My Year in Books 2020: Not so satisfying!

When I started planning for the reading list 2021, I panicked and my choices of challenges were all over the place. Should I pick easy ones or the most challenging one or the convenient ones? So many questions. I also prepared Quirkysoul Reading Challenge 2021 which was tough considering I had read prompts from many reading challenges. 

Speaking of reading challenges, I took up 50 books as total target and by end of 2020 I was mid-way in my 46th book of the year. So 45 was my count for 2020. I did not have any cheat books to reach my target.

I am a bit disappointed with my reading. Out of 5 reading challenges I took up I was able to complete only one. Like I said in my previous post I bit more than I could chew this year. Below are the challenges I picked for 2020.

In the list below the green-coloured cells are completed prompts whereas orange depicts the one I could not complete.

A-Z Challenge:

A-Z Mini:

Popsugar Advanced Challenge:

Quirkysoul Reading Challenge:

There are few other books I read that do not fall in any challenge except Goodreads Reading Challenge.

Many prompts have some books repeated. Funnily I did not complete the prompts that I curated.

The top 3 books for me in 2020 are

1. Becoming by Michelle Obama: I felt this book did not pretend to be some noble person. It was simple, honest and inspiring.

2. Wings of Fire by APJ Abdul Kalam: Many technical terms of the book flew right over my head but  the book can give you positivity like the man, Kalam sir, himself. Oddly, when I was reading the book I could hear his voice narrate his journey. Another 

3. 3 books share the third place. The Thirteenth Tale - Diane Setterfield, The Silent Patient - Alex Michaelides, The Giver of Stars - Jojo Moyes: Each of them are different from each other but were certainly goodread.

Normal People by Sally Rooney was a bit disappointing for me as I expected too much due to the hype.

I am surprised that non-fiction(not a fan!) genre has topped by best book list. May be I should explore more in this category. I do have a tome for 2021 - The most suggested 'Sapiens' it is. Let us see how impressive it is going to be. Also last year I picked up some unknown authors and I did like many of those.

I have pledged to read 45 books this year and I am very cautious in creating my list of books. Also I am trying to clear the ever-growing TBR. Popsugar Advanced Challenge 2021 is going to help me do that.

More about these later.

C U Soon!

Once again we are at that point of the year where we reflect on our actions so far and plan for the future. Yes, 2020 is almost here and it is a leap year. Hurrah!! More time to read.

I think I was too ambitious and had planned to read about 60 books including the Popsugar regular challenge. By the end of January I was lagging behind the schedule. My reading took a hit when I had to juggle reading with some other. There was a slump for about four months. By August I was way behind to recover. Still I tried to complete as much as possible and ended the year with 43 books. Out of the 40 books in Popsugar regular challenge, I finished 26 of the criteria. 65% completion rate is not so bad after all!!

Below is the list of prompts I completed

I went beyond my favourite genre and took chances on new authors due to some overwhelming reviews. There were many surprises and a few disappointments. My top 5 books in no particular order for the year would be

1. The Man Called Ove

2. The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society

3. The Book Thief

4. The Help

5. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

Eat, Pray, Love and Where'd You Go, Bernadette were disappointing in-spite of the raving reviews I read. I wish I could have read Becoming by Michelle Obama. It is still in my TBR (the ever-growing list). 

Please find the list of all the books I took up for 2019 in the link below

https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/14655913

This Year was comparatively short in numbers but that's okay. I have attempted some books which I normally would not pick up at all and I found some gems. 

What's next? This year I have created my own reading challenge and you can find the details here. In 2020 I am going to attempt the Popsugar advanced reading challenge. It has 10 prompts only, so I think I can do it. I have lined up the books already and aiming for 35 in total. Also I am going to include Tamil books in them. Hoping for a good reading year. 

As usual, I pledge to be regular on updating the blog. 

Happy Reading Folks!!

Book Review: Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

Author: Gail Honeyman
Genre: Contemporary
Type: Fiction

This book is something I am glad I picked up for the Popsugar prompt 25 – A debut novel. It is not usually a genre or premise I would usually read. But I chose it through recommendations.

Eleanor Oliphant is an adult who is generally considered a social misfit. She lives alone, has a job and there is a routine for everything in her life. She doesn’t socialise. Her mother is the only person in her life she speaks to regularly. One day, she sees a musician at his band performance whom she decides is her soul mate and plans to meet him, fall in love and get married to him. Also she is introduced to a colleague, Raymond who is friendly and doesn’t see the flaws in Eleanor. The remaining story tells why Eleanor is the way she is and did her plan to covet the musician work.

The entire book is single character centric and we see a character arc in Eleanor that happens by the people she meets. You don’t see a sudden twist and turn until you know her back story. I did feel a hint of mockery on all the questions on the norms, decorum and code we follow on social behaviour. Sometimes we don’t ask questions where we need to and hide behind etiquette.

The character does grow on you as you read. Eleanor is sometimes aware of her shortcomings but she doesn’t let that bother her.

The read is a smooth ride with the ebbs and flows of laughs and grief. It can be heart-warming and heartbreaking at the same time.

This one definitely goes into my list of good reads for the year.

Verdict: Highly recommended in contemporary fiction with odd characters are odd and a warm story.

Book Review: Where'd You Go, Bernadette

Author: Maria Semple
Genre: Humour
Type: Fiction

I had selected this book for my Popsugar reading prompt 16- A book with a question in the title. I am still not sure how I feel about this book. I will try my best to put it into words.

The whole title is a little misleading. I was expecting some search expedition for a missing person from the start. But it comes almost at the end.

Bernadette is an opinionated mother of a 15 year old, Bee. She hates her neighbourhood and does most of her work through an outsourced personal assistant. Her husband is a Microsoft employee and is almost absent physically and emotionally. Bernadette has gone through so many issues like a big hit on her career as an architect, issues with her pregnancy and Bee’s health problems. When her daily life gives her grief, Bernadette disappears. Bee, who is very close to her mom, decides to find her. The remaining story says if she finds her mom or not.

The storytelling is done through a series of letters, notes and emails and a few narrations from Bee. So it makes the reading quick and easy. It is hilarious at a few scenes. But I wouldn’t say it is a laugh out loud humour. There is a whole lot of satire and sarcasm on the suburban culture of private schools, mommy clubs and Microsoft culture. But the world and characters in which the satire is played on is too shallow. I did feel sorry for Bernadette once all the reasons for her anguishes are explained.I couldn’t care any less about her neighbours. I couldn’t pine for anyone here. That is one downside about this book.

Verdict: At the end of the book, all I felt was uncertainty. I am still a bit confused if this is satire or humour.

Book Review: Behind Closed Doors

Author: B. A. Paris
Genre: Thriller
Type: Fiction

I picked this book for their reviews and rating from different sources. The author is new to me so I started with an open mind.

The story is a about a couple Jack and Grace Angel who seem to be the perfect couple to their friends. Jack is a domestic violence lawyer and has an amazing track record. Grace who used to be a fruit supply buyer for a big department store, quit her job after marrying Jack. Grace’s sister Millie has Down’s syndrome and is attending special needs school. The couple have great looks, a cute story about their courting, amazing holidays and a gorgeous home. The cherry on the top is Grace’s cooking which their friends applaud at the dinner parties. But with all the happy couple show going on, there are some deep secrets turning their life to a sham.

The story goes back and forth between Grace’s past and present. The author does not beat around the bush and there is no suspense about the dark secrets. You are immediately introduced to 2 different worlds.  Though there was potential for dark content I am grateful that there were no rambling psycho thoughts on display. There are no vivid and graphic descriptions of the cruelty, but you do fear for the person. Sometimes you feel so helpless that it makes you want to find a way to end the horror. The story keeps flowing uninterrupted and you come to the end without realising it.

In terms of character design, I think all major characters were well defined. I see the flaws on the decisions Grace makes but you can only know how your mind works if you are in that situation . Millie is observant and clever and my favourite in the novel. If it wasn't for her I don't know how the story would have proceeded.

Once I finished I thought it fit the Popsugar prompt 4: A book you think should be turned into a movie. If not a movie I think this could make a pretty good mini web series. I also think this book has a potential for a sequel.

Verdict: An engaging and exciting psychological thriller. Must read and highly recommended of the genre.

Book Review: Master of the Game

Author: Sidney Sheldon
Genre: Thriller
Type: Fiction

This book was chosen as part of Popsugar prompt 35: A book by an author whose first and last names start with the same letter. Sidney Sheldon is one of the primary authors that I had read when I moved on to thrillers from Enid Blyton’s works and Nancy Drew and I was never disappointed with any of his novels.

The novel starts with Kate Blackwell where on her ninetieth birthday she recollects the past events of her life and history of the conglomerate she owns Kruger-Brent Ltd. The story mostly happens in South Africa when diamond mining was a booming industry , describes how her father started the company from the scratch and showcases the hunger for power, riches, revenge, passion, betrayal, manipulation spanning across four generations.

You might find yourself pining for a character and the next second hating the same person making the character more humane. In most of Sheldon’s novels we can find strong-willed female characters. One such person is Kate though I am not going to debate on if she is good or evil. Every generation has 1 or 2 central characters and the writing does not make us feel the length of the book.

The novel never slows at any point. It is entertaining, ruthless and unputdownable.

Book Review: To All The Boys I've Loved Before

Author: Jenny Han
Genre: YA, Romance
Type: Fiction

This is the first book of a trilogy and I liked the lighthearted read. I chose this book for Popsugar prompt 29 - A book with 'love' in the title.

The story revolves around a 16 year old Lara Jean. In order to let go of her crushes and move on, she has a habit of writing letters to her crushes expressing all her thoughts. But these letters are for her eyes only and are not intended to be posted ever. One of her crush is her sister’s ex-boyfriend Josh who is also a childhood friend and neighbour. Lara Jean’s world turned upside down when her elder sister leaves for college and Lara has to be the mother of the house. To make things matter worse, all of her letters get mysteriously posted. How does Lara Jean confronts the mayhem after that is the crux of the story.

Lara Jean is a shy girl and shares most of her private time with her family only. She has a deep relationship with her elder sister Margot who seems to be the most efficient and responsible person of the family. And it makes sense why Lara Jean looks upto Margot for approval. It is also nice to have an understanding dad like Dr. Covey. I am simply amused by Kitty’s character. She is a kid but as the story goes, I feel she is sensible enough to be Lara Jean’s elder.

The drama between Lara Jean and Peter is cute and as the story moves along we get the sense of where this goes.

The writing and the plot is simple and quick to read. Both the book and movie are equally good. I hope the other two books are as engaging as this one.

Verdict: This is a sweet, lighthearted, contemporary fluff but adorable nonetheless. Recommended for YA romance fans.

Book Review: The Murder at the Vicarage

Author: Agatha Christie

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Type: Fiction

This is the first book on the famous fictional detective Miss Marple. Being an ardent fan of mystery and thriller plots, I cannot believe I haven’t read the Agatha Christie books ever. I chose this for the Popsugar prompt No. 30 - a book featuring an amateur detective

Colonel Protheroe is murdered at the Vicarage while waiting to meet the Vicar and almost everyone in the village is a suspect including the vicar. He is not a person loved by all in the quiet neighbourhood of St Mary Mead and everyone thinks the world is better place without him. The inquisitive old Miss Marple tries to find the missing pieces of the murder mystery.

With so many suspects on the list, the plot is engaging and we are not given any hints on who might be the killer. Most characters have a backstory. Entwined with the murder are 2 separate crimes which come to light as the story proceeds. The story is told from the Vicar’s point of view and though a central character we do not have heavy doses of Miss Marple’s appearance. And when she does appear, she just throws in simple statements and questions. The old lady is a relief from the conventional formula for detective characterisations.

When I started this book I noted down the characters, their movements during the murder. At one point I even stopped reading and reflected on who could be the murderer. But all in vain. I could never guess what happened. This is not a story where the answer was right there but we didn’t see it.  I don’t know if this is Agatha Christie’s style. So if you read this book, do not try to solve it by yourself.

Verdict: After reading this I am yearning to read more of Agatha Christie’s novels and this is a great read for all 'whodunnit' fans.

Book Review: Remember Me?

Author: Sophie Kinsella
Genre: Romance, Chick-lit

Type: Fiction

I reread this book after 8 years and still love it as much as I did the first time. Thanks to POPsugar prompt 7 - A reread of a favourite book.

Sophie Kinsella is one of my regular authors and I find her works equivalent to a comfort food. If I am not in mood for any heavy book Sophie Kinsella is my go-to author.

The plot is simple.What sort of twisted position would it be if you wake up one day to find 3 years of your life is missing from your memory. The same happens to Lexie Smart where she wakes up in a hospital and remembers nothing of her past 3 years. She is perplexed at how rich, good looking and career driven she is. And she is married to a handsome real-estate businessman. She concludes that she has got a perfect life and tries to fit in. Slowly she realises her life is mechanical and she has lost her close friends in the journey up the career ladder. Then comes a blow in the form of an architect. So the plot swivels around if Lexie gets back her memory and returns to her new lifestyle or stays the old self and resolves her issues. 

This is one of the typical Sophie Kinsella templates where a young woman is struggling with personal life and career ends up in a mess. The writing is simple and I did not find it anywhere boring. I did find the Porsche element in the end a bit unconvincing. Eric the husband, Jon the architect, Lexie’s friends, her mom and sister share some space in the story. 

The plot is from Lexi’s point of view and there is humour and romance like all her books. I had loved it when I had read it for the first time. But when I started it again now I knew only the plot but the scenes seemed to be entirely new. I think along with Lexie even I got amnesia. So it was more of reading a new book rather than a re-read. I like how there aren’t many incidents in the book that projects Lexie reacting stupidly to crisis. The characters are a bit mature than what I have read in other chick-lit novels. Overall it was a good read for me.

Verdict: I recommend this for all the chick-lit fans and those who enjoy reading mild dose of romance and humour. This will always be in my reread list of books.

Book review: A Little Something Different

Author: Sandy Hall

Genre: YA Romance
Type: Fiction

I read this book for POPSugar prompt 17 A book set on a college or university campus.

It is a pure college so-called romance story between Gabe and Lea. Lea is a new student enrolled for creative writing class and Gabe is enrolled in the same class. He is a shy guy and is back to college after a sabbatical. Both of them are attracted to each other but are held back by a few apprehensions. Gabe has a secret that only his brother and his friend know. Lea is confused whether he is interested in her or not. Do Gabe and Lea cross their hurdles and get together forms the remaining story.

The story is told from multiple POVs though none from Lea and Gabe. Every other character in Lea and Gabe’s universe roots for them to be a couple. Not just their friends, but their teacher, coffee shop baristas, food delivery guy, bus driver. Everyone!! So it felt completely surreal and the romance element did not work for me. Stereotypical awkward conversations, shy glances, let the other person approach scenes are being used here. Nowhere could I see the spark of romance that says they are meant to be with each other. May be if Lea and Gabe were allowed to say their perspective of the story, it would have worked.

A little something different was different only in using the bench and a squirrel as characters. I wish I was able to root for the couple as the characters did. I love romance and tried to find that something to hook me into the story but this book was not for me.

Verdict: This was an easy read with no fluctuations on the emotions and will recommend only if you like mild YA romance.