So, my goal for the year was to read 100 books. At 55 out of 100, I'm just a little over halfway there, but we are definitely more than halfway through the year. It seems unlikely that I'll actually reach my goal, but as I said at the beginning of the year, I will still feel like I had a good reading year even if I don't make it to 100 books.
I love that having a goal of reading so many books pushes me to make reading a priority. I also like that keeping a record of books that I've read via Goodreads makes it easy to look back on the books that I've read so far.
See also: Quarter One Updates
It's interesting to see the different books that I've read this year and to see which ones stand out to me as the ones that I enjoyed the most. Looking back on quarter 2 and 3 of this year, most of my favorite books have been either fantasy or nonfiction. I'm not surprised about the fantasy books because I've enjoyed those ever since I was young, but I've always thought of myself as a fiction reader rather than a nonfiction reader. I've been reading a lot more nonfiction though, and I'm definitely enjoying them!
Here are some of the best fantasy and nonfiction books that I've read over the past six months.
The Fantasy
Circe by Madeline Miller
Several people on instagram reviewed this book, and I added it to my list out of curiosity. This is a great read for people who love mythology and who love strong female characters. You don't normally find books that overlap in those two categories, so this is obviously a unique book.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Mass
I almost feel as if this series doesn't need much hype because the fandom is already big. It's so much fun to get swept up into a fantasy series. I've already read 2 of the 3 books so far, an I'm really hoping that the rest of the series is just as entertaining.
The Nonfiction
Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis
It took me forever to actually pick up this book because I didn't think that I would like it. But, I found this so motivational and helpful. It does have sections that are kind of fluffy and unrealistic. There are people who wouldn't benefit from the advice offered, but I think that I fall into the target audience for the book. I'm glad that I finally read it.
A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Ruby K. Payne
This book explained so many things that I've noticed, but never made the connection that they were linked to poverty. I feel as if it's made me understand the root of some of my students' behaviors. Even if you aren't a teacher, it's a good read. I want to read more on the topic in the future.
Readicide by Kelly Galagher
Unless you're involved in education, you are probably not the target audience for this book. I happen to be very into reading about ways to help children enjoy books. Unsurprisingly, I learned a lot from this book and plan to read more of Kelly Galagher's work.
84 Charing Cross Road by Helen Hanff
This collection of letters between an American author and a British bookseller would be the most charming fictional book ever. Except that this book is nonfiction which makes it even better because the events in the book actually happened. Absolutely everyone should read this book.
Floret Farm's Cut Flower Garden by Erin Benzakein
Sometimes I pick out books to read based solely on their covers which is how I found this one. Did I immediately get new plants after reading this book? Yes. Did the neighbor's dog, or possibly an energetic squirrel, immediately did up every single one of them the next day? Also, yes. But, I just registered for Floret Farm's cut flower mini course. This whole flower thing is going to happen. Thank you to the public library for allowing me to spontaneously read a random book and become obsessed with the idea of growing flowers. If I don't give any further updates, please assume that I have transformed our backyard into a miniature flower garden rather than that I have had yet another plant disaster.
What am I planning to read next?
At the moment, I'm in the middle of two books. Fewer Things Better by Angela Watson and When Women Ruled the World by Kara Cooney. The Nashville Public Library system makes it so easy for me to place holds on books that I want to read and they have such a large collection that I can borrow the majority of the books that I want to read. This has made it possible for me to have access to books that I would have had a difficult time getting in the past, and I am grateful that have those resources available. Libraries really are so important to communities.
Are you trying to complete a reading challenge this year? How is it going so far?
Add me on Goodreads. It's so much fun to connect with other book lovers!
Full disclosure, links to books are affiliate links. If you purchase a product using my links, I may receive a very tiny compensation from the company.
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