By looking around at the book blogging world, it seems to be a tradition of sorts to evaluate your reading at the quarter or half way point in the year. I love traditions, so here’s my half way evaluation for 2009.
Looking Back: I read and reviewed 52 books during the past six months. With only a couple of exceptions, I have enjoyed them all. I like to read a variety of books so I tend to jump from novels to non-fiction and back again. I concentrated on completing two short-term book challenges: Books About Food and my Childhood Favourites. For that reason it seemed as if I’d read a lot of children’s books and food books this past half year.
I decided to try to pick my favorites and limit myself to just ten. That wasn’t easy as I read lots of great books. Sometimes I find myself attached to special books as if they were special children of mine. Someone tell me I’m not the only one. Here’s my list.
Joyfully Retired’s Top Ten (Click on the title for my review)
- The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe
- Home Another Way by Christa Parrish
- The Way Home by George Pelacanos
- Comfort Me With Apples by Ruth Reichl
- Montana Creeds (the whole series) by Linda Lael Miller
- The Secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie
- I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
- Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
- Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski and The Railway Children by Edith Nesbutt (It was a tie!)
- Jantzen’s Gift by Pam Cope
Looking Ahead: What will the next six months bring? I’m hoping for more wonderful stories. I’ve reached the stage in my book blogging life where I’m being offered all sorts of wonderful new books to read. It’s so hard to say no to what I know are fabulous stories. I have to constantly remind myself of how many hours there are in a day. I do like to keep a balance between older books and the brand-new Advanced Reader Copies. So the months ahead will, hopefully, be filled with both old friends and the new.
In summary, look for more of the same: food and children’s books, romances, thrillers, memoirs, classic novels, and Agatha Christie’s. And I’ll also add some Jane Austen books, more mysteries and the newer fiction. And finally, thank you for reading what I write and a special thanks to all those who leave comments. Let’s continue celebrating the joy of good reading.
I had too many blog tours for June, and I got behind on my pleasure reading. I joined the Austen challenge too — so much fun.
I’m really excited that you have put The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe is 1st place. I plan to read it next. I really hope it lives up to my expectations now!
I think I need to get to The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane soon! I think I’ll have a little window of time to get to it before too long.
Interesting that the Agatha Christie is in your top 10. I think her novels have worn pretty well really
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver I love her books I am definitly going to have to try this one out…probably try to find it on tape for the next car trio lol.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou one of my most favorite serious reads.
I am needing to check out that Linda Lael Miller series too.
There are a few in your top ten that I have read AND a few that I have put on my TBP (to be purchased list). You have been busy during the first half of the year, keep up the pace for the rest of the year!
Enjoy the long weekend!
Most of your top 10 are on my wish list.
I’m looking forward to K. Howe’s book. I’d also like to read the Kingsolver memoir too.
Great summary! I think it is fun to do these and see everyone’s progress and what their favorites have been. And as far as a mystery challenge, you should check on this blog — it lists all kinds of reading challenges so I’m sure you can find one there. Here’s to more reading and enjoying friends old and new!
Link for Challenges: http://novelchallenges.blogspot.com/