2020 reading in review
Book I would read again: Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
Book I would gift to a friend: Beartown by Frederik Backman
Book I’m surprised I read: Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
Book I loved reading on vacation: This Bridge Called My Back, Fourth Edition: Writings by Radical Women of Color by Cherrie Moraga
Book I regretted buying: Note to Self by Connor Franta
Book that made me want to travel: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Books that make me want to change my habits and life: Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist, The Year of Less by Cait Flanders, Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki
General themes and genres:
antiracism
social justice
food writing
biographies and autobiographies
self-reflection and mindfulness
Whew! What a year. When 2020 reading started, I had no intention of reading so much, just to read more than three books. Then, it escalated and blossomed — it kind of just happened. I started January and February with a handful and then the pandemic hit. With more time to myself and at home it seemed a natural progression. Reading really, really got serious once I started to track and share my reading metrics with friends and family. As the months passed I felt an intense need to read at least ten books a month. Not sure why ten. It was easy some months, harder some months. From antiracism, biographies, food writing, and more I escaped to worlds outside my quarantine bubble. What a great way to travel, learn, and entertain myself all year long.
Am I doing it again in 2021? I don’t think so. I will continue to read, but at a more leisurely pace. I participated in my first book club this year so I’m looking forward to reading more intentionally and slowly moving forward. I might still track my progress and document it, not sure yet. Doing less is my motto for 2021.