Looking Back at 2018, Looking Ahead to 2019

 

 

A look back on 2018

I started this blog in March, so I have not yet completed a full year since my return to blogging.  I have really enjoyed the process and the social interaction that comes with blogging.  I used to go out once a month with a group of local bookdrossers, and that was for the most part sufficient for me to have people to "booktalk" with (my husband does not enjoy reading), but since the arrival of our son, it has not been so simple to head off for these meet-ups.  Blogging and the associated social networking has returned that much needed interaction with other book lovers to my life. Thank you to all who have been a part of it!

As we slide from one year to the next, it seems only natural to reflect on things  Here is a basic look back on my bookish adventures.

Some Basic Stats for 2018:

It has been a wonderful year with many wonderful stories! 




When I set up my GoodReads 2018 Reading Challenge, I did not know that my audiobooks would  be considered.  Lesson learned! I did beat my challenge in either respect, but my 2019 goal will be more in line with how GoodReads counts.

     - e-book and print (combined) 43 books totaling  13111 pages. Page counts ranged from 96 to 544 pages with an average page count of 344.83 pages. So here's a wake-up call for all you people who think you don't have time to read - My daily average or pages read in either print or e-book is only about 35! Squeezing in just a few pages here and there adds up!

     - Audiobooks 60 audiobooks for a total 630.06 hours. Length of audiobook ranged from 3.77 hours to 18.68 hours with an average length of 10.82 (10 hours 49 minutes). The daily average of my audiobook listening time is about 1.72 hours of listening time per day - and most days I spend an hour alone in a vehicle driving! This is why I love audiobooks so much!  Being able to "read" while I drive, file, cook dinner, etc. has given me 60 extra stories this year! Stories I would not have otherwise had time for. Sure, I prefer to sit down with a book and read it myself, but who has enough time in this busy world?


When all formats are combined, I have enjoyed:
     8.33 stories per month or
     1.92 stories per week
    

Favorites

Below are a few lists of my favorite books this year (in no particular order). You can click on any of the titles to see my review.

🍁My Favorite Canadian Titles of 2018🍁 :

HER PRETTY FACE, by Robyn Harding
THE HOME FOR UNWANTED GIRLS, by Joanna Goodman
FEAST, by Broms the Poet (Jeff Bromley)
TRICKSTER DRIFT, by Eden Robinson
THE SATURDAY NIGHT GHOST CLUB, by Craig Davidson
ALL THINGS CONSOLED, by Elizabeth Hay

My Favorite Thrillers & Suspense Titles of 2018

BRING ME BACK, by B. A. Paris
THEN SHE WAS GONE, by Lisa Jewell
THE WIFE BETWEEN US, by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
THE SEVEN DEATHS OF EVELYN HARDCASTLE, by Stuart Turton
THE LAST TIME I LIED, by Riley Sager
THE CHILD FINDER, by Rene Denfeld
LYING IN WAIT, by Liz Nugent
AN ANONYMOUS GIRL, by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
SOMETHING IN THE WATER, by Catherine Steadman

My Favorite Fantasy Titles of 2018: 

WHAT BLOOMS FROM DUST, by James Markert
THE PLASTIC MAGICIAN, by Charlie N. Holmberg
WE ARE WHERE THE NIGHTMARES GO, by C. Robert Cargill
THE RULES OF MAGIC, by Alice Hoffman
CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE, by Tomi Adeyemi
SEA WITCH, by Sarah Henning
SPINNING SILVER, by Naomi Novik
VITA NOSTRA, by Marina and Sergey Dyachenko

My Favorite General Fiction Titles of 2018

THE HATE YOU GIVE, by Angie Thomas (no review link, i read this before starting this blog, but it is such an important story I did not want to omit it from my list)
THE PERFECT MOTHER, by Aimee Malloy
LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE, by Celeste Ng
THE BOOKSHOP OF YESTERDAYS, by Amy Meyerson
THE TRAVELING CAT CHRONICLES, by Hiro Arikawa
HANNAH GREEN AND HER UNFEASIBLY MUNDANE EXISTENCE, by Michael Marshall         Smith
WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING, by Delia Owens

So whats up for 2019?

My hopes for the blog are to be a little more proactive in my posts, and trying to work ahead whenever possible to post more consistently. There were a few periods when time was at a premium and my social media presence and blog posts were minimal.  This shows up rapidly on the blog stats and has a pretty significant effect. 

Looking ahead, I have to say that 2019 is shaping up to be a stellar year for books! The first half of the year has already overwhelmed me with the quantity and quality of books that are going to be released. 

My last review of this year was a 5 star review for an ARC of the book AN ANONYMOUS GIRL, which actually due for release on January 8th, 2019.  So 2019 is going to start on a high note!

My most anticipated book of the first half of 2019 is THE BINDING, by Bridgett Collins. This book has already released in the UK, but has a North American Pub date of April 16 2019.  If you love Fantasy, you will want to watch for this one! 

Books for the second half of 2019 are not all announced yet, but Rene Denfeld, author of THE CHILD FINDER, has a sequel in the works, and she has recently stated on social media that while no firm date has been set as of yet, hopes are for a fall release. Canadian indigenous author Eden Robinson, who wrote SON OF A TRICKSTER, and TRICKSTER DRIFT should be adding the third title to the series at some point in the future, but I have not been able to find any information about a title or anticipated release date, but it is still something to watch out for as there is a good possibility it will happen in 2019.

I wish you the best of reading in 2019!

Happy Reading,
Christine

Review: AN ANONYMOUS GIRL, by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

AN ANONYMOUS GIRL, by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

St. Martin's Press - Available January 8th, 2019

Page count: 384

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing this advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating (out of 5)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When I saw that the writing team of Greer Hendricks and Sarah Petkannen had joined forces to write another thriller, I was all in.

The pair previously co-authored THE WIFE BETWEEN US, which was a great success.  You can read my 5-star review of that book HERE. This, their latest offering, shows that this pair is no "one hit wonder".

This story begins by introducing us to Jess, a young woman struggling to make ends meet as a make-up artist in the big city. One day she attends an appointment in which a spoiled rich kid type receives a reminder about doing a survey for a psychological study she signed up for.  Although the study pays well, Jess knows this girl is going to brush it off, and since the money is so good, she decides to attend in that girls place, and finds herself answering questions about her morality via a computer screen. After completing the initial survey questions and pocketing an easy $500, Jess is invited to participate in a more in-depth study. The questions will be more personal and invasive, there will be "assignments" that may make her uncomfortable, but the money will be better.  Jess agrees.

Jess meets and builds a relationship with Dr. Sheilds, the doctor conducting the study.  Dr. Sheilds is beautiful, smart, generous, and highly manipulative. Jess soon finds herself playing a game in which one player has already died. Now Jess must figure out who the players are and what the endgame is before her life is destroyed, or worse.

The story is told in alternating points-of-view between Jess and Dr. Sheilds, giving the reader an opportunity to see into the mindset of both characters, and to see events that transpire from the perspective of both characters.

I love the way this pair writes! The build of suspense, the shifting suspicions, the twists. I don't think that it is easy for two people to create one story that is this cohesive and gripping, but they sure do a great job of it.  I was hooked right from the beginning and I was thoroughly engaged until the very end.

Another win for this writing pair! I hope they continue to write together in the future.

Happy Reading,

Christine

Sunday Summary - December 16 to 29, 2018

Sunday Summary

Welcome to my Sunday Summary.  A look back on my bookish adventures for the week.

December has been very busy for many of us.  I am sure I am not the only one who found all the prepping, shopping, family gatherings, and socializing taxing my time, and having both of our vehicles in the shop this month did not help. Ah well, such is life sometimes. I hope you have had a wondrous holiday season, filled with good friends, good food, and good times.

This edition of the Sunday Summary covers two weeks again, as I was simply unable to find the time to even get reviews done in a timely manner this month, let alone the summaries - I barely found the time to read!.  I am just now about caught up on my reviews - I finished a book late last night that I still need to write a review for. 

I do really enjoy the holidays, but I am looking forward to the return to my normal routines and pace.

So, without any further preamble, here we go!

Books Reviewed:

THE WINTERS, by Lisa Gabriele. This book starts with a stunning opening line, and kept me engaged and eager for more until the end! You can read my review in THIS POST.

A SPARK OF LIGHT, by Jodi Picoult. Never one to shy away from controversial topics, Picoult has written a story set in a Woman's Health Clinic that is sure to have people thinking and talking.  You can read my review HERE.

THE OTHER WOMAN, by Sandi Jones. A mother and a fiance square off in battle of wits and wills in this page turner. My review can be found HERE.

A MAP OF DAYS, by Ransom Riggs. This is book 4 in the series MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN. Jacob Portman and his peculiar friends are now in America! Read more about this latest installment of this series in THIS POST.

Ramblings and Miscellany:

Best wishes of the season to all!

I don't care what you celebrate - I only care that you are happy and healthy enough to enjoy the celebration. Whatever you celebrate - even if it is just life itself - I wish you the best! #PeaceOnEarth #Celebrate #Goodwill pic.twitter.com/CGAh0bjbVe

— The Last Page Turned (@Page_Turned) December 24, 2018

I wish you all good happiness, good health, and good fortune for 2019!

Advance Reading Copy (ARC) Books Previously Reviewed and Released this Week:

WATCHING YOU, by Lisa Jewell had its pub-day on Boxing Day!  I so enjoyed her previous novel THEN SHE WAS GONE.  You can find my review of her latest offering HERE

.

Currently Reading and Notable Titles on Deck:

Last night I finished AN ANONYMOUS GIRL, by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, authors of THE WIFE BETWEEN US.  Review is pending and will be posted soon.

I am currently reading THE ANTIDOTE, by Shelley Sackier; a YA Fantasy that is due out February 5th.

I am currently listening to TEAR ME APART, by J.T. Ellison, author of LIE TO ME.

My next read will be an e-ARC of DON'T WAKE UP, by Liz Lawler, which is also being published on February 5th.

Well, that is it for this week.  I wish you all a Very Happy New Year.  I hope you have many amazing books to read in 2019!

Happy Reading,

Christine.

Review: A MAP OF DAYS, by Ransom Riggs

A MAP OF DAYS, by Ransom Riggs

(Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children, Book 4)

Listening Library -2018

Audiobook - 13 hours 53 min.

Narrated by Kirby Heyborne

My Rating (out of 5)

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jacob Portman is back in America, and he's brought his peculiar friends with him!

After the near annihilation of peculiardom, Jacob is back at home.  His peculiar friends have joined him and they are now in Florida trying to blend in. Teaching a group of peculiars how to act normal is not easy. 

One day Jacob detours to his grandfather's house while on a shopping trip. After looking around they discover a room that Abe used to store files and information about his missions as an operative for the peculiars.  Thus begins an epic and dangerous mission into the realm of American Peculiardom. Things are different in America, few Ymbrynes, fewer rules, and gangs that make up their own rules.and fight for territory.

I for one don't do well with long series, but I am certainly in for at least one more installment of this fun series!

Narration by Kirby Heyborne was excellent, with a very good range of character, providing distinctive voices and accents for multiple characters. 

Happy Reading, 

Christine

Review: THE OTHER WOMAN, by Sandie Jones

THE OTHER WOMAN, by Sandie Jones

MacMillan Audio - 2018

Audiobook - 9 hours 39 minutes

Narrated by Clare Corbett

My Rating (out of 5)

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story comes with some big characters and some big twists.

Emily falls hard and fast for Adam.  These two are every bit the stereotype of a young couple in love. Emily seems eager to meet Adam's mother Pammie, but it doesn't take long for her to wonder why she ever felt that way! 

Pammie seems to have made it her mission to drive a wedge in-between the young couple. She is mean and offensive and does everything in her power to make sure that Emily does not get comfortable in her role as the woman in Adam's life. Clearly Pammie does not want Emily to stick around, and whenever Emily tries to talk to Adam about it, he seems to brush it off.  

Emily and Pammie lock into a no-holds-barred battle of wits and wills, each trying to banish the other from Adam's life. Only one can be successful in driving the other away, and she will stop at nothing to do it! Pammie is a tough old bird, easy to hate - conniving and manipulative. A definite candidate for the worst mother-in-law award, but Emily is no slouch - and she is willing to fight back with everything she's got.

This story was very easy to get into, and very hard to put down.  Filled with tension and wondrous twists, the reader is left asking for more until the end when the story is wrapped up neatly. 

Narration was well executed with good range of emotion and character

A very good, edge-of-your-seat thriller!

Happy Reading,

Christine

Review: A SPARK OF LIGHT, by Jodi Picoult

A SPARK OF LIGHT, by Jodi Picoult

Random House Audio - 2018

Audiobook - 13 hours, 3 minutes

Narrated by Bahni Turpin

My Rating (out of 5)

⭐⭐⭐⭐

WARNING: This story revolves around the issues of women's reproductive rights and abortions. While for the most part it is presented in a neutral manner, i f you are deeply uncomfortable exploring these issues, this book may not be for you.

There is no questioning Picoult's willingness to tackle the tough issues of the day and spin them into an intriguing story.

In A SPARK OF LIGHT,  the story takes place in a women's health clinic. Among its many services, the clinic does offer abortions. 

Late one morning a lone gunman enters the clinic, killing two people and injuring more. While a few people escape, several are now hostages to the distraught man. A hostage negotiator - Hugh McElroy arrives on scene to handle the situation, only to find out that his daughter is in the clinic, accompanied by his sister. Aside from the shooter, Hugh, and Hugh's daughter and sister, the cast of characters includes - among others, a pregnant nurse, a pregnant woman who was raised in the foster system, a deeply religious doctor, a disguised pro-life advocate, and a mature neuroscientist.

From the opening scene in the book, we actually travel backwards in time, learning how each of the many characters in the story arrived to be at the clinic that morning as well as at they arrived at their own personal opinions on this highly volatile issue.  While this took some getting used to at first, once into the rhythm of the story it proved not to be a problem, and actually a good way to deliver the stories contained. 

In having characters on both sides of this very contentious issue, and hearing their thoughts and arguments, the reader is able to hear "the other side" of the issue - as pretty much everyone reading it would already identify as one "side" or the other.  While reading this book is not likely to change anyone's overall point of view, it is likely to foster at least a little understanding of the opposing viewpoint. 

Narration was done by Bahni Turpin who is one of the best and most talented narrators in the business. With her stellar range of emotion and character, her narrations are never short of perfection, and this book was no exception.

The sheer controversy surrounding the issues approached in the book may result in some readers shying away from this title. For those who choose to read it, you will be rewarded with a good story, and possibly further insight into people who identify as being on the opposite side of these issues.

Happy Reading, 
Christine.

Review: THE WINTERS, by Lisa Gabriele

THE WINTERS, by Lisa Gabriele

Penguin Audio - 2018

Audiobook - 11 hours   
Narrated by Emily Rankin

My Rating (out of 5)

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Well, let's start at the beginning shall we?  What an opening line!

There has been a lot of hype about this book being a retelling/re imagining of the book REBECCA, by Daphne du Maurier.  I have not read that book, so for this review there will be no comparisons.

This story was taut, suspenseful, and well written.

One thing to know about this book, is that in the entire time you reading (or listening), you will never know the protagonist's name! You will hardly notice it though. Honestly, I didn't really clue into that until I came to write this review and I couldn't remember it. A quick GOOGLE search told me why. It was never revealed.

The story follows a  young woman, alone in the world after losing her parents at a young age, working a menial job at a fishing resort in the Caymans.  Along comes the charming senator Max Winter who takes notice of our heroine and sweeps her off her feet in a whirlwind romance. When it is time for him to leave, he proposes to her and she accepts.  

Any comparison to a fairy tale end quickly at this point.  It starts when Max's teenage daughter Dani declares that she will kill herself if Max brings home his "fling", and her attitude only gets worse from there. Dani is doing her worst to make sure her father's fiance does not feel welcome and drive her away. The new Mrs. Winters-to-be becomes more afraid of what her step-daughter can or will do as each day goes by. 

On top of that, Max is away on senatorial business a lot of the time, leaving our protagonist alone at the opulent Asherley Estate. Well, alone except for the "ghost" of Max's late wife Rebekah.   Her presence at the estate is strong. Her photos are everywhere, all the decor choices, the rooms and the aging greenhouse that remain untouched since her tragic death. The estate seems to be protecting her secrets - and others as well. It seems though, that Asherley cannot keep its secrets anymore, and those secrets may mean that our heroine is in danger.

This taut, gripping page turner had me at the first sentence and kept me right to the end. 

Narration by Emily Rankin was a good match to the story, and very well done with a solid range of character and emotion.

Happy Reading,

Christine