What I've Read so Far in 2020. Jill Kemerer

What I’ve Read so Far in 2020

As I’m writing this, it’s January 20, 2020. Yep, it’s a solid nine days before the post will publish. This means more books will have been read when the post goes live.

I’m okay with that.

For about ten years I’ve tracked the books I read. I started off using a small notebook–one you could fit into a purse–by writing the date, the title, the author and a brief musing on the book itself. Then I found myself doing less musing. Hey, life changes. So I did away with the musings. A few years later, I no longer had a flip phone. So I did away with the small notebooks.

For a while I tracked using Goodreads. But it got weird for me. I’m an author. I used to leave reviews for books, but for various reasons, I no longer do. This led me to the dilemma of stars. I just want to list the books I read–I don’t want to rate each one!

So…I began tracking the books in the OneNote app on my phone. (I’ve used Evernote, too.) I have a virtual Notebook for Reading, and I have tabs for the years. Currently, 2020 has five books on the list. I’m also in the middle of reading three other books, one of which I’m not going to finish. How do I know? I’m just not feeling it, and since reading is my hobby, I gave myself permission long ago to not finish a book I’m not feeling!

What I’ve Read so Far in 2020:

  1. Your Creative Work Space by Desha Peacock. I loved peeking into the work spaces of artists, writers, and other creatives. In addition to fabulous photographs, there is a short interview with each person featured.
  2. The Art of Stillness by Pico Iyer. A good reminder of how quietness and slowing down are important for our well-being.
  3. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Well. This wasn’t an easy read! Every year I read between six and ten classics. I don’t know how I feel about this one. It kept my interest, and I read it until the end, but it’s so unusual.
  4. Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons. Perfect read for January. I read it over the course of a week, and it really spoke to me.
  5. Reunited in the Rockies by Mindy Obenhaus. I loved this installment of the Rocky Mountain Heroes series.

Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The above links are affiliate links.

Right now I’m midway through two more nonfiction books. Tomorrow, I’m heading to the library for another novel. I’m not sure what I’m in the mood for, but I’ll grab several and choose from them.

What are you reading?

Have an amazing day!

JillKemerer

Jill Kemerer is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of heartwarming, emotional, small-town romance novels often featuring cowboys. She hopes to encourage readers through her books the way so many books have encouraged her. Jill's essentials include coffee, caramels, a stack of books, her mini-doxie, and long walks outdoors. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two almost-grown children. For more information, visit her website, jillkemerer.com.

Comments (13)

  1. I just finished Rebel Cowboy (Nicole Helm) and Accidental Beauty Queen (Teri Wilson) – recommend both. And I’m reading Noise (non-fiction, about tech and the noise it creates in our lives) and so far I’m really enjoying it.

    I track my books read, too, and started a new reading notebook this year. I do like the paper tracking options but I’m beginning to wonder what the heck I’m keeping them all for and where I’m going to *put* them! lol

    Reply

  2. It’s so freeing to give yourself permission to not finish a book! I still use goodreads to track my books but understand your dilemma that led you to track your reads somewhere else. The Next Right Thing is on my night table, and Beloved by Toni Morrison is on-hold for me at my library. Happy reading (and writing)!

    Reply

  4. Hey, Jill, great book list! I haven’t heard of any of them, but the titles and your notes on the books are fascinating.

    I’m currently reading several books, but I’m particularly focusing on Dutch Girl by Robert Matzen this week. (I received a copy from NetGalley.) A friend of mine zoomed through it super fast, and I think I’m hitting my stride with it too. It’s a fascinating (so far) nonfiction book about the life of Audrey Hepburn with great details about her life prior to becoming a Hollywood icon. Since she’s my favorite vintage actress of all time, I just had to read this book. I’m hoping it stays intriguing through to the very end.

    Reply

      1. Jill, this is actually the first bio about Audrey that I’ve read. Which others would you recommend? I am getting the feeling that I should read them all, but it would be good to know where to start.

        Reply

          1. Thanks so much, Jill! I hope my library has a copy of them. Those sound like great biographies of Audrey Hepburn to start with after the one I’m currently reading. Maybe I’ll have a chance to read at least one of them this summer, when my reading schedule might open up some more. Appreciate your tips!

  5. I read Legacy of Mercy and Waves of Mercy by Lynn Austin. Historical fiction from the mid 1800s that takes place mostly in Holland, MI. Rich in history and faith. I loved these books!!!

    Reply

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