2018: The Year of 100 Books (Part 1)

Like most people, when I make a New Year's resolution, my good intentions are usually forgotten by about the middle of January. However, last year I set a goal to read more - a lot more - and I actually followed through. I decided to read 100 books in 2018. I didn't specify fiction or non-fiction, paper or audio, and had no self-imposed restrictions concerning page numbers or subject matter. On the afternoon of December 31, I finished book #100 and completed my goal. It's kind of cool to set a goal and actually accomplish it.

In the past few days, I've gotten lots of questions about what books I read and what books I would recommend. Because I love books and want other people to love the books I love, these aren't easy and simple questions for me to adequately answer, so I decided to write it all out. I hope this is helpful.

When in Doubt, Pick a Newbery
I think I repeated those words to myself more than a handful of times during the last year. If I would get bogged down with all the book options I saved on Pinterest or jotted down on my TBR (to be read) list, I would think back to the recommendations my elementary school librarian always passed on and look for middle-grade books with shiny Newbery Medal seals on their cover. That 30+ year old advice has yet to lead me wrong.

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
(I also read/listened to Raymie Nightingale, Flora and Ulysses (another Newberry), and Tiger Rising, all by this author. I would recommend all of these.)
Kate DiCamillo is a national treasure and her books are a pleasure to read, and Because of Winn Dixie has a special place in my heart. India Opal, her Preacher father, the mutt Winn Dixie, and all their colorful neighbors and friends tell a good tale about healing and forgiveness and letting go and moving on. Lana's third grade teacher assigned it to her last year and Lana just went on and on about how good it was and told me I should read it too. Lana and I ended up listening to the audiobook together and had some great discussions when I'd hit the pause button. Reading books with my daughters and talking about them together is a habit I want to continue for, oh, about the next 100 or so years.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
I think I was the only girl in my sixth grade class that didn't read this book, but I guess better late than never, right? I don't know why I ignored it all those years ago, but I shouldn't have. The story of how one Danish family, and particularly one brave 9-year old girl, saved their Jewish neighbors during the Nazi occupation of Denmark is powerful and inspiring. Lowry's writing is beautiful and nuanced and I'm pretty sure I'll be adding more of her books to my 2019 list.

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink and Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer Holm and Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright
These three books about plucky and spirited girls in the "olden days" were simply delightful. The lessons on character, resourcefulness, and growing up are ones that you're never really too old to learn again.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
What a fun, well-done spin on the good-girl-gets-the-prince stories! Ella is stubborn and smart and has to figure out how to save herself to best help her family and the cute prince. The movie (starring a young Anne Hathaway) is super cute, but don't be fooled, Ella Enchanted isn't just a cute little story, and of course, the book is always better than the movie.

Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and Ramona and her Father by Beverly Cleary
The girls and I listened to the entire Ramona series (impeccably ready by the timeless Stockard Channing) and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Ramona starts the series as an annoying and trouble-making little sister in nursery school, and throughout the series has many adventures and mishaps, some which are belly-laugh funny. This series really focuses on family relationships and sparked many good conversations with the little people in the back seat.

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
This entire series (in 2018 we got through 4/5, book #5 gets to our library soon!) is charming and feels quaint and old-fashioned, even though it's set in modern-times. The four Penderwick sisters, their loyal dog, and their protective and wise widowed father all have big personalities and get themselves into some shenanigans. These books are all strong on the themes of family, loyalty, and fighting for what is right.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
This was a book club pick. Had it not been, I might never have picked this gem up (perhaps being completely turned off by the creepy cover). The outlandish characters and the fantastical, time-and-space-traveling plot took me on a wild ride as Meg, little brother Charles Wallace, and unlikely friend Caleb take on the powerful and mysterious IT in order to rescue Meg's father.

Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen
I listened to this book, and the Full Cast Audio performance is reason enough to choose it. The voice actors made the story come alive. Marly and her family move from the city to a farm after her father returns from war. They are in need of some healing, time, and miracles. They get more than they ever expected, and exactly what they need. This book came out in 1960, but feels in place today.

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
I picked this one up on a whim because none of the books I'd reserved at the library were available yet. What a great discovery I made! This book (and the entire series - I'm reading the third book right now and I think there are five in total) feels like reading the history of a far-off land from a long time ago. The story is a cross between and Ocean's Eleven-style con and Greek and Roman mythology. It's original and smart and creative and beautiful. I'm looking forward to finishing the series this year.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Told from the point of view of a large gorilla named Ivan, this book is unlike anything I've ever read before. Ivan and his elephant friends live in a shopping mall where they're supposed to entertain shoppers and bring in big crowds. But Ivan remembers his early days and remembers being free. Ivan likes his friends and making art, but still dreams of being young and free.

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
I know, I know, when you look at me, you can tell I love hip-hop music and middle school basketball, right? No? That doesn't seem obvious to you?  No worries, I too had to wonder what I was diving into when I put on my earbuds and pressed play on this audiobook. I am so, so glad I did. The story of the Bell brothers, their retired professional ball-playing dad, and their school principal mom is as real as a family tale can be. Add to that the typical drama from middle school and basketball and write it out like an extended rap song, and you've got something incredibly unique and special. I don't typically have an opinion on paper books vs. audio books, but in this case, unless you have a natural inclination to read like a rapper, choose the audiobook. I know I would have missed so much of the clever prose because I don't naturally think in hip-hop and would have read the lines like and almost 40-year old white lady.

I think that covers 25 or so of the books I tackled in 2018. Part 2 is coming soon......