This is after starting off the year at a pretty fast pace. I read twelve books in January! In all of February and so far in March I've read seven.
Actually, now that I've said that, it doesn't sound that bad. That's still about a book a week for February and March. Yes, it's behind the nearly two books per week pace I need to average to make my annual goal, but still, overall not too shabby.
Such is my anxiety when I start to focus on numbers. I cannot read twelve books every month. I don't want to read twelve books every month. Okay, I'm going to breathe deeply and recall my "live thoughtfully" mantra from earlier this year. I've been enjoying the books I'm working on, and have been enjoying being back in New York. Those are good things. I'm going to my favorite bookstore on Monday, armed with a list of books to buy.
Speaking of lists, I've been busy making them. I joined the Classics Club, along with about a trillion other bloggers. (Okay, not a trillion. I think there are about 70 of us, but more are always welcome!) I also posted a list of my ten favorite classics and a bunch of quintessential New York City books.
How have your bookish endeavors been lately?
8 comments:
When I think about my reading pace before I started blogging, I was very happy to finish a book every week. I always had one handy for those moments...like lunch, or waiting in line somewhere. And I'd read a little at night.
Now I feel as though I must read 3-4 books per week! That's kind of crazy, isn't it?
I like "living thoughtfully." Sounds good to me.
Here's MY SUNDAY SALON POST
I think it is hard to keep a steady pace when you're reading. Sometimes books require more than a few days, or life gets in the way! Just ignore Goodreads. That's what I did last year. :)
I feel my reading has really slowed since January... just life business. I hope to find a good balance ;)
I fell behind last year and by the end I didn't really care. Don't be too hard on yourself; at some point you will catch up, hopefully :)
I promised myself I would slow down and take more time to savor things last year, that I wouldn't rush so much through so many books, and made it a goal to read fewer books (not by a large amount, my goal was to fall between 100-125). Last year I failed by reading more - how silly is that! I still have the same goal this year though. I want to read more thoughtfully.
MJ, your reading ambition is great and though February and March seem a bit on the downside you are doing well. I've set a somewhat moderate (but ambitious to me) target of 70 books (I read 56).
I wanted to join the Classic reading challenge. This is the second or third time I'm saying this. I will have to make the decision and stop shouting.
I think I'm like Laurel. I felt that I was reading a lot because I know more about books than most of the people in my real life. However, when I started following book blogs I found that there were people reading WAY more than I do. Also, a goal sounds reasonable until I actually commit to it, then it feels constricting. I think the best thing for me is to "set it and forget it" -- do what I'm going to do and see how I stack up at the end of the year rather than stress about it.
@Laurel-Rain Snow: If you'd asked me pre-blogging, I'd certainly have said that a book a week was a great pace. It's funny how your perspective gets skewed when you see people reading so much more.
@Allie: Thanks! Good advice.
@Sheila: Yes, life! I'm trying to enjoy all aspects, even if it means not quite as much time to devote to bookish things.
@Melissa: Thanks! I'm not too worried yet ;-)
@Alyce: I had a similar experience last year. I want to reach my goal, but not really exceed it.
@Nana: That's a great goal! And you should definitely join the Classics challenge. We'd love to have your company.
@Dani: Yes, I feel the same way! I never kept track, and just always assumed I read a pretty decent amount. Then I see people who've read 200+ books in a year, and I feel woefully inadequate. I like the "set it and forget it" strategy.
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