Final Books of the Year?

I finished a handful of books during Christmas week and unless I surprise-finish something in the next couple of days, should round out my reading for the year. Stay tuned for my annual wrapup post! I know the three of you who actually read this are all staying so tuned!  

Dating and Dragons (by Kristy Boyce) 

A quick YA read to try and get me to my goal for the year. Cute, very feel-good with a love interest a bit too good (and mature) to be true. But cute and fun - and of course I enjoyed the gaming theme. 

Blob: A Love Story (by Maggie Su) 

This one had already been on my list but made it to the Tournament of Books shortlist so I'm now I think at two books read off the shortlist.  I enjoy a hot mess narrator and this one was the messiest of hot messes.  Thought the ending was terrific and enjoyed! Not as good as Skydaddy, which did not make the shortlist.  (To wit: I copied this review from what I have written in my notebook, but I already can't quite remember the ending of Blob. I remember the ending of Skydaddy perfectly, though.) 

The Golden Spoon (by Jessa Maxwell) 

Another fast read to get me to my goal, this time a cozy mystery inspired by the Great British Baking Show. The ending doesn't really hang together (not the mystery itself, but the aftermath) but fun vibes, good characters,  and worth a read if you like cozy mysteries and baking shows.

The Wild Duck Chase: Inside the Strange and Wonderful World of the Federal Duck Stamp Contest (by Martin J. Smith) 

Last but not least, a book about the Duck Stamp contest, which I followed for the first time this year.  Absolutely fascinating, with lots of interesting details about a niche subculture that would make a perfect Christopher Guest movie.  And as a birder, I will definitely be buying my annual duck stamp from now on!