Since it’s nearly the end of the world 2017, it’s time to talk about what I read this year! With…(wait for it)….pie charts.
Aka my favourite thing in the world. There is literally nothing more satisfying than collecting and analysing books with pie charts. Except for maybe eating a pie yourself after a long battle that included vague shouting and Vorpal swords.
Also fun story: I actually was making pies today!! And here I am!! Blogging about them! I’m living my true aesthetic life!
Today I’m doing my 2017 End Of Year Survey…which is basically a huge excuse for (a) pie charts and stats, and (b) me yelling about what books I freaking LOVED and adored. I generally use the questions from The Perpetual Page Turner but this year I’m only doing a few. Because I’m lazy.
- I am not good at Christmas or organisation and this was supposed to go up BEFORE Christmas but here we are.
- ALSO. I’m using snowflake Christmassy borders!! Even though it’s Australia!! And it’s summer!! And I feel like I’ve just betrayed my country but the borders are pretty and I have no regrets.
- If you want to see my 2015 and 2016 recaps, THERE YOU GO.
- For all interested, I made the pie charts with canva.com. I’m super high tech please fear me or just send me cake, honestly I don’t mind which.
- This post is 500% just a reason to talk about pie.
- I will also try not to let this post be 3 years long (AS IS USUAL) to spare your eyeballs.
- Did I mention I absolutely appreciate YOU reading and supporting my blog this year?! I like you a lot.
I always appreciate Goodreads believing that I’m good at “a lot of other things too” but yet…that’s a no. It is just books.
Yayyy! I had a way better reading year than I did in 2016!! I’m happy!
My most common rating was 4-stars so that’s really encouraging, right?! I also had SO MANY 5-STAR READS and drastically reduced my 2-stars. So basically: I had such a good reading year. This is very very pleasing.
Here we can see the dark truths in that I mostly read new books.
Backlist titles vs shiny newbies??? I’M DOOMED. I’M A DRAGON WHO CRAVES SHINY. SAVE ME FROM MYSELF.
Also super proud of the amount of audiobooks I consumed this year!! Thank you LIBRARY.
In a surprisingly turn of events, contemporary is my #1 genre of 2017!
Look my heart will ALWAYS belong to fantasy, but I write contemporary so this is actually fitting and helpful and I do so like books where characters are able to eat toast and use the WiFi. Plus I find contemporary authors are way more dedicated to writing diversity and I appreciate that.
I have confessed I’m terrified of books over 400+ pages and LOOK, I’M SUBTLE ABOUT IT.
Ah haha hahaha. 300+ pages is my happy pace.
And is anyone surprised I only consume YA? No. No we are not. But at least I’m 12% an adult these days.
Usually I don’t reread AT ALL so this year was amazing!
And 10/10 plan to reread more books every year. It’s comforting + I never remember the book anyway so it’s just like reading a brand new book. Very nice. Saves money.
Also women rule the book world and this I see no downside.
Honestly I’m pretty proud of how balanced my book sources are from!
I actually moved towns in June and lost my amazing library, so I’ve mostly been using Overdrive and crying. I have, unfortunately 0% hope in Netgalley for next year though because they literally deny me EVERYTHING. I have such fury, as is my name.
Also you know something funny?! I’m Australian –> being published in the UK –> and I read mostly American books. So I have no idea what language I’m writing in, what slang I’m using, or how to word. It’s great. My editors probably despair.
I track the minority representation in books because it’s interesting!
I’m really passionate about diverse books (belonging to several minorities myself) so I like seeing if books are going to represent the whole world! I have to admit, I’m disappointed (but not surprised) how hard it is to find disability rep in books. 47 books out of 250 that I read had disability rep in it. WE NEED BETTER.
But it’s nice to see YA veering beautifully towards worlds where not everyone is white/straight!
Now I don’t actually like tracking #ownvoices reads…because it’s not always obvious.
And that’s okay! I don’t think authors should have to be public (or outed) about their private lives. So take that pie chart with a grain of salt. (Which’ll make this pie taste weird, but whatever. Suffer.) And while it’s nearly half/half…diversity is still more commonly had in a secondary or background character instead of the protagonist. I think this should be improved.
Again wow so so much more common to find girl protagonists.
Part of me doesn’t mind?! But also I do like reading from boys’ perspectives too so more of both would be good?!?
And haha ha hah HAHAH. No one is surprised about the parents in YA stats. Parents in books are mostly dead or useless (SORRY TO MY PARENTS) and a measly 14% actually were great.
And apparently it was the YEAR OF THE STANDALONE!
Whic makes total sense because I have commitment issues. You should see me trying to commit to which colour scheme to even make my pie charts. It’s very stressful.
Also I barely ever read sequels because I can’t remember book #1.
Yes…I’ll go sit in the corner now.
(NOTE: All covers will link to their reviews, so clickity click if you’re curious.)
BEST BOOKS OF 2017?
Ah! My favourite traumatic question!! Honestly there were a lot of books I loved half to death and back again, which probably makes me a necromancer and I’m okay with that. But I’ll DO MY BEST to list the most perfect creatures I encountered. And, hey hey listen up! When I say “best” I mean “fRIKKIN BEST” so go read all of these.
BOOKS YOU THOUGHT YOU’D LOVE BUT THEN DIDN’T?
Honestly most of these were absolutely devastating disappointments. How dare they not be amazing. I did not conquer the solar system to be subject to this nonsense.
GOOD SURPRISES?
Look low expectations do WONDERS for books. You go in –> know nothing –> boom it becomes a new favourite. These ones were particularly surprisingly pleasing.
FAVOURITE NEW AUTHOR DISCOVERED IN 2016?
I so so love finding new authors to absolutely be in love with. AHHHH. Definitely this year’s standout new author for me is Adam Silvera!! I read 2 of his books and have the 3rd to devour soon!
FAVOURITE BOOK FROM A PREVIOUSLY-KNOWN AUTHOR?
Omggg my old favourite authors have truely GRACED MY EYEBALLS TODAY. I’m not going to repeat Schwab of Stiefvater though because DUH IT’S OBVIOUS I LOVE THEM (and they’re in the first question). But loooooook. I’m so happy.
The actual best feeling ever is when authors don’t disappoint. BECAUSE THEY’RE SUPER HEROES.
BEST BOOK YOU READ BECAUSE SOMEONE RECOMMENDED IT?
This question is lovely because SHOUT OUT to my blogging friends who give me epic recs! Also shout out to me because I never quite remember who recs what and it gets a bit awkward hahaahha.
So someone said “read these!” and I listened. But who? No one knows.
I admit I hated Half Blood and The Kiss Of Deception though. MY BAD.
MADE YOU SUPER MAD?
Look I’m trying to be more chill but THESE BOOKS ARGH. Serious problematic themes in most of them.
REREADS OF SPLENDOUR
Like I said, I did a lot of rereads this year AND I’M VIOLENTLY PLEASED. 22 books!! For someone who used to reread none, this is amazing. Also I freaking love rereading via audio?!? It’s my new favourite thing because I actually understand what I’m reading hah ahah. Ahem. Here are some of the books I devoured…AGAIN.
It’s very very very hard to tell my favourite authors obviously. Do I like Stiefvater????? IDK. Who can tell.
- I reached 4,600 on bloglovin! Which makes me so very happy because I put a lot of work in here and the fact you all (A) enjoy it, and (B) haven’t been terrified away yet FILLS ME WITH GREAT JOY.
- I had a tweet that got 42,000 likes. Which is sort of freaking amazing. Also I reached 15,000 followers on twitter. SCREAMING.
- I reached 35,500 on bookstagram! The algorithim horribly sucks thought and I get maybe 10% engagement?? BUT I STILL APPRECIATE IT. Speaking of bookstagram I also am repping for @owlcrate, @illumicrate, and @pagehabit which is freaking awesome.
- I want to just flail over my blogging friends?!? There are SO many of you and honestly this year hasn’t been super easy or great with my mental health…so having you all to flail over books with and who don’t think I’m super scary and bite (I DON’T I PROMISE. OK WELL ONLY A NIBBLE SOMETIMES) and still want to geek out with me?! I like you. I’d give you all magical cloaks if I could.
- I also announced MY BOOK DEAL. Which I gush over forever but I shan’t stop. I’ve been working so so hard for this for 7 years so AHHHHH. And just in case you didn’t know, my book is called A Thousand Perfect Notes and comes out June 7th 2018!! I also have another (secret still) book coming out in 2019. But you can preorder ATPN on bookdepository here (with free world wide shipping) and also you’d make my life.
- Also [whispering] It’s been added over 1,600 times on goodreads already. holy heck.
- I also did have a really productive writing year. I wrote 7 books and edited 3 and wrote about 10 outlines…aaaall for a collective of 1,195,000 words. Do I have a life? No. Did I have to get my laptop keyboard replaced when it was only 6 months old? Yes.
- What even am I.
BOOK YOU SHOULD’VE READ BY NOW, SO WILL BE #1 PRIORITY IN 2018?
I have…so much…guilt. I read 250 books this year but apparently my TBR is acting like I STILL READ NOTHING. It’s extremely high maintenance.
HIGHLY ANTICIPATED 2018 RELEASES?
THERE ARE SO MANY GOOD BOOKS COMING OUT I’M ACTUALLY GOING TO EAT A BRICK WALL IN EXCITEMENT.
Also I mean…MINE.
Hoping the cover reveal is coming in January!!
I love seeing your charts. It makes me want to try a hand at them sometime. I didn’t read a lot of books published this year, but I did read Strange the Dreamer and absolutely loved. Many of the books you’ve mentioned I am interested in reading.
They’re really fun to make and it’s so worth it to keep the stat charts. I have to figure out what I want to track for next year.😂
CAIT I AM ENDLESSLY SORRY THAT I’VE ABANDONED YOUR BLOG LATELY.
(Well, and mine…but mine’s a bit of a lost cause)
I AM SO IN AWE OF YOU WRITING OVER A MILLION WORDS. HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE. I DON’T THINK THAT MANY WORDS EXIST. But also!! Your book!!!!! I am so damn excited I can’t even. Also Sarah’s book is coming out so I feel very honoured that I’ve read both 😉
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas 😀 Can’t wait for a stellar year of books in 2018.
N’aww don’t be sorry! You are out there being a fabulous adult with uni and work.😂 Although I kind of definitely need to be promised a book of yours next year to read. Will be here to bribe with cake.
You’re already ahead on the 2018 books!! 😂
okay before i actually comment you said “highly anticipated releases fo 2017” not “2018” and ITS REALLY BUGGING ME!? Sorryyyy Okay now time to write up a real comment
I fixed it. You can breathe again.😂
Well I THINK I had a pretty good reading year. My goal was 40 books and I still have two books left to read this week before the end of the year to complete it, but since pretty much all of my reading was done in the last half because I didn’t really get to read at all for the first six months, I think I did pretty good. XD And oh I finally got to start Daughter of the Pirate King and I’m loving it so far! Alosa is just AWESOME and hilarious! XD I can’t believe I’m actually reading a book before you! This NEVER happens! I am the queen of back list books! I seriously think this is the first book I have read in my ENTIRE LIFE that I’m reading IN THE ACTUAL YEAR IT WAS PUBLISHED! XD But I really like it so far, so I hope you do too whenever you get around to it! 🙂
The only milestones I can think of is I beat my personal best with Nanowrimo this year by 4,000 words, even though I didn’t get to 50,000. And I can’t think of any reading ones, but I’m turning 20 a week from today and I’m FREAKING OUT WHAT HAPPENED TO MY LIFE! I”LL BE TWO WHOLE DECADES OLD!! THAT FEELS SO OOOOLLLLLDDD. D: O:
I like the idea of calculating my reading stats, but HOW DO YOU MAKE PIE CHARTS??? That seems like TOO MUCH MATH! XD
And I’m not really a pie person, UNLESS you are talking about CHOCOLATE CREAM PIE! 😛
And I think my favorite books I read this year so far are All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, Snow Like Ashes, Red Queen, The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick, Daughter of the Pirate King (even though I haven’t finished it yet :P) and Uprising by Margaret Peterson Haddix.
OMG UPRISING WAS AMAZING! IT IS THE FIRST BOOK EVER THAT MADE ME CRY ACTUAL TEARS WHILE I WAS STILL READING IT!!!! It’s historical fiction, and it’s set around the suffrage period and it’s about three girls that are caught in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in NY in 1911 and it’s SO TRAGIC but it’s SO GOOD. And it has AWESOME feminist themes because of all the union and suffrage stuff and UGH I LOVED IT! It’s also technically middle grade, but the characters are older and it doesn’t really feel like middle grade that much and I think everyone should read it! And honestly I’m glad I didn’t read it until now because I don’t think I would have appreciated it as much if I read it when I was like 12.
Well anyway that’s my crazy ranting. 😛
I think you definitely did amazing! It’s annoying when there’s not much time to read, but we do what we can right?! And omg I’m really glad you’re enjoying Daughter of the Pirate King. I feel like I need to make sure DEFINITELY that I read it in January.😂
And congraaaaats on your NaNo!!! I’M SO HAPPY FOR YOU. THAT’S AN AMAZING MILESTONE AND WE SHALL HAVE TEA AND CAKE DIRECTLY. Or chocolate cream pie, since you brought it up. That sounds fun.
Ooooh, that 1911 book sounds amazing.. FEMINISM FTW.
END OF THE WORLD? WHAT CAIT. WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING.
And ahh I was here last year and so like I notice the similar titles and obsession over pie charts #amiweird.
AND OMG THEsE CHRISTMAS BORDERS ARE THE BEST THINGS YET THEY ARE SO PRETTY. And pfft who care about betraying Australia YOU ARE QUEEN!
And YAyy for adding non-binary to authors! Thats super cool! AND OMG I READ CONTEMPORARY SO MUCH THIS YEAR?!? But fantasy is my heart tooo. And I have 0 rereads this year BECAUSE I CANNOT REREAD TO SAVE MY LIFE OKAY!?
UGH AS YOU WISH. I have been stuck on Renegades for A MONTH. Not like my kindle ran out of battery and I can’t be bothered to charage so thats why I’m not reading it. OF COURSE, NOT!
CONGRATS ON ALL THE STATS (that rhymed!) YOU ARE SO FAMOUS. And you write so much how. AND OMG I STILL HAVENT READ AUGHTER OF THE PIRATE KING and its ON MY SHELF. And I also still haven’t read NEvernight yet…AND ITS ON MY SHELF. RIP ME. AND AGH I got accpeted for an ARC of Ace of Shades AND TO Kill A Kingdom but getting them NEXT year and AGH SO EXCITED. The Cruel Prince and These Rebel Waves SOUND FANTASTIC. And Tyler Johnstone, SO MUCH COVER LOVE. AND YOUR BOOK I AM SO EXCITED FOR THE COVVVERRR.
I’M PLANNING SOOOO MUCH HONESTLY. My sister got me a black cape for christmas so like RIP universe, my villain origin story has begun.😂
*hi fives for our contemporary consumption* 😂 I find it hilarious because I always go on about loving magic and here I am…with all this contemporary hahah. But at least it’s research for my writing?! One can only hope though. And hey rereading isn’t for everyone! I used to think it was a huge waste of time, but I had SUCH a stressful year that it was so so comforting to go back to old friends. <3
Ughh I'm so disappointed at Renegades. I wanted so much from that.
STAT RHYMING APPRECIATED.
omgggg I'm so jealous you have To Kill A Kingdom! I'm getting denied for freaking everything at the moment?! I have no idea why because my ratios are great. 😭😭 THE CRUEL PRINCE THOUGH. 😍😍 Lowkey freaking out with happiness.
my 2017 books are mainly indie and whatever the library throws at me. Good job on the pie chart
Libraries are so great! I really miss mine.
I made a goal to read 100 books this year and a few days ago I reached it. Unfortunately, the hundredth book I read was so terrible that I decided I needed to read at least one more before the year was out. so I’ve read 101 books in 2017. I’m so proud of myself. The amount of words that you have written this year continues to stagger me. Where can I become a dragon too and write 1 million words??
Some of those 2018 releases look super good! Especially that one at the end… ;P
I totally hear you though!! I would hate to end the year on a bad book too. *sends cake* But 101 still is a nice number.😂
(Honestly I think the 1-million-dragon-words happens if you wear a magical cape and eat a lot of cake? OR IS IT SOMETHING IN THE WATER?)
OMG I’M GLAD YOU AGREE WITH ME ON THE #1 READ FOR 2018. IT’S GONNA BE FAB.
So I’ve already preordered ATPN…but how much do I have to bribe you to get an ARC?!? 100% willing to sell my soul. Obviously. 😉😉
Oh my godd, I’m honestly still not over LORD OF SHADOWS and I can still feel my heart breaking a l l over again. I’m so excited/terrified to read the next one. I LOVE how you do all these charts. It’s so interesting to see these kind of stats, and how our reading tastes changes overtime.
*squishes you* 😂😂 If I get more of them I’ll send you one. 😉
LORD OF SHADOWS –> THERE IS NO RECOVERY. Honestly I was so wrecked after that and I can’t even with the horribleness that Queen of air and Darkness is going to give us. Like who hurt you, Cassandra Clare. yOU USED TO GIVE US CUTENESS AND HAPPY ENDINGS. *cries but only quietly because really isn’t sad about this*
I had a decent 2017 reading year in some respects and not so much in others. I had more 5 star reads last year, only three this year, but I did read more books total than last year (35 with 36 currently in progress compared to 33 last year) which I’m pleased with as third year of Uni has really been kicking my butt since September! Not so much a bookish milestone but I turned 21 this year, so that was quite a big thing (I managed to stretch my celebrations from three months before my birthday, June to a month after, October, so I thought that was pretty impressive). Blogging/writing wise, this year was my third year blogiversary and I’m like where did the time go? I also finished my NaNo project from last year and wrote almost 45k of my NaNo project for this year, nothing like your incredible total, but I’m pleased I even managed to find time to write! I also hit 700 followers on my blog. I don’t really calculate stats the way you do, I just use the GR ones at the end of every year! Ooh fave type of pie? I do enjoy cherry, and apple, and chocolate…..actually just give me all the pie. My top three reads of the year (ie the ones I gave five stars to), were A Conjuring of Light, The Song Rising and Chainbreaker.
Agh sadness that Uni has been kicking you!! But I do understand. I honestly can’t even imagine balancing the two.😂My sister is in uni and she never has time to read because if she’s not doing assignments she just wants to collapse. haha. So kudos to you! Also yay being 21!! And double yay for finishing your NaNo book! And pfft, it’s definitely not a word count competition around here. Any words written is a success. :’)
Chocolate pie and apple pie tho. *heart eyes*
I’m trying really hard right now to not jump out of my bed, run and fetch my bullet journal to make the tbr page explode. Or create a Goodreads account. Also, excuse my English I’m not a native.
Your English is amazing! And better than mine and English is my only language.😂 ALSO YOUR TBR IS MOST WELCOME FOR THIS EXPLOSION!
Hi Cait, I’m really enjoying your blog which, I admit, initially drew me in with its gorgeous photography. The colour coordination of all those books really appeals to my OCD tendencies! Anyway, this year I read pretty much the entire works of Sarah J. Maas in 2-3 weeks (sorry uni, you got shafted). After much stress-inducing deliberation over what I would allow in my top 10 reads of 2017, I decided to only include one book from any given series, or it really wouldn’t be fair to other authors. Consequently, A Court of Mist and Fury was my absolute favourite, and Queen of Shadows came in at #4.
My main writing/reading milestone for the year (aside from the writing/reading itself) was the creation of my “online presence”. Thus, my writing and I took the first step out of the dark anonymity of my bedroom and into the REAL WORLD…where I can interact with, and hopefully learn from, a whole range of like-minded individuals. Terrifying stuff!!
Best of luck for 2018, and I can’t wait for the release of your book 🙂
Aww thank you, Rebecca!! It’s like the BEST thing ever to hear my photography is enjoyed!! (I really like rainbows as is hard to tell.😂) And haha I totally relate to that need to binge read a favourite series. Glad you enjoyed that one! I’m not the biggest SJM fan but I understand why so many love her books!
Also congrats on starting to network!! It IS terrifying to start getting out there, but really excellent if you plan on publishing one day (also I’ve learned so much from writing just by being online).
THANK YOU. I HOPE YOUR 2018 IS AMAZING TOO.
I paid a bit more attention to my reading stats this year. I did the Goodreads Challenge and I actually surpassed it. I think I’m going to do it from now on. However, I feel this self imposed urge to read more because so many books get hyped and though I don’t listen to all the hype I do listen to some.
I don’t really have many anticipated reads (though I am very interesting in seeing your book! Since I’m in Ireland and that’s super close to the UK, I might get to see it pretty early). I’m looking forward to reviews so that I don’t go into a terrible book accidentally, haha
Ohhh yay for winning your Goodreads challenge! *CHEERS MIGHTILY FOR YOU* And that’s fair about listening to hype! I do because I like to know what all the fuss is about, and it’s like a 50/50 success rate so far. I don’t even think I had any major hype fails this year either?!
Eeeep I hope you like my book! I’m definitely biased but I don’t think it’ll be terrible lmao.😂
I love these types of posts so much! I track my reading stats, but I still need to do all my pie charts. I keep telling myself that I’m procrastinating making the charts because I’m going to read more this year, but that’s not true. I’m just lazy. Making charts takes forever. Also, I love that you track the parental status in YA books. That’s kind of hilarious. I hope you have a fabulous 2018!
I totally don’t blame you about the pie charts. 😂 They DO take forever and I nearly threw my laptop just a few times trying to figure out my own weird-stat-keeping methods (in retrospect I cannot work a spreadsheet properly haha). 😂
Okay. First things first. I LOVE ALL THE STRANGER THINGS GIFS! (That’s what I really noticed. I’m odd. I know.) Well, 2017 has been good to me. Despite my tight schedule because of school, I managed to read a lot of books. On the downside, I haven’t been able to organize my Goodreads shelf. With my TBR and homework and other murderous activities given by teachers, it’s a shame that I’ve completely ignored my Goodreads shelf. I haven’t even been able to update my bloody progress. But yeah, I’ve done a few rereadings this year (just the HP series, because I’m such a sucker for HP). I’ve actually read more classics than new novels. I’ve been obsessed with Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle lately.
Anyway, let’s go back to that TBR pile. Ever since I’ve been reading your blogs, the pile kept on going higher and higher. I’ve got All The Crooked Saints and I promise I would read it ASAP (by ASAP I mean after I read 10 or so more books). I hope I’ll love Stiefvater as much as you do though and I hope I’ll enjoy her books. I have high hopes for 2018 and I’m actually waiting for your book. Good luck!
P.S
I’m planning to put up a blog and you’re one of my biggest inspirations. I love the charts btw
STRANGER THINGS IS AMAZING AND I’M A LITTLE OBSESSED AS IS HARD TO TELL. 😂😂 Also so much congrats on getting so many books read!! *cheers for you* I imagine that’d be hard to balance with school and things. And I actually want to reread HP next year for sure too because I’ve forgotten so much eheh.
Also your TBR pile is most welcome for the torment. 😉
I hope you like All the Crooked Saints! It’s so whimsical and weird and AMAZING. I hope she announces a 2018 book or I’m going to be here crying piteously.😂
Great post! I also calculate my reading stats, and it is nice to see the reading stats of other people 🙂 I also loved Strange the Dreamer and Gemina! Just can’t wait for Obsidio!!!
Out of curiosity, what are your favourite book characters of the year?
Ohh I’m so glad you also like calculating reading stats!! It’s super fun right?! Strange the Dreamer was so freaking gorgeous and OBSIDIO IS GOING TO MURDER OUR FEEEELS.
I have to say Lazlo Strange was an incredible booknerd. 😍😍
I love all your charts!
I still have five books left to read to hit my goal… Talk about cutting it fine. I wish I’d waited a little longer to do my round-up – I read The Lost Plot a couple of days ago and it was SO good. Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom were my top two reads of the year, of course.
(Apple pie is my favourite. With custard, of course.)
YOU CAN STILL DO IT!! I BELIEVE IN YOU!! *throws confetti and cake crumbs* I did my recap a little early tbh and basically decided I couldn’t read anymore books after I posted this.😂 Aren’t I logical? The Six of Crows duology is INCREDIBLE.
This post is a reminder that I still need to read Tash Hearts Tolstoy and The Long Way To A Small Angry Planet. I even OWN The Long Way, but I’ve been in the worst reading rut, so, uh, oops? Next year.
Man, 2017 really had it out for people with mental illness. I crashed like a good halfway through the year and I’m still not that great. Nothing like having the world on fire plus all the personal stuff people seem to be dealing with this year. Here’s to hoping that 2018 is better.
And you wrote. seven. books. I barely managed half of one with NaNoWriMo. I…I don’t know how you do it. I feel exhausted just THINKING about it and you did it.
ALSO YOUR BOOK! I’m eagerly awaiting it coming out (and the cover reveal!), and once my new-and-improved blog gets up in January I may be hunting you down for an interview, just FYI.
Tash Hearts Tolstoy had such a lot of amazingness in it!! And one of the few ace books I’ve read so that was great. <3 And also I understand the reading slump.😂 That's been me all of December but I'm reading Batman Nightwalker now and hopefully busting out of it haha.
And ugh 2017 did have it out for the mental health issues. I totally burned after our house move and I'm still waiting to pull myself back together.😭I'm kind of like "Oh 2018 will be better for my anxiety!" and then I remember I have a book coming out so lmao I think not.
(Also I am exhausted with all the writing.😂)
I WILL GLADLY DO AN INTERVIEW. I WOULD BE HONOURED. <3
I appreciate your love of pie charts! I think the majority of the books I read this year were 2017, hopefully, I can sneak some more back titles in 2018!
I also finally read AGoS and I understand, I UNDERSTAND. Luckily I was smart enough to order ACoL during the Book Outlet Boxing Day sale.
You had an amazing 2017 Cait, I love all of your success and can’t wait to hear more about your two books!
All the pie chart appreciation!! AHHHH. And omg I need to actaully eat through a lot of backlist titles in 2018. We’ll see how I go. 😂😂 Zomggg I’m so glad you’re converted to the ADSOM fandom though. It’s beautiful and brutal.
THANKS, AMBER. YOU’RE SO LOVELY. <3
FT. STRANGER THINGS (amazing)
THAT SHOW IS EVERYTHING I WANT SEASON 3.
You have read…a lot of books. Wow.
And writing? I know everyone says this, but: YOU INSPIRE ME TO WRITE ALL THE WORDS. We just got snow, so it’s the perfect conditions for writing with mug after mug of hot cocoa, because what else would I be doing??? Going outside?? Pshh.
I have definitely read more than 2 books which is quite a solid statement if I do say so myself. ALSO I’M REALLY GLAD I INSPIRE YOU AND ALSO WORRIED BECAUSE I AM A CRAZY FISH.😂😂 Also writing + snow sounds really aesthetic?!? I want to try it! (I also need to see snow at all yet but whatever. Details.)
I’m so curious to see your cover! I read 140 books and hoping to add at least one more and that is the most I’ve ever read in a year. So there is that…
I still need to get to Wintersong too… Everybody shouts it in my face these days haha.
I would love to comment on everything in this post but I have a very tired boy staring at me so I will just say that I love these statistic end of the year posts you do. <3 It gives such a great insight.
140 is aaamazing! *sprinkles cake crumbs at you* And also omg everyone is already raving about the Wintersong sequel and I’m like wait up…I’m not ready yet.😂
I appreciate all your comments always, Annemieke!! You are a fabulous blogging friend!! <3
Congrats on such a great reading year! AND YOUR BOOK! I totally failed my Goodreads challenge this year, but there’s always next time. Here’s to more great books in 2018!
THANKS, JORDAN. I’M RIDICULOUSLY HAPPY AS IS HARD TO TELL.😍😂 And hey reading ANY books is a success!!
Wow, your pie charts are all amazing! I could never keep track of all the books like that. 😂But…it gives me inspiration that you can do it, so now I may try (and fail after January). This is the first year I’ve actively read book blogs, so it’s the first year I’ve actually been aware of all these new releases coming in the new year. So naturally, I am SO EXCITED FOR 2018!! Anyway, wonderful post! (P.S. My favorite kind of pie is pumpkin pie. So boring, I know. What’s yours?)
Keeping stats is definitely not for everyone. 😂 But I find it fun hahhaah. And also YAY that this is the year you got into book blogging!! I’m happy with you!
Also pumpkin pie isn’t boring it’s delicious!! I think mine would be apple or chocolate.😍
YAY FOR AMAZING READING YEAR!!!!! AND YAY FOR AMAZING BOOK DEAL!!!!!!! ❤️ Can’t wait to read your book this coming year! And these pie charts are super interesting!! I’m tempted to start keeping track of this myself now because it’s kind of cool to to compare all the information together.
This year I discovered The Raven Cycle AND The Scorpio Races and those have definitely been the highlight. I’m #obsessed and turning into a crazy fangirl. Also, key lime pie is my favorite. NOW I WANT PIE, THANKS CAIT.
It is really fun to look back on the stats over the years!! I want to like do a post comparing them through the years but I’m 99% sure that’s too nerdy and only I would be interested.😂 But it is fun to do!!
YOU DISCOVERED MAGGIE STIEFVATER AJDKFSALD AHHHHHH MY LIFE IS MADE. THIS IS A GLORIOUS YEAR.
YAY Cait! *Screams internally* I am BEYOND excited to see your new book cover in January! I LOVED the post, something about pie charts makes information WAY MORE interesting! It’s AMAZING to see how far we have come in books, and the use of diversity in books is something everyone should all give a good pat on the back for promoting. It’s SUPER interesting having characters from all different types of backgrounds having light shed on them. Have an AMAZING NEW YEAR!
-Jared
THAT MAKES ME VERY HAPPY, JARED, THANK YOUUUUU!! I hope you’ll like the cover when it’s out!😂 And omg pie makes everything 50 x better, this is definitely the living truth.
CAIT WHAT MAGIC DO YOU USE TO READ SO MANY BOOKS IN A YEAR?! I STRUGGLE TO READ 50 BOOKS IN A YR. But I’m super glad you read a lot (your pie charts look super pretty *insert thumbs up*) And I’m glad that you have your own novel coming out next yr! Can’t wait to read it 🙂
I DON’T HAVE A LIFE ELISE.😂 THAT’S BASICALLY THE STRENGTH OF IT. And fajskdlfad I’m so happy that you’re excited about my book that means SO MUCH TO ME. <3
CAIT I DON’T HAVE A LIFE EITHER BUT I STILL ONLY GET THROUGH 50 BOOKS! (I’m a slow reader) (we should really both get lives…) *INSERT RANDOM KEYBOARD FLAILING BC YOU’RE SUPER AWESOME AND I’M SURE YOUR BOOK IS GONNA BE WONDERFUL!* Out of curiosity, how long were you working on your novel before now?
Nooo we don’t need lives. WE JUST NEED MORE BOOKS. 😂😂 Ahem haha.
Do you mean how long did it take me to write A Thousand Perfect Notes? (Sorry if I misinterpreted your question.😂) But I wrote it June 2015 and it took me about a week to write the 1st draft!
Oh yeah I forgot, who needs a life when you can have books!
Lol yeah that was what I was wondering. I forgot that you’re a crazy wizard that write novels in a week 😂
Your pie charts look delicious, I would like to attempt to do something similar, however, I know just how strong my procrastination tendencies are, so I will simply admire yours from afar. I just wanted to thank you for stopping by my blog and commenting on a semi-regular basis this year, I had a vague understanding of how busy you’ve been this year (clearly I underestimated you :D), so I just wanted you to know how grateful I am and that I appreciate your contributions to my little blog. Good for the new year :).
Ahh hahah I understand!!😂 I tend to update my spreadsheet every time I finish reading a book so I don’t get behind and it doesn’t get too overwhelming. But it does take a lot of work, I will admit haha.
Aww, absolutely no worries!! I love reading your blog and I’m only sorry I don’t comment more! *sends cake*
**grabs as much cake as I possibly can**
1. I really appreciate all the pie in this post.
2. WHAT THE WHAT your last name is Dress like Nancy Drew my all time fave detective and the person that singlehandedly brought me into the world of reading and writing and whose books I pretty much worshiped until I read “The Good Earth” when I was like 12????????? You have leveled up, my friend.
Also I meant *Drews but my MacBook has spellcheck and is STUPID
Same tho. I literally just do these posts so I can talk about pie in all its glory.
AND YES. I mean, Nancy Drew has plagued me because people always call me Drew instead of Drews.😂 But obviously we must be related somehow and ergo I’m going to be a famous detective when I grow up.😂
I LOVE READING YOUR WRAP UPS. I don’t know you but I just feel so proud of your accomplishments!!! Seeeriously can’t wait for your book to come out!!!
ERICKA. THANK YOU. THIS IS THE ACTAUL NICEST THING TO HEAR. <3 And I'm so so happy that you're excited for my book!!
<3
I actually checked out Teeth today from the library because I keep seeing your review for it!! Fingers crossed I like it!
Your stats are SO entertaining. It’s unhealthy, I swear. I’m surprisingly proud of myself at how many of these I read this year… 😂😂 But it’s never enough, am I right? (I just read This Savage Song two days ago…. but it was amazing and I have ODD on hold from the library)
OMG I’M SO HAPPY I CONVINCED YOU ABOUT TEETH. (Although I hate the title because I always feel I’m talking about the dentist.😂) And I am unhealthily amusing. *throws cake at you* I should be outlawed.
This Savage Song is amazing and ODD just wants to hurt us but I love it.
TEETH WAS SO AMAZING I SOBBED IN DESPAIR AND NO ONE UNDERSTOOD. (haha it is such a weird title though)
ACK I’m terrified now. Fabulous.
WE NEED MORE PEOPLE TO READ IT AND BE IN PAIN WITH US.
AGREED. *shouts to the world*
Wow, such a great wrap-up post! I LOVE your graphs and pie charts. (Okay I also like pie :D). I’m planning on making charts too but not until the year is over. I haven’t read a book in a few days, but who knows I could still read one before January 1rst (kind of slumpy and also busy right now, but who knows). I love making charts and graphs too. I also mainly read newer books. I hardly ever read books published before I was born. I love your pie charts about the parents in books and the ones about diversity, diversity is so important.
The Shades of Magic trilogy is one I read this year and it was amazing, definitely in my top fantasy favourites of this year. I also loved Turtles All the Way Down, so that’ll be in my contemporary favourites list of this year. I have plenty of other favourites but I haven’t made my list yet. I did write down monthly summaries so I’ll just have to look up those 12 documents and get my lists of monthly favourites out and look at those.
I read 236 books at the moment and 52853 pages, though like I said I might read something else before the year is over, maybe. I had a bit of a slump in the middle of the year, so that didn’t really help with my totals. But I’m happy I got to 50,000 pages and to 200+ books (even if 250 wasn’t happening). I love calculating my stats, I have a spreadsheet that calculates all the statistics for me (after I made it do that). So every time I finish a book, I put it on the spreadsheet, adding page count, year published and things like that. Then the spreadsheet will give me statistics and graphs and charts automatically. It took me a while to set it up but now that I have, it doesn’t take as much time anymore. I love seeing statistics of people’s reading life. I even have a graph for how many words are in the book’s title. But I don’t have some of your pie charts, I find them very inspirational :D.
About pies.. because we obviously must discuss pies.. :D, I like some pies. It’s difficult because the word pie can be translated in different ways in Dutch and thus when people talk about ‘pie’, I’m not always sure what kind of pie they mean because in Dutch the word can mean so many different kinds of things. It could be a vegetable tart, a fruity pastry, a sweet cake with fruit, a pastry with meat and things, a quiche like thing, but.. a lot of those sound good to me so :D. Bring on all the pies.
I believe I found your blog in December 2016, when I searched on Google for reading statistics / wrap-up and I found your blog and was so impressed with your 2016 wrap-up. I read back 4 months of blog posts, until about September and have been following your blog (through e-mail) ever since December last year when I found your 2016 wrap-up. So I’ve been reading your blog for a year now and it’s only continued to get even awesomer!!
SEE WE BOTH LOVE PIE SO MUCH WE’RE PRACTICALLY THE SAME PERSON. (Shh that’s logical.) And also THANK YOU!! And just an ever bigger thank you for all the lovely and supportive comments you’ve left me this year. <3 It actually means everything and I love chatting with you so much!
Also I'm so with you on the slumpy feels. I need to start reading again (I haven't seen Christmas?!) but I'm just bleh.😂 Also it's really hot in Australia atm so I blame that.
ADSOM is exceptional and I love it so so much. Plus ACOL was the perfect wrap up! And Turtles was INCREDIBLE and I'm so glad John Green is writing again!!
ALSO 236 BOOKS IS AMAZING. IT'S SO NICE TO HANG OUT WITH OTHER WILDLY HUNGRY READERS.😂I don't have to feel bad for reading so much hhaha. Also I love that you actaully use a proper spreadsheet. I do have one but it's like SUPER basic and faulty because I don't understand how these things work no matter how many times I try to learn.😂 But whatever works, right?
Honestly all those types of pies sound amazing to me. I love quiche! And fruit pies! You can keep the vegetables though.😂 #amanadultforsure
Here's to a 2018 of lots more bookish chatting, Gaia!! <3
I’m so glad you had a better reading year! With all the other stuff going on in your life, you really needed that.
The second reason you listed is also the reason I find myself reading more contemporaries. SFF really needs to step up with the diversity!
You found FORTY-SEVEN books with disability rep? I have a measly 14. 🙈 And you read so many diverse books. I’m not even at 50%, and it’s the problem with reading mystery/thrillers, adult books, and older fantasies. Gaaaah.
I really did need these good books.😭💖 That’s for sure. I definitely think fantasy/SF has a lot to work on with the diversity factor for sure…plus I feel like half the time when fantasy DOES include diversity, it usually gets show up as problematic? (Tiger’s Daughter?) So eh. I don’t know. We can live and hope.
And I also actually look really hard for disability rep in books. 😂
Oh wow, your book is coming out ON my birthday 🙂 A sign from the gods? Yes, yes I believe so.
Your pie charts are always so pretty and organized and make everything feel like they have a place (at least for a little while). I can only imagine how much work goes into it! Thank you for sharing and not completely disappearing over the holidays <3
Also, I do think some non-contemporary authors care about diversity in their books. I think maybe it might just be a little bit more difficult since writing about completely fictional worlds and cultures means some things we are overcoming now might not be an obstacle in those worlds? But then it's tricky because authors also don't want to be accused of ignoring important subjects either, so it's a more complicated, slippery slope.
THAT IS A SIGN FROM THE GODS. I also obviously wrote it JUST for you. <3 Aren't I lovely. :')
I also did put a lot of work into this post😂 but WORTH IT. I really enjoy this!!
Oh and of course fantasy/sci-fi authors care about diversity! I didn't mean to say they didn't so sorry if it came across that way. I guess I just feel it's more *common* for contemporary authors to be discussing it? And unfortunately fantasy has a habit of handling diversity really badly, so that frustrates me. But maybe I'm just picking up the wrong books.
1. I disagree with your assertion that you are not organized. You are the most color-organized person I know! I love coming to your site for the colors and the books!
2. Just added A Thousand Perfect Notes to my GR to-read list. CONGRATS!!! w00t!
3. Awesome post! Amazingly details charts and now I’m intrigued to analyze my own reading year.
Aww hahah!! That makes me feel better.😂 Whenever I feel unorganised now I’ll just remind myself my bookshelf is in an orderly rainbow SO THAT COUNTS.
ALSO OMG THANK YOU FOR ADDING MY BOOK. <3 <3
I wanted to write a post like this on my blog but I only just got Goodreads a few months ago and I can’t for the life of me remember what I read at the beginning of this year, much less whether or not I liked it XD Hopefully by the end of next year this won’t be a problem. I also haven’t read as much I normally do this year, which is sad!
And I can’t wait to read your book!! Unfortunately I’m totally broke and everything I read either comes from libraries or library book sales, so I’ll probably be reading it in like, 2021 *cringes* I’ll do what I can to get my hands on a copy when it comes out, though! 😛
Omg I relate.😂😂 I wouldn’t remember a THING if I didn’t have Goodreads…it’s like my little book memory by this point.😂
It’s so so nice to know you’re excited about my book though! THANK YOU. You can totally request your library to get it! And I’ll definitely be doing plenty of giveaways.😂
Lovely post, (as always, Cait) and extra points for the pie. Pie is always appreciated.
Aww thank you!! And pie is LIFE.😂
Hi, Caiiittt !!
I see you’ve also had pretty good writing time! CONGRATS FOR YOU NOVEL, GIRL <3 <3 <3 So happy for you!!
I know you have written many books with time. Many. And you're always eager to write more. Not all of them have been accepted by publishers. I've been wanting to ask you if you feel it's worth it anyway. Like, writing a book knowing it will most likely end up never seeing the light of day. I'm only asking you this because i get pretty scared of it. Like, there are plenty of books i want to write but i'm only 16 and… idk. But then i see how you write books and books and you look so happy either way. I wanted to ask you if that thought disturbs you at all. Like, why bother? I would really like to know your answer. Becaus eyou have inspired me to don't give a **** and write either way, but I just want you to reply to this hahah.
KISSES!!
Hi Juliette!! This is a really great question and one I’ve thought about a lot and have a pretty firm opinion on.😂 I might actually turn this into a blog post (if that’s ok with you?) but the short answer is: anything you write helps you grow and learn as a writer. My debut that’s being published was the 16th book I ever wrote. Without those 16 books before it, I wouldn’t have had the skill to write the one that’d eventually sell. Obviously that’s not the case with EVERYONE. I’m sure tons of writers sell their very first books! But I started writing at 15 and had a lot to learn.😂
Anyway, I just really really love telling stories and while, realistically, I know most of them might never get published — it doesn’t stop my hoping they might. 😉 So I don’t go into a book thinking “this’ll never get published.” I write it and HOPE but even if it’s a slim hope, I just enjoy telling stories and getting better.
Yesss!!
DO TURN THIS INTO A BLOG POST, pleasee!! I’ll be waiting for it from now on, okay? Hahha <3
THANKS A LOT FOR YOUR ANSWER !! It's been really useful <3
xoxo
I’m so glad you read so many books you liked, I think I’ll never get tired of promoting The Hate U Give wherever I go, it’s just too good. For me 2017 was such an amazing reading year! I mean, it’s been a while since I read so many books, and no, I don’t really make calculations or pie charts but well, I might try it, seeing just how much fun you had with them!
Moonlit Library | http://www.amoonlitlibrary.blogspot.com
THUG was so so good and I’m in utter agreement: it deserves all the love and promotion it gets!! I hope everyone gets a chance to try it!
First of all, I’m never going to stop saying this but, I LOVE YOUR BLOG AND WRITING STYLE AND PERSONALITY. Okay, I need to calm down.
I read 73 books this year, working on my 74th right now. This pales in comparison to your 250 but I’m still proud of my amount. I don’t calculate my reading stats…even though as a book blogger I probably should? Maybe?
My favorite kind of pie is french silk pie (Oreo cookie crust, chocolate mousse w/ whipped cream on top).
My top reads of the year are: The Power, Eliza and Her Monsters, The Lunar Chronicles, Shades of Magic, Heartless, and every other book I read… narrowing down book favorites is annoyingly hard…and stressful…
Also, I love your Stranger Things gifs! A++
AND THAT ACTUALLY MEANS SO MUCH TO ME, I CAN’T THANK YOU ENOUGH. *sends you all the cake of ever* And pfft, reading amounts shouldn’t be a competition, so long as we’re happy with what we do right?! I think 74 is amazing!! And you don’t like *have* to calculate reading stats.😂I do because I love making pie charts because I also live pie and it’s a vicious cycle that I’m happy to continue.😂
Eliza and her Monsters was great and I love the Lunar Chronicles too!!
ALSO STRANGER THINGS IS LIFE. <3
YAAAAS I’ve been looking forward to this post the entire month! Also, I think you said “new to me authors in 2016” and maybe it should be 2017? There were other things I was going to say but I forgot because of the year thing 😂
Omg I’m honoured you were looking out for this post!
A Conjuring of Light was probably the most amazing book ever of ever. For some reason I can barely remember the other stuff I read.
And apple pie is amazing. (just like your charts. whoa. i wish i was that organized.)
I’m 5000% in agreement about ACOL. Like how was it so brutal and perfect though!? I’m still reeling.
And omg without Goodreads I’d have no idea what I read.😂
I did really well! I read 110 books this year (I was aiming for 120, but I slipped in September) but that’s still a good amount for me. Milestones… I read a few classics and that counts, right? My favourite pie is apple! Some of my favourites of the year were The Hate U Give, Strange the Dreamer, Wonder Woman: Warbringer, The Island at the End of Everything, The Start of Me and You and The Names They Gave Us/
That’s an amazing amount! ALL THE CONGRATS. And classics absolutely count as milestones and that’s also a milestone I never achieve.😂 (Also why is apple pie so freaking GOOD?!? I love it.) Strange the Dreamer was SO AMAZING AHHHH.
My year was fairly mixed. Overall I’d say it was ‘meh’ but I also read some of the best books of my life.
I haven’t been calculating stats until I started my recap but I think it will be something I do next year. (It will probably be one more way to procrastinate reading though . . .)
That’s great that you discovered some amazing books amongst the meh though!! That was pretty much me last year so I understand the feels.😂
Ok so 91.88% of the reason I started my bookstagram account was because I was obsessed with your amazing pictures and accompanying hilarious captions. I also boosgram, blog and am writing a book and you’re such an inspiration, I’m going to sound like such a groupie here but I LOVE EVERYTHING YOU DO ! You sprinkle Paperfury sparkle over everything you do and it’s amazing, Keep up the good work and I only hope I’ll have half the success you do. Gonna stop gushing now because, drool, gross
Happy new year !
Ciara (Books.disney.tea)
OMG REALLY!? I’m so proud and happy haha.😂 I’ll definitely need to come see your Bookstagram after this!! *gives you all the cake* This is honestly the most encouraging comment to read ever so thank youuuuuuu. 💖💖💖
I’m totally making pie charts in my wrap-up post now. I didn’t know how easy they were until today, but wow??? Thanks for the tip!
Yay for a better year in star ratings! I’m curious how mine will look this year, because I feel like I read a lot of great books, but it always ends up being a smaller percentage than I remember.
I’m super excited to get my hands on a copy of Autoboyography after all your raving. I’m still kicking myself for not buying it when I saw it at the bookstore last.
It’s so sad that each book from Marissa Meyer since The Lunar Chronicles seems to have been disappointing. 🙁 How does this happen to otherwise amazing authors??
Adam Silvera was a great discovery for me this year, too! I can’t wait for What If It’s Us from him and Becky Albertalli.
It sounds like it was a super exciting year for you between book deals and social media followers! Hopefully 2018 is even better (which is sounds like it will be since you’ll be a published freaking author).
I’ll be more in depth in my own wrap-up post, but some of my favorite books of the year were Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (and I know I’m in the minority there when it comes to enjoying it), The Hate U Give, The Upside of Unrequited, Eliza and Her Monsters, One of Us Is Lying, and Big Little Lies.
PIE CHARTS ARE LIFE SO I’M GLAD YOU LIKED IT.😂 And it’s actually really cool to compare through the years too!? Some day I’ll do a year by year comparison but I also think that might be interesting only to me hahaha. Ahem. I’m a nerd.
Also yesss please do read Autoboyograph. It’s so good and precious!! I kind of feel like I will probably stop reading Marissa Meyer from now on though. *cries* I guess the Lunar Chronicles were the only ones that worked for me? Maybe my tastes changed? IDK but I do feel it’s a completely different quality.
*screaming quietly* HOPEFULLY I’LL FIGURE OUT HOW TO BE MORE PROFESSIONAL BUT FOR NOW HOLY HECK.!!! AUTHOR!!!
Ahh I’m glad you liked THUG and Upside too! I need to read One Of Us Is Lying!
I love the graphics that you made in this post, and the bookstagram pictures you shared! They’re gorgeous! And congratulations on all your accomplishments with the blog, reading (250 books?? I wish!), and a book deal! The Hate U Give was also my top choice for the best book of 2017. I love how Angie Thomas presented the story from Starr’s perspective and the friendship between Maya and Starr to make us think. And aaahh, I’ve been meaning to read P. S. I Love You (especially with the release of the third book in the series), but I still haven’t gotten to it! I love the covers of those books, though. I hope you have a wonderful new year!
claire @ clairefy
Thaaanks, Claire!! You’re so nice!! It was an exciting year haha.😂 Very INTENSE. I’d like to say next year might be a bit more chill but lmao I have a book coming out so I’m sure it’ll be a wild ride too.
THUG was so so amazing and absolutely worthy of all the hype and love. <3 I love that it also like exploded records for being on the bestseller list for so so long!!
So you wrote, “47 books out of 250 that I read had disability rep in it”. You read 250 out of which 82% were diverse (205 books) and out of those 205, 14% represented disability which is 28.7 books.
28.7 doesn’t equal 47.
*insert So what is the truth?? gif*
(Sorry, I just like numbers and this seemed odd)
Also, omg those pie charts are beautiful and I’m gonna remember the website you used for sure! I love seeing your statistics and all that stuff, I kind of what to do something similar (at least for diversity) but I’m too lazy right now.
Yeah it is pretty odd to be fact checking my stats. Sorry your math didn’t add it up right! Mine did. 🙂
I had a really good reading year. I read 240ish books, more than I’ve ever read before and tried lots of new things and basically fell in love with non fiction which is hard because then there are even more books which I need to reda now and what is this. Shar and I are gonna write a whole post about our books for this year too so you can maybe read that. I love blueberry pie! I didn’t have that many new favourite books this year, most of them were rereads (maybe I’m becoming picky?) but I did like Untidy towns and The Love that Split the World and It Only Happens in the Movies (that one examines tropes and is super fun, you might like it!)
Ahhh I’m so happy you got a lot of epic reading done too!! And also omg what doors have you opened with loving Non-fic now, Shanti?!😂 You will definitely have to live forever now. And I will definitely be on the look out for your wrap-up post too. 😀
I should definitely look up It Only Happens In The Movies then!
I think you have my favorite wrap up posts of the year because of ALL THE STATS!! I love reading stats of yearly things, even if they’re not my own XD I have a bunch of reading stats and stuff too that I put up recently (second to last blogpost, if you’re interested #shamelessplug) but they’re nowhere as neat as yous.
I have the opposite problem of you: I never read new/upcoming releases because I’m too busy catching up lol. I did read Caravel this year and enjoyed it, and I have The Color Project (that I accidentally bought on Amazon oops) to read! I also read the first two Raven Cycle books!
Aww, HANNE!! Thank you!! I spend a long time on these so it’s nice to know they’re fun to read.😂 And I will definitely come check out your wrap up too *nods*
I should’ve read The Color Project by now hahaa I’m so embarrassed. But Caraval was really magical and fun. AND OMG I’M GLAD YOU’RE READING THE RAVEN CYCLE. YOUR LIFE IS BEING ENRICHED.
Oh Cait, my 2017 reading year (like my 2017 in general, let’s be real) was such a mess. I have been in a slump for like, 9 months or so, and basically I just hope that things turn around soon. I did read a book which was like… definitely a 5 star and *kind of* broke the slump? But then I went right back to slumping so who even knows.
How do you obtain all your stats? Do you just keep track of them as you read? Because honestly, I wouldn’t be able to tell you any of those things looking back on the year. And I read far less than you! I wanted to figure out how many of each star rating I had, but it seemed wayyy too hard, especially because I haven’t rated half the books I read, oopsie?
But now I really want pie. Preferably a key lime pie, that is my favorite pie. Because it is sweet and tangy and refreshing. I would also take a chocolate pie, because what kind of monster would turn down chocolate!?
Noooo I’m so sad you were in a slump. Do you think 2018 will be better?! 😭😭 Honesty 2017 was absolute trash for most reasons of my personal life BUT I seemed to have a really good creative year still?! So that’s really weird. 😂 I’m kind of hoping to learn some new things in 2018 tho. Like how to chill out. Or sleep.
I have a spreadsheet and I update it every time I read.😂 Because I’m THAT irritating I know. But hey it’s worth it for the pie at the end of the year!
This is such a cool post! I did one of these in 2015 or something (and then I stopped because it was a lot of work and I’m lazy). I LOVE looking at the pie charts/graphs and seeing what the numbers say. Also I love your snowy borders! Even if it’s not snowing in Australia, it’s freezing in New York!
It is a lot of work hahaha, so I totally don’t blame you. 😂 But it’s really fun to calculate at the end of the year still so ahhhh!! And I hope you don’t freeze too much omg (it’s so hot right now for me.😂)
I REREAD SCORPIO RACES AND IT WAS HEAVENLY AS ALWAYS. (a million thanks to you for introducing me to Stiefvater in the first place, your endless screaming does not fall on deaf ears). I recently read A Study in Charlotte and that was AMAZING, you should read it if you haven’t already 🙂
This year I launched Project Canvas, which is going swimmingly, and I FINISHED MY FIRST SOLO DRAFT OF A NOVEL EVER <3
IT IS THE BEST BOOK OF EVER TO REREAD. I WANT TO DO IT EVERY YEAR ON NOVEMBER 1ST. #goals (And honestly I’m just so so glad you’re obsessed with Stiefvater now too! You have perfect taste.)
Yesss I’m so glad your project Canvas is going well!! AND CONGRATS ON YOUR BOOK DRAFT I’M SO PROUD OF YOU.
OH WOW THAT WOULD BE THE BEST TRADITION EVER.
I’m still trying to wrap my head around that result that said you read mostly contemporary in 2017… because you are usually a fantasy queen! Are you sure you are really Cait?? xD But in all seriousness, this year I also do more reread and it surprisingly made me really happy! 300 pages are also my happy place, it’s just the perfect length for book!
Have an amazing 2018!
I know right?!?😂 My how the days have changed haha. But fantasy is still what gets me most excited!! Also glad you and I agree on 300pgs being the best length for a book! (My book is literally EXACTLY 300 pages, how about that.😂)
I LOVE PIE CHARTS. I made a couple of them for my own end of year survey and they got me WAY to excited. #nerdalert I want to keep track of more things to make even more pie charts at the end of 2018! How do you keep track of it all? Do you use spreadsheets?
Cait I’m SO excited for your book!! I’m going to preorder it asap (but probably next month because december’s been expensive lol)! I anticipate being all proud and stuff when reading it. NO PRESSURE.
Love your best reads, btw. Mine were Turtles and THUG, with The Inexplicable Logic as a close third. I’m over half way through Strange the Dreamer right now and MAN what a good start of the year. I wouldn’t be surprised AT ALL if it makes my top 3 of 2018! I LOVE IT SO MUCH.
Also: HAPPY NEW YEAR
They’re so exciting to make haha. We can be pie-chart-nerds together.😂😂 And fajksdlad tHANK YOU ANNE FOR BUYING MY BOOK IT MEANS SO MUCH TO ME I CAN’T EVEN SAY. <3
Also so glad we have some of the same top reads!!
set 50 books as my goal but ended up reading 55 🙂
it was a good year, but that part about the tbr pile never reducing? 100 percent relatable. its kinda unhealthy but well.
That’s so awesome you outdid your goal!! *cheers you on*
I like how you work your yearly recap. I’m in the process of mine, and I’m not gonna’ lie – it’s terrifying. BUT at least I get to talk about books, so…
OT – read GODSGRAVE like, NOW. It’s amazing. And can we just talk a minute about the fact that Kristoff was brave enough to write a female antihero who is unapologetically murdery and slightly psycho, yet is brilliant and totally kicks ass?
Talking about books is VERY nice. Must do it always. *like I don’t have a blog that does it all the time* 😂 Duuuude, I freaking adore Nevernight and the fact that I haven’t read Godsgrave yet pains me deep in my soul. What is wrong with me. Mia is AMAZING and what I want more female heroines to be like.
AAAGHHH congrats again on getting your publishing deal!! That’s honestly such an amazing achievement and something you totally deserve. 😘 And omg, 82% of the books you read were diverse?? That’s AWESOME. I think my ratio is 55% diverse, 45% diverse, and while I wasn’t actively searching for diverse books, it still sucks that the books aren’t automatically 100% diverse, like they should be. (But to be fair, some were like… poetry books. 😂)
Starfish was such a surprise for me as well!! I thought I’d like it, but not as much as I did ahaha. I’ve been hearing some criticisms lately of the abuse rep, and it’s definitely something I missed, but that book means so, so much to me as an Asian reader so I can’t completely “diss” it. And ugh, Renegades was such a disappointment! After the reviews started coming in, I was like, “I’m not going to like it,” but I was still disappointed. 😂
THANKS MAY I’M STILL FREAKING OUT ABOUT IT LIKE HOLY HECK HAVE I ACTUALLY FINALLY GOT HERE. *dies quietly*
And it’s really good that it’s easier to find diverse books nowadays too!! Starfish was so heartbreaking though afdjkslad. I heard the critiques about the abuse rep but I understand them?? Like abuse is abuse. Books about abuse aren’t going to make everything “right” about it. It is a problematic thing to discuss! So yeah…I’m confused as to why that got controversial. I’m reeally glad you liked it!
(Renegades was so bad.😂)
I just found you thanks to Avalinah’s shout-out post and OMG PIE (charts)! I love how you broke down your 2017 reads; it makes me so curious about how mine would look. Oh, and my favorite pie is any one that I can smother in whipped cream!
Aww thanks for stopping by JJ!! (I promise I don’t usually respond to comments so so late.😂) And cream for pies = a MUST.
Actually, on the UK Hachette site there seems to be a cover. A COVER! I’m not sure it’s THE cover but it seems to be A cover. Have you seen the cover yet and can confirm this surprise cover status?
I love pie charts! It’s so handy to have a visualisation of how many books you’ve read with bad parents. That one made me laugh. Gosh, all these horrid parents, no wonder these young adult characters are out saving the world, where are the parents to protect them! It’s so nice that you gave a shoutout to your other blogging friends. It must be difficult for them knowing that I’m your favourite. Brave little souls. So, so brave.
KELLY SHH. It’s not supposed to be up yet.😂😂 I want to do a big reveal but I’m waiting on official confirmation for the final cover (and the final blurb too) but like publishers are slow.😂
I like pies but I’m making do with the charts haha. And honestly these little YA kiddos need some good parents (note to self: do not read 1000 Perfect Notes the parents are horrible😂)
I’m lowkey in love with you T_T I adore those pie charts! I didn’t even know you could make them with Canva! I may use a few in my own recap!
AHH THANK YOU!! And omg canva is like a hidden little treasure trove of opportunities.😂
I’m glad you had such a good reading year, Cait! A Conjuring of Light, The Gentleman’s Guide, and The Hate U Give were all big loves of mine in 2017. I still need to read The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet but I’m really happy you enjoyed it! I haven’t heard a lot about the book but my friend loves it to pieces so I’m excited for it! I’m also excited for Ace of Shades, and of course your book which sounds brilliant! I’m really looking forward to the cover and of course even more so the book itself <3
I hope 2018 ends up being an even better reading year for you. Happy reading 🙂
Thanks, Helia!! It’s so nice to be able to freak out and flail over so many books!! And YAY that we have so many similar favourites! Ace of Shades is going to be AMAZING. I can just tell. 😍😍
Wow…250 books and man all that Pie! errr—pie charts that is. I need to learn to do that!!!
So excited for you and your upcoming cover reveal!