Yikes! I have read only 29 books this year (so far). I knew that my initial goal to read 52 books this year was unrealistic (especially when I started a full-time job), but I hoped that I would at least match last year's accomplishment of 35 books.
Can I read six books in the next few weeks? I hope so. I just wish that I wanted to read shorter books than the ones sitting on my nightstand. I'm antsy to delve into Andrew Graham-Dixon's Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane, but it consists of 500+ pages that are filled with 17th century history. What should I do? Start the longer book now, or barrel through a handful of insignificant and easy reads so that I can reach my silly goal?
I wonder which I would find more rewarding: the accomplishment of reading a few dense/historical/intellectual books, or the accomplishment of reading dozens of smaller, easier reads. To be honest, I don't know which I prefer. I obviously like the intellectual stimulation of the former, but my pride relishes accomplishments in terms of quantity. Hmm. Do I value quantity or quality when making reading goals? I can't say. Perhaps I like a mixture of both?
What about you? Do you need to hurry up and finish some goals for this year? Or have you already given up?
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I'm so bad with goals--most of my projects in life end up half baked. It's a miracle I ever finished my master's thesis since I wrote the whole thing in 30 minute increments. That pretty much sums up my attention span.
Anyway, I'm curious to see what you think for the Caravaggio book once you read it. I started reading Priceless about a week ago (I had to put it down for a bit though to slog through a book group selection), and I really like it so far. Thanks for the recommendation and good luck with your reading goal!
I say go for the goal- there are plenty of hearty reads that aren't 500+ pages! I know 4 books you could read easily in one or two days...rhymes with "schmilight". ;)
And I've stuck to my only goal of 2010- lower the bar. It worked out nicely. And the year is ending much happier than it started out. Funny that.
I'm also bad with goals. As far as books go, somewhere around the time my computer exploded, I lost track of what I've read this year. Whatever number I'm at, I may have cheated a little by reading all the Harry Potters again. It does wonders for one's total pages read, though.
I would happily mail you that one book I just reviewed if you would like?
Hmmm, that's a tough call. I'd say hurry and read those last few short books then dive into the bigger book in the new year.
I've been thinking of any goals I missed out on this year ... hmmm, well a job was definitely one that I didn't fulfill. But, I had hoped to get some good professional gigs with photography and that happened, so I guess that's pretty good.
:)
I gave up when I found out I was pregnant and started reading pregnancy literature almost exclusively (which is regrettable). But now that I have so many hours sitting on the couch nursing, maybe I could catch up on the 52 book goal...
...NOT! But it was a nice thought. I admire your reading endurance. And I commend you for quality over quantity--in the long run, it seems more worthwhile. Like buying a pair of good shoes versus owning a dozen pairs of ugly bargain shoes you never wear. But who am I to speak? I probably read more of Real Simple magazine this year than any classic literature. And I'm rambling. So I'm going to stop.
Remember our overnight trip to Vancouver so we could say we'd 'traveled out of the country' this year? Enough said.
goals-shmoles I say. In this church there is so much focus on improving that setting goals seems a little redundant. I've never reached one I set. They are usually too big. But I did say to myself sat that I wanted to loose 5 lbs. I really need to loose 30, but I'm focusing on 5- because that is doable!
i like to mix it up with reading--i'll read a longer, more intense book, and then it feels really good to read something shorter. if you are opting for some shorter books to reach your goal, i just read a couple last week--sum by david eagleman and the selfish giant by oscar wilde. interesting reads, both, and nice and quick. i am also hoping to reread a christmas carol by charles dickens--it has become a favorite. i i would love to talk to you about what you've read this year.
good luck whatever you decide!
Thanks for the comments, everyone! Melinda, you crack me up. I'll let you know if I'm in a bind and need some "Schmilight."
Meg, thanks for the recommendations. I love to read Oscar Wilde, and that book sounds especially interesting. I'll have to check it out.
I haven't even finished a book since writing this post over a week ago. Sigh. I don't think I'm going to meet this goal. Bah.
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