I guess you could say I did a bit of reading this year.
There was something different about it though–I actually felt connected to each of the books I read.
While I avidly read the previous years because it was a habit and I had an interest in my selections, I didn’t feel invested. The habit was there, but the mojo was not.
This year, my reading (as usual) was all over the map. Looking back, here’s where my thoughts stand:
Best Book I Read This Year
Rejoice: A Knife to the Heart by Steven Erikson
There were a lot of good choices, but this book is still the most memorable. I still think about it and hope Erikson produces more just like it.
Best Non-Fiction Book
Factfulness by Hans Rosling
This was a tough one, but Rosling truly puts it out there for why we’re wrong about the world and how we can not be swayed by media funnels.
Most Personal
Here is Real Magic by Nate Staniforth
I read it during a very chaotic and trying time. This book really felt like a turning point and revitalized my zeal for life once again.
Best Student Recommendation
Dry by Neal and Jarrod Shusterman
I always appreciate and read every student recommendation. This one stands out as my favourite for this year.
Just Wasn’t For Me
Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder
Recommended by my students, but didn’t hit the mark for me.
Most Fun to Read
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart
It’s fun. It’s adorable. It’s for every person who has spent time doing road trips and found a bit of themselves in the process.
Book That Will Show You What Good Writing Is
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
I’m pretty sure you can just study this book on how to write well. The story is good, but the writing is stellar.
Most Popular Book Review on this Site
Write Your Book in a Flash by Dan Janal
I still find the title too gimmicky, but there is some good advice to be had here.
Best Book I Would Recommend to Students
Dear Martin by Nic Stone
There were a few in the running this year, but Dear Martin slightly edges them out.
Which Book Should I Read?
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
If you ask me for a recommendation and I don’t know your tastes, this is the book. Although I’m told his latest (Recursion) is even better. I’ll read it and let you know.
There’s a reason to recommend almost any book I read this year and it’s staggering how little I scratched the surface of all the great literature out there. As one student told me, “I had no idea there were so many different kinds of books.”
My goal for the upcoming year is to not participate in any reading challenge.
I think my reading habits are pretty well ingrained and the added bonus of doing the reviews solidifies every “The End” I reach.
On to 2020: the year of even more reading.