Last year, I set an intention to read 12 books by the end of 2019, which seemed like a reasonable goal.

One book per month sounded exceptionally doable to me, but by the time 2019 came to an end, I had read a total of 5 books, which I am not upset about.

I read 5 really incredible books throughout 2019, but I am back this year with the same intention: 12 books by the end of 2020.

This year, I will also be sharing the books I am reading with you, along with my review after finishing.

Do I think that this form of “accountability” will help me achieve my goal of 12 books this year? No.

For those of you who are familiar with Gretchin Rubin’s work, I am what is known as a “Rebel”. This means, I have a tendency to resist all expectations – inner and outer, so sharing my goals with you for “accountability purposes” doesn’t really apply to me.

But here is why I am sharing:

  1. I love to write and this is an easy, feel-good way for me to write at least 12 blog posts this year.
  2. I love to share my thoughts with you, so this is a perfect way to do that!
  3. Finally, I love our community. So, if you would like to follow along with me and read the books as I read them, I would love that! I think it would be so much fun if we formed a little community of bookworms!

My first book of 2020 was: Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

This was my first Lisa Jewell book and I was really excited because a friend of mine who reads a lot more than I do told me her books are great. I also love mystery/creepy/who-did-it type of books, so I was really excited about this one as, from the name, I kind of guessed that’s the kind of book I was getting myself into.

However, I felt it was just kind of flat.

I didn’t wake up every morning wanting to read it, nor did I go to bed late because I couldn’t put it down.

It was okay, but not gripping and I guess that’s what I was anticipating and wanting.

I also didn’t fall in love with any of the characters throughout the entire novel, so I was kind of let down about that as well, because I usually get quite attached to at least one character.

Overall, I wouldn’t recommend you run and read this book as soon as possible because it was just very average to me. I gave it 3/5 stars on Goodreads.

Next up: Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Feel free to join me and read this book, too! I’ll be sharing my review with you as soon as I’m done!