2018 Reading Recap & Favorites

2018 was a big reading year for me.  And I realize that the year isn't over yet, but I had a chance to blog today and I don't think I'll be finishing up any more books before the year ends.  

So, I present to you, my book stats for 2018:

Total books read:  158 (!)
Fiction:  117
Non-Fiction:  41

This is not surprising...I always read way more fiction than non-fiction.

I read quite a few 4 and 5 star reads this year.  I won't break it down for you, because not everyone is a statistics nerd like I am (and I'm lazy).  But I read more 4 and 5 star books this year than I did last year.

Here are my favorite ADULT FICTION reads of the year:

Maggie O'Farrell is my new favorite author.  Her books are just consistently good!

And the other four books just STUCK with me.  Especially the two on the bottom, the Great Alone, and Us Against You (the sequel to Beartown).  Both made my cry.  In a good/bad way.

And a 4-star book that I keep thinking about that I should have given 5-stars:

This book about mental health was way ahead of it's time.

I had some nice re-reads of the year as well:  Anne of Green Gables, Old Man and the Sea, and Lord of the Flies to name a few.

Here were my favorite NONFICTION reads:

Quite a mixed bag with non-fiction.  A memoir, a graphic novel, a book about Danish people, and a book that makes me laugh just THINKING about it (it will definitely be a re-read).

My favorite Children's book of the year:

It's such a charming book. 

And finally, my favorite YA book of the year (not so charming...much darker, but wonderful):

Along with the entire Lunar Chronicles series!

It was a great reading year.  I'll be doing another post in the next few days about my 2019 reading goals.

December Reads (10)

One star = did not like it at all

Two stars = eh, it was okay

Three stars =  liked it

Four stars = really, really liked it

Five stars = absolutely loved it

1-Star (0)

2-Star (1)

**Homeland (Fiction, B. Kingsolver)

I should just stay away from short stories.  I don’t like them!!!

3-Star (2)

***Bird Box (Fiction, J. Malerman)

Lots of hype about this suspense book.  It was definitely a page turner, but you never find out what the entities (monsters, aliens, something else?) are.  And there was a little weirdness to it (which was not made apparent until the very end).  I won’t be recommending it to anyone, nor will I be watching the movie.

***The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (Non-fiction, R. Skloot)

The story of Henrietta Lacks and her HELA cells that were (and still are) used for loads of research in the 50’s.  It was an interesting book, but it seemed to drag on.

4-Star (5)

****Necessary Lies (Fiction, D. Chamberlain)

I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel about the Eugenics program that happened in North Carolina between the 1920’s and 1970’s.  Eugenics is forced sterilizations.  I had NO clue this happened, I guess it’s not something they teach in the history books. 

****A Rule Against Murder (Fiction, L. Penny)

The FOURTH mystery novel in the Chief Inspector Gamache series.  They keep getting better!

****The Reptile Room (Fiction, L. Snicket, #2 A Series of Unfortunate Events)

These poor orphans.  One unfortunate event after another.  Yet these books are endearing, have plenty of characters you can root for, and they are HILARIOUS. 

****First We Make the Beast Beautiful (Non-Fiction, S. Wilson)

Sarah Wilson wrote the book ‘I Quit Sugar’ a few years ago (it was a hit apparently).  She was (is?) also one of the editors of Cosmo magazine.  Anyways, this is her story of anxiety.  It is not a self-help book. It is her story.  And how she copes and doesn’t cope with it.  There were SO MANY times in the book where I was like ‘YESSSSS!!!  This is ME!!!’ and I whipped out my highlighter.  There’s even parts of the book where she says ‘oh, and share this particular part with someone you are close to who doesn’t understand anxiety’, in the hopes that it will help them try to understand. 

A lot of the reviews on Goodreads have been negative, stating that the editing of this book is terrible and it’s all over the place.  I think these reviews are coming from people who don’t suffer from anxiety.  Because to me, the book made perfect sense.  I didn’t feel like it was all over the place.  It felt like I could have written it myself.

She also doesn’t get too preachy about the no sugar thing.  She mentions it over a few pages, but that’s all. 

I personally think everyone should read this book, especially people who don’t have anxiety.  I think it’s portrays an accurate picture of how crippling anxiety can be.

I probably should have given it five stars.

****Food: A Love Story (Non-Fiction, J. Gaffigan)

HILARIOUS.  That’s all.  Here’s a couple of quotes:

“I’m convinced that anyone that does not like Mexican food is a psychopath.”

“The green chili addiction in New Mexico is one I understand.  Green chilies are exciting and a little dangerous.  If I lived in New Mexico I’d be eating so many green chilies I’d have to get a haz-mat suit.  I’ve heard there’s talk of reshooting all the episodes of Breaking Bad but instead of meth, Walter and Jesse sell green chilies.  I can’t wait.”

HILARIOUS.  I listened to the audio, read by Jim Gaffigan himself which made it even funnier.

5-Star (2)

*****Crossing to Safety (Fiction, W. Stegner)

I think I started and stopped this book six times.  But finally, something clicked.  It still took a while to get into.  But around the halfway point, it just begins to soar and it doesn’t stop.  It’s the story of the friendship between two married couples, the Langs and the Morgans.  Their friendship begins in the 1930’s.  They are all very academic and literary people.  The two couples are opposites in many ways, yet their friendship remains strong throughout the years.  Strong enough to see each other through successes, failures, prominence, destitution and most importantly, illness.  I plan to read this book again and highlight the multiple beautiful passages that Wallace Stegner has written.  This book (even with its slow start) is incredible.

*****On Writing (Non-Fiction, S. King)

Stephen King is brilliant.  Even if you have no interest in writing anything ever, you should read this book.  Or better yet, listen to it.  He narrates the audio book himself.  He is hilarious.  And incredibly smart.  And down-to-earth.  I loved this book!

Total Books Read: 10 (4 non-fiction, 6 fiction)

Formats

Kindle: 

Audio: 8         

Real Books: 2

DNF (Did Not Finish) 9:

South of Broad (Fiction, P. Conroy) – couldn’t get into it, unlikeable characters

A Secret Kept (Fiction, T. de Rosnay) – couldn’t get into it    

An American Heiress (Fiction, D. Goodwin) – couldn’t get into it

Transcription (Fiction, K. Atkinson) – confusing (and boring) from page 1 

Driftless (Fiction, D. Rhodes) – couldn’t get into it

The Alice Network (Fiction, K. Quinn) – I might revisit this one at some point.  But for now, I am sick of WWII novels that go back and forth in time.

A Tale for the Time Being (Fiction, R. Ozeki) – strong start….faded quickly

The Map of Salt and Stars – it got weird

Fruit of the Drunkin Tree - it got weird

The Year of Many Doctor's Appointments

This year was an interesting year medically for me.  I had surgery in February.  Because of that surgery, I met my yearly out-of-pocket maximum amount that I had to pay for my insurance.  Which I believe was either $2,500 or $3,000.  I’ve already forgotten (more like I’ve tried to block it from my memory ha ha).  Which, all things considered, is not that bad.  My surgery (without insurance) was almost $30,000.  And my E.R. visit that led to my surgery (without insurance) was almost $8,000.  The cost of health care is just unbelievable. 

Because I paid my yearly out-of-pocket maximum, that means everything else for the year is free.  EVERYTHING.  I don’t have to pay co-pays, I don’t have to pay for meds, I pay NOTHING.  Until January 1^st. 

So I started making appointments like crazy.  

I got a mammogram, which would have been free anyways (preventative).  My next one will be in January.

I got a colonoscopy, which would have been free anyways (preventative).  My next one will be in 5 years.

I saw an allergist for the first time in years.  I knew I had seasonal allergies, but I didn’t take anything for them other than Benadryl (which is ineffective long-term).  So they did a bunch of breathing tests (I also have mild allergy related asthma) and then they did skin testing on my back, and THEN they did skin testing on my forearm (for the allergens I reacted to on my back).  I ended up being allergic to a bunch of New Mexican weeds, as well as cats AND dogs.  Lovely.  Anyways, he put me on a prescription for my allergies, renewed my inhaler, and gave me a bunch of samples for Xyzal (similar to Claritin, Zyrtec, etc, except this one actually WORKS).  I’ve been sleeping much better, and my allergies are finally under control.

AND EVERYTHING WAS FREE.

Then I got myself established with a new General Practice doctor.  I don’t go to a ‘regular’ doctor often.  I saw my former GP maybe once every 2 years, but then his practice stopped taking my insurance.  So I had gap where I didn’t have a GP.  However, this wasn’t really a problem, because I used a combination of my gynecologist (who once prescribed me seasick patches before we went to Alaska ha ha) and a family friend who is a physician.  He gave me antibiotics once and also put me on an inhaler (we were over at their house for dinner and he heard me wheezing ha ha).  But I figured it was time to get established with a new provider.  So I did!  She did a physical and asked all about my past medical history.  I don’t have to have a PAP smear done EVER again.  But she’ll do a physical and blood work each year. 

Then I went to the dermatologist.  I have not seen one in years.  My skin is kind of all over the place (I have combination skin…it’s either super dry or super oily).  But mostly I wanted to get a full-body mole check.  I’ve never had one.  And since I’ve been living in the land of 300+ days of sun each year for almost 9 years now, I figured I should get checked.  I wear a facial sunscreen every single day, and during the summer when I’m outside I wear sunscreen (plus a hat).  But still…better safe than sorry.  And there were 2 moles that looked funny to me that I wanted her to check out.

She was SO NICE.  And of course she’s leaving the practice, so that stinks.  But anyways, she did a full body check (and warning…if you’ve never had this done….they check pretty much everywhere.  You can keep your underwear on, but there’s really no point ha ha.  I mean…she checked between my toes).  And all of my moles were just fine, including the two I was worried about.  She was very thorough.  Then she talked to me about my skin care routine.  She was no-nonsense and said that all of those super expensive products do not work.  She recommended Panoxyl 4% (for mild acne…can be found over the counter at Walgreens for $12) once a day, Cetaphil daily wash at night (you can get a big bottle at Target for like $8), and Neutrogena Hydroboost moisturizer for night.  The most expensive thing was the Neutrogena Hydroboost.  It was $14.99 at Target.  She said fair-skinned people should have a full-body mole check once a year.  Done.

AND EVERYTHING WAS FREE.

I have an eye appointment at the end of the month.  And I’m going to try to get in to see my therapist (yes, I see a therapist, actually she’s a psychologist…she prescribes my depression/anxiety meds) before the end of the year.

BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS FREE.

I feel really, really good about my health this year.  I mean…I still have a long ways to go, but I feel like I’m finally in control and in charge of my health.  I'm glad I got these appointments out of the way, and I'm especially glad I didn't have to pay for most of them.

I already have appointments set up for next year:  mammogram, allergist follow-up, dermatology follow-up (which may not be necessary, but they wanted to get me on the schedule because they’re super busy), and my yearly physical.  

Make a list of questions for your doctor(s).  Don’t let them get away with rushing through your visit.  And, I cannot stress this enough, ASK FOR SAMPLES.  My allergist gave me a bunch of samples of Xyzal.  It’s over the counter, but it’s pricey.  They over-ordered their stock and guess who benefited????  ME!  I asked for samples of the Neutrogena Hydroboost at the dermatologist, and they gave me four little bottles, the perfect size for my gym bag.  ASK FOR SAMPLES.  They have them.  And they usually will hand them out willingly IF YOU ASK.

Take advantage of your health insurance!  You pay for it!

(Oh, and the picture at the top of this post?  That is me.  After watching 15 seasons of Grey’s Anatomy multiple times, I feel like a doctor.  Just kidding.  Kind of.)

Black Friday

I was solo at Black Friday this year.  Because of this, I got done earlier than usual (usually we don't get started until about 9:30).  This year I started at 5:00 and was home by 8:30!!

On Thursday morning, hubby and I have the tradition of going to Village Inn for breakfast (it's the only thing open).  We first buy a newspaper, then go to the restaurant and go through the ads during breakfast.  I make a list.  

This year was a bit different.  A lot of the stores are starting their Black Friday ads deals online.  So...on a few items, you can order online starting at a certain time on Thursday.  This is good and bad.  Good, if you're aware of the process.  Bad, if you expect to go the store and find a hot ticket item in the ad and it's no there because the store's stock has been sold out online.

This year, there was an exceptional deal on Playstation 4's.  It came with a Spiderman game and was more than $100 off the original price.  It was at Target and Walmart and I believe Best Buy.  I KNEW this would be an item I would have to get in line for.  So I read the fine print on the ad, and saw that it was available for order online.  I checked Target...sold out (both online AND in stores).  So (while we were sitting there at Village Inn), I ordered it online at Walmart for store pick-up.  I had to wait about a week before I was able to pick it up, but I got the exact unit that was advertised for the exact price.  And I didn't have to stand in line.

While I was at Target, I overheard a few people asking about the PS4 in the ad and the employee said they had sold out of those before the store even opened.  Which is really not fair.  I mean...they should reserve SOME to keep in stock.  But oh well.  I was just glad I didn't have to wait in line for it, ESPECIALLY at Walmart.  Ugh.

And my husband's PS4 broke down like 3 years ago and we haven't replaced it until now.  I'm glad it all worked out.

Then, I noticed a great deal on Dyson vacuums in the Target ad.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE my cordless Dyson stick vac.  LOVE it.  But, it's a few years old and is temperamental sometimes.  It still works great, but I just have to clean it a lot more (like, take it apart, wash the filter, etc.) than usual.  So when I saw Target was having a sale on Dyson stick vacs, I ordered one of those online as well.  It was delivered a few days later.  Of course, husband checked Consumer Reports on all cordless stick vacs first.  And guess who won....Dyson!  

We're going to keep the new one for upstairs use.  The current one is mounted on the wall in the laundry room.  The plan for the new one is to mount it in the small storage room located in our library.  But there's no electricity in that little room at the moment.  So for now, it's hanging out in my closet.  (and yes, we have a mini fridge in my closet):

So around 5:00 I headed out to the actual stores.  First I went to Gamestop and got husband two video games he's been wanting.

Then I went to Target (my biggest haul).

Pyrex!  Couldn't pass this up, especially since I hate plastic storage.  $18 for this boxed set.

A few movies/TV on DVD.  I haven't seen the 3 movies, but I HAVE seen the 2 TV series.  :)  The TV seasons were $10 and the movies were $6 and $4.  Not too shabby!  They are all movies I've been wanting to see too.

Usually I get sheets each year at Walmart, but this year, Target had them.  1200 thread count sheet sets for $25 (any size).  We got a King size bed earlier this year and I only have 2 sets of sheets for it, one of which is not in great shape.  Animals are HARD on sheets!!  Anyways...I got 2 new sets of sheets for our bed and one full-size set for the guest room (Amy's Room). 

Some little lotions. They were BOGO.  I like the little ones for my gym shower bag.

One sweater.  They had loads of sweaters for $10!

A throw.  $10!  It's super soft.

Then I moved on to Walmart. 

Slippers for hubby.  I get him new slippers almost every year.  These were $7, marked down from $20.

 Loungewear...pants and hoodie set for $12.

An oil diffuser set for the man cave.  It came with 6 little bottles of oils.

And some fun little slipper socks.  :)

And that's it!  It was fun, and it was nice to be home at 8:30.  It put my husband and mother-in-law's mind at ease, especially because I was by myself amongst the crazies.

Now to start putting away a little bit of money each month for next year!

November Reads (13)

One star = did not like it at all

Two stars = eh, it was okay

Three stars =  liked it

Four stars = really, really liked it

Five stars = absolutely loved it

1-Star (0)

2-Star (0)

3-Star (2)

***The Way Life Should Be (Fiction, C. Baker Kline)

A nice, easy read about a woman who gets fired from her job in NYC and moves to Maine to figure out what she should do next.  Not a lot of depth here, but the story was nice.

***The End of Your Life Book Club (Non-Fiction, W. Schwalbe)

I don’t know why I keep reading depressing books like this.  This is the story of Will’s (the author) mother’s battle with cancer and they form a book club with just the two of them.  They read and discuss books during her chemotherapy infusions.  L 

4-Star (9)

****Fahrenheit 451 (Fiction, R. Bradbury)

I was never required to read this book in school.  Although I’m thinking it was a banned book at one time?  I don’t recall.  It’s dystopian/sci-fi (although the sci-fi portions were VERY few) about a fireman named Guy Montag.  In this time, firemen START fires.  They’ve never been known to put them out.  When they get a call, they hustle and race and START a fire.  And what do they burn?  Books.  Why?  Knowledge is power.

This book has been analyzed TO DEATH so I’m not going to do that.  I enjoyed it.  A lot.  It made me want to read everything I own and throw out my TV, iPad, and cell phone.  And TIM ROBBINS narrated the audiobook.  Phenomenal.

****The Nature Fix (Non-Fiction, F. Williams)

I think this book may have been a tad better if it was a tad shorter.  But regardless, I learned a TON about how beneficial the outdoors can be.  This book was chock full of scientific studies and facts (presented in an understandable way) about the health benefits of spending time outside (whether it be in a national park or just your backyard), unplugging, and noise pollution (both inside and outside).  I really liked it. 

****Bridge of Clay (Fiction, M. Zusak)

Marcus Zusak wrote the phenomenal book ‘The Book Thief’ years ago….13 years ago I believe.  Or maybe it was 10?  Anyways.  His new book, Bridge of Clay, had very high expectations and a lot to live up to.  And I have to say, it lived up to the hype.  It was excellent.  The story focuses on Clay Dunbar and his 4 brothers.  They are teenagers, they live on their own with no parents (that’s all I’ll say for now), and trying to make it through each day without killing one another.  Oh, and they also have various animals living with them.  Including a mule. 

It’s hard to describe this story without providing spoilers immediately.  Clay is the 2^nd to the youngest Dunbar brother and he is a bit different than the most…he has secrets that no one except his father knows.  He has a gift for running.  He falls in love with a girl named Carey, who is an exceptional horse jockey.  And he builds a bridge. 

It’s a story of loss, family, illness, reconnecting, and a mule.  And it’s heartbreaking and delightful at the same time.

****The Hand That First Held Mine (Fiction, M. O’Farrell)

Maggie O’Farrell is my new favorite author.  I’ve read four of her books now, and 2 have been 4-stars, and 2 have been 5-stars.  This one was slow in parts, but the writing was so great and it picked up at the end and had the finish that I like…not too neat and tidy, but still satisfying.

****Winter (Fiction, M. Meyer)

The final in the 4-book Lunar Chronicle series.  It did not disappoint.  However, I REALLY think this book should have been split into two.  It was 800+ pages!  I listened to it on audio, so I flew through it, however I feel like I didn’t get to know Winter’s character very well, because at least ¾ of the book focused on ALL of the characters and then of course the grand finale.  I’m so glad I read this series.  It was out of my comfort zone.  It was the best YA series I’ve read since the Hunger Games!

****Stars Above (Fiction, M. Meyer)

This is a collection of short stories about the Lunar Chronicles.  Most of them are prequels so it was really nice to get some backstories.  The last chapter, however, is 2 years AFTER the Lunar Chronicles, which was a nice surprise.

****A Series of Unfortunate Events #1:  The Bad Beginning (Fiction, L. Snickett)

This young reader series came out when I was 22.  So obviously I never read it as a young reader.  I vaguely remember my oldest nephew reading a couple of them (maybe?).  Anyways…I’m intrigued.  There’s 3 orphans who get sent to live with a distant cousin (a horrible man) and things just go from bad to worse.  And it doesn’t get better!!  So why the four stars?  Because the writing is great, I laughed out loud (as well as gasped) at least once every single chapter, and it’s one of the most original things I’ve read.  So will I continue with the next book?  Most definitely.  I already have it!

****Educated (Non-Fiction, T. Westover)

An almost unbelievable memoir from a 32-year old woman raised in a ‘survivalist’ family in Utah.  No doctors.  No birth certificate.  And NO education.  At all.  This woman had never heard of the Holocaust.  She didn't know what a fraction was.  She didn't know that it was common practice to wash your hands after using the restroom.  The list goes on and on.  But somehow, she managed to escape, go to college and write this book.

****Fairest (Fiction, M. Meyer)

This is a prequel of the Lunar Chronicles.  It tells the story of Queen Levana.  I have to say that after reading this…I do have a *tad* bit of sympathy for her.  Which I NEVER would have thought was possible.  We learn why she becomes so evil.  I LOVED this series.  It was just so fun! Plus...these beautiful books and their beautiful covers!!!

5-Star (2)

*****Cress (Fiction, M. Meyer)

Book 3 of the Lunar Chronicles.  Cress (Rapunzel) is a prisoner of the queen and has been trapped in her satellite orbiting the earth for 7 years.  She has had no contact with other people, until she intercepts a communication from another ship.  From there, she ends up helping Cinder, Scarlet, Wolf, Thorne and others in their attempt to overthrow the Lunar Queen.  They are all torn apart in different directions (and paired off not how you would expect).  It was cool to see how they interacted with each other in different settings (earth, space, the moon, etc.).  This was my favorite one of the series.  Loads of action.  Plus, I listened to it and it just flew by (it’s a huge book).  And it was fun to hear Scarlet’s accent (she’s from France).  It’s just such a fun series!  I loved it.

*****Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation (Non-Fiction, A. Folman)

I saw this at Barnes and Nobel and am SO GLAD I picked it up.  This graphic novel is an absolute masterpiece.  The beautiful illustrations are both humorous and haunting.  Anne’s feelings and fears about life and war and her relationship with her parents are portrayed in a way we’ve never seen before.  This book is a gem.

Total Books Read: 13 (4 non-fiction, 9 fiction)

Formats

Kindle: 

Audio: 10         

Real Books: 3

DNF (Did Not Finish) 2:

Small Wonder (B. Kingsolver) – again…too preachy. We are ruining the earth.  I get it.

Emma in the Night (W. Walker) – too dysfunctional and not interesting