Nikki’s short version: Or maybe it’s not so internal. When your pet(s) is the only one home to listen, we can call it internal and move on. The short version is I don’t vote for books I haven’t read (there is one exception that makes the rule – I read the first in a set of three, thought about it for months, and pre-ordered the box set. The first was GORGEOUS and I’m biding my time when I can sit and bask in the glory of #2, wade in it for a few weeks, then rinse and repeat with #3 – which received my vote), I didn’t read a ton of books that were eligible (31 actually, but still across 20 categories, some of which were not represented on my read list anywhere, it’s not many), and I only voted for books that were exceptional. Also, I read heavily in a few categories (romance, YA, fantasy, middle grade, YA fantasy), so voting in those categories requires some debate, even when I only have a potential 31 books to choose from (less when category is considered).

Also, I LOVE the idea of a readerly community voting on their favorite books (they call it best, I call it favorite – this is a popularity contest, let’s be real), and I’m excited to participate and give kudos to authors who’ve produced amazing texts and encourage readers to pick up those amazing texts [even thought I completely missed round two #sadday]. This is actually more fun than a favorites of the year list because other people participate and there’s the opportunity to add to the TBR and have your favorites promoted to the next round. It’s just plain fun and I hope you think so too (and if you don’t then don’t vote and maybe stop reading here, or don’t).

Ashley: I was not remotely as involved as all that. My internal monologue was way less particular. Which is strange because enneagram 1s are very particular. But, I did create my own rules, and I’m a rule follower so here goes. Did I read a book? No, then is it on my TBR? If either of these are a ‘Yes’ then it was, can I vote for it from the selected list? Yes, hooray, done. It took me five minutes and I was on a countdown with 2 hours left for the first round.

I would like to add that I have done a considerable bit more reading brand new releases this year than last, but it is VERY DIFFICULT to do so when the digital library has a holds list a thousand miles long, and you want to read older books. I have found that when I did read a possible selection I did focus on one or two genres and I need to do a better job of spreading the love around. I probably don’t have as much of a gut reaction to horror/suspense as Nikki does, but it is also not my jam. I am SO THRILLED about the comedy/humor selection. As it’s probably top five books of 2019 right there. I am doing better of reading new releases by participating in the Barnes and Noble Book Club once a month but I’m bummed that there’s no December meeting and it picks back up in January. Whomp. Ready for round two of voting fo’sho!

SemiFinal Round Rules: I have to have READ the book. Guess Imma be declining to vote in many of the genres. Not surprised.

Nikki’s long version: Without further adieu, what it is like for an avid reader, enneagram six to vote for the best books of the year on Goodreads. Yes fellow readers, this is the long version, and it’s long and I don’t mention titles specifically, but a truly curious person with a few minutes, could likely go to my read shelf and figure most things out.

First, open the voting and the books in separate browser tabs, because my five wing needs all the information we have about what I’ve read this year.

Fiction – Well, I’ve read 0 of the titles I see, yet I have two of them on hold and own two others. Let’s circle back to this and see where else my favorites may have ended up. Take two – The titles listed are historical, alternate reality, and contemporary. In glancing at the stand out fiction titles I’ve read this year, there are a couple who don’t clearly fit in any of the other categories. Selected, write in, submitted.

Mystery/Thriller – I think I’ve read one thriller and zero mystery this year, and it’s two years old, yet two of these tiles are on my holds list and I have no idea how or why. Well, perhaps I won’t vote in this category unless something comes to me. [Ashley: #blameanne? Nikki: Sometimes, but the latest was an IRL friend suggestion.]

Historical Fiction – [longingly scrolls down the titles and reminisces about each of the several titles I have read] I see one I won’t be voting for, one on my top books of 2019 list, and several that are about to be on my TBR list! Voted. First pass!

Fantasy – [grins at the gorgeous covers and starts adding to the TBR immediately] I’ve only read one of the titles listed, but there are three in this category on my favorites of 2019 list, yet not here. I’ll come back to this when I can think more about which of those are my favorite. Take two: Most of the fantasy titles I thought of are YA or NA, not pure fantasy. A couple are even more magical realism than fantasy (I’ve recently learned a bit more about “high fantasy” and what classifies – it’s good and all, but I don’t need it necessarily), so perhaps this isn’t the best place for them. I chose a pre-selected title I read and loved.

Romance – [adds almost all of the unread titles to the TBR list] I’ve read a lot of romance this year, but only a handfull of those were published this year, and one was a big standout for me, like top of 2019 standout!

Science Fiction – I generally enjoy the science fiction I read, but I don’t read it much, so I have read zero science fiction books published in the last year. I’m adding several of those listed to my TBR, but abstaining as I’ve read nothing eligible in this category. This seems like an opportunity for improvement.

Horror – [why am I already cringing? I should be looking to see if there’s any chance I’ve read anything that qualifies, because this is not my jam] I love books, I do not love being scared, so abstain and pass. There is no opportunity for me here. To each their own!

Humor – [without looking] Did I read any humor published this year? There is so much humor on my TBR list – perhaps this is another opportunity for next year! [looks at the read list] Well, there’s one title on here that might qualify and it was fabulous. AND, it’s on the list of titles even! Check and check!

Nonfiction – 2019 has been my best year of reading nonfiction! It was an opportunity I attempted to lean into and I’ve improved! Now, I think there might be a couple of books from my read list that were actually published in 2019. One, one of my nonfiction books was published in 2019 and it was amazing. Write in, but vote submitted!

Memoir and Autobiography – I know what I’m voting for, hands down. After scrolling through the list a few times, there is one choice and it should be pictured! It was and I voted!

History and Biography – Prediction – I read zero books eligible for this category. As much as I enjoy history, I much prefer it in narrative form. I did read actual history this year (not just historical fiction), but it wasn’t new. Oh well, abstain again, but also add a few to the TBR again.

Science and Technology – Oh, my one nonfiction might fit here too and I might just enter it twice because why not. I’m not voting for a title I haven’t read, so it’s fair, right? IT WAS LISTED, so I voted for it!

Food and Cookbooks – SO. MANY. in the TBR, so many. Zero read this year, more in the TBR, no vote. Correction – one read, just not from this year.

Graphic Novels and Comics – Dear readers, these are also not my jam, more in the thriller way where I just don’t love them than the horror way where I refuse to try, but still. I wouldn’t mind to vote for something my son has read and loved, but nothing is on the list and he’s at school. Abstain.

Poetry – I’ve actually read a couple of poetry books this year, AND they were published this year too! A couple added to the TBR and a vote for one of my two!

Debut Novel – Oh readers, I am SO excited about not one, but two debut novels I read this year (and I read a couple more that were also really strong). It’s probably telling that they’re YA/NA (there’s a line, I’m not exactly sure where it is, so either could fall into either category) fantasy. While there are several books from my TBR on this list, neither of the titles I’m looking for are here. Time to confirm eligibility and pick one! Confirmed, selected, and write in complete!

YA Fiction – I do love some YA fiction. It’s engaging and fast-paced with gritty characters and/or themes. Two books I’ve read and enjoyed are listed and several more that are on my TBR, including one I didn’t realize is YA. The question is, can it be fantasy YA or does it need to be just YA? It qualifies otherwise, so I’m doing it. One of the titles is alternate reality and this is magical realism, so it works, right? Just say yes. Thanks!

YA Fantasy and Science Fiction – Well, I guess that answers that, but it wasn’t fantasy, so I’m still hopeful. So many of these titles are on my TBR but I have read zero that are listed. I have, however, read a few that are not listed and do qualify. Some decisions are hard. The best of 2019 list is going to be both a challenge to pair down and an excessive length, but the heart wants more books, so it’ll be fine.

Middle Grade and Children’s – I’ve read a lot in this category this year with an elementary student who’s broaching middle school reading levels and an emerging reader, there are so many books in my house in this area. I’ve read some middle grade because I wanted to (period), some because I wanted to (and my second grader doesn’t mind spoilers and forgets that mom does – I’m looking at you Percy Jackson), and some because I want to be able to talk books with my second grader who’s reading at an advanced level (and because I want to be aware of what he’s reading). So, books, votes, back to the topic at hand – several of these were already on my TBR list (mostly for me), and more are now. Voting for the one I’ve read. It was fabulous!

Picture books – I’ve only read one of these, and my five year old LOVES it. It could be the topic, but really, anything that gets a child to read deserves an award.

In case you’re wondering, I 100% scrolled back through to be sure I only abstained intentionally and not accidentally. Welcome to the mind of a reader enneagram six with a strong five wing. Either you’ll feel all my struggles or you’ll think I’m in need of professional help. Neither is wrong. Enjoy the ride, and please vote for your favorite titles in the upcoming round!