How Many Books Did You Read Last Year?

I was a big reader even before I started blogging, but obviously once you get established people do tend to send you books. It’s a good thing. Truly. I also work with Pump Up Your Book Promotion for the Working Writers blog and review some of their books from time to time. I get a few from publicists, others from authors, some from the library, and lots that I buy myself.  My “to be read” pile is never small. I suppose that’s a good problem to have.

But have you ever sat and counted how many books you read in any given year? I never have, but have come across a few folks that diligently recorded their reading adventures. I have to say, this task amazes me. First, because, when I finish a book I simply want to review it or just be done with it, and second because, I already record so many other parts of my life that I can’t imagine doing it with books. But people do and it’s kind of a cool thing. Especially when you are like the fabulous lady at A Striped Armchair. Her 2009 reading list is truly amazing!

When I saw her post I immediately tried to count the books I had read in December, and already couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t remember how many books I read and when. Sheesh.

I’d considered starting a list of books I’d read for 2010…. but you know I’m never going to keep up with it. But I can tell you about a few books I’ve read in the last few weeks. First is Sue Grafton’s latest U is for Undertow. Can I tell you just how amazed I am at her writing ability? Not only did she develop one of my favorite characters of all time, but every single book in the alphabet mystery series has gotten better and better. Another layer of the character is revealed with each one. The latest is a story that floats back and forth from the 60s to Kinsey (the main character’s) present day, which happens to be 1988. I love that she writes in this year because I’m not a fan of mysteries that use so much technology that solving the whodunit just doesn’t even seem fun. I met Sue Grafton at a book signing once years ago, and it was the first author appearance I had been to that was absolutely packed beyond belief. I think we all waited something like two or three hours, winding our way through a long line in the bookstore. (The only other author I can remember doing that for was Bruce Campbell. And well… he’s Bruce Campbell. So there you go.)

Another book I recently finished is Nanny Returns by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus. I’d read the first one of these, The Nanny Diaries, and was appalled and outraged at the wealthy people in the book, and loved Nan and her family. About the same is true with the sequel, except Nan is married to Ryan (hottie from book one) and contemplating having children herself. The authors do a great job of writing about the upper crust of society and their family issues.

I also reviewed Robin Maxwell’s new book, O’Juliet for Working Writers. Robin took Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and turned it into a historical novel, which I just loved. She’s one of my favorites and definitely did a fabulous job with O’Juliet. The book comes out next month and I recommend that you all pick it up!

Those are a few I’ve read this year so far (this month!). Which brings me back to my main point. Do you keep track of the books you read? And if so, how many do you read in a year?