This week, YA Highway asks: About how many books do you read in a year? Do you want to read more? Or, less?
Ok, tricky question. This year, I set a totally crazy-pants goal for myself of 150 books. If I had been commuting by train for all twelve months of 2012, I might have pulled it off, or at least gotten very close--I pretty much always read three books a week when I dedicated my commute to it. But things change, and in June when school ended, so did my commute--for good. And somehow, despite the fact that I no longer spend 8-9 hours a day at work, and despite the fact that my nights and weekends are no longer full of lesson planning and grading, that has translated into less reading time for me. I'm at 114 books so far this year, and now my "stretch" goal is 125. I definitely think I can make it to 120.
But next year? I actually want to read fewer books. I know that sounds weird, given the constantly overflowing state of my TBR shelf. But I think if I set a lower goal, I will give myself freedom to read different kinds of things. I've only read one adult novel lately, and I was impatient the whole time (even though I liked it a lot) because it took longer to read than I was used to. And there are a few long books sitting on my shelf that are probably going to have to wait until 2013 for me to pick them up, just because I'm trying to hit a number. (That's just kicking in now, though, because we're so close; I certainly read other long books this year.) Then there are books I want to re-read before reading their sequels or ones I just think deserve another pass through (I'm selfishly hoping that a few of them--I won't name names, I don't want to seem biased--make the Cybils shortlist, so I can justify re-reads soon!)
So next year, I'll be making some changes around the blog. I'll still do Sunday Sunshine--I just won't post reviews of every single thing I read. I'm going to try to read a craft book each month (although I may frontload that, since I'm planning to start revisions in February or March.) I'll be reading more adult and more non-fiction, although certainly my focus will still be YA. I've enjoyed this year's experiment, and it really jumpstarted my reading habits and convinced me that I could carve out time for reading. But I'm looking forward to making a few small shifts in 2013.
Any suggestions for non-YA I just HAVE to read? Already on the list: Girl in Translation, Cutting For Stone, Gone Girl, The Night Circus.
What about craft books? Already on that list: Bird By Bird, On Writing.
You still read A LOT of books and should be proud. I think setting too high a goal sets you up for failure, whether by not reaching your goal, or by not enjoying the process.
ReplyDeleteSuggestion for a non-YA read: Rules of Civility, by Amor Towles. It's set in New York City in 1938. Interesting literary fiction with a surprisingly fast pace.
Yeah, this was not a realistic goal. But I love that it kickstarted my reading habits again! I haven't read this much since middle school, I think, and it's good to be back on the horse.
DeleteWhat type of non-YA do you usually gravitate towards?
ReplyDeleteAnd wow, that´s a lot of books you read!!! I like not to set goals for reading to avoid the pressure, cause I know I´ll read anyways :D I sometimes may need to set goals to not pick up a book, that might make my husband happy. But just typing this I start to hyperventilate :D :D :D
Ohhhh and I need to buy Bird by Bird. Loved On Writing!
Well, I have a whole shelf of Bill Bryson just calling my name (he's probably my favorite non-fiction writer) and for fiction...let's see. Adult fiction I've enjoyed in the last few years: most of Lisa See's novels, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, WICKETT'S REMEDY, THEN WE CAME TO THE END, THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE...I don't know if there's really a pattern! Just a good story, well-told, same as I look for in YA.
DeleteIf you're going to have a reading goal, perhaps it should be a minimum amount. In other words, going along with the idea that a good writer will be a healthy reader, tell yourself you need to read AT LEAST 30 books next year. That might seem low, but it's well above the average person's reading, and it also gives you the flexibility to enjoy books that might require more of your time.
ReplyDeleteAs for non-YA reads, a couple of my favorites have been: THE PERICLES COMMISSION by Gary Corby, and BREATH, EYES, MEMORY by Edwidge Danticat.
Yeah, I like that idea. I remember your review of BREATH, EYES, MEMORY--it sounded fascinating. I will definitely add it to my list!
DeleteFunny how your days get filled up even when you should have more time. I take that back...not funny but frustrating.
ReplyDeleteFor a craft book, I recommend Self-Editing for Fiction Writers...one of my favs.
Thanks! I'll check it out!
DeleteMan, that's a LOT of books! I think your reasons for setting a lower goal next year are great ones. Mixing up the reading with YA, adult, and non-fiction always makes me happier. (Boy can I relate to that "let's move things along, please!" feeling while reading adult!) You've already got Gone Girl on the list, so I'll recommend Blood, Bones & Butter and Friday Night Lights for non-fiction, and The Magicians for an adult book. Loved all those!
ReplyDeleteOoh, thanks for reminding me--both of those non-fiction titles are ones I've looked at with great interest. My husband read THE MAGICIANS this year and it drove him bananas, but so many other people have loved it that I might have to read it just to see how I feel about it!
DeleteWow-100 books! I'm amazed! I can understand why you might want to lower the count; I'm at almost 70 for the year and sometimes I felt the need to slog through a book I didn't necessarily like just to finish it. I also read tons of YA and have to remind myself that adult market books still exist!!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea how magical my commute was--for my own sanity, I blocked it off as FUN READING ONLY time--nothing for work, no grading, no planning. It cheered me up early in the morning as I grumbled to myself about having to be awake, and on tough days it restored my spirits so that I didn't arrive at home and grouse at my husband. But it was so good for me as a reader--I just don't have the discipline to block out similar lengths of time for reading at home!
DeleteHi there! Thanks for stopping by my Wordpress blog, ChatterTale. :) And wowza! You read so many books! I only wish my F train commutes would be half as productive as yours. In any case, my non-YA suggestion is The Distant Hours by Kate Morton. SO, so good, it's insane. Granted, I finished it in like 3 weeks (I kept re-reading some of the passages; they were just too beautiful), but you definitely need to check it out!
ReplyDeleteOh, I think I have a Kate Morton book floating around somewhere! Thanks for the rec--I'll look out for that one!
DeleteOver 100 books is amazing. You already have the adult books that I would recommend on your list. Craft books- I really liked Second Sight by Cheryl B. Klein.
ReplyDeleteThanks--I'll check it out!
DeleteI don't have any non-YA suggestions to give you, because I only read like five of those, and I didn't really like any of them :/
ReplyDeleteThat's probably going to be my goal for 2013 - read more books besides YA. Those exist!
They do! And other adults are always wanting to talk about them--and I can't :) To more diverse reading in 2013!
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