So, it seems to be the time of year when I get to look back on all the books I've read. And there were a lot of them this year
As I started 2008 by entering into the 100-book challenge, I used GoodReads to keep track of what I'd read. This resulted in my 100 Books 2008 shelf.
But of course, the year doesn't end in July, and so there also had to be a More Books 2008 shelf.
The grand total stands at 177 at the time of posting. Yes, I know it says 75 on the second shelf; that's because one "book" is actually a three-book boxset :).
For those of you who don't care to slog through all those books, good, bad, and indifferent, there are also two shelves for the better books I read this year: Five Star and Four Star books 2008.
:)
I enjoyed the 100 books challenge, although at times it made reading feel more of a chore than a pleasure. Once I hit 100, it was suggested that I try for 200, but I wanted to be able to relax and read at a more leisurely pace. That was probably a good decision as it turned out, given life decided to get in the way.
The best part is, though, I still have a stack of books waiting for me :).
Saturday, 10 January 2009
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7 comments:
"I wanted to be able to relax and read at a more leisurely pace."
So what is it really like to read so many books so quickly? Is it like assembly line work?
Is it like body exercise, where the more you do the more you can do?
A lot of questions. Sorry.
I ask because I love to read, and read very quickly - when I enjoy the book (twice read LOTR with The Hobbit from sunset to dawn). When the book becomes dull, or disturbing, I will slow down (like two I'm reading now).
There is probably no reason I couldn't achieve this goal if I wouuld make regular trips to the library.
But I worry that reading so many books in succession will detract from my ability to savor those which I find especially nice. I like to sit back and relax in a book's memory before moving on.
Can that still happen?
Bevie
P.S. I arrived here via Evil Editor. You have been one of many to tell me that/why/how I need to improve my writing. Thank you. Yes, it hurts, but I appreciate your directness.
:)
I think I read too many too fast--well, you can see that from the fact that I reached 100 in July :). So at first it was a bit like an assembly line, especially in March, where I panicked and went a bit mad.
I find with non-fiction that the more of that you read, the easier it becomes to process that amount of factual material. But speed of reading still largely depends on how readable the material is. Inevitably, you sometimes have to pause and process what you've already read.
I think you could easily achieve the goal, especially if you approach it in manageable chunks. And don't panic!
Thank you.
One more, if I may?
I write fantasy and glib satire and occasional short stories about whatever I happen to be feeling at the time.
Does it matter what I read? Or can I just stick with my regular topics?
(mostly)
fantasy / history / animals
No problem with the questions--you may have noticed that sqrls love to dispense teh wisdom!
The 100 books challenge is very much a personal challenge--nobody's sitting in judgement. So read exactly what you want to read :). I would suggest however that there's no harm in stepping outside your comfort zone (however much I may whine when EE tries to make us do so!). If you're getting books from the library, there's no reason not to stretch yourself a little and try something you normally wouldn't. Genres can cross-fertilise each other to great effect :).
Thank you for your patience. You are wise - at least about writing. I think so.
There's an excellent chance I'm older than a good many of the Minions (you included), but when I try to interact I feel like a kid.
AC (I don't know if you know her, but she's another Minion), suggested I read Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austin. The library didn't have it on the shelf, so I had them order it.
I did like The Higher Power of Lucky.
HPoL has a lot going for it--I'm just not the right reader.
Jane AustEn wrote P&P :).
Sorry about that. You'd think I could get it right. It's not like she's an unknown. [smile]
I'm often surprised by what I like and don't like. HPoL had a lot of flaws. But I liked it anyway.
Go figure, huh?
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