Ladies, Germs, Non-Binary friends, it’s that time of the year again.
Let’s cut the crap, and immediately start this year-away, shall we? Let’s look backLadies, Germs, Non-Binary friends, it’s that time of the year again.
Let’s cut the crap, and immediately start this year-away, shall we? Let’s look back at the books I’ve read in 2023
Let’s recap!
Average Rating? 3 ⭐️ (woah, tbh, I’m kinda proud of this for absolutely no reason? Idk, 3 stars seems nice. Sure, that means that I have not read amazing books, but it is what it is)
How many books did you read? Did you meet your goal? I have read 41 books out of the 12 that I challenged myself to read – I have then met my goals and I’m happy about it :)
Most read genre? Literary fiction / contemporary fiction – however you wanna call it. I’m happy I’ve read so much from my favourite genre in 2023.
Longest and shortest books you read? with 671 pages, The Winners was the longest waste of time this year. And with 43 pages, So Late in the Day was the shortest little pleasant novella.
Favorite book published in 2023? It wasn't as easy as expected picking this, but I have to say that, to this day, I'm still thinking about The Rachel Incident, so it deservedly takes the cake.
Favorite debut novel you read in 2023? The only debut I read was Shark Heart and I did not like it – there's no other way to say it. So ima cheat and answer with a debut from 2022 that I read in 2023: Sign Here – truly, a book after my own soul.
Favorite book not published this year? I mean, without a doubt Either/Or – and I truly hope that more will be published in the world. Please, let that series continue ...more
If I had to describe this reading year in one word, I would use "disappointing".
And so, here we are again. Here I am again, writing this messy recap ofIf I had to describe this reading year in one word, I would use "disappointing".
And so, here we are again. Here I am again, writing this messy recap of my (sad) reading year. Here you are again, reading this messy recap of my (sad) reading year (thank you, btw).
2022 – Here I was again, in a deep and problematic reading slump that punched me once more in the throat and stopped me from reading as much as I would have liked. What a time to be alive, am I right? ...yikes.
I have nothing more to say. My reading has been as sparse and disappointing as as my Rather Random Reviews™️. Harsh truth. Let’s cut the chase and review this year that has just ended, shall we? As always, I will try and avoid repeating myself too much.
Let’s recap!
Average Rating? 3 ⭐️ (big yikes)
How many books did you read? Did you meet your goal? By reading 43 books I have not met my reading goal of 50 – and that is perfectly fine :) Life is tough enough, I don't need to beat myself up because of Goodreads, too.
Most read genre? I would say literary fiction with some magical realism mixed in. That's my favorite genre, btw :)
Longest and shortest books you read? with 42 pages, Fox 8 was the shortest. And with 592 pages, Ashes of the Sun was the longest.
Favorite book published in 2022?A Prayer for the Crown-Shy – my idol Backy Chambers delivered once more and made me feel all the fuzzy feelings.
Favorite debut book in 2022? Fam, I don’t even have to think about this. Maps of Our Spectacular Bodies deserves this award hands down. This book was an absolute gem: incredible writing, incredible story-telling and incredible plot.
Favorite book not published this year?The Idiot – what a masterpiece. It truly stole my heart and made me laugh more than expected. I cannot wait to (find the energy and) read the second installment. But also Atti di sottomissione was a sensational book.
A book that lived up to the hype? I mean, Jade City, obviously. Everybody said it would be good. Everybody was right. I am looking forward to continuing the series!
Book that felt like the biggest accomplishment? Definitely My Year of Rest and Relaxation because, for christ’s sake, that book was bo - ring!
Favorite book cover of the year?Daughter of the Moon Goddess – both the UK and US editions are to die for *heavy breathing*
What book made you cry the most? Because of the writing style, the topics handled and the overall emotions expressed in the book, Maps of Our Spectacular Bodies made me shed some serious tears, tbh.
What book made you laugh the most?The Idiot – it was so alienating and therefore so incredibly hilarious.
A new favorite author you discovered this year?Elif Batuman and Maddie Mortimer without a doubt. Both have left an amazing first impression and I cannot wait to read more from them.
Favorite book you re-read this year?An Ideal Husband – once a favourite, forever a favourite.
What is the best non-fiction book you read this year? I guess, Everything I Know About Love, even though I have to say I was not blown away by it.
Worst of the Year? I have two again: My Year of Rest and Relaxation and Light from Uncommon Stars. The first was just plain bad: boring, nonsensical, not remarkable. The second had too much going on, was confusing and was not developed properly. For both of these, if you s0 please, you can ready my Rather Random Reviews™️.
Nice Surprise of the Year?Mrs Death Misses Death was a pleasant and nice read that I picked up on a whim and did not leave me bitter (a rare instance during this reading year).
Nasty Surprise of the Year?Gallant and The God of Lost Words – from the both of them I had the highest of expectations. Needless to say, I was massively disappointed. And if you wanna know more, you can go and read my Rather Random Reviews™️ :)
And that’s a wrap, everybody. That's my 2022 done and dusted.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you all xx...more
Hello there, folks :) It’s that time of the year again. It’s recap time.
Needless to say, as much as reading was concerned, this year was tragic to say Hello there, folks :) It’s that time of the year again. It’s recap time.
Needless to say, as much as reading was concerned, this year was tragic to say the least.
I was (and still am, tbh) in the worst reading slump I have ever experienced yet, and – quite frankly –pick up a book and read was the last thing I wanted to do this year. And it broke my heart.
I love reading with every fiber of my being (everybody’s shocked, I am sure) but these past years have not been particularly kind to me. Reading was a struggle because me myself was (and still am) struggling. But I’ve also counted my blessings and took care of myself and spent time with family and dear ones. And for that I am incredibly grateful.
I still am surrounded by my silent and powerful words-filled friends, I breathe and see books and literature every single day. And that was (and still is) comfort enough. In the hopes that 2022 will offer me more in the reading department… Let’s recap!
Average Rating? 3.5 ⭐️ A year without infamy or praise…
How many books did you read? Did you meet your goal? By reading 51 books (and lowering my Goodreads goal from 70 to, indeed, 50) I have reached my goal. Yay :)
Most read genre? Fantasy (who would have guessed), and contemporary as a close second.
Longest and shortest books you read? My shortest book was The Drowning Faith – a beautiful novella of 15 pages. And my longest book was A Little Life with its soul-shattering 816 pages.
Favorite book published in 2021? Without a sliver of a doubt, my favourite this year has been A Psalm for the Wild-Built. Thank you Becky Chambers for the serotonin – I needed it.
Favorite debut book in 2021? For as much as my rating is very average, I personally think that She Who Became the Sun deserves this title to its full credit.
Favorite book not published this year? I actually thoroughly enjoyed the novella When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain – atmospheric and full of amazing lure.
A book that lived up to the hype? Is it fair if I was to say The Song of Achilles? Sure, it was a re-read, but it still lived up and surpassed the hype that still to this day surrounds this book.
A book that did NOT live up to the hype? I think I’d have to go with the entirety of the Murderbot novellas by Martha Wells (with All Systems Red as first installment). I’ve heard nothing but praises, but I have to say I was completely and utterly disappointed by them.
Book that felt like the biggest accomplishment?A Little Life. If you know, you know.
Favorite character? Aideen from Not My Problem. She was a star, and I unquestionably loved her humour and sarcasm. And the book itself was seriously nice – chef’s kiss!
Least favorite character? Agamemnon (from The Song of Achilles) can choke. And I will say no more.
Most shocking book moment? It’s not a “book moment”, but I’d say that me not liking The Mirror Season by Anna-Marie McLemore was pretty shocking. I normally love their books but this one let me down.
Favorite couple/OTP? I don't wanna spoil things, so I’ll just tell you that my favourite couple of the year was one featured in The Archive of the Forgotten. Be still my beating heart...
Favorite book cover of the year?The Burning God deserves this award without a doubt. Beautiful to look at and beautiful to read.
What book made you cry the most? I have three (3), because I have no chill. The Song of Achilles (duh), A Million Junes (double duh) and When Breath Becomes Air (triple duh). Needless to say, I highly recommend all three of these books.
What book made you laugh the most?Not My Problem. I just simply fell in love with the humour in that book! And I cannot wait for Ciara Smyth's next books!
A new favorite author you discovered this year? I can’t say I have read anything that can answer this prompt. But I will, without a doubt, keep my eyes open for Shelley Parker-Chan’s future works ...more
I am here, alive and somewhat mentally stable, because of audiobooks and Animal Crossing. And I’m not even exaggerating. That's it.Hello there, peeps.
I am here, alive and somewhat mentally stable, because of audiobooks and Animal Crossing. And I’m not even exaggerating. That's it. That's my 2020 review.
I think it is safe to say 2020 did not go as expected and hoped, and that’s for for every single one of us.
During this year, I’ve counted my blessings and I’ve really took the time to take care of my mental health. But I’ve also struggled with said mental health quite a lot and, for as much as Goodreads and reading are involved (and you all, I guess, actually care about) I’ve been in a reading slump basically since January of this year. I did not have the mental energy to pick up a physical book and read it. I barely had the mental energy to wake up and get my day going. And yet, I wanted to read, I needed it almost. It was a very frustrating situation and I managed to find a delicate balance only thanks to audiobooks. Audiobooks made me reach my Goodreads goal – as I really had to push myself to read this year – and Animal Crossing kept me sane during my not so glamorous days and nights.
So, was 2020 a year to forget? A wasted year? Hell no.
Things have definitely not developed the way I wanted and dreamed, but great and hard and beautiful and heartbreaking things have happened during these 366 days nonetheless, and I refuse to deny them and forget about them. This is my way of owning this year, gaining some control and learning. 2020 kicked my arse hard enough, the least I can do is acknowledging it and not giving up. Suck it, 2020, I’m still here. I do things out of spite, I will not give this year the satisfaction of breaking me.
But now, enough with the emotional and slightly nonsensical (and preachy) speech. Let’s get to the book-ish stuff. And if I might add just one last thing before recapping everything: very single one of my Rather Random Review™️ might suck big time, but they exist for every book I’ve read – and I’m flipping proud of that. So if you wanna know my thoughts, you can read them (and laugh at my stupidity).
Enough with the chit-chat. Let’s recap!
Average Rating? My average rating is precisely 3⭐️ so I think you can pretty much imagine how underwhelming 2020 has been for me.
How many books did you read? Did you meet your goal? By reading 89 books, I have reached and surpassed my goal of reading 80 books. Go me!
Most read genre? Fantasy and Sci-fi, I am sure everybody is shocked.
Longest and shortest books you read? Shortest book (or novella, actually) was Juice Like Wounds with its 32 pages. Longest tome was To Sleep in a Sea of Stars with its interminable 856 pages.
Favorite book published in 2020?The Library of the Unwritten – it was precisely my kink. It ticked so many boxes and was precisely the story I love to read.
Favorite debut book in 2020?The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. I don't know if this can be considered as a debut, but it is the first book published solo byCharlie Mackesy so I'm counting it as a debut. What a heartwarming and touching story that one was.
Favorite book not published this year?Where the Crawdads Sing. I'm ashamed it took me so long to read. But I truly enjoyed it thoroughly. It gave me To Kill a Mockingbird vibes and I was a fan.
A book that lived up to the hype? I am incredibly happy to say that The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue lived up and surpassed the hype. A seriously phenomenal read.
A book that did NOT live up to the hype? Are you ready for an unpopular opinion? For me, personally, both The Final Empire and Sorcery of Thorns were incredibly lackluster and did not meet my expectations in the slightest. Everybody and their mother adore both books. Sadly that ain't me, mate.
Book that felt like the biggest accomplishment?The Republic of Thieves because it took me literally four months to finish. Reading slump, am I right ladies?
Least favorite character? Again, unfortunately, so many. Mustang from Red Rising and her fake woke feminism; the whole unbearable cast of characters of Anxious People; Dara from The City of Brass with his cliché traumatic past.
Most shocking book moment? In the bad sense, the ending of The King of Crows. But, to be honest, the whole book was shockingly bad and underwhelming – ridiculous.
Favorite couple/OTP? Blue and Pepper from A Closed and Common Orbit. Once a favourite, forever a favourite. I hope they are fine and healthy ...more
(This Year Away has been brought to you by 2019 Giulia)
2018? Who that? I don’t know her *blows smoke at your face* Another year has ended and another y(This Year Away has been brought to you by 2019 Giulia)
2018? Who that? I don’t know her *blows smoke at your face* Another year has ended and another year has to be wrapped up and discussed.
As the year passed, I grew even more confident in my rating and my opinions. So it is with somewhat pride that I inform you that all the books I’ve read (and DNFed) in 2018 have their own personal Rather Random Review™️. So if you ever find yourself bored and/or inclined to read my opinion (not worth it, lemme tell you) know that you can! Lots of cynicism and sarcasm await you. So be ready. Read them at your own risk.
Nonetheless. Let’s recap, my friends! And do not expect me to have picked just one book for every question – it is literally impossible.
Average Rating? 2.9 ⭐️ (you can tell I became more precise and strict with my ratings. Unforgiving, really)
How many books did you read? Did you meet your goal? By reading 174 books this year, I’ve met and surpassed my goal of 100 books. I really should take a chill pill, shouldn’t I?
Most read genre? Contemporary (I was in a pretty ugly Fantasy-centered slump this year)
Favorite book published in 2018?Girl Made of Stars and Strange Grace. Both of them were truly outstanding and the topics they tackled were deep and beautifully handled.
Favorite debut book in 2018?The Astonishing Color of After. I was blown away by the beauty and perfection this book was. Such a gorgeous prose; magical realism at its prime.
Favorite book not published this year? Now, you’re not seriously expecting me to pick just one, are you? Hey then, here’s a list: The Song of Achilles, A Little Princess, The Wicker King. All of them hold a very special place in my heart and soul.
A book that lived up to the hype?Radio Silence. It lived up to the hype, it surpassed the hype. This book is its own hype. And every single praise is correct.
A book that did NOT live up to the hype? Ready for an Unpopular Opinion Time ...more
I personally thought that 2017 was the year in which my opinions, my bookish personality and my prefe(This Year Away is brought to you by 2019 Giulia)
I personally thought that 2017 was the year in which my opinions, my bookish personality and my preferences somewhat solidified themselves and grew more specific. I picked books that actually caught my attention while still reading some popular and praised backlist titles.
2017 has actually also been a very good reading year. I met many of my absolute favourites during this year, so I think this Year Away will most probably be a list with multiple-choices kind of answers, and not truly a single-choice style.
I’m sorry, but when you read A Closed and Common Orbit, If We Were Villains and A Little Life all in the same year, you have to give me the possibility to pick more than one book. I would combust if I were to choose only one.
Let’s recap, then!
Average Rating? 3.1 ⭐️ I was a somewhat harsher critic, and I cannot help but be proud of myself. Nonetheless, with all the amazing book that graced me in 2017, I'm not surprised by this average rating.
How many books did you read? Did you meet your goal? By reading 164 books this year, I’ve met and surpassed my goal of 60 books. Wow, I had no chill, no self-control whatsoever.
Most read genre? Contemporary.
Longest and shortest books you read? Shortest: The New World at 25 pages. Longest: the experience that is A Little Life with its 816 painful pages.
Favorite book not published this year? I think this award has to go to Orbiting Jupiter (and that’s because I refuse to already start mentioning A Little Life).
Here it is: my real full year on this damned, addicting social media platform that is Goodreads.
2016(This Year Away is brought to you by 2019 Giulia)
Here it is: my real full year on this damned, addicting social media platform that is Goodreads.
2016 was the year of me finally walking away from the popular, mainstream reviewers – not because they are bad (don’t get me wrong) – so to allow myself to form my own personal opinion.
In 2016 I started having more Unpopular Opinion Times ...more
Ah, 2015 – what a sweet, innocent year that was. This was the year I got my(This Year Away is brought to you by 2019 Giulia)
Hello lovely human beings!
Ah, 2015 – what a sweet, innocent year that was. This was the year I got my Kindle (his name is Herbert, btw) and I started my Goodreads profile.
I was still so clueless, so optimistic and full of joy. So incredibly shy to express my opinions. In fact, there are no Rather Random Reviews™️ and not many Unpopular Opinion Times ...more
Hey there everybody. What a year 2019 has been, huh?
So I think it's time to put all these days behind us and discuss a bit about what happened in 2019Hey there everybody. What a year 2019 has been, huh?
So I think it's time to put all these days behind us and discuss a bit about what happened in 2019.
I’ll try and not repeat myself too much and pick different books for the different prompts. Rather Random Reviews™️ - if you're interested (why would you, tbh? They are a mess lol) – are available for all the titles I've read this year.
Let’s recap!
Average Rating? 2.8 ⭐️ Not a particularly remarkable reading year, but it is what it is. Found some gems and some books that I wish I had not read.
How many books did you read? Did you meet your goal? By reading 121 books this year, I’ve met and surpassed my goal of 70 books. Yay.
Most read genre? Fantasy. Anybody surprised here?
Longest and shortest books you read? Shortest: Bound which was 42 pages. Longest: The Wise Man's Fear with its interminable 1000 pages.
Favorite debut book in 2019?Descendant of the Crane. A book and author that have definitely caught my attention.
Favorite book not published this year?The Lies of Locke Lamora. Did not even have to think about this one. Expect to read this title many more times throughout this review of the year.
A book that lived up to the hype? For the sake of diversity, Red Sister. I had high hopes and it did not let me down. Stunning and ruthless.
A book that did NOT live up to the hype? Gosh, how am I gonna pick only one? I’d say Normal People. I was expecting another emotional read, a punch in the gut in true A Little Life style, and instead I just got frustrated, mad and bored.
Book that felt like the biggest accomplishment?The Wise Man's Fear. Have you hold that book? It’s a goddamn brick – you can build solid and indestructible homes with that. I was so proud of myself when I finished it.
Favorite character? Does Dustfinger – my all time fave – from Inkheart count? Otherwise, the forever loved Willelm from A Little Life. But if I have to pick a new favourite not from a re-read (without repeating a book because we all know that Locke Lamora has my whole entire heart), I think Sam from The Diviners. He's bae.
Least favorite character? Ready for an Unpopular Opinion Time ...more
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