At the time of writing, I will have finished 110 112 books in 2019, a personal best. My goal was 52, but I was proud that I more than doubled that. However, as happy as I am with it, my goal in 2020 is still going to be 52 books for the year. I do plan to read a little bit differently though, and a bit more strategically. I’ve already got a plan for the first quarter of the year on what I want to read. I’ve also got some ideas for you, dear readers! So, here are my recommendations on what to read in 2020…
How Do You Read So Much?
One question that I get fairly regularly is “how do you read so much?”. I know that a lot of people make reading a New Year’s resolution, and I think it is a fairly attainable one. I read a lot of books on NetGalley, which rather forces you to read. (You request Advanced Reader Copies of upcoming releases, and in exchange for a free e-book you have post your review. The ebook copies expire in 2 months, so you have a finite amount of time. Also, if you fail to post reviews, you are unlikely to get approved for more books.) I also love audiobooks! I listen to them on my commute, and for part of my work day. And all in all, I just love reading- many times I will read over watching TV/movies. Figure out which form of reading works best for you and capitalise on it!
Looking for the best audiobook app? I compare the top audiobook subscriptions here!
2020 Reading Plans
I don’t think it is a surprise for anyone that I read a lot of history books. (The name kind of sends that home…) Biography/memoir, chick lit, and mystery are also favourite genres. In past years, I’ve done book challenges that push you into genres you don’t normally read, but if I’m being honest, I didn’t really enjoy them. So, the plan for 2020 is to branch out within those genres.
1) More Unknown (to me) Authors
NetGalley has been wonderful– I’ve discovered so many authors that I wouldn’t otherwise have found. And I’m currently at 15 authors that I purchased a second (and third) book after reading the first on NetGalley. I do have a few authors that I truly love, but there are too many amazing authors to limit myself to just a few. It’s time to keep finding new (to me) authors, and sharing the love!
2) No Topic Binges
I tend to get obsessed with one topic, and binge read on it for a month or two. Tudor queens? Cozy mysteries? Bakery themed chick lit? Yes, yes, and yes, I’ve binged them all. In 2020, I’m going to try and avoid binges, so I don’t “exhaust” any one genre/ topic. (The one exception to this is library books- I’m at the mercy of requests!)
3) More Non-UK Royal History
I obviously love myself some English/ British/ Scottish royal history, and I’m not going to stop reading/researching it altogether. However, I am challenging myself to push my geography further. I read a book in the fall about the Mayerling incident/ Crown Prince Rudolf, and it was fascinating. 2020 will be the year that I truly branch out in royal history. My only stumbling block thus far is that there are less options due to language, but I have faith I will find more than enough to read.
What Am I Reading to Start 2020?
Imperial Dancer: Mathilde Kschessinska and the Romanovs, Coryne Hall
The vivacious Mathilde Kschessinska (1872-1971) was the mistress of three Russian Grand Dukes and the greatest ballerina of her generation. The real story, which this book will reveal lies in what Mathilde did not say.
Best known as Nicholas II’s mistress before he met the love of his life, Mathilde Kschessinska was a Polish dancer and socialite. This is the first full biography of Mathilde, published in 2006. She published her autobiography in 1960, but much of it can’t be corroborated- I’m interested to read a slightly more removed biography. This is rather on the periphery of royal history, but also fits nicely into my ballet history research.
May Leave Stars, Catherine Heywood
Paris, 1889: Amélie Audet toils in a laundry when, only steps away, investors promise the most glittering dance hall the city has ever seen. Determined to secure an audition, she stumbles into a meeting with the alluring owner of the Moulin Rouge and must face her scandalous past.
She would have Paris at her feet.
Jasper Degrailly is enchanted by a painting come to life. He sets out to seduce Amélie with his gilded world and the dark warrens of his mind. Yet he has his own sordid entanglements, and soon the gentleman and the singer must manage the greedy machinations of bohemian and high-society Paris.
He would have her at his.
Caught between competing artists, directors, and dance halls, Amélie struggles to earn the role that could make her a star, while Jasper strives to let go of his tortured past and hold on to his bright future. Eventually, their fates collide, and they find themselves torn between their desperate hearts and their irreconcilable lives.
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is going to be performing Moulin Rouge– The Ballet in February, one of their most successful productions ever. It premiered in 2009, and has been seen by over 125,000 people across the globe (live), as well as being made into a film. So, when I spotted May Leave Stars on NetGalley, I knew that it would be perfect reading. In the last year, I’ve come back into historical fiction, and I’m excited to try a new author.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC of this, a review will be posted once read!
The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, The Dresser and the Wardrobe, Angela Kelly
From Her Majesty’s trusted confidant and Dresser Angela Kelly LVO comes a lavishly designed book of never-before-seen photos of The Queen, Her wardrobe and Her jewels and features intimate anecdotes from Angela’s 25-year career working closely with Her Majesty. A truly unique keepsake and collectors’ item to be treasured.
I’ve been waiting for The Other Side of the Coin since October. I was surprised that it was being published so soon after the release, but that’s only better for us. Angela Kelly is arguably one of the closest people to Her Majesty, and I cannot wait to get started. I’m going to save this for a cold weekend in January or February, and got lost in some royal fashion for a few days.
What’s on your list for what to read in 2020?
Cheers,
The Historian
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