What I’ve learnt about my reading habits from reading 56 books in 2020

January 4, 2021

At the beginning of 2020 I set myself the challenge to read 50 books in the year. One a week with a little space to over-run on any bigger books. I’m pleased to say I hit that target with a couple of weeks to spare and have read a pretty steady mix of books.

Looking back across my reads of the year and the ratings I gave each, I can see some trends, and have discovered quite a few things about my reading habits, likes and dislikes when it comes to books. So I thought I’d share them.

1 | An e-reader is a good investment actually

I was always a bit of a die-hard physical book snob. Admittedly, I do still love a physical book, and I’m not picky on hardback or paperback, but an e-reader is useful, particularly if you have a high reading target. I haven’t been using mine out and about which I know is the usual reason to invest in one, because obviously we’re in a pandemic. But it has been worth it’s weight in gold (and a bit more to be honest) for night feeding. No need for lights and can be used one handed. Perfect!

2 | I don’t like thrillers as much as I used to

I thought I loved thrillers but this year has taught me that actually I struggle a bit with thrillers. I can and do read them, and usually quite quickly too, but I haven’t read one that I absolutely loved and found many quite uncomfortable to read. Perhaps it’s the pandemic life, but I just couldn’t get along with even more hardship and unlikeable characters in my fictional worlds. I think for 2021, I’ll be avoiding thrillers.

3 | Fantasy, particularly YA is my 2020 genre of choice

On the other hand, I have found a genuine love for fantasy. Perhaps I’m too old for it, but I just do not care. It’s the perfect form of escapism and fantasy seems to create characters that readers genuinely fall in love with. The only downside is the length of many fantasy novels, and the fact they are rarely standalone, which means they can cost a small fortune to actually read all of. Especially as I don’t like leaving a series unfinished.

4 | Characters can make or break a book

This links to the above two points to be honest. I mostly disliked all the thriller characters I’ve read this year, but fallen in love with very very many fantasy characters. Plots are incredibly important on keeping me interested, and likely will stop me DNFing a book because I’m too curious for my own good, but the characters will slow me down.

5 | I’m pretty safe with my book selections

I try to pick books that I am pretty certain I’m going to enjoy. I know most people pick books based on blurbs that catch their attention, but also follow the trends. This year I’ve learnt that I really should stick with what I love and not follow the trends. Blood Orange was pitted as an amazing book, but one I didn’t hugely like myself. Same as Queenie. A book that is worth reading, but I wasn’t a massive fan of it, and likely won’t read it again. In 2021 I’m going to work through the books that I know I’m really going to love, which honestly is going to be mostly fantasy.

6 | I really enjoy a re-read

I love a re-read. I have a really quite terrible memory when it comes to books and films, so re-reading is fun for me as I don’t usually remember all of the complexities of a story. I also read quite fast so I do miss some details, so re-reading helps me pick up things. Sarah J Maas’s books are already very high on my 2021 re-read list, so I can take in more detail and absorb more of the plot.

I think this is why I love books so much. They teach us so much. They can bring joy, and sorrow, and laughter, and education.

What have you learnt from your 2020 reading?

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