Friday, July 26, 2013

Bookin' It


Last year I finished 25 books.  It was the most I have ever read outside of college/graduate school required reading in my adult life. I decided to challenge myself to finish 30 books by year end.

I've read some really wonderful books in the 29 books listed below. I would go as far to say that some of my favorite books of the last 5 years have been read recently.

5 Stars- OMG so, so good

The Age of Miracles
Where'd You Go Bernadette
We Live in Water
Nobodies Album
The Dovekeepers
Mary Coin
Tiny Beautiful Things 

4 Stars- Solid, wonderful reads

Behind the Beautiful Forevers
And When She Was Good
Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls
Mudbound
The Power of Habit
Beautiful Ruins
The Financial Lives of Poets
Stiff
Lean In
Supreme Conflict
29 Gifts
The Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing

3 and Under Stars- Finished it, but wouldn't recommend it

Sum
Full Body Burden
The Samurai's Garden
Serena
You're Not Doing It Right
Looking for Alaska
After Visiting Friends
Deconstructing Amelia
The Silver Star
A Land More Kind Than Home

As we head to Florida today I have packed 3 old school books and 4 audiobooks for the drive.  By these stats I've read a book a week in 2013.   As someone who typically is not a fast reader, I attribute being further along this year for several reasons:

1.  Weekly trips to the library on Friday afternoons with the boys.  It is a perfect time for pick up and returns of my own books in time for the weekend.
2.  Increased use of the eBooks at my local library for audio and Kindle books.  Often the wait is shorter. 
3.  Keeping the Kindle in my mom bag with at least a couple eBooks for waiting.
4.  Allowing myself to read and not grade when waiting at weekly appointments for Ben
5.  Frequent use of Goodreads for friend recommendations and updates of new books by authors I've read 
5.  Choosing to curl up with a book most nights after getting the kids to bed and finishing up schoolwork.  Most of the time I rarely reach for the remote or my laptop as a way to wind down at the end the day. 

Of the lists above my favorite books of the year so far

Where'd You Go Bernadette
The Dovekeepers
Tiny Beautiful Things

Nod for We Live in Water for short story aficionados.  Quite possibly my favorite collection by my new favorite author, Jess Walters.  I'm changing my goal on Goodreads to 50 books by year end.  It is a lofty goal, especially when the new school year starts, but one to shoot for given 2013 progress.  



3 comments:

LauraC said...

Goodreads is the best!
I would also say getting book recommendations from me has helped you. HAHAH!!

Gillian said...

Great list! I requested some of the ones you mentioned - thanks!

Ms Mae said...

UGH. I have been meaning to read Tiny Beautiful Things. Ok....of to download it now.