I recently updated you on how my reading challenge worked out for 2023. It was suggested that I give myself credit for the 2 books that I started but could not finish. My goal was to read 70 books and with the 2 I didn’t give myself credit for I reached 62! As I said before, a bit short of my goal but still impressive none the less.
I have started my reading challenge for 2024. And, I’m happy to report that I’m feeling a bit more focused with actually reading a book and not just listening. I typically enjoy reading one book while listening to another. Maybe it was the books or maybe it was just the holiday season where I had a lot going on. Onto my January reads:
DEMON COOPERHEAD
I was a bit reluctant to read this book because when it initially came out, there was so much buzz around it. I had read another book by this author and thoroughly enjoyed it. I read this book for one of my book clubs and I’m so glad because there was so much to digest. This book is modeled after David Copperfield, chapter by chapter according to the author. She changed the characters’ names but modeled them after characters in the David Copperfield.
David Copperfield deals with poverty while Demon Cooperhead deals with poverty but also class differences and the opiod crisis. It is a really interesting book full of characters that you love and hate. I listened to this book and really enjoyed the performance.
NECESSARY LIES
I’ve read a few books by this author and have enjoyed all of them. Her books usually deal with families, relationships, some type of secret that can upend everything while also helping to explain why things are the as they are. This book is very compelling and I got through listening to it very quickly.
THE MAID
A really excellent book in the same vein as Eleanor Oliphant but without all of the devastation. You know straight away that the main character is a bit different and needs some help navigating life. She loves her work, is great at it but not so great with reading relationship cues. The lack of this skill gets her both in and out of trouble!
PINEAPPLE STREET
This book is described as a beach read which I’m not sure that I agree with but it is more lighted than serious as well as incredibly witty. The book deals with an incredibly rich family who is so out of touch. There is one character married to the very rich guy who is the “outsider” and not very well accepted by her family. In spite of their wealth, there are crises after crises, some that make you laugh and some that don’t. A good read especially if you’ve been reading something heavy and need a break.
2024 Reading Challenge
The goal this year is to read 65 books. 2023 gave me a good baseline and this year gives me just a little more to shoot for but still very doable.
January -4 (61 remaining)
What do you think of my goal? Do you make reading goals? I make this goal because I love to read and I don’t want to get out of the habit.
If you have any book suggestions, leave them in the comments.
