This was so fun to read! I wish I could make my own list, but I just got back into reading in 2023 so all the previous years I don’t even know if I read 5 books each year 🙈
I love your lists, and wish I had some way of making one of my own. I have a very distinct memory of my dad suggesting, when I was 7 or 8, that I make an index card for each book I read, with a short summary and a rating of some sort. The habit didn't stick back then, and various digital versions I've tried haven't either. Yet, I'm so glad that Libby gives me a record of my audiobook listens. Sometimes I forget about a book, and then remember it when I'm looking at my history for some reason. You have me reconsidering reading record-keeping. Also reconsidering: What make us like a book. So many of the books on your list are huge favorites of mine, and maybe an equal number are books I've tried that didn't work for me but I still feel as if they should. A small few are books I tried and know are not for me. I know it's likely a matter of right book, right reader, right time. Still, doesn't it seem like we should like all the same books, when so many favorites are the same? Now I'm thinking about which of the ones I couldn't get into at the time I tried them are worth another go. So much great food for thought here! And so many great books! Definitely adding titles to my (already long) TBR list on Libby!
I love the index card idea. It is interesting to think about how personal reading can be. I like thinking about why a book worked for me but might not for someone else, and vice versa. Timing plays a big role in why I may or might not like a book. I remind myself of that when I DNF a book that’s well-written enough for me to want to try again later on.
What a great & concise list, I’m inspired by this idea - I wanted to make one when I hit 1,000 and more than a hundred more books later I still haven’t gotten around to it!
Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow would probably be one of mine as well ☺️
What a fun idea! I am new to your writing (and to Substack, for that matter!) so I feel like I've gotten to know you a little bit with this list. I've enjoyed many of these as well (it seems we had a very similar reading year in 2020!) and I've added a few more to my TBR, too. Thank you for sharing!
Andrea, I enjoyed reading through your favorites. We have quite a few books in common, but you also introduced me to some unfamiliar ones. I used Goodreads, including their star system, for years but recently left the platform. Like you, I found that my rankings didn't hold up with time in many cases, and I wanted a more analog approach to my reading. It is excellent to go back and reflect on what we have read and what has stuck with us. All the best.
I like this list idea. I have often thought that I should go back and write reviews for books I've read a year after I've read them. Some perspective might be a nice change from the usual Goodreads review
This was so fun to read! I wish I could make my own list, but I just got back into reading in 2023 so all the previous years I don’t even know if I read 5 books each year 🙈
That’s okay! Someday you’ll be able to look back at what you’re reading now. That’s something to look forward to. 🙂
I love your lists, and wish I had some way of making one of my own. I have a very distinct memory of my dad suggesting, when I was 7 or 8, that I make an index card for each book I read, with a short summary and a rating of some sort. The habit didn't stick back then, and various digital versions I've tried haven't either. Yet, I'm so glad that Libby gives me a record of my audiobook listens. Sometimes I forget about a book, and then remember it when I'm looking at my history for some reason. You have me reconsidering reading record-keeping. Also reconsidering: What make us like a book. So many of the books on your list are huge favorites of mine, and maybe an equal number are books I've tried that didn't work for me but I still feel as if they should. A small few are books I tried and know are not for me. I know it's likely a matter of right book, right reader, right time. Still, doesn't it seem like we should like all the same books, when so many favorites are the same? Now I'm thinking about which of the ones I couldn't get into at the time I tried them are worth another go. So much great food for thought here! And so many great books! Definitely adding titles to my (already long) TBR list on Libby!
I love the index card idea. It is interesting to think about how personal reading can be. I like thinking about why a book worked for me but might not for someone else, and vice versa. Timing plays a big role in why I may or might not like a book. I remind myself of that when I DNF a book that’s well-written enough for me to want to try again later on.
Oh this is such a brilliant idea! You have included some of my personal favorites - you have great taste! 😆🫶🏼
I love it when beloved books overlap!
This is so impressive. Do you have a favorite year?
Good question! 2023 is my favorite.
I have The Sentence on my shelf. I can’t wait.
Great list! We have some overlaps! I've saved your list for later reference.
I’m glad it was interesting and helpful. 🙂
What a great & concise list, I’m inspired by this idea - I wanted to make one when I hit 1,000 and more than a hundred more books later I still haven’t gotten around to it!
Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow would probably be one of mine as well ☺️
What a fun idea! I am new to your writing (and to Substack, for that matter!) so I feel like I've gotten to know you a little bit with this list. I've enjoyed many of these as well (it seems we had a very similar reading year in 2020!) and I've added a few more to my TBR, too. Thank you for sharing!
Andrea, I enjoyed reading through your favorites. We have quite a few books in common, but you also introduced me to some unfamiliar ones. I used Goodreads, including their star system, for years but recently left the platform. Like you, I found that my rankings didn't hold up with time in many cases, and I wanted a more analog approach to my reading. It is excellent to go back and reflect on what we have read and what has stuck with us. All the best.
I like this list idea. I have often thought that I should go back and write reviews for books I've read a year after I've read them. Some perspective might be a nice change from the usual Goodreads review
So many of your favorites are on my list, too. Now I’m going to work on a similar post!
Nice! It’s so fun to reflect on books you’ve loved.