Listen y’all…I did it!!!
I FINALLY completed a Goodreads challenge!!!
(confetti dropppppppppp)
It took me years! But I have done it!
As every year before it, 2024 was a busy one for me. Overwhelmed is an understatement. I love reading but being a SWM, free time isn’t something I get often and hobbies always take a back seat. But I told myself last year, I want to reach my reading goal. Just one time. Even if I’m reading down to the last minute on New Year’s Eve (true story). And I’m glad I accomplished it.
Honestly, I had such an enjoyable reading experience last year. I pretty much LOVED everything I picked up (what a difference from 2023). A huge part of my reading enjoyment came from graphic novels, which surprised me because I typically don’t connect with them. But then I read Lore Olympus and wowwwwww! Phenomenal! I will never get enough of Hades. The colors and textures of Smythe’s art style blew me away, it was just amazing! I’m very excited for the new book coming out this Spring. Two other great mentions are Heartstopper and Giant Days. Many of my books last year were graphic novels because once I read one, I wanted to finish the series and since I was also short on reading time, this helped me catch up.
I also took advantage of that Kindle Unlimited subscription I pay for but rarely use. My usage definitely went up compared to the previous year (which I believe was only 2 books).
And of course, I had to support my library (and save some $$$ on book buying).
My most-read authors were Rachel Smythe, Alice Oseman and T.J. Klune.
My top genres were Romance, Fantasy & Young Adult. Kinda gave up on the rom-coms but found romance elsewhere in Greek retellings and paranormal romances.
Including imprints, Penguin Random House was my top publisher.
Best/Worst/Favorites
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My best read was Jessica Knoll’s 2015 debut, it had a unique, raw and leggy writing style with a great heroine to pair. Both the book and movie versions were excellent.
My worst read was my last book of the year; a quick and terrible one. Like rom-coms, cozy mysteries may not be my thing either. But I will try a few more to confirm my suspicions.
So, my favorite read of 2024 had to be a tie. While hands down, the Lore Olympus books were my faves, I couldn’t not mention Juliette Cross’s first installment from her Stay a Spell series. This book was funny, spicy and witchy. With a side of wolf, of course. A series review is coming soon.
My favorite series, if you can’t tell by now, was Lore Olympus.
Heartstopper was the book I just picked up (because it’s been sitting on my shelf for like 3 years) and absolutely thought I wouldn’t like it or venture past volume one. Well, here it is, my Pleasant Surprise! I actually ended up so invested and purchased the rest of the series! It’s simply cute with just the right amount of humor and emotion and I’m dying right now for book six (such a long wait)! It’s also a tv show (that’s equally good) on Netflix!
More bookish faves:
Fav. Female: Ani FaNelli – Luckiest Girl Alive
Fav. Supporting Female: Esther DeGroot – Giant Days series
Fav. Male: Rishi – When Dimples Met Rishi
Fav. Supporting Male: Alpha – Wolf Gone Wild
My Bookish Crush: Sorry Mateo, you almost had me…but I had to give it to my blue man, Hades.
Favorite Couple: Nick and Charlie from Heartstopper.
Cover Love: I think my favorite cover issss….oh how can I pick only one!?! LOL
Ok, ok, I think it’s going to have to be When Dimples Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon (but honorable mention to Heartstopper, Vol. 5 for those cute purple and pink jackets!)
Cover Color Contest: Most of the books I read were cool shades of blue 💙 !
My other faves!
Favorite Game: Tie between Cult of the Lamb & Disney Dreamlight Valley
Favorite Show: Charmed
Favorite Movie: Luckiest Girl Alive
Favorite Album: Deeper Well by Kacey Musgraves (this album was the soundtrack of my year).
Favorite Songs:
Cardinal – Kacey Musgraves
Giver/Taker – Kacey Musgraves
Go Off – Doja Cat
Agora Hills – Doja Cat
Dumb & Poetic – Sabrina Carpenter
Doomsday – Lizzie Alpine
Podcast: She Wore Black
Book Tracking – How’s Notion Going?
Last year, I posted about creating a Notion database for all my book tracking activity and I’m happy to report I’m still using it! All things book related are well organized now and this contributed to keeping me focused and on track:
I love using the page templates to write my thoughts on current reads, character info, quotes I like and draft my review all in one place:
If you need a cute (and easily customizable) Notion Book Template, Ellie Gons has one. It’s free and it’s the one I currently use. I basically use all her templates for my journals, daily tasks, gaming, etc. The layouts are clean and simple-styled and can be customized to fit your needs. Did I mention they were free?
I still update my Goodreads but it’s just out of habit now. Recently, I’ve been trying StoryGraph and like their graphs and charts. My only complaint is their book information/editions need work, as this can lead to your reading data being a little inaccurate.
What’s next in 2025?!?
In 2024, I enjoyed reading like I haven’t in so long. I met so many new and wonderful characters; ones that feel a little unforgettable. I’m so excited to start new books this year and see what’s in store(y) for me. I also hope to revisit past characters by rereading some old faves of mine.
That being said, reading did become a bit overwhelming too last year. Because I wanted to complete my reading goal, I had to devote all my hobby time to reading. I didn’t really cross stitch or play video games like I used to. Sometimes, I would feel guilty for not reading when I wanted to do something else. So, this year I’m not going to read as much. I gave myself a soft goal of 20 books but not going to stress if I don’t complete it. I would like to have a more relaxed reading journey this time around, leaving room for other fun activities.
I also plan to spend more time here on the blog! I have some series’ reviews coming and would like to start putting out other content as well, like some weekly/monthly book memes, etc.
Well, guess that’s it for now! See ya!