We’re down to the final two months of the year, and while I had intended to post monthly wrap-ups on the blog, after March and April disappeared in a bit of a blur, it felt overwhelming to start trying to catch up on what I’d read.
It’s been a truly amazing year for reading for me, with a total of already 120 books read with still two full months left to go. I’ve read some shorter books, like poetry and graphic novels, and have also counted the chapter book read-a-louds with my son, but I’ve also really prioritized reading this year (FINALLY learning to be better at putting my phone down!)
I’m already thinking ahead to 2022 and how I think I’d like to incorporate more blogging and writing into my reading life. I just purchased a Stalogy notebook, based on the recommendation of an Instagram friend, and I am excited about journaling about my reading. While I don’t think monthly wrap-ups are really my jam, I like the idea of coming back to this page on a quarterly basis, maybe setting some intentions for the coming season and wrapping up the best of my reading over the past quarter. We shall see.
I did want to take a few moments and highlight the best of the best this year so far…
Anxious People by Frederick Backman. When I read this in February, I knew without a doubt that I’d already read my favourite book of the year … almost ten months later that feeling still holds true. This book is truly special and one that I will treasure forever.
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas. I didn’t think that I would love this one as Nesta wasn’t my favourite the first or second time through the series. Seeing the world through her eyes changed my mind and I found myself head over heels in love with her story.
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang. I loved The Kiss Quotient and The Bride Test but there was something extra incredible about Anna and Quan’s story that had me holding the book to my heart and sighing happily.
One Two Three by Laurie Frankel (and an honourable mention to Atlas of Love). Laurie’s other novel (This is How it Always Is) was my favourite book of 2017 (or 2018, I can’t remember which year I read it) but reading both of these books this year cemented my love of her storytelling. I still need to track down a copy of her other book, but I already know that she’s an auto-buy author for me.
Take Me Home Tonight by Morgan Matson. Over the past few years, my reading tastes have been shifting slowly away from YA and more towards adult fiction, but a new Morgan Matson in my life was just what I needed. I DEVOURED this book as soon as it arrived on my doorstep and it was absolute perfection.
Heartstopper Vols 1, 2 and 3 by Alice Oseman. I am not a graphic novel person – I’ve read a few that I enjoyed, but on the whole I’m usually underwhelmed. I’m still not sure what compelled me to borrow the first volume over the summer, but I have never inhaled a series as quickly as I did with these three. The fourth volume can’t arrive fast enough.
The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams. Speaking of series I inhaled, I could NOT put these books down and I listened when I couldn’t read and read when I couldn’t listen until I had binged all four in the series. I cannot wait for the next installment to be released!
I read quite a few other stellar novels (Gutter Child by Jael Richardson, In Five Years by Rebecca Serle, People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry and Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid immediately jump to mind, and I’m sure I’m missing others) but the ones above are the true standouts of the year so far. With still two more months left to read, I can’t wait to see how many more incredible books will be part of my reading life.
Writer Grrl Reads 