2022 in reading

[regshoe]

I read 80 books in 2022, considerably fewer than in 2021 or 2020. This year I've been able to spend more time doing nice things like going out walking and birdwatching, and I've also been going into the office more, which is not so nice, and I think the generally increased activity levels have been tiring—but books remain important. :)

Highlights include:

• Men of War by Lou Faulkner
• The Rider of the White Horse by Rosemary Sutcliff
• The Last of the Wine and Fire from Heaven by Mary Renault
• Villette by Charlotte Brontë
• Three Hornblower books by C. S. Forester, of which my fave was Lieutenant Hornblower
• Four Worrals books by W. E. Johns, of which I think my favourite was Worrals on the War-Path
• Re-reads of Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson, The Wounded Name by D. K. Broster and Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

The D. K. Broster and E. W. Hornung read-throughs are asymptotically approaching their ends; I think this is partly because I have so many other things I want to read that keep taking priority, and partly because I don't want to reach the actual end of either of them. I won't be able to keep that up much longer with Hornung, as after reading just one book in 2022 I have only one more to go. I read two Brosters, and still have a few of those left...

In the meantime, I'm very happy to have discovered the Hornblower and Worrals series! I gather that the Worrals books drop off in quality from this point onwards, but the Hornblowers only get better, so we'll see what the rest of the series brings.

I've also started listening to audiobooks as a way to liven up 'getting from A to B' walks, and have re-read two Jane Austen books this way so far, which has been very good.

Comments

[osprey_archer]

That sounds like a good year in reading! Your Kidnapped fandom promo prompted one of my friends to say "You know, we really should do that Kidnapped buddy read we've been talking about..."

[regshoe]

Aww, I'm very pleased to hear it—and you totally should :D

[friendofthejabberwock]

Well done! I always enjoy reading your reviews.

[regshoe]

Oh good, and thank you :)

[edwardianspinsteraunt]

80 books is a very impressive total! My reading has definitely dropped off since the lockdowns too-- back in 2020, I read about 150 (!?) but since then, I've consistently averaged at around 50 to 60 a year, thanks to increased stresses and activity levels. Still, quality over quantity, I suppose-- the number matters less than how much you enjoy it :)

[regshoe]

Quality over quantity, absolutely! :)

[sanguinity]

I wouldn't say the Hornblower books only get better (the worst one is still ahead of you, imo), but the general trend is in your favour.

And I'm glad they've been a highlight of your reading year!

[regshoe]

Ah, yes, I remember you saying one of the later ones is especially bad. Oh well, a favourable general trend is good :)