Happy New Year: Highlight of books read in 2016 and goal for 2017

Happy New Year everyone! I hope this year brings us nothing but joy and happiness. May we accomplish all our goals this year including those we failed to accomplish in 2016. Speaking of goals, I set a goal of 60 books in 2016 inspired by the 59 books I read in 2015 but I came very short of this goal. Life happened and I got busy with different things so I was only able to read 22 books. Most of the 22 books I read were African fictions. 2016 was my first time really getting into and reading a lot of African fictions. My favorite genre was crime and mystery. I discovered a lot of great authors and great books.

Looking back, these are all the books I read in 2016! Click on each book to read my review.

Sula by Toni Morrison

Arrows of Rain by Okey Ndibe

The Blues Eye by Toni Morrison

Mrs. Shaw by Mukoma wa Ngugi

Disgruntled by Asali Solomon

Home by Toni Morrison

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Foreign Gods, Inc. by Okey Ndibe

Every Day is for the Thief by Teju Cole

Nairobi Heat by Mukoma wa Ngugi

Murder at Cape Three Points by Kwei Quartey

Wife of the Gods by Kwei Quartey

Children of the Street by Kwei Quartey

A Beautiful Place to Die by Malla Nunn

Let The Dead Lie by Malla Nunn

Gold of Our Fathers by Kwei Quartey

And After Many Days by Jowhor Ile

The Opposite House: A Novel by Helen Oyeyemi

The Kindness of Enemies: A Novel by Leila Aboulela

Never Look an American in the Eye by Okey Ndibe

Astonishing the Gods by Ben Okri – This is unfortunately, the only book I failed to share my review on. I had something written up but never finished writing my review. The book is basically about the fantasy dream of a man trying to find himself. I called it fantasy because there’s no other way to explain all the invisibility and weird creatures. If you enjoy reading about alternate reality you will enjoy this book. I didn’t quite enjoy it.

The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

For 2017, I plan to read 30 books. Yes, I’m cutting my goal in half from last year because I will have a lot going on for me this year. I’m planning two of my weddings (Igbo traditional wedding and white wedding) and I’m studying for a certification exam to further my career. Will I still have time to read books? Who knows but I love to challenge myself.

How many books did you read in 2016 and how many do you plan to read in 2017? Please share your books and blogs in the comment section below. I am also accepting recommendations for books to read this year. Just like last year, I am still into African fiction. So, please share your favorite authors and books with me. Thanks!