Last year I did a reading challenge. I wanted to hit 40 books read for the year and was recording my progress on Goodreads.
I promptly forgot to log anything on Goodreads for the entire year, tried to remember what I read throughout the year and hoped that I remembered everything.
I didn’t. I got mixed up with books that I read in 2016 so I have no idea how many books I read last year.
In 2020, I’ve realised that doesn’t matter at all. WHO CARES if someone has read a book a week for the entire year…
Instead, I’d like to increase the amount of time spent reading rather than the number of books read.
Using the number of books and a measuring metric encourages skimming, and picking shorter books to stay on track.
Trying to maximise the amount of time spent reading accomplishes the whole point of these reading challenges. To read more – without making you feel bad for being “slow” or “reading short books” or “lying about the number of books read”.
I’ve said my piece… onto the good stuff.
Books I read in January
The Long Shadow of Small Ghosts – Laura Tillman
An insightful read that has evidently been treated with the appropriate sensitivity required of a case like this. She managed to bring in the impact the case had on a small community through valuable interviews and research.
Unfortunately, overall, it wasn’t all that interesting.
When I finished the book, I genuinely felt that her talents were wasted on this case. She has the ability to navigate sensitive areas well but my goodness, the case, while gruesome, just failed to interest me. Pity.
The Girl Who Stole An Elephant – Nizrana Farook
A very enjoyable and easy read (and I was disappointed it was over!) The characters were a pleasure to know as their friendship grew during their journey.
Apparently, stealing an elephant will force you to become well acquainted.
I picked this up because I loved the cover and I’ve been enjoying children’s books a lot. This didn’t disappoint – though the ending was slightly rushed.
Ayoade On Top – Richard Ayoade
This was a short, enjoyable read about, yes, a film no one has seen. Including me. However, this has convinced me to fill the aeroplanecentric-comedy-hole in my heart.
Ayoade’s personality shines through every page and it’s wonderful that it isn’t just another biography.
I still haven’t watched the film yet though, so my opinions may change after the viewing…
The Talented Mr Ripley – Patricia Highsmith
This book is a wonderful thriller and I haven’t read one of this sort in a while.
The main shortcoming is that it’s only in the second half of the book do we understand just how talented Mr Ripley is… And how much luck he has on his side.
But the ending was a masterclass in tension building. Brilliant!
Really enjoyed this read – mainly surprised I hadn’t read it sooner!
A Bear Called Paddington – Michael Bond
Everyone has heard of Paddington but I realised I had never read the books. Without a doubt, one of the most fun books I have ever read.
Paddington, a bear from the darkest Peru always gets himself into some kind of commotion but despite his best intentions. … But let’s not forget, he is a literal bear.
We can’t blame him for too much, can we?
Ladies and gentlemen, 2020 may have only just started but this may be my book of the year. I decided that, during lunch and my afternoon walk, I’d go to Waterstones, sit down and read a chapter.
The perfect cure to a bad day. I recently watched the film too – wonderful adaptation. I love Paddington, I love the Brown family, I love Mr Gruber, I love everything about Paddington Bear.
And that brings me to the end.
The number of books may be unsustainable for the year but I will do my best to maintain or increase the amount of time I spend reading.
It’s been incredible amounts of fun.
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