Candi’s review of 2023 on Goodreads > Likes and Comments
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Could your negativity in past years have anything to do with Covid? It was hard not having that time influence every aspect of life. Wishing you many happy reading hours in 2024, Candi.
Wonderful wrap up and appreciate the honesty of your notes on not reviewing all books. As my notes on my GR friends year end reviews, I’ll make a note of books that seem interesting for me to look at further. Happy reading for 2024
A thoughtful and well-written yearend review. I love that you included links to your reviews. So many interesting books!
The Little Friend is on my shelf; I rated The Goldfinch and The Secret History both 5/5 stars. Your review makes me want to finally read it this year.
It’s hard sometimes to get motivated to write a review, especially if the book did not generate enough feels. But, just do you know, I really enjoy reading your reviews, Candi:) I’ve got The Little Friend and Bad Marie. I’ll try to read one for sure this year.
Happy New Year, Candi. May it be a year of good changes. As always, I enjoy reading whatever thoughts you write down. It gives me great pleasure to see a Winton novel among your favs. I've just picked The First Bad Man as I saw it on the shelf at the library.
I could highly recommend ‘Cloudstreet’ by Tim Winton.
Thank you, Candi, for sharing your 2023 reading year. I am glad you're back to reviewing more books 'cause I love reading your reviews, which are always thoughtful and well crafted. I appreciate you including links to your reviews of your 5-star books. I can reference them later to pick out the ones that appeal to me. Our GR friendship (at least 7 years) and interactions is one reason why GR is such a heartwarming community for me. Thank you, my friend. Happy 2024!
Great to see your recap, Candi! though you didn't review all read books, some great thoughts on books are there , I wish a great year ahead in 2024.
Call me Cassandra and Little Friend is on my TBR for next year. Can’t wait. I have a similar problem with my reviews.
I've decided to collect my friends reviews - I see other people do something similar - and I think I will have a shelf for these wonderful collections of my best 10 etc - fiction and non-fiction. I didn't like some of your choice reads, but I'm still very curious about many of the others - Tim Winton, Donna Tart, Marcial Gala - and I love, love your point about reviews being a means for ourself to go back and remember. I often re-read my reviews when a Friend posts on a book I've read and loved etc. Happy New Year Candi.
Happy New Year Candi and thanks for summing up your reading year (and including links to choice reviews). I agree with you that review writing helps to make a deeper impression on what we've read. On the other hand it could be daunting to review every single book. I wish you all the best in finding the right balance and with the changes that you mentioned.
We all need to change things up once in a while. I've done that a few times in my life and it always turned out well. Wherever I went I always lugged my books along though. Reading is a constant for all of us here. Your reviews are always introspective and well done, so don't deprive the rest of us from them, whatever you do.
Candi, I am thankful for your friendship and for the camaraderie of our buddy reads. I know there will be more great books ahead!
I look forward to hearing about those changes you want to manifest in your life this year. Publicly stating your intention is a great first step!
Here's to new adventures! 🥂
Bloody life does have a way of changing doesn't it Canders? That unexpected curve ba;; can be tricky to deal with, but it's often the chronic ones I find the hardest - the one's that are like slow moving trains, you know they're heading towards you, you know it's gonna hurt - but but......uuurrrggghhh. Whatever changes are happeing to you in 2024, I sincerely hope they are for the better Canders, it's always a pleasure seeing you and interacting with you on here. I'm so glad you are a friend. Happy 2024 :))
great recommendations here.
thanks so much and Happy New Year in every day of 2024
Candi, I rated my own "Year in Review" 4 stars (rather than my typical 5). For whatever reason, I thought that this year's crop of books were not as compelling. I hope 2024 brings you what you are looking for - both book-wise and in your personal life.
I’m vibing with you so much here. I had an unusual year as well but hope to change that. It’s great that you recognize your changes and decide to be intentional to do things differently. I’m always interested and inspired by your reviews, Candi!!
Dearest Candi, I wrote something similar in my review of the year. It is the interaction and comments which make it such a pleasure to be part of this online reading community and you more than anyone always make me smile or give me such insight with your reviews. How else would I have found out that you are rather taken with Tom Hiddleston / Jonathon Pine ☺️ wishing you all the best for 2024 💕
Happy New Year, Candi! I hope 2024 will bring about amazing changes for you, in whichever direction you want them to take you.
A gigantic GR meet-up sounds really fun, but then I remember how much I hate social situations so I think I"ll let the rest of you get together and I'll enjoy reading about it :)
Candi, I hope that your big life changes you plan turn out rewarding and joyful and it is such a relief for the loyal readers of your reviews that you still see lots of reading and exchanging bookish thoughts here ahead. During the year I had already added some of the highlights you are recapitulating here and I cannot but copy some more to the wish list - looking forward to 'Insomniac City' :). Wishing you good luck with the big changes and a wonderful New Year of love, friendship and reading!
I would love a giant GR meet up....that would be the best! Great year in review and hope your 2024 is filled with much joy and many, many 5⭐️ reads, Candi!
Candi , your reviews are always so thoughtful as is this year end review . I wish you all of the very best in your upcoming changes and that all goes well. I’m going to have to take the time to read the reviews that I missed and I’m sure I’ll adding to my list .
As always, a moment in your company is a chance to smile, to think, and to expand...what more could I ask for? I love reading your reviews during the year and I always come away with something valuable to add to my own efforts at "thinking". Blessings in 2024, Candi, and only changes you want and approve!
>>Reviews are not only a way of sharing with this community, but a way to jog one’s own memory!<<
I so agree! The books I’ve read and haven’t reviewed I find much hard to remember a few years later, but reading my own review brings back memories quickly.
Happy New Year!
Left Coast Justin wrote: "Nice wrapup, Candi -- and who needs to read about those 32% of books that didn't appeal, anyway? Save your time looking for more great reads!
There's a lot of overlap on our lists and I look forwa..."
Thanks very much, friend! You're right - when time is so short, I shouldn't worry about investing even more time in books that didn't bring me pure joy! There is a lot of overlap in our lists, yes, and I blame you for many of the additions to my groaning TBR this year :D
I really need to work on steering things in the right direction this year. No more nonsense!
Barbara wrote: "Could your negativity in past years have anything to do with Covid? It was hard not having that time influence every aspect of life. Wishing you many happy reading hours in 2024, Candi."
Covid certainly had a lot to do with it, Barbara. There was a lot of bad behavior that brought my spirits down. Not only that, my kiddos embarked on their young adult life journeys and left me with the question of what now?! Still figuring that out and it's my goal to finally answer that question this year! Thanks for your kindness and I wish you all the best in the new year :)
Ian M. Pyatt wrote: "Wonderful wrap up and appreciate the honesty of your notes on not reviewing all books. As my notes on my GR friends year end reviews, I’ll make a note of books that seem interesting for me to look ..."
Thank you, Ian! I hope to do a bit better this year with reviewing, but who knows?! Something else may come along and distract me :D I hope you find some worthy additions to your list from your friends' pile of favorites! Happy New Year :)
K wrote: "A thoughtful and well-written yearend review. I love that you included links to your reviews. So many interesting books!
The Little Friend is on my shelf; I rated [book:The Goldfinc..."
Thanks very much, K! I'm happy that the links prove useful! I gave both The Goldfinch and The Secret History 5 stars as well. The Little Friend is much different but so worth all of those stars too. I hope that you find this to be true!!
Antoinette wrote: "It’s hard sometimes to get motivated to write a review, especially if the book did not generate enough feels. But, just do you know, I really enjoy reading your reviews, Candi:) I’ve got The Little..."
Motivation is even harder when I find myself not getting other necessary tasks done, Antoinette! And then add onto that a lack of enthusiasm for a book and... no review! :D I really appreciate your kind words and the feeling is mutual. You have shared some really enticing book reviews that made me click that little button :D I hope you enjoy The Little Friend and/or Bad Marie if they reach the top of the pile in 2024 :)
![Terence M [Quot libros, quam breve tempus!]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1712357414p1/6658001.jpg)
A beautifully written review of your reviews, Candi😃!
Personally, I write reviews only when I feel capable of being coherent and relevant. I have the very best intentions, but sometimes I simply don't feel up to writing a review that I would be happy with, so I do a "RTC", or similar. Of course, I usually forget to do the RTC, and when I do, I have serious trouble remembering enough about the book to write something "... coherent and relevant" 🤩
Happy New Year, Candi!😘
Reading this review felt much like sitting around the bar with a really cool friend and listening to the super engaging story of her reading year. And when she'd finished, it was as if a bunch of mutual friends drifted in, and before we knew it there were great book-thoughts being swapped back and forth—it had become a gigantic GR meet-up!
What an uplifting and very positive review, Candi! I know what you mean about not remembering books you don't review, so it's not only selfishness that makes me hope you continue to be inspired to write them. I'm so happy you're here, and whatever your 2024 changes, I hope they bring you joy.
Bianca wrote: "Happy New Year, Candi. May it be a year of good changes. As always, I enjoy reading whatever thoughts you write down. It gives me great pleasure to see a Winton novel among your favs. I've just pic..."
Happy New Year to you, Bianca! I really hope there are positive changes - something's gotta give! :D Winton was a wonderful addition to my year. I now own a couple more of his books, so I'll be reading him again before long. I hope The First Bad Man satisfies you!! Wishing you the best in books and life in the coming year :) :)
Peter wrote: "I could highly recommend ‘Cloudstreet’ by Tim Winton."
I bought Cloudstreet recently, so I appreciate your endorsement of it, Peter!
Laysee wrote: "Thank you, Candi, for sharing your 2023 reading year. I am glad you're back to reviewing more books 'cause I love reading your reviews, which are always thoughtful and well crafted. I appreciate yo..."
Your support of my reviews and your friendship have been unwavering over the past 7 years, Laysee! Thank you for that :) You write beautifully and have inspired me to want to read more than just a few books! Your presence here always lightens my heart, my friend. Happy New Year!
Praveen wrote: "Great to see your recap, Candi! though you didn't review all read books, some great thoughts on books are there , I wish a great year ahead in 2024."
Thanks very much for your kind words, Praveen! I hope that 2024 offers much happiness to you!
Adina wrote: "Call me Cassandra and Little Friend is on my TBR for next year. Can’t wait. I have a similar problem with my reviews."
I truly hope both of those books end up being favorites of yours too, Adina! I guess there are worse things than running out of time to write reviews - at least we are reading, right?!! Happy 2024 :)
Candi, I always enjoy your reviews - we share some favorites and your list has given more some more ideas (oh no!). Hope 2024 is a great year for you.
Enjoyed your annual review. Give yourself a pat on the back. I do try to review my books, but I don't even attempt an end of the year summation. Good for you.
A fabulous year-end wrap-up, Candi! I see Love in the Time of Cholera made it into your favorites. It's such a great read. : )
Wishing you a splendid 2024!
Love your year-end summary! You always are so thoughtful and you look at yourself. I picture you pondering this change that’s coming up. It’s really hard to have an empty nest—definitely rocks your world! And the worry about your kids NEVER ends, and that doesn’t seem fair. It was a lot of b.s. when we were told it was fun when the kids left, that it was freeing. Wrong! I laugh that you pointed out old review tones—I didn’t even ever notice your downer openings—you’re one of the most upbeat people here, so don’t worry that you’re Candi Complainer! You’re too hard on yourself! I totally enjoy your reviews and your wit and your humor, and you have led me to some real gems—thank you! And of course, I love when we’re stuck in jail together and get to bring treats! Your reviews so often make me think hard about new stuff. I’m scurrying to check out your luscious-sounding list. You might even get me to check out one or two nonfiction books (a miracle)—the Sacks book especially. I bet there is pogo-stick material there! I wish I could do what you’re trying to do and only write reviews of the goodies and the buddy reads. I’m anal about it though. Old habits die hard. Anyway, good luck with your upcoming change. Gulp. You’ll do okay. Thanks for being such a light on this site and for being my friend! Hugs!
Not sure why i missed clicking like after my comment, Candi , but here it is’
Laura wrote: "I've decided to collect my friends reviews - I see other people do something similar - and I think I will have a shelf for these wonderful collections of my best 10 etc - fiction and non-fiction. I..."
I like the idea for your shelf, Laura! And even if you didn't like some of my favorites, I hope you find something else there that might really appeal to you :) I imagine it would be pretty boring if we saw the same few books on everyone's favorites lists, so it's fun to compare a bit! I often visit an old review of my own when someone likes it - and sometimes I discover I've missed a comment along the way. Happy New Year to you!
Vanessa (Newville PA) wrote: "Happy New Year Candi and thanks for summing up your reading year (and including links to choice reviews). I agree with you that review writing helps to make a deeper impression on what we've read. ..."
Happy New Year, Vanessa! It's my pleasure to provide the links in case you find anything of interest there :) Yes, I most certainly think more deeply about a book when I write a review. And sometimes after going over my highlights and putting thoughts into words, I revise my original rating that was in my head while reading a book. Thanks very much for your kind and supportive words!! :)
Diane wrote: "We all need to change things up once in a while. I've done that a few times in my life and it always turned out well. Wherever I went I always lugged my books along though. Reading is a constant fo..."
Change is good, Diane. I'm always up for new adventures even if they rarely come along :D My book collection has taken on hefty proportions at this point - I'd want to take them all but fear I'd have to give up a few! I will continue to read and write as much as I possibly can. And I love reading the reviews of thoughtful friends like you, too! So that will not be set aside :) :) Happy 2024!
Lisa wrote: "Candi, I am thankful for your friendship and for the camaraderie of our buddy reads. I know there will be more great books ahead!
I look forward to hearing about those changes you want to manifest..."
The feeling is mutual, Lisa! It's been a pleasure to share several of my books over the past couple of years with you. You make me think more deeply and I have fun going off on my little tangents - I appreciate you indulging me in that many times! And yes, I thought putting my wishes in writing would be great self-motivation! :D Cheers to new adventures and long friendships!! :)
Mark wrote: "Bloody life does have a way of changing doesn't it Canders? That unexpected curve ba;; can be tricky to deal with, but it's often the chronic ones I find the hardest - the one's that are like slow ..."
It sure does, Markus! Some of the changes are rough and some need to happen! I'm not opposed to the right sort of changes :) But I know what you mean about those chronic ones - ouch! Thanks so much for your support of whatever comes my way - and for your friendship and lively conversation. Your presence here is one I rely on to make me smile :) Happy New Year, friend!
Kerry wrote: "great recommendations here.
thanks so much and Happy New Year in every day of 2024"
Thank you, Kerry! Happy New Year to you, too. Cheers!
Holly R W wrote: "Candi, I rated my own "Year in Review" 4 stars (rather than my typical 5). For whatever reason, I thought that this year's crop of books were not as compelling. I hope 2024 brings you what you are ..."
Holly, I guess it would be fair to say my 3 star ranking was partly due to the books, but also due to my own "weird" year of reading and reviewing in general :D I hope that 2024 is elevated back to 5 star status for you! All my best to you :)
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Could your negativity in past years have anything to do with Covid? It was hard not having that time influence every aspect of life. Wishing you many happy reading hours in 2024, Candi.
Wonderful wrap up and appreciate the honesty of your notes on not reviewing all books. As my notes on my GR friends year end reviews, I’ll make a note of books that seem interesting for me to look at further. Happy reading for 2024
A thoughtful and well-written yearend review. I love that you included links to your reviews. So many interesting books!The Little Friend is on my shelf; I rated The Goldfinch and The Secret History both 5/5 stars. Your review makes me want to finally read it this year.
It’s hard sometimes to get motivated to write a review, especially if the book did not generate enough feels. But, just do you know, I really enjoy reading your reviews, Candi:) I’ve got The Little Friend and Bad Marie. I’ll try to read one for sure this year.
Happy New Year, Candi. May it be a year of good changes. As always, I enjoy reading whatever thoughts you write down. It gives me great pleasure to see a Winton novel among your favs. I've just picked The First Bad Man as I saw it on the shelf at the library.
I could highly recommend ‘Cloudstreet’ by Tim Winton.
Thank you, Candi, for sharing your 2023 reading year. I am glad you're back to reviewing more books 'cause I love reading your reviews, which are always thoughtful and well crafted. I appreciate you including links to your reviews of your 5-star books. I can reference them later to pick out the ones that appeal to me. Our GR friendship (at least 7 years) and interactions is one reason why GR is such a heartwarming community for me. Thank you, my friend. Happy 2024!
Great to see your recap, Candi! though you didn't review all read books, some great thoughts on books are there , I wish a great year ahead in 2024.
Call me Cassandra and Little Friend is on my TBR for next year. Can’t wait. I have a similar problem with my reviews.
I've decided to collect my friends reviews - I see other people do something similar - and I think I will have a shelf for these wonderful collections of my best 10 etc - fiction and non-fiction. I didn't like some of your choice reads, but I'm still very curious about many of the others - Tim Winton, Donna Tart, Marcial Gala - and I love, love your point about reviews being a means for ourself to go back and remember. I often re-read my reviews when a Friend posts on a book I've read and loved etc. Happy New Year Candi.
Happy New Year Candi and thanks for summing up your reading year (and including links to choice reviews). I agree with you that review writing helps to make a deeper impression on what we've read. On the other hand it could be daunting to review every single book. I wish you all the best in finding the right balance and with the changes that you mentioned.
We all need to change things up once in a while. I've done that a few times in my life and it always turned out well. Wherever I went I always lugged my books along though. Reading is a constant for all of us here. Your reviews are always introspective and well done, so don't deprive the rest of us from them, whatever you do.
Candi, I am thankful for your friendship and for the camaraderie of our buddy reads. I know there will be more great books ahead!I look forward to hearing about those changes you want to manifest in your life this year. Publicly stating your intention is a great first step!
Here's to new adventures! 🥂
Bloody life does have a way of changing doesn't it Canders? That unexpected curve ba;; can be tricky to deal with, but it's often the chronic ones I find the hardest - the one's that are like slow moving trains, you know they're heading towards you, you know it's gonna hurt - but but......uuurrrggghhh. Whatever changes are happeing to you in 2024, I sincerely hope they are for the better Canders, it's always a pleasure seeing you and interacting with you on here. I'm so glad you are a friend. Happy 2024 :))
great recommendations here. thanks so much and Happy New Year in every day of 2024
Candi, I rated my own "Year in Review" 4 stars (rather than my typical 5). For whatever reason, I thought that this year's crop of books were not as compelling. I hope 2024 brings you what you are looking for - both book-wise and in your personal life.
I’m vibing with you so much here. I had an unusual year as well but hope to change that. It’s great that you recognize your changes and decide to be intentional to do things differently. I’m always interested and inspired by your reviews, Candi!!
Dearest Candi, I wrote something similar in my review of the year. It is the interaction and comments which make it such a pleasure to be part of this online reading community and you more than anyone always make me smile or give me such insight with your reviews. How else would I have found out that you are rather taken with Tom Hiddleston / Jonathon Pine ☺️ wishing you all the best for 2024 💕
Happy New Year, Candi! I hope 2024 will bring about amazing changes for you, in whichever direction you want them to take you.A gigantic GR meet-up sounds really fun, but then I remember how much I hate social situations so I think I"ll let the rest of you get together and I'll enjoy reading about it :)
Candi, I hope that your big life changes you plan turn out rewarding and joyful and it is such a relief for the loyal readers of your reviews that you still see lots of reading and exchanging bookish thoughts here ahead. During the year I had already added some of the highlights you are recapitulating here and I cannot but copy some more to the wish list - looking forward to 'Insomniac City' :). Wishing you good luck with the big changes and a wonderful New Year of love, friendship and reading!
I would love a giant GR meet up....that would be the best! Great year in review and hope your 2024 is filled with much joy and many, many 5⭐️ reads, Candi!
Candi , your reviews are always so thoughtful as is this year end review . I wish you all of the very best in your upcoming changes and that all goes well. I’m going to have to take the time to read the reviews that I missed and I’m sure I’ll adding to my list .
As always, a moment in your company is a chance to smile, to think, and to expand...what more could I ask for? I love reading your reviews during the year and I always come away with something valuable to add to my own efforts at "thinking". Blessings in 2024, Candi, and only changes you want and approve!
>>Reviews are not only a way of sharing with this community, but a way to jog one’s own memory!<<I so agree! The books I’ve read and haven’t reviewed I find much hard to remember a few years later, but reading my own review brings back memories quickly.
Happy New Year!
Left Coast Justin wrote: "Nice wrapup, Candi -- and who needs to read about those 32% of books that didn't appeal, anyway? Save your time looking for more great reads!There's a lot of overlap on our lists and I look forwa..."
Thanks very much, friend! You're right - when time is so short, I shouldn't worry about investing even more time in books that didn't bring me pure joy! There is a lot of overlap in our lists, yes, and I blame you for many of the additions to my groaning TBR this year :D
I really need to work on steering things in the right direction this year. No more nonsense!
Barbara wrote: "Could your negativity in past years have anything to do with Covid? It was hard not having that time influence every aspect of life. Wishing you many happy reading hours in 2024, Candi."Covid certainly had a lot to do with it, Barbara. There was a lot of bad behavior that brought my spirits down. Not only that, my kiddos embarked on their young adult life journeys and left me with the question of what now?! Still figuring that out and it's my goal to finally answer that question this year! Thanks for your kindness and I wish you all the best in the new year :)
Ian M. Pyatt wrote: "Wonderful wrap up and appreciate the honesty of your notes on not reviewing all books. As my notes on my GR friends year end reviews, I’ll make a note of books that seem interesting for me to look ..."Thank you, Ian! I hope to do a bit better this year with reviewing, but who knows?! Something else may come along and distract me :D I hope you find some worthy additions to your list from your friends' pile of favorites! Happy New Year :)
K wrote: "A thoughtful and well-written yearend review. I love that you included links to your reviews. So many interesting books!The Little Friend is on my shelf; I rated [book:The Goldfinc..."
Thanks very much, K! I'm happy that the links prove useful! I gave both The Goldfinch and The Secret History 5 stars as well. The Little Friend is much different but so worth all of those stars too. I hope that you find this to be true!!
Antoinette wrote: "It’s hard sometimes to get motivated to write a review, especially if the book did not generate enough feels. But, just do you know, I really enjoy reading your reviews, Candi:) I’ve got The Little..."Motivation is even harder when I find myself not getting other necessary tasks done, Antoinette! And then add onto that a lack of enthusiasm for a book and... no review! :D I really appreciate your kind words and the feeling is mutual. You have shared some really enticing book reviews that made me click that little button :D I hope you enjoy The Little Friend and/or Bad Marie if they reach the top of the pile in 2024 :)
A beautifully written review of your reviews, Candi😃!Personally, I write reviews only when I feel capable of being coherent and relevant. I have the very best intentions, but sometimes I simply don't feel up to writing a review that I would be happy with, so I do a "RTC", or similar. Of course, I usually forget to do the RTC, and when I do, I have serious trouble remembering enough about the book to write something "... coherent and relevant" 🤩
Happy New Year, Candi!😘
Reading this review felt much like sitting around the bar with a really cool friend and listening to the super engaging story of her reading year. And when she'd finished, it was as if a bunch of mutual friends drifted in, and before we knew it there were great book-thoughts being swapped back and forth—it had become a gigantic GR meet-up!
What an uplifting and very positive review, Candi! I know what you mean about not remembering books you don't review, so it's not only selfishness that makes me hope you continue to be inspired to write them. I'm so happy you're here, and whatever your 2024 changes, I hope they bring you joy.
Bianca wrote: "Happy New Year, Candi. May it be a year of good changes. As always, I enjoy reading whatever thoughts you write down. It gives me great pleasure to see a Winton novel among your favs. I've just pic..."Happy New Year to you, Bianca! I really hope there are positive changes - something's gotta give! :D Winton was a wonderful addition to my year. I now own a couple more of his books, so I'll be reading him again before long. I hope The First Bad Man satisfies you!! Wishing you the best in books and life in the coming year :) :)
Peter wrote: "I could highly recommend ‘Cloudstreet’ by Tim Winton."I bought Cloudstreet recently, so I appreciate your endorsement of it, Peter!
Laysee wrote: "Thank you, Candi, for sharing your 2023 reading year. I am glad you're back to reviewing more books 'cause I love reading your reviews, which are always thoughtful and well crafted. I appreciate yo..."Your support of my reviews and your friendship have been unwavering over the past 7 years, Laysee! Thank you for that :) You write beautifully and have inspired me to want to read more than just a few books! Your presence here always lightens my heart, my friend. Happy New Year!
Praveen wrote: "Great to see your recap, Candi! though you didn't review all read books, some great thoughts on books are there , I wish a great year ahead in 2024."Thanks very much for your kind words, Praveen! I hope that 2024 offers much happiness to you!
Adina wrote: "Call me Cassandra and Little Friend is on my TBR for next year. Can’t wait. I have a similar problem with my reviews."I truly hope both of those books end up being favorites of yours too, Adina! I guess there are worse things than running out of time to write reviews - at least we are reading, right?!! Happy 2024 :)
Candi, I always enjoy your reviews - we share some favorites and your list has given more some more ideas (oh no!). Hope 2024 is a great year for you.
Enjoyed your annual review. Give yourself a pat on the back. I do try to review my books, but I don't even attempt an end of the year summation. Good for you.
A fabulous year-end wrap-up, Candi! I see Love in the Time of Cholera made it into your favorites. It's such a great read. : )Wishing you a splendid 2024!
Love your year-end summary! You always are so thoughtful and you look at yourself. I picture you pondering this change that’s coming up. It’s really hard to have an empty nest—definitely rocks your world! And the worry about your kids NEVER ends, and that doesn’t seem fair. It was a lot of b.s. when we were told it was fun when the kids left, that it was freeing. Wrong! I laugh that you pointed out old review tones—I didn’t even ever notice your downer openings—you’re one of the most upbeat people here, so don’t worry that you’re Candi Complainer! You’re too hard on yourself! I totally enjoy your reviews and your wit and your humor, and you have led me to some real gems—thank you! And of course, I love when we’re stuck in jail together and get to bring treats! Your reviews so often make me think hard about new stuff. I’m scurrying to check out your luscious-sounding list. You might even get me to check out one or two nonfiction books (a miracle)—the Sacks book especially. I bet there is pogo-stick material there! I wish I could do what you’re trying to do and only write reviews of the goodies and the buddy reads. I’m anal about it though. Old habits die hard. Anyway, good luck with your upcoming change. Gulp. You’ll do okay. Thanks for being such a light on this site and for being my friend! Hugs!
Not sure why i missed clicking like after my comment, Candi , but here it is’
Laura wrote: "I've decided to collect my friends reviews - I see other people do something similar - and I think I will have a shelf for these wonderful collections of my best 10 etc - fiction and non-fiction. I..."I like the idea for your shelf, Laura! And even if you didn't like some of my favorites, I hope you find something else there that might really appeal to you :) I imagine it would be pretty boring if we saw the same few books on everyone's favorites lists, so it's fun to compare a bit! I often visit an old review of my own when someone likes it - and sometimes I discover I've missed a comment along the way. Happy New Year to you!
Vanessa (Newville PA) wrote: "Happy New Year Candi and thanks for summing up your reading year (and including links to choice reviews). I agree with you that review writing helps to make a deeper impression on what we've read. ..."Happy New Year, Vanessa! It's my pleasure to provide the links in case you find anything of interest there :) Yes, I most certainly think more deeply about a book when I write a review. And sometimes after going over my highlights and putting thoughts into words, I revise my original rating that was in my head while reading a book. Thanks very much for your kind and supportive words!! :)
Diane wrote: "We all need to change things up once in a while. I've done that a few times in my life and it always turned out well. Wherever I went I always lugged my books along though. Reading is a constant fo..."Change is good, Diane. I'm always up for new adventures even if they rarely come along :D My book collection has taken on hefty proportions at this point - I'd want to take them all but fear I'd have to give up a few! I will continue to read and write as much as I possibly can. And I love reading the reviews of thoughtful friends like you, too! So that will not be set aside :) :) Happy 2024!
Lisa wrote: "Candi, I am thankful for your friendship and for the camaraderie of our buddy reads. I know there will be more great books ahead!I look forward to hearing about those changes you want to manifest..."
The feeling is mutual, Lisa! It's been a pleasure to share several of my books over the past couple of years with you. You make me think more deeply and I have fun going off on my little tangents - I appreciate you indulging me in that many times! And yes, I thought putting my wishes in writing would be great self-motivation! :D Cheers to new adventures and long friendships!! :)
Mark wrote: "Bloody life does have a way of changing doesn't it Canders? That unexpected curve ba;; can be tricky to deal with, but it's often the chronic ones I find the hardest - the one's that are like slow ..."It sure does, Markus! Some of the changes are rough and some need to happen! I'm not opposed to the right sort of changes :) But I know what you mean about those chronic ones - ouch! Thanks so much for your support of whatever comes my way - and for your friendship and lively conversation. Your presence here is one I rely on to make me smile :) Happy New Year, friend!
Kerry wrote: "great recommendations here. thanks so much and Happy New Year in every day of 2024"
Thank you, Kerry! Happy New Year to you, too. Cheers!
Holly R W wrote: "Candi, I rated my own "Year in Review" 4 stars (rather than my typical 5). For whatever reason, I thought that this year's crop of books were not as compelling. I hope 2024 brings you what you are ..."Holly, I guess it would be fair to say my 3 star ranking was partly due to the books, but also due to my own "weird" year of reading and reviewing in general :D I hope that 2024 is elevated back to 5 star status for you! All my best to you :)
There's a lot of overlap on our lists and I look forward to where your reading (and your life) take you in 2024!