I know that I have posted a lot about 2018 lately, but this is the last one- I promise! 2018 was my first full year of blogging and it has lead to a lot of self-discoveries. Reflecting back on the year, I cannot believe how much my reading has evolved, and I cannot wait to see what 2019 brings!
I have read more non-fiction
I read 28 non-fiction titles this year, which I am very pleased with considering that I only read two in 2017. I did not start the year thinking I would embrace non-fiction, but I picked up I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell and it sent me down a rabbit hole of non-fiction. It is such a diverse genre, and it is fun finding books that appeal to my interests. My TBR list includes so many non-fiction titles that I am looking forward to reading in 2019.
I discovered audiobooks
I never thought that I would be someone who enjoys audiobooks, because typically I am a visual learner. I realized that the time I was spending cooking and cleaning could be even more productive if I started listening to audiobooks, so I gave it a try. I am so glad that I did! It completely changed my reading life and I was able to read the most books I have ever read in a year. I love finding narrators who I love and there are certain books that I think are even better when listened to!
I discovered graphic novels
I had always wanted to read graphic novels but none of them caught my attention. I saw that Hoopla had Saga and I had heard so many good things about it, so figured I would pick it up. I was blown away by it! The illustrations truly add to the story and bring the world to life. I am completely onboard the graphic novel train and understand why people love them so much. I am hoping to read more graphic novels, such as Lumberjanes and Paper Girls, in 2019!
I received more ARCs
I became part of the Penguin Random House blogger program this year, which has been truly amazing. I have discovered so many books that I never would have picked up otherwise. I find having too many ARCs can be overwhelming, but I think I have found a nice balance. I am able to read both ARCs and books off my own shelves without feeling I have to compromise or I am forcing myself to read books I am not interested in.
I am better at choosing books
I think one of the biggest and greatest changes I have made this year is that I have come to better understand what I like and what I do not like in a novel. I might make a whole post explaining more about that in the future! This discovery has lead me to being able to choose books that I know I will enjoy. Sure, there were a few books that let me down this year, but there were fewer than in past years. I also read some of my all-time favourite novels this year! It has been amazing!
I think more critically
This has been a process, but I do feel that I am starting to think more critically when I read, and I am embracing it. I want reading to remain a fun experience, but I also think it is important to realize and acknowledge the problems that a book might have. I like that I am starting to better understand why I love or hate a novel and I am able to put those thoughts into words. This is something I hope to continue to work on this year!
It has been a wonderful year both personally and in my reading life. I have you all to thank for a large part of that! Thank you for your support, your comments, and your friendship! This community continues to surprise me in wonderful ways.
How did your reading life change in 2018?
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