (sat heavily one and left the other in the baking sun!). I'm also a member of an online author/reader group and get lots of recommendations and pre-launch details.

After years of wanting to write myself, I finally achieved it towards the end of 2020 and my book French Dreams, Dogs and a Dodgy Motor is available on Amazon.co.uk in paperback and Kindle formats. It was an amazing feeling to know that people were buying the book and loving it. Reviews have been wonderful and I'm touched and thrilled all in one go. You certainly don't write to make money unless you're a celebrity with a publisher, but that's not why I wrote my book. The feeling of achievement and knowing I've contributed towards a bit of escapism for people in these dark times is just so rewarding. If you like light-hearted real life stories set in France, then this might be for you. Happy New Year everyone!!

Greyduster Mon 04-Jan-21 09:25:54

Finished ‘Warlord’ which I will pass on to my GS. Excellent book based on real events which may teach him a bit of the history of how England came to be England.
I’ve just started reading “Shuggie Bain”. It’s a bit bleak, but I’ll press on. After that I plan to read “Darkest Evening” which DH is about to finish. It’s the latest Vera book from Ann Cleeves.

Rosiebee Mon 04-Jan-21 08:54:41

Went with my resolution to make reading part of my day rather than just at bed time. Finished Jessie Burton's The Confession. Ending was a bit disappointing but I often find that with books, think I need to re-adjust my (hopes) expectations. Realise I want a tidy ending which is not how life is, really. Anyway I'm on to The Thursday Murder Club. Just read a thread on this book with not very positive reviews. Will plod on.

Callistemon Sun 03-Jan-21 23:38:50

I enjoyed two by Joanna Nell:
The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village
The Last Voyage of Mrs Henry Parker

Both enjoyable but poignant.

Callistemon Sun 03-Jan-21 23:33:02

The Lost Man - Jane Harper
I've just finished that one as well, Sara1954 and have also enjoyed The Dry and Force of Nature by the same author.

I like books about early and modern Australia.
Liane Moriarty books and the Trader series by Anna Jacobs were ones I read recently.

The Butterfly Room by Lucinda Riley was another I read, quite good but rather long.

I've just abandoned one by Santa Montefiore so am looking for some good ideas, so am pleased to be able to pick up recommendations from this thread, thank you Terribull.

Sara1954 Sun 03-Jan-21 22:43:30

So interesting to hear what you are all reading.
On New Year’s Day I read Sisters, by Daisy Johnson (quite short) I enjoyed it, but it won’t be on my favourites list.
Am now reading The Disappearance by Katherine Webb, normally love her books, but finding this one hard to get into.

grannyrebel7 Sun 03-Jan-21 22:13:25

I think I've probably read 50 since lockdown started in March! Would love to join this thread and properly challenge myself to read 50 and keep track of it. I've just started The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, but I'm not really into it yet. Not sure it's really my type of book, but will stick with it.

dwgw6062 Sun 03-Jan-21 21:59:07

Hi, I’d like to join properly this year after lurking last year!

I’ve always loved reading but now either find myself reading every day or not at all for weeks at a time. I’m currently reading Circe by Madeline Miller and Telling Tales, the second in the Vera series, by Ann Cleeves (a GN suggestion from last year).

Calendargirl Sun 03-Jan-21 10:34:50

I re-joined my library last year, read 36 books from them, it’s easy to look up your loan history.
In Lockdown I joined Libby after a GN suggestion, thank you, and read 37 with them, though I prefer a ‘proper’ book.

Am reading ‘Out Of Bounds’ by Val McDermid at the moment.

Thanks to GN recommendations, I am now a fan of hers, plus Ann Cleeves, Elly Griffiths, Robert Galbraith, Cara Hunter.... all crime writers.

Will keep posting on this thread hopefully.

lizzy67 Sun 03-Jan-21 10:30:59

Morning All!
I'm new here but I LOVE reading. I like horror, crime, misery memoires, and try and read a book a day. But I'm
slowing down a bit now, so we'll see how this year goes! I'm currently reading Pain by Alan Southward. But it's biggish and I've a lot to do today, so may well not finish it.
Look forward to seeing what everyone enjoys reading.
Oh, I occasionally read and enjoy non-fiction too.

Sarahmob Sun 03-Jan-21 10:26:31

I’ve read this thread but seldom posted, making it a New Years resolution to let others know what I’m reading.

I finished rereading Daphne Du Mauriers ‘Rebecca’ last night. I’d mentioned how much I love this book when I watched the remake early in November and my DH bought me a lovely hardback version for Christmas. That’s my 1. (I managed 82 last year)

Peasblossom Sun 03-Jan-21 10:20:18

I’d like to join.

This year I’ve been reading some of those books you’ve heard of but but never read. Why did nobody tell me that I Capture the Castle and The Wide Saragossa Sea were must reads!!

I’ve just finished Slipstream, Elizabeth Jane Howard’s autobiography, having first read a biography of her mother in law, Kathleen Scott. Now there were two women to be reckoned with! If anyone knows more books about either of them I’d be grateful.

nana5852 Sun 03-Jan-21 09:50:05

I have no idea how many books I read in a year and would like to join this thread, if only to find out. I enjoyed reading the contributions and it would be good to feel part of a community of readers.
I ‘normally’ volunteer in our local charity book shop and pick up one or six each week. Consequently I have had an enormous pile of unread novels to supplement the ones I buy from the local independent book seller I favour. I pass on the ones I’ve read and keep no records. I was given a kindle a few years ago but, like some others, prefer the experience of paper and print so the kindle lies neglected somewhere.
My tastes are wide... lots of genre fiction- particularly sci fi and detective / thriller and also quite a bit of literary fiction with a scattering of non fiction. In the latter category I very much enjoyed Sapiens recently ...it was comforting to read a more positive take on the human race in Humankind which I have been recommending to all and sundry!
This year I read Ann Patchett’s Bel Canto. finished last night so that’s my first of 2021. The first of her’s I an remember reading but interesting and absorbing. I may seek out more of her output. I’m fairly new to posting - keep me right if I fail to keep to convention!

granfromafar Sun 03-Jan-21 09:02:12

The 50th and final book of last year was The Salt Path by Raynor Winn. Others I enjoyed include the Seven Sisters series by Lucinda Riley and also discovered I liked Ann Cleeves' books (Vera Stanhope stories). First one this year is The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths - I enjoy a good detective thriller!

CanadianGran Sun 03-Jan-21 03:44:23

Welcome to newcomers!

I may not read 50 books a year, but I love to read, and have picked up some good recommendations here.

I just went to the library today and picked up The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri. I had it on my list I keep on my phone, and it was just received, so I will be the first to read it.

Just yesterday I finished The long Call by Ann Cleeves. It was the first book of hers that I have read. I enjoyed it and will pick up another of hers to read.

Some standout books recently read;
The Dutch House - Ann Patchett
The Book of Lost Names - kristin Harmel
Where the Crawdads Sing - Delia Owens
The Other Half of Augusta Hope - Joanna Glenn
The Shell Seekers - Rosamunde Pilcher (re-read this from ages ago and it was just as enjoyable this time)

Ro60 Sun 03-Jan-21 01:22:58

Blossoming - just seen your post. Must read that too.
In the summer I read Mudlarking by Lara Maiklem about objects she's found on the banks of London 's River Thames.

Ro60 Sun 03-Jan-21 01:15:42

Yay I'm in!
I thought I was the only person to have a list of books - I started it when I was 10, - 50 years ago.?
I read less in the last few years now I have the internet on my lap but used to get through about 30 a year.
Must get Obama's book now I've seen so many positive posts on here.
Just finished Mary Trump's Too Much is Never Enough - a great insight into Donald Trump.

Started Ghost by James Swallow - discovered there's 2 more in the series, focused around Marc Dane - ex-special forces.

Blossoming Sat 02-Jan-21 23:35:45

I’m currently reading‘Whispers Underground’ by Ben Aaronovitch, part of the Rivers of London series. Does anybody else like these?

moobox Sat 02-Jan-21 17:58:03

I enjoyed reading 'The nightingale' by Kristin Hannah

Barmeyoldbat Sat 02-Jan-21 17:41:43

I have started reading Guest House for Young Widows. Its basically about giving you an insight into the reasons for young women joining ISIS and the history of the area. Its heartbreaking and it has changed my mind on how these young women should be treated on returning to their own country.
On a lighter side I have line up V Hislops latest. Also decided I will have a look at the book club that Prince Charles wife (forgot her title) is starting on January 17th which will have mostly new authors .

Jaxjacky Sat 02-Jan-21 17:30:16

I’ll join too please, I read very, probably too, quickly. I’ve just finished Holding by Graham Norton and about to start The Hunting Party, Lucy Foley, both library books.

Sara1954 Sat 02-Jan-21 16:53:19

I have been away for the best part of a year, but have been drawn back by this thread which I always enjoyed.
Forty seven for me, this year’s favourites:
The Glass Woman-Caroline Lea
Olive Again-Elizabeth Strout
Grandmothers-Sally Vickers
Hamnet-Maggie O’Farrell
The Lost Man-Jane Harper
Expectation-Anna Hope
Happy new Year all

Clancy01 Sat 02-Jan-21 16:04:06

Hi.
Where do you find an on line book club, please?

TerriBull Sat 02-Jan-21 14:19:22

I don't mind at all Sue smile

No permission needed, just post with your book titles as and when you're staring or finishing a book, keep a running total. If you feel inclined, write a brief description of the book, whether you enjoyed it or would recommend. If you don't feel like doing that, merely produce your list from time to time. No hard and fast rules here.

Welcome to the thread Motherduck