It’s been a while, longer than I meant it to be, but I’m back reading for fun again. I took some time out to freshen up my work skills, which resulted in a promotion and regular interstate travel. It just wasn't prime reading time for me, though I did manage a book or two (here and there).
2018 was the last time I was totally immersed in my reading. So, looking back, these are the books I really enjoyed by year since then:
2019
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. Wow, not what I expected. It was not a hard read at all and the characters were wonderful.
Legend by David Gemmell. Again, not what I expected. A great story told simply.
2020
Wasn't that a memorable year?
I read one book only, How to Survive a Plague by David French.
2021
Carrying the Fire by Michael Collins. This was truly inspiring.
Bad Blood by John Carreyrou. Riveting and newsworthy.
2022
Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann. I love books like this, watching the characters grow and families falling apart.
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. I'd love to read more books like this. The characters are still with me now.
2023
Women in Love by D H Lawrence. What a writer!
2024
(R) Evolution by Gary Numan. I was one of his biggest fans back in the day. Not great literature, but it captured me.
The Ciderhouse Rules by John Irving. Classic novel, so well written. More characters that stay with you.
2025
Retirement Made Simple by Noel Whittaker. I haven't looked back since reading it ha ha!
This year I have read a few books. Amongst them, The Fisherman by John Langan and The Ritual by Adam Nevill which has sparked my interest in folk horror. I ploughed through Joe Hill's King Sorrow. That was a load of rubbish really, but readable. He's so much like Stephen King, I can't see that he has his own voice. But, I will probably try one or two more of his books, down the track. I also read, and thoroughly enjoyed, Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. I love his style of writing, the science, and the humour.
If you have the same reading taste as me, what have you enjoyed lately? I'm looking for some inspiration....
Maxine
