Apparently deciding to read less means I read more. I read 28 books this month. I know, I was surprised too, but I’m not complaining as I still got everything done that I needed to do this month. I read a lot of shorter and lighter books to balance out my heavier reading, so I think that’s what happened. Please ignore my efforts to fit in the books that fit more than one category!
Historical Fiction
- The Dark Rose, Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
- The Betrayal of the Blood Lily, Lauren Willig
- The Island of the Swans, Ciji Ware
Fantasy
- The Fox, Sherwood Smith
- Crimson & Steam, Liz Maverick (also steampunk & romance)
Women’s Fiction
- Saffron Dreams, Shaila Abdullah
- Roses, Leila Meacham
- Crazy for You, Jennifer Crusie (with lots of romance)
Literary Fiction
- The House of the Mosque, Kader Abdolah
- A Suitable Boy, Vikram Seth
- The Elegance of the Hedgehog, Muriel Barbery
- The Lieutenant, Kate Grenville
- The Gourmet, Muriel Barbery
- Mister Pip, Lloyd Jones
- The Children’s Book, A.S. Byatt
- The Glass Room, Simon Mawer
YA
- Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson
Paranormal Romance
- Legend of the White Wolf, Terry Spear
Historical Romance
- Scoundrel’s Kiss, Carrie Lofty
- Compromised, Kate Noble
- Lily and the Leopard, Susan Wiggs
- Miss Wonderful, Loretta Chase
- Lessons in French, Laura Kinsale
Classics
- The Custom of the Country, Edith Wharton
Non-fiction
- Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi (graphic memoir)
- 84, Charing Cross Road, Helene Hanff
- The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street, Helene Hanff
- The Decisive Moment, Jonah Lehrer
I also reviewed The Time Traveler’s Guide to Medieval England. That contest is still open if you want to head over and enter!
I have trouble choosing a favorite this month, but I think it will have to be The Children’s Book. It was just such a thorough, absorbing read. Honorable mentions, of course, go to Persepolis, The House of the Mosque, and A Suitable Boy. I also loved The Decisive Moment and I think everyone should read it; that review is coming up later this week!
As far as I’m concerned, I’m doing a fair job diversifying my reading. I didn’t stick too much in any one genre, barring what I call “literary” fiction. I don’t like that label, but not sure what to replace it with. I didn’t do very well adding in more classics, but in March I’m going to fix that. Tasha from Heidenkind’s Hideaway and I are going to have a classics-themed month and I aim to read at least four classics.
This month, though, I’m making a goal to read more authors of color. I’ve taken a look at my TBR pile and the authors are there, it’s just a matter of prioritizing those. I haven’t actually decided on which big book I want to tackle this month. I think it’s East of Eden to join in on the group read, but it mostly depends on how many review books I can read before I head home on the 11th!
How was your reading month?
Uh yeah. I didn’t have quite the month you did!! Wow!! 28 books is amazing! I thought my 7 was good!
Such a wonderfully diverse group too. Impressive.
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..January in Retrospect =-.
Fabulous month! I am entering my busy time with work, so reading will be slowing down for me.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Let the BLOB Game Begin! =-.
You had a great month and I think you read a wonderful variety of books!
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Our Life in France – banking, money and numbers =-.
What a great month you had–you read some long books too!! It would have taken me almost two weeks probably to read either A Suitable Boy or The Children’s Book!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Book Review: Lit =-.
Holy cow! I thought I had a pretty good month, all things considering, but I was at less than half your numbers!
.-= Fyrefly´s last blog ..January Wrap-Up: Books and Reviews =-.
Gosh, Meghan! I was feeling proud of my 5 books read, but you blew me out of the water.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Movie Review: Dr. Strangelove (1964) =-.
Congrats on an excellent month of reading! My January was pretty dismal reading-wise – I’m hoping to read lots this month!
.-= Tricia´s last blog ..Misery in Suburbia =-.
What a fantastic reading month you had!
My reading month was pathetic. Just some light reading and Sookie.
The new year has started on such a hectic note that reading has just fallen by the wayside
Hope things get better in the upcoming months.
Btw, a question…are you planning to post a review of The Lieutenant? how did you like the book? She is an author I have been wanting to try her out for a long time.
East of Eden is a great group reading choice. Lots of discussion points
.-= Nish´s last blog ..Blog Revamp…To do or not to do? =-.
Hooray classics month! Have you decided what books you’re going to read yet? I haven’t; I keep thinking of ones I want to add to the pile.
.-= heidenkind´s last blog ..Who Is the YA Audience? =-.
You are a reading goddess! I cannot imagine being able to read that much. I’m so jealous. What did you think of Mister Pip?
.-= Literate Housewife´s last blog ..Have You Been to a Bookstore Like This? =-.
OMG! I could never read this much in one month. I bow down to your reading prowess. Great job!
.-= Jennygirl´s last blog ..Progress Check: 2010 Reading Resolutions Challenge =-.