I saw this end of the year meme at This Book and I Could Be Friends, and thought it would be a fun way to wrap up the year. It was also a lot of work (I had to count, people! And divide! That’s like higher math). But in the end, it was worth it (except I was too lazy to bother with all of the links…so sorry).
How many books read in 2009?
153. And wow, I didn’t realize it was that high until I counted. There were 11 audio books in there, if that matters to anyone.
How many works of fiction and non-fiction?
40 non-fiction and 113 fiction, although a few of those non-fiction books might be debatable (such as Running with Scissors and The Woman Warrior). Only 2 of the 11 audio books were fiction. I read most of the non-fiction at the end of the year…it was like I suddenly developed a non-fiction craving.
Male/Female author ratio?
I read 98 (64%) books by female authors and 55 (36%) books by male authors. Hah! Actually, I’m surprised the males represent 36%, as I usually gravitate to female authors. In comparison, last year I read 100 books…73% by female authors and 27% by male authors.
Favorite book of 2009?
Oh my, this is a difficult question. I loved Waiting for Columbus. And Eleanor Roosevelt rocked. Precious, Through Black Spruce and The Calligrapher’s Daughter were surprisingly wonderful. The Yellow Lighted Bookshop was a great reader’s book. The Help was awesome. I could go on and on, as I found something worthwhile in almost all of the books I read.
Least favorite?
Maybe Frankenstein? Or Mrs. Dalloway? Lies My Teacher Told Me was a miserable experience. Oh, and how could I forget?? Fool. Definitely Fool. This is my biggest regret of the year.
Any that you simply couldn’t finish and why?
Air Guitar (it did itself in with overuse of the word quotidian) and The Feminine Mystique. It went on and on and on…
Oldest book read?
Frankenstein, published in 1818.
Newest?
The Lacuna was published in November 2009 and I read it in December.
Longest and shortest book titles?
Shortest = Fool. Too bad the book wasn’t that short. The Taste of Dreams: An Obsession with Caviar and Russia andThe Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian win the award for longest. Runner up is The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down.
Longest and shortest books?
Kristin Lavransdatter was long in a number of ways.
How many from the library?
3. But don’t blame me. Blame my library, which never has the books I want AND charges 50 cents per hold and request. I get fed up and then go to the bookstore to console myself.
Any translated books?
Kristin Lavransdatter, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, The Angel’s Game, The Elegance of the Hedgehog and The Housekeeper and the Professor.
Most read author of the year, and how many books by that author?
John Green. I read Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines and Paper Towns.
Any re-reads?
I don’t do that. It’s against my reading religion. 
Favorite character of the year?
Eleanor Roosevelt. (Like how I sidestepped that question?)
Which countries did you go to through the page in your year of reading?
I’ll list by country, which means there will be some repeats. I was hoping to finish Knots before the end of the year, which would’ve added Somalia to the list, but the book is slow going.
Australia – Without a Backward Glance
Canada – A Boy of Good Breeding, Through Black Spruce, The Flying Troutmans
China – Shanghai Girls
Colombia – Tell Me Something True
Ecuador – First Comes Love, Then Comes Malaria
Egypt – Dream Homes, A Map of Home
England – Thank You, Jeeves and How Right You Are, Jeeves, Mrs Dalloway, Company of Liars, The Uncommon Reader, Little Bee, Bitter Sweets, Dracula, The London Scene, The Woman in White, A London Child of the 1870s, The Little Stranger
France – Eleanor of Aquitaine, The Elegance of the Hedgehog, Giovanni’s Room, Sarah’s Key, Words in a French Life, Foreign Tongue, A Moveable Feast, The Widow Clicquot, True Pleasures, French Milk
Germany – The Book Thief
Haiti – Brother, I’m Dying
India – Bitter Sweets
Iran – Persepolis, Lipstick Jihad, The Age of Orphans, Caspian Rain
Ireland – Reading in the Dark, The Walking People
Italy – Four Seasons in Rome, The Night Villa
Japan – A Year in Japan, The Favorites
Korea – The Calligrapher’s Daughter
Kuwait – A Map of Home
Mexico – Into the Beautiful North, The Lacuna
Nigeria – Half of a Yellow Sun, Little Bee
Norway – Kristin Lavransdatter
Pakistan – Children of Dust
Romania – Dracula
Russia – A Taste of Caviar
Rwanda – Baking Cakes in Somalia
Scotland – Emotional Geology, Star Gazing
Spain – The Angel’s Game, Waiting for Columbus
Sri Lanka – A Disobedient Girl
Sweden – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire
Uganda – First Comes Love, Then Comes Malaria
Vietnam – The Gangster We Are Looking For
Wales – The Earth Hums in B Flat
It’s no surprise that the United Kingdom (and yes, I know I listed Scotland and Wales and England separately, even though they are not their own countries) features so prominently, but I am surprised by how many books I read that were set in France.
61 books (40%) of the books I read were set in another country…I’m pretty happy with that percentage.
Which book wouldn’t you have read without someone’s specific recommendation?
I’d never heard of John Green before I starting blogging, and many of you are directly responsible for his books appearing on the 2009 list. Say Everything was a recommendation from Kim, See You in a Hundred Years from Ali, The Widow Clicquot from Swapna, and Children of Dust from that other Jill who keeps popping up. And there are many more, but I’m kinda bad at remembering stuff like this.
Which author was new to you in 2009 that you now want to read the entire works of?
Entire works?? I don’t think I can go so far as to say that.
Which books are you annoyed you didn’t read?
I’m pretty happy with my year of reading, so I’m not feeling annoyed…besides, there’s always 2010!
Did you read any books you have always been meaning to read?
Dracula and Lolita…what a pair.
Absolutely fascinating meme! I’m going to do my year-end post on Sunday and I’ll likely steal some of these questions. I don’t know if I’ll bother to list countries. I finished 101 books in 2010 (and if I finish my current audio today, it’ll be 102!).
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Review: Death of a Charming Man by M. C. Beaton =-.
Gee! That;s one hell of a meme! I kinda wish i discovered this one before I did my BTT today though
.
It seems like a lot of work but definitely worth it.
Happy New Year!
.-= lilly´s last blog ..BTT: 2009 In Review =-.
I am so glad I am not the only one who doesn’t re-read. Even books I probably should re-read, either because they were that good or because my recollection is fuzzy, don’t interest me. There are too many books I haven’t read ever to waste time reading books I have already read.
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Library Loot =-.
Wait, what?! Your library CHARGES for holds and requests?! That is simply horrible! If my library charged for all the things I put on hold I’d be broke. (Ok, I know you wrote about other things in this post but seriously, the library thing is all that I can focus on.)
.-= Heather J.´s last blog ..The Little Stranger =-.
I LOVED your End of Year Meme Q/As. I also enjoyed The Calligrapher’s Wife a lot more than expected. 153 Books is fantastic!
Have a great Happy and Healthy New Year.
.-= diane´s last blog ..2009 Reading Challenges – Summary =-.
I love this meme. Too bad I already did my two end of year wrap-up posts. Any more and I think my readers might explode. Or just drop my blog.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..2009 (and December) in Review =-.
I love this meme! Especially the countries bit. Now I want to go through my list and calculate that. Except I can’t, because it’s New Year’s Eve and yummy food needs to be prepared
.-= Nymeth´s last blog ..Happy New Year! =-.
This meme sure does make things easier! I enjoyed reading your responses, Jill. You read an amazing mount of books and it looks like you had a great reading year overall. Here’s to more good reading in 2010!
.-= Literary Feline´s last blog ..2009: A Year in Review (A Bit on the Long Side) =-.
This meme is fun, isn’t it? So much better than the Best/Worst of list I did last year.
I love how your 2008 male/female ratio was the exact opposite of mine for this year. The genderfail has been bothering me ever since I noticed it.
Your library seriously charges for hold and request?
.-= EL Fay´s last blog ..TRISTANIA, or A Superior Norweigan Product =-.
Great post! 153 books! That is too awesome! Happy New Year Jill!!
.-= Darlene´s last blog ..Book Review: Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout =-.
Wow, you had an awesome reading year!
This post is fun, I like knowing how other readers’ year went. I realized that I forgot to read Lolita again this year (I’ve been meaning to for a while now!) And I’m impressed by the number of countries you visited through reading – I don’t think I can say I visited as much, which I should definitely improve!
.-= Kay´s last blog ..The 2009 recap : the best of the best! =-.
I love your comments – re-reading is against my religion too!
I think I’m going to have to get hold of The Yellow Lighted Bookshop – I love bookish books!
Happy New Yea!
.-= Jackie (Farm Lane Books)´s last blog ..My Favourite Reads: 2009 =-.
You traveled to so many countries! That’s excellent. I hope to do better with that next year. I have this post in the works maybe for tomorrow or the next day, not sure. Have a happy and safe 2010!!!!
.-= Lu´s last blog ..Tying up loose ends =-.
You had an AMAZING reading year – congratulations on your 153! I hope you have another great year in books in 2010 – so I can keep reading about it here
Happy New Year!
.-= Susan B. Evans´s last blog ..The Old End of the Year Post With a Twist =-.
I love it that you don’t re-read. I’ve been working on not re-reading as much; although I will never give it up completely as I adore re-visiting my favorites.
.-= Trisha´s last blog ..Stats for 2009 =-.
Your library charges you for holds and requests? I do not like the sound of that.
.-= charley´s last blog ..The Unstrung Harp =-.
I haven’t read any of the books from your favourite reads so I will have to check them out.
.-= Karen´s last blog ..2009 – My Favourites =-.
Loved reading your meme, Jill, but I must point out that Scotland and Wales *are* countries in their own right and have their own (minority) languages.
Hope you have a happy Hogmanay!
Waiting for Columbus went straight to my wish list after your review! I hope to read that one soon. Glad to meet you
.-= Aarti´s last blog ..2009: The Year in Review =-.
It was fun reading your answers! I need to check out some of my stats now – like male to female authors. I’ve kind of given up on the library too.
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..2009 Challenge Wrap-Up =-.
Holy Moly, 153! I congratulate you, madame! Looks like you have read some faaabulous books. I agree though, Dracula and Lolita are quite a pair ;p
.-= She´s last blog ..December Wrap Up =-.
I really like this post…. may need to use a format like this for next year! That is an impressive amount on non fiction ythat you read. I only seem to scrape in a handful of those a year.
Happy New Year!
.-= Sheila (Bookjourney)´s last blog ..Challenge….. Accepted. =-.
I’m so impressed with your country coverage! And, needless to say, it was wonderful of you to take over my non-fiction reading, as I got to read lots of fluff and it was like eating m&ms and was really fun!
.-= rhapsodyinbooks´s last blog ..December 31, 2009 – New Year’s Eve Blue Moon =-.
I love reading these, and have absolutely no patience to do my own.
By the way, I think you maybe did read the entire works of John Green this year, if I’m not mistaken.
.-= Ali (worducopia)´s last blog ..Thoughts on Looking for Alaska =-.
Wow, you visited a lot of countries this year! My reading is not nearly so varied. Also, I didn’t realize that England, Scotland and Wales are not their own countries. I knew they were part of the UK, but I thought they were part of the UK like France and Spain are part of Europe…I love learning new things, but not when learning them makes me feel dumb!
LOL @ Dracula and Lolita-they sort of have some parallels don’t they? Creepy old dude obsessed with younger girls…
.-= Dreamybee´s last blog ..Tying Up Loose Ends =-.
I fin that I read predominately female authors as well. It’s curious how it all works out.
.-= Nicole´s last blog ..Blogger Unplugged! December 23, 2009 – Jan 2, 2010 =-.
I think I will be attempting this meme…. thank you.
.-= Care´s last blog ..Snowin’ In the New Year =-.
You had a great reading year! I didn’t think to see how many countries I visited in my reading last year. Happy New Year.
.-= Vasilly´s last blog ..Favorite Books of 2009 and Wrap-up Post =-.
Holy smokes you’re well traveled!
This is a great way to summarize your reading over the year. Me, I couldn’t do it….mainly because I’m mathematically challenged and all that. Maybe next year if I can construct a method by which to record and automate, haha.
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..An Abundance of Gratitude =-.
Oh…this was a good meme … too bad I’m too tired out from all that stuff to do it. And you read books from many different countries … I’m impressed.
.-= Jenners´s last blog ..Show Me 5 Saturday: The Xibalba Murders by Lyn Hamilton =-.
Our library system is lacking also. A dollar charge if you request a book and then 7 months later you get a card in the mail saying the book is available BUT if you happen to be leaving that day on a plane and the library is closed for a State holiday, you are charged since no way could you have planned pick up the book before during the one week allowed before being charged a dollar after it takes the library 7 months to get the card to you to say the book is available! And don’t even think about requesting a book from another state. I no longer put books on request.
I am very impressed with your list. Especially the number of countries! Great meme. Mine would be pathetic this past year. I blame it all on our library system!
.-= girasoli´s last blog ..no George… but my new toy has arrived!! =-.
153!! That’s 101 more than I read! How do you keep track of your books? I keep a list, but it doesn’t list countries and my memory would never keep straight.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..2009 Reading Recap, part two- the Best of 2009. =-.
What a great meme! it really must have taken forever! I’m not that good at keeping track of my reading. You had such a variety of books, authors and countries. Wonderful selections! I haven’t hear very good things about Fool either and couldn’t even bring myself to try it.
I have to say that your library had me floored too! Those fees are ridiculous!! I’m so fortunate to have a beautiful old library that is constantly improving and looking for ways to help their patrons. They can get just about anything you want from somewhere – no charge! I go there at least once a week. I could get you a card but it would be a very long, cross-country commute! And it would still probably be cheaper…
.-= Wrighty´s last blog ..Review: Soulstice by Simon Holt =-.
What a great reading year you had! I’m jealous of the amount of non-fic you read – I really need to add more of that this year.
.-= Joanne´s last blog ..Review ♦ Only True Genius In The Family =-.