I know, I know, a little late to the party, but somehow January just got away from me!
In this post, I plan to recap my 2021 as well as set some plans for 2022. I’m hoping a little accountability will help me focus and meet some goals 🙂
2021 – A Year of Firsts
The biggest story out of 2021 was me starting this blog (yay!), something I’ve been toying with for years. We did it! I also went on an incredible adventure, road-tripping from Boston to Bar Harbor for some unrivaled hiking in Maine.
2021 also saw the return of music to my life as I got to dust off my viola for a wedding, a Christmas concert, and a few brunch-and-sight-read dates (rapidly becoming my new favorite social event – who doesn’t love mimosas?).
Finally, probably the most exciting for me is I managed to FINISH a manuscript for the first time in forever! I’m stoked!
2022 – It’s On
I don’t normally make New Year’s Resolutions, but this year I do have some goals that I plan to keep track of. Let me go ahead and just break them up using my RPT categories.
Words
I’ve discovered since starting this blog, that I actually do a terrible job and reviewing books. Part of this I think has stems from reading so fast that I have a hard time seeing the details once I’ve barreled across the finish line.
I’m trying something new this year: a book journal! I love any excuse to craft, and I think I had way too much fun putting together this little ditty. I’ll probably write a separate post about it, depending on how it goes. Suffice to say, I hope it will help me write better reviews and make better recommendations. And it will help me keep track of exactly how much I do read.
My other book-related goal has to do with writing. I’ve already finished manuscript number 2 (my nanowrimo project), and now I am back on to number 1 to tackle the revision process! I have to say, it was kind of fun to crack it open after months of it sitting on my shelf. I have plans for this baby… but one step at a time.
Music
This is the year when I get back into an ensemble. I’ve typed it, it shall be so. I really missed orchestra in these social-distancing times. But, groups are getting back together, and I decided I need to just get out there. Re-hair the old bow, throw on a new set of strings, and here I come!
Also, the professionals and the amateurs are back at it! I’ve already got plans for three concerts, and I hope there will be more!
Travel
This is still a bit tricky, but I have at least one trip in the works for 2022.
Juneau the capitol of Alaska? Wow, that joke doesn’t work at all in writing. Well, I tried.
I’m also in the heavy planning stages for a Scandinavian adventure (the land of my people!), which may or may not happen this year (depending on the state of the world). BUT planning a trip is an important step (and almost as fun, if I’m honest – I love planning trips!), and I am going to knock this one out of the park. If you have any tips for me, comment below!
Keep It Coming: Five Series I’m Sticking With
My final thoughts have to do with some planned reads for this year. I’ve told myself more than once not to start ANOTHER book series. But I never listen to myself. There are just so many and some of them are SO GOOD. Here’s a few series I started in 2021 that I plan to continue. Hope you enjoy!
Side note – I was surprised how many physical books I had of these series! I’m normally and e-book person (especially with the time and space commitments that are sci-fi and fantasy series). Who knew?
1. The Wheel of Time – Robert Jordan
First Book: Eye of the World
Genre: Fantasy
Number of Books: 14 (plus companion novels and prequel)
I’ve been putting off Robert Jordan for years. First, I was disappointed in a lot of the High Fantasy I was reading, and I just didn’t want any more. And then it was just more of a time commitment… those are some LONG books.
I bumped into a copy of Eye of the World in the airport late last year, and I figured it was kismet. I read about a third of it on the plane. I did get a little bogged down in the middle, but I am intrigued by the massive world and cast of characters.
I shall continue.
2. Rivers of London – Ben Aaronovich
First Book: Midnight Riot (US); Rivers of London (UK)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Number of Books: 8 (plus novellas & graphic novels)
This series is not my typical go-to. I’m not generally an urban fantasy person, though I have been known to read the occasional Neil Gaiman.
This was quite a fun romp, however. The first book ticked most of my boxes for a light mystery plus some supernatural elements as a bonus. I’m a sucker for the old-cop-mentors-young-cop story, and if the old cop happens to be a wizard, well, even better.
I can’t wait to learn more about paranormal London!
3. The Mirror Visitor – Christelle Dabos
First Book: A Winter’s Promise
Genre: YA Fantasy
Number of Books: 4
I absolutely CONSUMED the first two books in this series. I just finished number three, and I am still going strong.
The magic and the mythology are intriguing and unique, and the characters are engaging. My one quibble is that most of the interpersonal tension would be solved with decent communication (if I had a nickel for every time I said that…), but it really is a fun ride.
The fourth and final volume released last year. I’m just waiting for the paperback so I can have a matching set.
4. Two Rivers – Ann Cleeves
First Book: The Long Call
Genre: Mystery
Number of Books: 2 (so far)
See? I read more than fantasy! I’ve been reading Ann Cleeves for a while now, and her Two Rivers series is by far my favorite. DI Venn is a lot more accessible and relatable than titular character in her Vera Stanhope series (though the TV version will always be by spirit animal), and the characters are refreshing but not overly dramatic (as I’ve found in the Shetland series). Cleeves does a great job bringing a large cast to life while focusing on the dynamics between the three leads. I can’t wait for the next installment!
Plus, I absolutely adore the setting– makes me want to up and move to Devon.
5. Red Rising – Pierce Brown
First Book: Red Rising
Genre: Science Fiction
Number of Books: 5
I loved Red Rising and Golden Son, but I was a little disappointed in Morning Star. I was intending to go back and re-read the trilogy when to my surprise I saw there are in fact two more entries!
I am definitely ready to dive back into the Romanesque, color-coded future universe that Brown created. I just better keep some tissues handy…
Are you a series reader? Do you have any you recommend? Or any I should stay away from? Comment below!