What a list! I would be interested in what you thought of Madame Bovary, which I studied as an undergraduate, and disliked profusely, but which my daughter recently read and enjoyed. I loved The Year of Magical Thinking, but struggled to get into the Ferrante, despite it being so revered. My husband has had his head in the Ryan Holiday book which was gifted to him, the whole holidays...
I didn't really care for Madame Bovary to be honest. It wasn't terrible but it didn't really appeal to me. The Year of Magical Thinking was excellent. I listened to the Ferrante book on audiobook and I liked it but wasn't sure what the hype was all about. It was good but not great in my opinion.
That is an impressive list, both in quality and quantity. At roughly two books per week you must commit a lot of time to reading and/or read at a fast rate. Do you have time to digest and absorb what you’ve read and would you recommend any techniques for doing so?
Geoff, I am not sure if I am a faster reader than others. I do dedicate quite a bit of time to it, probably 20+ hours per week. I don't watch much tv or use digital devices very often. Reading is my hobby and passion.
As for digesting and absorbing I think this is situational. Some of the stuff I read is genre fiction that is just intended to be fun and entertaining. I don't need or expect to retain all of that. Other things I read I definitely want to retain. So as I am reading I always have a pen in my hand and I will underline important passages, make notes in the margins, etc... Everywhere that I annotate in a book, I put a little sticky tab. Then, when I have completed reading the book I make an entry in my Commonplace book and transcribe the quotes or themes or ideas from the book into my journal. I also always keep a yellow legal pad next to me while reading so I can jot down thoughts and ideas that occur and I will transcribe applicable notes from that into my journal as well.
Another thing that has helped me retain information is writing about it. This year I read everything written by Steinbeck. Writing a monthly essay on those works helped me retain and learn from the process.
Thanks Matthew, that’s really interesting. I have just retired and intend to spend more time reading but have been wondering how to get the most benefit from it. Your approach sounds good so I may adopt something similar. Regards, Geoff.
Absolutely. Feel free to reach out anytime if you have questions. I am interested to see how 2025 changes things for me. I retired this past year as well and so I have more time on my hands. I am trying to ensure I use it in an intentional manner.
Quite a list, my friend. I see a lot of favorites there and a number that are on my TBR list. 2025’s Tolkien challenge will include the Silmarillion. We’ll see how that goes!
For me it was a bit more difficult to digest than the LOTR. Lots of names. But it was interesting historical context for someone who loves Middle Earth.
Prodigious! Matt, mighty impressive … I am pleased to have overlapped a little in one or two choices and we share a ‘book of the year’. Onwards into the new reading year.
That is quite a list Matthew! Ruiz's "The Four Agreements" is one of my favorite books. I also his book "The Mastery of Love." I read Ocean Vuong's "On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous," so moving and beautifully written. His poetry is great too, "Night Sky with Exit Wounds," was assigned for one of my M.A. poetry classes.
I am overwhelmed by the number of books you've read!! I doubt I've read half as many but there are a few overlaps, though not your book of the year which is next on my must order list!
Well done and thank you for your constant inspiration!
I wish you a wonderful New Year filled joy and lots more reading !
What a list! I would be interested in what you thought of Madame Bovary, which I studied as an undergraduate, and disliked profusely, but which my daughter recently read and enjoyed. I loved The Year of Magical Thinking, but struggled to get into the Ferrante, despite it being so revered. My husband has had his head in the Ryan Holiday book which was gifted to him, the whole holidays...
Best wishes to you, Matthew!
I didn't really care for Madame Bovary to be honest. It wasn't terrible but it didn't really appeal to me. The Year of Magical Thinking was excellent. I listened to the Ferrante book on audiobook and I liked it but wasn't sure what the hype was all about. It was good but not great in my opinion.
Blessings to you and your family Kate!
That is an impressive list, both in quality and quantity. At roughly two books per week you must commit a lot of time to reading and/or read at a fast rate. Do you have time to digest and absorb what you’ve read and would you recommend any techniques for doing so?
Geoff, I am not sure if I am a faster reader than others. I do dedicate quite a bit of time to it, probably 20+ hours per week. I don't watch much tv or use digital devices very often. Reading is my hobby and passion.
As for digesting and absorbing I think this is situational. Some of the stuff I read is genre fiction that is just intended to be fun and entertaining. I don't need or expect to retain all of that. Other things I read I definitely want to retain. So as I am reading I always have a pen in my hand and I will underline important passages, make notes in the margins, etc... Everywhere that I annotate in a book, I put a little sticky tab. Then, when I have completed reading the book I make an entry in my Commonplace book and transcribe the quotes or themes or ideas from the book into my journal. I also always keep a yellow legal pad next to me while reading so I can jot down thoughts and ideas that occur and I will transcribe applicable notes from that into my journal as well.
Another thing that has helped me retain information is writing about it. This year I read everything written by Steinbeck. Writing a monthly essay on those works helped me retain and learn from the process.
Thanks Matthew, that’s really interesting. I have just retired and intend to spend more time reading but have been wondering how to get the most benefit from it. Your approach sounds good so I may adopt something similar. Regards, Geoff.
Absolutely. Feel free to reach out anytime if you have questions. I am interested to see how 2025 changes things for me. I retired this past year as well and so I have more time on my hands. I am trying to ensure I use it in an intentional manner.
This list is inspirational, Matthew. This is excellent perspective for many excellent books can be enjoyed in 2025.
Thanks Sam.
Quite a list, my friend. I see a lot of favorites there and a number that are on my TBR list. 2025’s Tolkien challenge will include the Silmarillion. We’ll see how that goes!
For me it was a bit more difficult to digest than the LOTR. Lots of names. But it was interesting historical context for someone who loves Middle Earth.
I've read everything Tolkien since the 70's (repeated times and a few bio's) and Silmarillion was my least favorite.
Yes, I agree. It isn’t an easy read.
Thanks for sharing your list! It's inspired me to be more intentional in my reading this year.
My pleasure Michelle!
Prodigious! Matt, mighty impressive … I am pleased to have overlapped a little in one or two choices and we share a ‘book of the year’. Onwards into the new reading year.
How wonderful to have accomplished such a list, Matthew ! I think your organised approach definitely pays off.
Wow you're a reader. I'm impressed, and that comes from another reader : )
That is quite a list Matthew! Ruiz's "The Four Agreements" is one of my favorite books. I also his book "The Mastery of Love." I read Ocean Vuong's "On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous," so moving and beautifully written. His poetry is great too, "Night Sky with Exit Wounds," was assigned for one of my M.A. poetry classes.
The Aton is brilliant. What about Russia and Eastern Europe?
Love the list Matthew. I’ve read all of the CJ Box ones you mention. I look forward for diving into a few more on this great list. Happy New Year!
I am overwhelmed by the number of books you've read!! I doubt I've read half as many but there are a few overlaps, though not your book of the year which is next on my must order list!
Well done and thank you for your constant inspiration!
I wish you a wonderful New Year filled joy and lots more reading !
here’s mine 😂
https://open.substack.com/pub/midnightmunchies/p/a-year-of-mildly-illegal-choices?r=22k3m0&utm_medium=ios
One of my all time favorite authors is Willa Cather, read every one of her books.
She is a treasure!