WHAT SORT OF BOOKS DO YOU READ?
Are you an avid reader?
I consider myself a keen reader, devouring on average, a book a week. But every time a new booklist comes out, I start second-guessing myself. I wonder if I’m reading enough or if I’m reading the right sort of books. Yes, I’ve got a few insecurities when it comes to my reading practices.
The International Booker Prize shortlist was recently announced. Of the six books listed, I’d only read one, Stone Yard Devotional, by Charlotte Wood. She’s an Australian author, so maybe this is why I’d read her book. But why hadn’t I read the others? Maybe I will.
I definitely read more books by Australian authors that international authors. How would I shape up if a read the list of past winners of the Miles Franklin award? This award celebrates Australian writers, and I was pleased to note that I’d read many of them. Below are a few of my favourites.
What’s on the New York Times list of the 100 best books of the 21st Century?
The New York Times recently published a list of the 100 best books printed so far in the 21st century. I read the list with interest, only to discover that of the 100 titles, I’d only read a few. If you click on the link below you can see the list and see how your reading habits compare. https://www.readings.com.au/collections/the-new-york-times-100-best-books-of-the-21st-century
Anyway, this list was compiled from books recommended by experts – authors and critics. It didn’t consider real readers and their preferences. A quick internet search produced another list compiled from readers recommendations. It was called New York Times Reader’s Choice: Best Books of the 21st Century. If you click on this link you’ll see the 100 books chosen by real readers.
How many of these books had I read?
I read the list, picking the titles I’d read and enjoyed. In total, I’d read 22 books of the 100. The cover photos, above and below, are a sample of these.
Every one of these books, I’d read and they were brilliant. If these were so good, what about the other books on the list. I scanned the titles, read reviews and created a list of three books I would down load and read at my leisure. They are shown below.
My to-read pile.
We’ve all got to-read piles. They are real or digital books and they wait patiently for us to find time to read them. I’ve got about 20 waiting for me. Everyday, I write, edit, help with our villa rental company, watch TV, walk and procrastinate. But somehow, I always have a book on the go. Finishing one and choosing the next is all part of the fun.
My favourite author is Helen Garner. No one can equal her expression of gentle and fierce everyday moments that cut to the heart.
Which of her books is your favourite?
I’ve read 33 of the 100 Reader’s Choice books. 67 to go!
And only 12 of the best of the 21st Century.
Our favourite author is Fiona McIntosh from South Australia . We have read and purchased most of her books and look forward to her latest book which is always published by November each year ready for Christmas gifts. Lucinda Riley’s books are unbelievably seductive especially Seven Sisters series . Unfortunately she passed away although her legacy lives on . Happy Reading. XX
I read mostly mysteries/crime but of the books pictured above I read A Little Life (well written but a tough read and I couldn’t bear to watch the movie of the play) plus Where the Crawdads Sing, I would categorise it as chick lit – not a must read – didn’t bother to follow up with the movie.