2021 - The Year in Reading

My intention for 2021 was to get more reading in, but my stated goal was 1 book per month, and I think I managed that (except for February somehow - ??). All told I read 18 books in 2021, which is ..... underwhelming, especially for the 10th anniversary. This blog began in 2011 and that year I managed 166 books; 10 years later I am barely scraping up 10% of that. Yikes. 

Well, I guess new years are times for new beginnings, so I will again state a goal of at least 1 book per month, while hoping to do at least 2. This year I don't think I will do any challenges; I think just reading my goal amount will do. (I might change my mind though so don't hold me to that, ha ha.)

As always, I want to wish my reader(s) a 2022 that is a major improvement in every way. 

Touching from a Distance: Ian Curtis & Joy Division - Deborah Curtis

Why are so many talented people so troubled? As I have mentioned in this blog before, I am a huge fan of Joy Division, but until now I hadn't read this harrowing book originally written by Ian Curtis' widow in 1995 (15 years after he committed suicide in 1980). Fortunately I don't look up to musicians, actors, etc. as "heroes," so despite loving Ian Curtis' lyrics and Joy Division's musical output, this book didn't shatter my image of him or anything. He sounds like he was really difficult to live with as a boyfriend/husband, and I feel terrible that the author had to deal with that at a young age, and had to raise their daughter alone once he was gone. I won't lie, though, part of me kept thinking "this is why you don't get married at age 19" too. I wouldn't say I'm super wise now, but I shudder to think of the dumb decisions 19 year old me made, and so I do kind of get it. Very interesting to get this inside perspective from the person who probably knew Ian Curtis best. 

The Moving Pictures - Erika Maren Steiger

What a fun cozy mystery! I really enjoyed this book. The main character was really relatable, and I found myself wishing I knew her in real life so we could do genealogical research together. Apparently there will be at least 2 more books in the series, and I am looking forward to reading the next adventures of the main character. Recommended.