Emma @ Words and Peace and Annabookbel have once again hosted this year’s 20 Books of Summer challenge. As always, there’s a fun questionnaire to look back on our reading adventures.

This August, I read 12 books, and in total, I managed 30 books over the summer!

1. Did you manage to finish all 10/15/20 books? If not, what kept you from completing the challenge?

   
   

   Yes, I reached the 20-book goal—and even went beyond with 30. Not all were from my original list, but I managed 8 from it. Since I was traveling and couldn’t carry all the books with me, I turned to e-books and audiobooks. I still have five books from my list with me, which I’ll finish on my long train journeys home (6 + 11 hours—plenty of reading time!).

   
   

2. Of all the books you read this summer, which one was your favourite and why?

   
   

   Without a doubt, Tunnel 29 by Helena Merriman. It tells the thrilling true story of the group who dug a tunnel under the Berlin Wall to help people escape. Reality here was more gripping than fiction. Did you DNF any? Why?

   
   

   Yes—The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. It’s a beloved book for many, but I just couldn’t connect with the story.

   
   

3. Which book surprised you the most?

   
   

   The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon. I’ve read and loved most of her Outlander series and expected this to focus on Jamie’s time in prison. It wasn’t, but it reminded me of how excellent Gabaldon’s writing is and how skillfully she blends history with fiction.
   

4. Did you notice any patterns in the genres you read?

   
   

   As usual in summer, I leaned toward lighter reads—especially crime fiction. In total, I read 13 detective stories.
   

5. Which one had the best cover?

   
   

   The Night Travellers by Armando Lucas Correa. Stunning.
   

   

   
   

6. Longest and shortest reads?

   • Longest: A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab (512 pages)

   • Shortest: One Boat by Jonathan Buckley (168 pages)
     

7. Format mix (print, ebook, audio)?A real mix this summer:

   • Print: 13

   • Ebook: 10

   • Audio: 7 (quite a lot for me!)

   
   

   AND NOW FOR SOMETHING MORE CREATIVE:
   

   8. Imagine you’re hosting a “20 Books of Summer” wrap party. Which book would you nominate as guest of honor?

   
   

   I think I’d invite Voltaire, after reading Voltaire in Love by Nancy Mitford earlier this year. He would certainly keep the conversation lively—though probably quarrelsome! It might not be the most peaceful evening, but it would definitely be memorable.
   

   9. Which character would you want as a summer buddy for a weekend getaway?

   
   

   I read two books by V.E. Schwab (A Darker Shade of Magic and A Gathering of Shadows) and would happily spend a weekend with her characters. Imagine a party with Prince Rhy, his brother Kell, and the bold Lila—perhaps with Holland crashing uninvited. The most intriguing guest would be Alucard Emery, the charming, elusive pirate who always keeps you guessing. Yes, it would definitely turn into a surprise party!
   

   10. Any other comments? I love imagining a literary gathering. There are so many characters I’d like to meet, maybe even to get clarifications from their stories.

   If I could meet a real historical figure, I’d choose Count Axel von Fersen. He lived through dramatic times, moving between the French and Swedish courts, and his life ended violently in Stockholm during political turmoil. I’d love to hear his side of the story—especially his relationship with Marie Antoinette.

   As for fictional characters, I’d choose Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler, or Catherine and Heathcliff—characters who provoke strong feelings and make you think about love, power, and survival.

   But that’s a post for another day!