When it comes to reading summaries, this one is both long and short. Long because I hit my 75 book goal, but short because I slowed my pace over the summer due to the big reads — War and Peace and Les Miserables. (Les Mis being actually longer than War and Peace.) Together with The Mirror and the Light (Wolf Hall #3), I spent 3-4 months reading these monsters (loose, baggy, and otherwise.) And my big accomplishment? I finally finished Dante’s Inferno helped along with a terrific virtual reading group.
Even with those big classics, I still found my way to some new favorites and got to some books that had been on my list for a while. The round up:
Non-fiction and History: With only 14 NF books on the list, I lowered my percentage previous years. Still, there were some good ones. Loved The Last Emperor of Mexico, Edward Shawcross’ 2021 history of the Hapsburg disaster in Mexico backed by Napoleon III. But my favorite non-fiction of the year? The Orpheus Clock by Simon Goodall, chronicling his family’s work tracking down their stunning pre-war WWII collection looted by the Nazis. An honorable mention goes to my most recommended book: Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson which provides smart and clear explanations for many of the challenges we’re facing today from the lawmaking to the housing crisis. And for literature geeks, don’t overlook The Novel of the Century, an incredible history of Victor Hugo and the publication of his greatest novel, Les Miserables.
Classic Science Fiction: This was a year to re-read the classics and I picked up A Canticle for Liebowitz for the first time since 9th grade. It’s a different read as an adult, one that leaves you with a lingering sadness for the rash decisions people make on behalf of others. Another classic? Brave New World which strikes a little close to home these days, and Dune Messiah, the second book in the series.
Other Science Fiction: Can you believe I’d never actually read The Handmaid’s Tale? Changed that this year as I love Atwood and wanted to read the sequel, The Testaments. A sobering read. I also read Atwood’s MaddAdam trilogy (Oryx and Crake, The Year of the Flood, and MaddAdam) which, if you enjoy speculative science fiction, gives us a grim reality about genetic engineering and our future. (For an honorable mention in speculative scifi, I also note Harrow which won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but paints the moral loss of traditions in an environmental dystopia.
Fiction: I made a real effort to read more fiction this year which is why my non-fiction numbers dropped. There were too many good ones to mention — from classics to new thrillers. A few of my favorites? The Other Bennett Sister (which I wrote about for The Reading Room). Hadlow uses a deft hand to introduce us to Mary and disappointments in her life. (And, like any good Austen-inspired tribute, a happy ending.) My most recommended? Rules for Visiting by Jessica Francis Kane, a delightful novel about friendship and connections. I loved it. And I can’t omit that this was the year I started the Song of Ice and Fire series — and read George RR Martin’s Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings. Both outstanding.
Favorite fiction though? I have to give a huge shout out of James Frey’s hilarious novel about a murder in a wealthy New York enclave, Next to Heaven. Frey has had his share of problems as an author and he’s found himself on the wrong side of BookTok which makes this one controversial, but still, it was the read I enjoyed most all year.
My goals for next year? I think I’ll dig into Steinbeck and Faulkner, start a new series or two, and revisit some American authors I’ve neglected for too long, like Stephen King. Do you have ideas for me? Share them here and I’ll add them to the list!
You can find me on Goodreads at Renee Wilmeth.
What am I reading right now? Finishing Beautiful Ugly (book 79 for the year), then starting Paul Gillingham’s Mexico: A 500-Year History.
Connecting. Creating. 
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