Does listening to audiobooks count as reading? Here it does. Let’s discuss your favorite reads — or listens.
All in Non-Review
My scope of what is deemed a “classic” has shifted over the years, and it has made diving into the back catalog of literature a lot more fun. Today, I view a classic as any novel published three decades ago that has developed a legacy. The classics I read this year - about 10 percent of my total reading - spanned the genres of science fiction, young adult and literary fiction by some authors well-known and lesser so.
While I won’t get to every book on this list in June, I will read them at some point this year, because each represents a facet of queer life – humor, resiliency and love – that continues to propel us forward.
This year I did something I haven’t done before. In re-assessing my book ratings, I made some adjustments. Like many others, for me 2021 was a roller coaster. So, it was only fair that I gave all my reads a second look before looking in the best of list.
Not all the books are terrible per se. Each had a few redeemable qualities that made them entertaining and informative, but they lacked the brilliance that immerses you in a story and doesn’t let go.
As you’ve guessed by the title of this website, audiobooks are my go-to format for reading. In 2021, 77 percent of my 82 books attempted were audiobooks, so I experienced the good, the bad and the mediocre of audiobook narration and production.
Last year, I made the goal to increase my female-identifying and Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) author reading by 10 percent – two demographics that together made up roughly 26 percent of my reading last year. So, how’d I do?
After reading and listening to more books in a single year than I used to finish in a decade, I can say, wholeheartedly, that 2021 was the year of nonfiction.
While I read fewer classics than usual, there was only one that fell flat — a truly remarkable achievement in my eyes!
From the Bible to “World War Z,” humanity has turned to art and literature to help understand pandemics, which, in reality, are a not infrequent occurrences when you look at world history. And part of that healing and processing comes from being entertained.
Watching the “Fear Street” trilogy on Netflix got me thinking about the book adaptations I actually want to see.
Of the 43 books completed, most have been relatively mediocre with only five solidly five-star reads a few more strong recommendations.
For Pride month, I’ve committed to reading only stories written by LGBTQIA+ writers and/or featuring predominately queer characters.
If you’re interested in a similar challenge, let me help you narrow down your choices with a little “Read This, Not That: Pride Edition.”
Today marks one year since I launched Please Read It To Me, a quarantine hobby that provided both a creative outlet and distraction in a challenging year.
This infographic breaks down my reading by page count, hours listened, author diversity and genre.
Whether you stopped by once or were a return visitor, thanks for being a part of my book reading and reviewing hobby this year.
Six years ago this week, I began reading the Harry Potter series for the first time. Being in my early 30s, and facing one one of the most challenging periods of my life, I didn’t expect much. What I got was everything I needed.
Separating the art from the artist is something I've been thinking about a lot lately as I'm nearing the six-year anniversary of when I first read the Harry Potter series. Especially since JK Rowling has joined the ranks of many other artists that in recent years have been exposed for unsavory opinions or behavior.
Do you ever think a book comes to you at the wrong time? Where you either are not in the right headspace to enjoy it, or your experiences to that point aren’t where they need to be to fully appreciate it? Read about the four books that meet that criteria for me.
I don’t shy away from epic reads, but in reviewing my 10 longest reads, only about half ended up being the time spent reading or listening. Is this your experience too?
