I read 57 books in 2021 which isn’t bad for someone who likes to have their lights off by 10pm each night.
Reading at bedtime has been one of my favourite times of the day since I was a child, and as a mother of three, I savour it even more, because it (usually) means I am off-duty. Of course, it doesn’t always work out that way, but I start looking forward to it pretty much as soon as the dinner dishes are done. Look, I never said my life was exciting.
For the first time last year, I decided to keep a record of the books I read along with a few words of description (or reaction) to the book. Partly this is because I am known for buying multiple copies of a book because I forgot I already read it, though I’m realizing more and more that probably says more about the book than me.
When I looked back at the list of books I am struck by one thing – something that makes me very proud – 61% of the books were written by an Australian author and 35% by a West Australian author.
Five of the books I read this year, I was there at the launch and a total of ten have been signed by the author. I love the connection I feel when I know a book has been signed for me. I love attending book launches and in 2021 decided to adopt a fellow writer’s goal to buy two copies at every local book launch – one to keep and one to gift.
Admittedly of my 57 books, there were a handful I DNF (did not finish) but on the whole I loved each and every one of them.
But my favourite titles this year were:
Literary:
Locust Summer – David Allan-Petale (West Aussie)
Skimming Stones – Maria Papas (West Aussie)
Non-fiction:
Stalking Claremont – Bret Christian (West Aussie)
I am. I am. I am – Maggie O’Farrell
The Shape of Sound – Fiona Murphy (Aussie)
Historical Fiction:
A Waltz for Matilda – Jackie French (Aussie)
The Riviera House – Natasha Lester (West Aussie)
Thrillers:
The Chase – Candice Fox (Aussie)
The Last Thing He Told Me – Laura Dave
Luckiest Girl Alive – Jessica Knoll
Have you read any of these titles? Which was your favourite?
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