I’ve avoided doing a ‘favourite books of the year’ post over the last few years because I’ve noticed increasing numbers of authors commenting on how much they dislike them. I’ve never been an ‘every child wins a prize’ kind of best-of lister and only ever include a few books each year so think I probably offend fewer authors than I would if I had lengthy lists.

Instead I thought I’d finally link up with some blogging buddies who do a bookish post each month and talk about the year in books. Well, more specifically MY year in books.

I don’t set targets to read, other than a few years ago when I realised I’d read over 150 books and became conscious that I churned through them without taking the time needed to really ‘sit’ with them after. Of course reviewing means I need to get my thoughts in order, but even now (I’ve read about 114 this year so far), someone might comment on a book I’ve recently read and the plots blend together in my mind.

A great year for Aussie Fiction

I know I said I wouldn’t but with no fanfare and minimal analysis I’d have to say the books I liked most (or at least impacted on me / stayed with me) are Jacqueline Bublitz’s Before You Knew My Name, The Hush by Sara Foster, The Others by Mark Brandi and The Other Side of Beautiful by Kim Lock.

That’s if you tied me down and forced me to choose my most memorable new releases of the year… 🙄

Blogging, Bookstagram and BookTok

Book blogging still seems to be on the decline. Every man and their dogs started podcasts in the last few years (and not just on the bookish front) and it seems they’ve become increasingly popular.

Similarly bookstagram has continued to grow. I suspect bookstagrammers are more alluring to publishers now than bloggers. Whether that because our attention span is shorter/we’re too busy to read lengthy reviews or our attention to drawn to the imagery of Instagram I’m not sure.

But of course the trend – perhaps already peaking or continuing to grow – is the move to TikTok. Or rather, BookTok; with its offerings potentially even shorter and sweeter than bookstagram.

The future of books

As for books themselves and the delightful art of reading… who knows where the future will lie. I know many thought print books would die out when electronic books became a thing but it seems most still prefer the hard copy in their hand. Others like their books backlit. While some don’t mind. Of course audiobooks seem to be growing in popularity, ideal I guess for those who – unlike me – can multitask and listen while doing other stuff.

Let’s talk books. Have you had any memorable reads this year? Do you prefer the printed copy or are you partial to an audiobook?

Linking up with the gang who host What’s on Your Bookshelf?