Here’s what I’m most looking forward to reading this year. Be sure to let me know what you plan to read in the comments below!
First, what do I typically read?
I like to read all kinds of books, especially historical-nonfiction, sci-fi, outlandish adventure, and satire.
I also like to surprise myself once in a while, hence the unexpected and welcomed love for cozy mysteries.
Joy in Reading the Whole Year Through
I keep a physical, digital, and audiobook on hand at all times.
I find rotating between different subject matter/genre among formats helps me be able to switch back and forth without getting plots confused.
If I get tired of reading one for a while, I can easily get into the mode of a renewed reading experience by easily making a switch.
When I can’t read a physical book for whatever reason, like not being able to take all my physical books with me on a plane, digital and audio save the time and space.
I’m able to read more throughout the year because accessibility is key.
If you’re a mood reader like me, give this method a try. You might find it useful when you get stuck in a rut or reading slump.
Physical Copies
My physical TBR bookshelf is looking quite varietal at the moment.
I won’t list each book out but I feel like I have quite a bit of diversity of genres, topics, new, and backlisted books. I have a lot of catching up to do from the last year or so as you can tell.
I enjoy rereading classics each year.
Next up on my list for classics is Treasure Island from The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson. I found my this copy at an antique shop. It’s super brittle, undated, 1920s most likely, I’m going to have to be so careful with it.
First Book of 2021
I’m starting off with The Progress of Love by Alice Munro. It’s been on my current read for about a year, having added it from SunBeamsJess Book Club. I’m a year behind on this one, but that’s okay, I will still make the most of it!
Seasonal Reads
The little stash on the bottom is my seasonal ones I’m looking forward to. Spring, summer, autumn. These were released in 2020.
Digital Reads
I currently have 584 books on just my Books app alone. My brother gave me several which I’m quite excited about.
Most are hard-science fiction and fantasy books. Old-school, classic ones from the genres.
I have everything ranging from authors like Brandon Sanderson, Dean Koontz, Carolyn Keene, Jeff Vandermeer, Veronica Roth, Kat Richardson, Simon R. Green, and of course a few cozy mysteries from authors like Cleo Coyle, author of the Coffeehouse Mysteries series which I adore.
My Current Sci-fi Reads
The Wandering Inn: Volume 1 (The Wandering Inn #1) by Pirateaba
A couple thousand pages long, I’m still working my way through it. I kind of don’t want it to end though! It’s one I’m savoring, take my time with.
I started this during a read-a-thon in 2018. I started reading it in digital but I keep waiting for an audiobook to come along.
Audiobooks
I love the Agatha Raisin series from M.C. Beaton. Clever, fun, short, uplifting little stories! They are relevant yet lighthearted and the perfect in-between book, especially after reading something on the heavier side.
Just new, in 2020, long-anticipated from Susanna Clarke. I loved Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, I’m sure I will love this one too!
Upcoming Releases
Anticipated reads to be published this year!
Barn Club by Robert Somerville
Books Inspired by My Travels
I always make a point to check out the local author section of bookstores and airports when traveling through.
These shots were taken from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa back in March of 2020.
Have you read any of these?
Magazines
Taste of Home is one of my favorite food magazines. Amazing recipes! This Dec/Jan 2021 issue has a Portuguese Shrimp recipe that looks incredibly satisfying.
Book Club Picks
I belong to a few book clubs.
The Poisoned Pen SciFi & Fantasy Book-of-the-Month Club
This month for Life’s Library Book Club we’re reading Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. This will be my 3rd time reading it but that’s actually fine by me as I’m kind of curious to see what my thoughts will be after having now lived in Malawi, Africa this past year.
I’m looking forward to reading The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow, the Poisoned Pen Bookstore Sci-fi Book Club March book. Debut novel, published in 2019.
It’s a historical time piece of the early 1900s with mysterious fantasy elements.
In the early 1900s, a young woman embarks on a fantastical journey of self-discovery after finding a mysterious book in this captivating and lyrical debut.
I’ve been craving a book like this.
“A gorgeous, aching love letter to stories, storytellers and the doors they lead us through…absolutely enchanting.”–Christina Henry, bestselling author of Alice and Lost Boys. LOS ANGELES TIMES BESTSELLER! Finalist for the 2020 Hugo, Nebula, Locus, and World Fantasy Awards.
My Current Reads
I love reading and cuddling up with a cup of hot coffee or chai. What’s your reading beverage of choice?
Oh there’s so many good books out there that I want to check out that were published in the past 1-2 years.
There are many more releases to come that look very enticing. I have to restrain myself a bit as I want to finish the books I already own, but I can tell already, that my 2021 new release book list is going to grow exponentially and quite I’m excited about that!
How You Can Support Local, Independent Bookstores During the Shutdown
I love wandering around a good, old-fashioned bookstore. I would be torn to see them become something of the past like Blockbuster and Hollywood Video. It has been tragic to see local businesses shutting down, but good news is, we can keep them alive with our book purchases.
Let’s preserve the joy in reading and future visits to local, independent bookstores and not forget about supporting them.
My all-time favorite is the Poisoned Pen Bookstore. 30 years, still going strong. Be sure to subscribe to their e-newsletter for latest releases and events. Check out their YouTube channel, Facebook, and podcast for author interviews.
You can help support your favorite bookstore by purchasing audiobooks from Libro.fm, where a portion of your purchase will go to your bookstore of choice.
I hope you have an amazing start to reading in 2021! What books are you planning to read this year?
Let me know what your reading goals are for this year, as well as any books we may have in common that you are wanting to check out, and any book recommendations in the comments below!
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