We previously discussed — in a blog post as well a newsletter — that my friend and I go through the New York Times top 10 books each year. If you don’t know, these books are announced annually at the end of the year, lining you up perfectly to make it a New Year’s resolution or anything of that nature.

Anyway, Brittany and I have done this for three years now. We started with the 2016 list, and I read all but one book At the Existentialist Cafe by Sarah Bakewell. (It is nonetheless on my Kindle, and I’m sure I’ll have the courage to give it another try at some point.) In 2017, I read all but two books The Evolution of Beauty by Richard Prum, which I tried hard to read when I got it from the library but to no avail, and Priestdaddy, to which I hope to read eventually!

But, we’re now on the 2018 list — which is the topic of this blog post. Let’s check in and see how we’re doing.

Asymmetry by Lisa Halliday

I have not read it, nor thought about it yet!

Brittany finished this book up at the beginning of March.

The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai

Done and O MY GOSH do I recommend it. (You can read more about it here.) Brittany, in fact, sent me a copy of the book via Amazon. She completed it in January, but I suspect got it from the library. She now has a copy for herself. (This is something I have done too. It’s the comfort of having something on your bookshelf! More on this from Tuesday’s post — did you read it yet?)

The Perfect Nanny by Leila Slimani

Both Brittany and I read this in December. It freaked me out MUCH more than it did her! This was a book I reviewed previously and you can check that out here. It’s definitely suspenseful and unique.

There There by Tommy Orange

I had this book in my possession sometime this year from the library, but wasn’t able to read it before it needed to be returned! Alas, I’ll get it back.

Brittany, however, checked this off of her list in January.

Washington Black by Esi Edugyan

Neither Brittany nor I have tackled this bad boy yet.

American Prison by Shane Bauer

I scored this book to my Kindle at some point this year as a result of a sale and some promotional credits that were about to expire. This is typically the type of book I like to read in print, but you can’t beat a coupon!

Brittany completed this book in March to rave reviews. So, I’m very much looking forward to it.

Educated by Tara Westover

You know my story on this one. And if you don’t you should check the review!

This was one of the first books Brittany tackled; I believe she completed it in before the new year.

Frederick Douglass by David W. Blight

I have eyed this up at the library, but have yet to check it out. It may be a good candidate for an audio book for me! But, from reading Grant last year, I know that biographies of historically significant men are ones that I need to have time and concentration to devote to it!

With a similar harkening back to tackling the Grant biography that was on the 2017 New York Times best books, Brittany has opted that this will be the one book from the list she forgoes.

How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan

Again, thanks to some Kindle credits and/or a sale for the book, I grabbed this one and it’s all loaded to my Kindle awaiting my eyes!

This is not one Brittany has read yet.

Small Fry by Lisa Brennan-Jobs

I have not gotten to this one in any way yet.

Brittany finished this book up recently. She called me to chat about it and I’m eager to get into it myself!

For anyone keeping track, that’s Shannon 3, Brittany 7! Girl is kicking butt! While we’re checking in on stats, I have reading 12 of 48 books. At the last week in April that puts me 4 books behind pace.

Well, it’s your turn! What challenges do you give yourself for reading? How are you doing with them?