In 2014, I hoped to read at least 70 books (I read 81, without counting the many short stories I read and the picture books I read for work). I participated in the Debut Author Challenge, where I was supposed to read a total of 12 2014 debuts from YA and MG authors (I read 11). I also gave myself the personal challenge of reading more books over 500 pages (I read 7). I’m satisfied with what I did manage to read, even if it didn’t all fit nicely into the categories I had created.
This year I’m still going to give myself a few challenges. I find that I read more and a greater variety when I am working towards a particular goal, after all.
Read 90 books this year. I read 81 books this year and totally think it’s possible to push myself a bit more this year. The number of books I want to read will only continue to grow, and I need to try to make some dent on it.
Read a wider variety of books. It’s so, so easy to stick with what I know I like, but my job at a library working with kids and the #weneeddiversebooks campaign have both really made me reconsider my book choices. I don’t want my reading experiences limited by genre, age level, gender (author or character), or race (author or character).
Take some time to re-read older favorites. I used to be such a re-reader, but I’ve had a difficult time justifying re-reads since I started blogging, unfortunately. Fortunately, joining the Re-Read Challenge should provide me with some great encouragement.
In a similar vein, take some time to read more classics and other books that I may not necessarily want to review here on the blog. I want to keep in mind that reading for personal interest is just as important as reading for my blog.
Continue to read lengthy novels. It can be so easy to bypass a longer, more complex book for a few shorter ones that will not only raise my read book number, but that can provide content for review posts. I love lengthy novels, however, and will not let length interfere with reading choices.
Basically, this year I resolve to read what I want, when I want to. It’s far easier said than done, but I plan to make 2015 the year in which I not only embrace my personal reading preferences, but also read with intention. I'll still read some of the popular releases, of course, but perhaps not as many as I have in the past.
I wish everyone a successful year of reading!
I definitely want to be able to re-read, read more widely, and be able to read what I want instead of what my TBR demands. I wish you all the best with these goals, Amanda! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely looking forward to read diversely this year and as you mentioned, I would love to read more classics as well. Wish you good luck on all these goals, Amanda!! :)
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to work out my reading resolutions for the year (in my head). lol! I haven't written anything down (officially), but I've been thinking I should challenge myself in some way. For the past two years, I've only had the Goodreads Reading Challenge to drive me, but I've come up short both times. Maybe if I challenge myself in other areas, I'd be more motivated to finally read 50 books in one year. I've already started a re-read this year, and as it turns out, it also happens to be my first audiobook; inadvertently, I'm killing two birds with Cinder! So, I really think I can make a re-read challenge and an audiobook challenge work for me this time. (I finally have a way to listen to audiobooks! No more attempts on my laptop!) While I haven't figured everything out just yet, you've given me more to consider. I believe every book I read last year was labeled YA. If I expand my reading experiences across genres/categories/age groups, I might be more motivated to read when I fall into a slump. So, thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI do believe you've set yourself up for success, Amanda! 2015 is looking very bright for you! Good luck! :)
Marlene @ The Flyleaf Review
I like this thought and it's something I have to keep reminding myself too: "I want to keep in mind that reading for personal interest is just as important as reading for my blog." Good luck on all your goals, Amanda! :)
ReplyDeleteYou beat me when it comes to your reading count. 2014 wasn't the best year for me. I only read maybe 10 books?? But my goals for this year are, like you, to read whatever I want and whenever I feel like it. I hope 2015 treats you well in terms of reading and everything else 😊
ReplyDeleteI love your last resolution Amanda, I do tend to find myself reading books because I need to read them by a particular review date, but I I'm becoming more of a mood reader, so definitely want to pick up more books that I feel like picking up. I also want to make time to pick up books I've loved in the past and read them again. Good luck with your resolutions!
ReplyDeleteOh, I really love your resolutions this year. I always want to read a wider variety of books. It's great to read what I know I'll likely love, but I want to push myself to explore a little more, too. And I'm so happy you're joining The Re-Read Challenge. I can't wait to see what you end up re-reading! I used to re-read way more before blogging, so I'm hoping this will help me get back in the habit. I like the point you make about reading books regardless of whether or not you'll blog about them. Sometimes I forget how much fun it can be to read something without thinking about reviewing it. Haha! Like you, I sometimes overlook longer books for the same reasons. I got a little better about picking them up in 2014, and I hope to continue that this year. I heartily second your resolution to read with intention! That's probably my biggest goal for 2015 - to be more intentional about what I read, what I get for review and even what I buy. I don't want to just go through the motions or read things for stupid reasons. I hope we both look back on 2015 and feel we accomplished this change.
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