Hey friends! I am looking forward to all sorts of bookish goodness in 2019. I trust you are as well. To aid me in my quest for literary satisfaction, I’ve decided, for the first time, to jump into a reading challenge — the Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge, to be precise.

If you’re interested, you can read more about the particulars of that here. Basically, I’ve got several categories of book types to read over the course of the next year. Based on that, here’s what I anticipate my readerly year will look like.

a book I’ve been meaning to read

Several books on my TBR are calling to me here, but I’m putting The Weight of Heaven by Thrity Umrigar at the top of the list. Many years ago I read Umrigar’s enthralling novel The Space Between Us about class and caste in India, and its story has haunted me ever since. Eager to read another by this fascinating author. 

a book about a topic that fascinates me

I’ve heard good things about Paula McLain’s Circling the Sun about the aviatrix Beryl Markham, set in colonial Kenya — a time and place that never fail to intrigue.

a book in the backlist of a favorite author

Ever since I read Kate Morton’s The Lake House last fall, I knew I’d found a new-to-me author to love. I’ve got The Distant Hours on my shelf ready and waiting for the right moment. Will likely also read The Hypnotist’s Love Story by Liane Moriarty in this category.

a book recommended by someone with great taste

I continue to rely on books picked by She Reads. Most recently, co-founder Ariel Lawhon recommended Diane Setterfield’s new release Once Upon a River. I’m reading it now, as a matter of fact, and so far, so very good.

three books by the same author

I’m still considering several possibilities for this one but am leaning toward revisiting the works of L.M. Montgomery, creator of Anne of Green Gables. I’ve been wanting to devote more time to rereading some old favorites, because there’s value in that, and because these books are like comfort food in book form. I would read either the Emily of New Moon trilogy, which is a bit darker than the Anne series, or I may feel the need to reintroduce myself to Anne herself. In which case, I’ll probably pick up in the middle of the series with Anne of the Island and continue from there.

a book I choose for the cover

We’ll see what grabs my fancy this year, but so far my eye is on Only Ever Her by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen.

 a book by an author who is new to me

This one is already most pleasurably checked off my list: The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin. If you missed it, you can read my full take on that one here.

a book in translation

P.S. from Paris by Marc Levy, translated by Sam Taylor. I’ve not yet visited Paris, though I hope to with my family in 2020. Meanwhile, I aim to enjoy that city vicariously, through books. I bought this one for practically nothing as an audiobook, an added bonus.

a book outside my (genre) comfort zone

Hmmm, not quite sure yet what this one will be. Greatest contender so far is The Golum and the Jinni by Helene Wecker. I tend to steer clear of fantasy, but I’ve heard good things about this one as a book that appeals to more than fantasy-lovers.

a book published before I was born

Am considering either a C.S. Lewis I haven’t read, perhaps The Great Divorce, or Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, which I’ve been meaning to reread for years.  

I’d love to hear from you! What are YOU looking forward to reading in 2019? And is there anything not on my list that should be?