Thursday, July 16, 2020

Midyear Musings and A List of Favorites


Halfway through 2020. Is it just me or does this feel like the year that will never end?

I haven't had the best reading year either but, thankfully, the second half is off to a strong start. I began 2020 with a long classic, followed with a string of unremarkable reads, and then it hit.  Two of our daughters fled Manhattan in early March to join us here in Florida... they stayed for three months. Around that time I fell into a reading slump that lasted just over two months. June turned out to be the first good reading month of the year.

General observations:
- Compared to last year, I've read 25% fewer books
- Only two were classics... I'm slipping
- 30% of my reading has been nonfiction
- Male/female authors: 22% / 78%
- Just one book in translation
- I love read/listen combinations... nearly half of my books are experienced this way.
- I've spent much more time in my comfort zone, reading reliable authors (Anthony Trollope, Emma Straub, Anne Tyler, Barbara Kingsolver, Elin Hilderbrand ) and books that aren't too heavy.

What's likely to change in the next six months?
Probably not much. I'm reading more for comfort these days (what a world!) and will likely continue to do so.

Goals:
I'm being kind to myself this year...  read whatever I want, whenever I want.



2020 Midyear Favorites

FICTION


The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo
My favorite book so far this year!




All Adults Here by Emma Straub
I'll read anything Straub writes.




You Think It, I'll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld
A short story collection, recommended in print and audio




The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope
Trollope never disappoints...




28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand
A fun summer read!



AUDIOBOOK


by Kevin Wilson, narrated by Marin Ireland




NONFICTION


Notes from a Public Typewriter by Michael Gustafson







What is your favorite book so far this year? Have you read any of these?


NOTE:  We're two weeks into July and this list is already outdated! I've had two more 5-star reads that will surely be on my year-end list of favorites.

41 comments:

  1. The only book in your list that I've read is The Typewriter, which I still haven't reviewed. I wanted to read The Boy, The Horse, The Fox and The Mole but didn't like the font of the writing, it hurt my head.

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    1. Vicki - I completely understand that! It took me a few minutes to get used to the font. In fact, I considered not reading it when I first picked it up, too.

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  2. My plan has been pretty much the same as yours. I'm being kind to myself and not stepping to far outside my comfort zone. I've read some good books but I'm not sure I've had any 5 stars. Hope your July reading is even better then June!

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    1. Katherine - With all you are dealing with now, there's even more reason to stay in your comfort zone! Hope it's been a good week and you get a 5-star read soon.

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  3. I'm having a harder time focusing the last 2 weeks; this happened in March as well. I am choosing lighter reads to get me out of my funk. I liked Nothing to See Here and All Adults Here!

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    1. Diane - I've been purposely staying away from big 'issue' books lately, but a good family drama pulls me in every time!

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  4. JoAnn,
    As always I sit up and take notice about ALL the books you read. On this occasion, I'm glad you liked Hilderbrand's 28 Summers, because I purchased it and felt so-so about it in the first 15 pages. Actually, I've been suffering from the "too many books" syndrome, which makes me question each book I devote time to.
    So glad you're reading, and yes, I think of you especially in Florida and it's not easy at all. Best wishes to you.

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    1. Judith - I hope Hilderbrand's book picks up for you. The setting and characters kept me turning the pages - an easy, relaxing weekend read for me. We're leaving FL early next week and will spend time with family in NY before heading on to CT. Hope you're having a good summer!

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    2. JoAnn,
      I hope you catch this note. We have been experiencing ultra-heat and ultra-humidity this summer. Pack your sheerest clothing. We are also forecast to remain ultra-hot all summer (National Weather Service). Pack a little face fan! Your bikini! An ice helmet! Have fun!!

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    3. Judith - I'm hearing the same thing from my parents and siblings in central NY. My sister has a pool and AC, and we will be staying with her until we get our COVID test results... she had it, as did her husband and son. Once we get negative test results, we will stay with my parents for a bit before heading to CT. They have a heat advisory in effect for this weekend and say that the rest of the month (summer?) looks just as hot. Climate change is here.

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    4. JoAnn,
      Wish you a wonderful respite. I've read the same thing about the rest of the summer being very hot. I've also heard that the heat in the Northeast is forecast to extend into September. We'll see, I guess. At least in September the sun rises much later and sets much earlier than in summer. I hope you have fun!

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  5. A former co-worker of mine loaned me The Boy, The Horse, The Fox and The Mole - what a charming story! Glad you're starting to break out of your reading slump.

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    1. Angela - My daughter read The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse when she was here then purchased a copy to give to a friend. Such a lovely book!

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  6. I haven't read any of the books you listed, but I do own a couple of them and will get them read one day. I propose that we all give ourselves grace this year, don't worry about how many or what or if we review or don't, etc. It has indeed been a hard year with lots of stress and worry and I think it will continue to be different. How about we all call 2020 'The Year I Read What I Wanted (and didn't feel guilt of any kind)'. Because why not? Ha!

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    1. Kay - LOL, that's a great idea! You go ahead and read the books from my list that you own whenever (and if ever) the mood strikes. It's officially "The Year I Read What I Wanted" :)

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  7. My reading picks are chosen based on mood these days. I am working off of my summer list but once I am done with a book I will pick one off that list that appeals to me at that moment or go through my Kindle books for something that grabs me. I need a good story and if it's a page turner, ever better. Today I woke up really depressed about everything going on so books are saving me right now.

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    1. Ti - Choosing based on mood is all that seems to work these days. Good books are keeping a lot of us going now... it's nice to have so many to choose from!

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  8. I am having a wonderful year of reading so far. Number of books read is down but number of favorites is way up! I think that would say I am being kind to myself too.

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    1. Judy - I've noted how many books you're reading lately... such varied and interesting selections, too! Glad you've found so many favorites.

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  9. I want to read NOTHING TO SEE HERE too. It sounds like such a quirky book.

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    1. Anne - I avoided Nothing to See Here for a long time because the premise sounded too wacky. So glad to finally listen. Not sure if you do audio, but the production is excellent. Either way, it's not to be missed!

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  10. I like your goals. When life is stressful, there's nothing like reading books by favorite authors and not putting any demands on the numbers. I loved Nothing To See Here. It's probably my favorite audiobook so far this year. I'm really looking forward to The Most Fun We Ever Had, too. Looking at my ratings for the first half of 2020, I have six that got 5/5 stars:

    The Only Plane in the Sky (Garrett Graff)
    The Bean Trees (Barbara Kingsolver)
    Option B (Sheryl Sandberg)
    A Great Reckoning (Louise Penny)
    Glass Houses (Louise Penny)
    State of Wonder (Ann Patchett)

    I'm reading mostly fiction, print and women authors, but that's normal for me. What isn't typical is the amount of new authors I've read (50%). Or maybe that is normal. I should go back and check my year-end posts.

    Safe travels next week!

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    1. Les - You've read some great boos this year! I loved both The Bean Trees and State of Wonder. Will wait until things are better to read The Only Plane in the Sky, but am quite sure I'll love it. I know I need to try Louise Penney... is there anyone else on the planet who hasn't read her?! I've read about 50% new authors, too. I think that's about average for me. Finished The Daughters of Erietown by Connie Schultz this week and absolutely loved it! Did a read/listen combo with audio narrated by Cassandra Campbell... that might appeal to you, too.

      We'll hit the road early Tuesday and drive two 12 hour days, with a day off in the middle. I'm apprehensive, but we're taking every precaution.

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    2. Just ordered The Daughters of Erietown on audio from Libro.fm. Can't wait to give it a listen! Hope your drive is going smoothly.

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    3. Les - Hope you enjoy Erietown as much as I did. Definitely the right book at the right time for me, and I always appreciate Cassandra Campbell's narration.

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  11. This is a good list and it makes me definitely want to read the Lombardo book. I think you're on a recent roll. The Marin Ireland narration of that Kevin Wilson audio was terrific and was a favorite of mine last year. We should all be reading for comfort these days. Good luck on your road trip .... I'll be traveling on Monday first time in forever. cross fingers.

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    1. Susan - I think the Lombardo is my favorite book of the year so far.Perfect as a read/listen combo! I'm not sure what could replace Kevin Wilson's book for the top audio spot... it would have to be something pretty special.Good luck with your travels this week, too. The whole experience should be interesting, to say the least. I'm a little nervous bout our trip, too. Stay safe and enjoy!

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  12. Good luck with your move and your drive up north! Stay safe too. It's funny how New York has turned out to be among the safer places to be in right now. Numbers may be high all over but at the end of the day, only a few states are exceeding expectations when it comes to how to keep people safe.

    My reading started off well this year, then came down with the virus, and then picked up back again two months ago. I am so glad that I returned back to blogging. I don't think I could have coped well without at least a connection like this online and through books.

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    1. Thanks, Athira! I'm glad you returned to blogging, too... it's been a great way to connect, especially during the pandemic. Good luck as you make your decisions about school. My sister teaches second grade and is trying to prepare for what is bound to be a difficult year... so much remains unknown/unplanned. My heart aches for both families will school-aged kids and teachers & staff. Take care.

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  13. Wonderful list! I just might look up some of these. You know EH's 28 Summers is in development for a movie (or TV series). I just got from the library her Summer of '69. Have you read it? I've never read any EH. When you have time, check out my list. Much appreciate your feedback, esp. for those books that you've read; give me some advice. :) -- Arti of Ripple Effects

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    1. Arti - I hadn't heard 28 Summers was being adapted for a movie/series, but will certainly watch it when available. I've only read a few of Hilderbrand's many titles, but Summer of '69 is not one of them. Hope all is well with you.Will be by to check out your list!

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  14. I'm reading comfort reads too. We've gotta grab comfort where and when we can this year.

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  15. I can relate on the slumpish year, with my first truly good reading month of the year being in May. As with many things in life, you just have to go with the flow of it though, which sounds like the approach you're taking with being kind to yourself and reading as and when you want.

    The Boy, The Mole, the Fox and the Horse featured on my first half favourites also.

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    1. Jade - For now that approach seems to be working. I'm falling behind on the more 'literary' books on my list, but am enjoying reading again. That's definitely a win!

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  16. Your total reading numbers may be down but finding so many winners is awesome. I just got on the waitlist for The Most Fun We Ever Had, and I'm noting your other titles for future reading pleasure.

    I agree--I am not stretching myself this year--comfort reads is what will get me through this mess of a year.

    Take care and keep picking 5-star books (and letting me know what they are :)).

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    1. JaneGS - Comfort reads are doing the trick. I can catch up on more serious fiction and big issue nonfiction when this is over, or when/if the mood strikes. We'll see which comes first!

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  17. Going to comfort reads as well. Will pick up a suspense/thriller now and then. Always look forward to reading Elin's books in the summer!! Started 28 Summers on audio. Hope your trip up north went well.

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    1. Nise' - Have a feeling lots of us are reading more for comfort these days! We made it to NY safely and, thankfully, have all tested negative.

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  18. My reading has seriously slipped this year too but I think given what we area all going through, we all get a pass! :) Here's to many more comforting good reads this year!

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    1. Iliana - So true! I think comfort reads will get us all through this crazy time.

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