Welcome to my reading wrap up of 2019. It was another massive year for me reading wise. I notched up a very high annual total of books for the year at 264 books for 2019. With my goal set at 260 books at the start of the year, I just made my goal. I achieved my goal despite a few hairy moments towards the latter half of the year when my reading took a dip, due to an increase in my paid work arrangements and the new addition to our family – a sausage dog puppy named Archie. If you are interested in viewing my year in books via Goodreads, here are some images, along with a link to my year in books according to Goodreads.
Another challenge I successful in completing was the Australian Women Writers Challenge. This is a challenge I dearly love and I will continue to champion for, in any way I can. My goal for this one was 100 books to read and review for the challenge. My final results revealed that I added 157 books to the Australian Women Writers Challenge. My challenge completed post for #aww2019 can be viewed here. I intend to sign up for another round of the challenge and I have already read my first book written by an Australian woman for 2020!
Book Bingo is the wonderful creation of my favourite book blogger, Theresa Smith Writes. In 2018, we launched our first ever book bingo card, to great success. We followed this up with an even bigger card in 2019! In 2019 we also welcomed another co-blogger, Ashleigh from The Book Muse on board to support us on the bingo journey. We also gained quite a cult following on this challenge, which continues to grow in popularity. All of the 30 books I read for this challenge definitely enhanced my reading choices. Here is the link to my completed Book Bingo 2019 results.
Another challenge I completed in 2019 was the Aussie Male Author Challenge. With my supportive bookworm friend Sue, together we made our way through twelve books written by Australian Male Authors. This worked out to one review a month, making this challenge an achievable one. I really enjoyed this challenge as many of the books I chose were new to me authors. I also appreciated the opportunity this challenge provided to knock off a number of review books and TBR pile reads. Here is a breakdown of the books I read for this challenge.
- January, Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton
- February, The Promised Land by Barry Maitland
- March, The Rip by Mark Brandi
- April, Hunter by Jack Heath
- May, The Rosie Result by Graeme Simsion
- June, Daughter of Bad Times by Rohan Wilson
- July, Operation Babylift by Ian W Shaw
- August, State of Fear by Tim Ayliffe
- September, The Heart of the Ritz by Luke Devenish
- October, The Wife and the Widow by Christian White
- November, Silver by Chris Hammer
- December, Snake Island by Ben Hobson
Again, I find it impossible to deliver a top ten, or even a favourites list of the decade. I’m sorry for the complete cop out! With such a high total of books read for the year, with many of these being 4 and half or five star ratings, too many seemed to be jostling for a place on top reads list, so I’m going to avoid the task completely. Instead, I will reveal to you that my most favourite read of 2019 was:
The Forgotten Letters of Esther Durrant by Kayte Nunn.
Other reading highlights me this year have included my book club meetings, many memorable author events (Melissa Ashley, Chloe Higgins, The Secret Life of Authors, Heather Rose, Favel Parrett, Dominic Smith, Val McDermid, Louise Allen, Tess Woods and Peter Fitzsimons) and a blogger interview. Plus, I am eternally grateful for all the fantastic books I have been able to review for a variety of Australian publishers, self-published authors and Beauty & Lace Book Club.
Stay tuned for my post of the book challenges I hope to complete over the course of 2020.
~
Mrs B
Congratulations on your reading accomplishments for 2019!
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Many thanks Shelleyrae, thanks for all your support. I look forward to sharing more book thoughts with you this year!
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What a fabulous year you’ve had. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for 2020.
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Thanks so much Veronica! I am very much looking forward to a new year and new decade in books. Looking forward to trading book thoughts with you, thanks so much for your support.
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What a lovely wrap up and yes, your favourite of the year was one of mine too.
You have read so much! I just can’t fathom how you do it!! Especially given I know how busy you are. Gold star champion! Here’s to another big reading year – more for you than me though!
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Thanks so much, I enjoyed putting this wrap up together and reflecting on my reading journey. I’m not surprised that my favourite was one of yours too! I’m looking forward to Kayte’s next one!
My reading took a little dip last year, compared to previous years. A few changes to my personal life put more of a strain on the numbers, but I’m still happy with what I achieved!
Well done to your own successful reading reading. I can’t wait to see what is in store for us over 2020!
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264 books! That’s pretty impressive!
Can’t wait to see your book challenge post for 2020, I am interested in seeing if you’ll be taking on any new reading challenges!
I’m looking forward to doing another reading challenge year with you – so much fun!
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I’m impressed, though it is down from previous years! A few personal changes in my life meant just a touch less books.
Yes I will definitely taking on extra challenges, I’m about to do up my 202 reading post!
Looking forward to partnering up on another great challenge, I’m reading my book for this month at the moment! It sure will be fun!
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