My Year in Books 2021

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It has been a hot minute since the last time I shared a book roundup and even though reading is one of my favorite things ever, organizing those posts takes forever, hence the non sharing. But a yearly post? That I can do! Here's a glimpse at my 2021 reading life, a few favorite titles, what to pass on (in my opinion) and some surprise twists. 

I use Goodreads to track my reading habits over the years- such a handy app! I find myself referencing it often when I'm at the library or browsing in a store. Adding to read titles is easy and fun and all in one place, how convenient. This, by the way, is not a sponsored post, I just really dig 'em.

In 2021 I challenged myself to read 50 books. Fully knowing my time was limited since I was literally counting down days until birthing a baby, that is not a euphemism either, Laurel joined us in August, ha.

I came up short by six titles, but I will hands down call that a win! A few of my favorite authors had some new releases, Lisa Jewell, Jodi Picoult and Alice Hoffman. I read several new-to-me authors, Alyssa Cole, Chris Bohjalian, Joshilyn Jackson and Emma Donoghue. And many debut authors. It was  definitely a mixed bag but mostly mystery and romance. Hmm, wonder what that says about me? ;)

I gave out one, 1 star, six, 2 stars, fifteen, 3 stars, sixteen, 4 stars and seven, 5 stars in a 5-star rating system. Perhaps my rating scale is a little loosey-goosey because my favorite books from the year didn't always garner a full 5-star rating, but that's why this kind of post intrigues me!

Leave it. 

My single star went to Alice Feeney's His and Hers. What a bunch of very interesting ideas in a horribly mashed up book. Completely implausible with unlikeable characters, so what is the point?

A 3-star rating but a time-waster of a book is Lauren Groff's Fates and Furies. I still get upset thinking about this one.

Love it.

My favorite's were The Rosie Result by Graeme Simsion, 28 Summers by Elin Hildebrand, The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner, The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman, and Mrs Everything by Jennifer Weiner (another one of my favorite authors and a 4-star rating.) and The Almost Sisters by Joshilyn Jackson (another 4-star) My single non fiction title is Allie Casazza's Declutter like a Mother (read it, follow the instructions, change your life! I've been a fan of Allie's since discovering her right after having Clark. I would literally jump off a bridge if she told me to.)

I'm challenging myself to read 30 books in 2022 and so far I have one title under my belt. Are you challenging yourself this year? 

Did you catch my twists? Maybe it was too subtle lol but just because a book isn't rated 5-stars, does not mean it wasn't a favorite read. A favorite can be a story I can't get out of my head, or think about long after I've finished reading it. Basically, an all-around good book! So why the missing stars? Probably had a minor "flaw" (remember, opinions are completely subjective here, these are just mine) like an ending or sub plot I didn't care for, something along those lines.

Also, if you have any book recs, as always, I am all ears (or eyes, I guess is more accurate ;) I will basically read anything! Thanks in advance.