Saturday, December 31, 2011

2011 Year in Review & Challenge Update

As 2011 quickly draws to a close, here is a look back at my reading hits and misses from the 2011 reading challenges I participated in:

Overall Reading Accomplishments

Total Number of Books Read: 85

This number is down slightly from 2010, when I read 90 books, but still well above my goal to read 75 books during 2011. 

The majority of my reads were from the historical fiction genre, followed by fantasy -- no surprise there, since they are my two favourite genres.

2011 Challenge Update - Hits

The 2011 Historical Fiction Challenge


My goal for this challenge, which was hosted by the ladies at Historical Tapestry, was to read 20 works of historical fiction during the year.   I surpassed by goal and read 30, although I didn't review all of them! 

The 2011 British Books Challenge



My goal for this challenge, hosted by Becky over at The Bookette, was to read and review 12 books by British authors.   While I have read 18 books by British authors this year, so far I've only reviewed 11 of them.   My final three British reads came over the past couple of weeks, and I simply haven't had time to review them yet but will do so in early 2012. 

The 2011 Chivalrous Deeds Challenge




The intent of this challenge, hosted by Holly at Bippity Boppity Book, was to read and review works of historical fiction set in royal courts.  There was no target achievement level.   I read 15 works set in royal courts this year, half of all the historical fiction I read.  I do love royal historical fiction!

2011 Challenge Update - Misses 

The 2011 Victorian Literature Challenge 

I joined this challenge, hosted by Bethany at Subtle Melodrama, with the intent of finally reading some the great Victorian novels sitting unread on my shelf.   My goal was modest -- read five books.   I didn't even read one *sigh*  While I've loved pretty much every classic I've read, I definitely have to be in the right mood for them -- 2011 was just not the year for me and classics it seems.   Maybe next year?

The 2011 Georgette Heyer Challenge

Hosted by Taylor over at All Things Historical Fiction, my goal was to read three to five works by Georgette Heyer during 2011.  While I like Heyer's stuff, and have tons of her books either on my shelves or on my Kindle, I didn't feel like Regency Romances this year.  As a result, I read none.