Oh, thanks, so much, Beth! I decided to add the reasons why because I was curious to know the result if I tallied it up. As someone who works in books, I'm always interested in what makes someone pick up a book and actually read it. They do say it can take 5 times of noticing a book before someone does it, and I can see at least a few occasions where something like this happened for me. (ie. a review, a radio interview, another review, word of mouth, spotted it in a bookshop as I was browsing.)
Oh wow, I love that you did the Freud kick too! Let me know if there are any extra-good books I've missed that I should be reading when I pick it up again. I have Susie Boyt's Loved and Missed high on my to-read pile, and expect to love it, so am saving it for ... well, this summer-reading-while-not-working period. I also ordered Rose Boyt's Rose, based on having read about it in Naked Portrait.
And I truly loved CYK – I felt like I was transported to a rich fictional universe not too far from my own while I was reading, and I fell in love with your characters and families. Have been telling people to read it all year. (And ordered A Great Hope to read in 2026.)
What a great write-up of your reading year, Jo! And not enough mentions of the fact you actually edited and contributed to a wonderful book yourself. Huge year. I'm inspired to include the 'why I read it' question in my own list, which will be much shorter and less exhaustive (only 40 books!). I loved recognising all the Footscray haunts in I Want Everything, too. I'm looking forward to reading a number of these books in 2026, including The Watchtower. If I want to check out the Freud rabbit-hole where do you suggest I start? x
Yes, I also loved the Footscray local suggestions in I Want Everything! I hadn’t expected them and it was an added treat. I reckon Rose Boyt’s Naked Portrait or Celia Paul’s Self Portrait are good starting points! Oh, and thank you re the book - so kind. Just wasn’t in the mood for self promotion, haha. x
I totally get that. Self promotion is exhausting. Much nicer when your friends do it for you :-)! Thanks for the recommendation. I reckon I'll start with Rose Boyt.
Great list! All my end of year posts will be up in January. I have a few left to do but I’m playing book chicken to see if I can end the year with an even number of total books read. The odd number I have doesn’t feel right!
Ha, yes, I realise I'll miss some books ... though tbh, probably not. I have been grazing between books the past few days, so will likely not have another definitively finished. I did remember a book I missed entirely that I finished earlier this year though ... oh well!
Jo, this is outstanding! And now I am going to spend today reading instead of scrubbing the bathroom because you have reminded me how wondering it is to read (why do I need this reminder, I don't know). Thank you!
I love this list and I love that you put why you read each book. It really adds to the vicarious pleasure and the honesty level.
Oh, thanks, so much, Beth! I decided to add the reasons why because I was curious to know the result if I tallied it up. As someone who works in books, I'm always interested in what makes someone pick up a book and actually read it. They do say it can take 5 times of noticing a book before someone does it, and I can see at least a few occasions where something like this happened for me. (ie. a review, a radio interview, another review, word of mouth, spotted it in a bookshop as I was browsing.)
I went on a massive extended Freud clan kick too this year! So glad (relieved) you liked CYK!
Oh wow, I love that you did the Freud kick too! Let me know if there are any extra-good books I've missed that I should be reading when I pick it up again. I have Susie Boyt's Loved and Missed high on my to-read pile, and expect to love it, so am saving it for ... well, this summer-reading-while-not-working period. I also ordered Rose Boyt's Rose, based on having read about it in Naked Portrait.
And I truly loved CYK – I felt like I was transported to a rich fictional universe not too far from my own while I was reading, and I fell in love with your characters and families. Have been telling people to read it all year. (And ordered A Great Hope to read in 2026.)
What a great write-up of your reading year, Jo! And not enough mentions of the fact you actually edited and contributed to a wonderful book yourself. Huge year. I'm inspired to include the 'why I read it' question in my own list, which will be much shorter and less exhaustive (only 40 books!). I loved recognising all the Footscray haunts in I Want Everything, too. I'm looking forward to reading a number of these books in 2026, including The Watchtower. If I want to check out the Freud rabbit-hole where do you suggest I start? x
Yes, I also loved the Footscray local suggestions in I Want Everything! I hadn’t expected them and it was an added treat. I reckon Rose Boyt’s Naked Portrait or Celia Paul’s Self Portrait are good starting points! Oh, and thank you re the book - so kind. Just wasn’t in the mood for self promotion, haha. x
I totally get that. Self promotion is exhausting. Much nicer when your friends do it for you :-)! Thanks for the recommendation. I reckon I'll start with Rose Boyt.
I've made such a long list from this, Jo, thank you!
Thanks, Ange! I love that I could add to your list, as you're such a great reader. Hope you had a good reading year too. x
Great list! All my end of year posts will be up in January. I have a few left to do but I’m playing book chicken to see if I can end the year with an even number of total books read. The odd number I have doesn’t feel right!
Ha, yes, I realise I'll miss some books ... though tbh, probably not. I have been grazing between books the past few days, so will likely not have another definitively finished. I did remember a book I missed entirely that I finished earlier this year though ... oh well!
I’m grazing through a few cause I managed to finish on a nice even number…the autism is strong there!!
Jo, this is outstanding! And now I am going to spend today reading instead of scrubbing the bathroom because you have reminded me how wondering it is to read (why do I need this reminder, I don't know). Thank you!
Thank you, Tracy! I've taken a week to get to comments, but I was thrilled to get yours. I hope you had a good Christmas in the meantime! x