These are great goals! I don't have a numerical goal nor specific ones but I was thinking the other day that I would like to read more physical books and savour them longer this year because I go super fast with ebooks and once I finish one, I immediately go to the next read without even thinking about it because they are all ok my Kindle, I don't even have to put them back on the shelf. Another thing I'd like to do is reading more in my mother tongue (italian), I've read more than 50 books last year and only four were in Italian, the rest all in English. It's good to improve my second language but I would also like to keep cultivating my first one.
I love these goals, Alice! I totally feel you on reading physical vs. digital. I love my Kindle, but I agree that I savor books more when I read them in their physical form. And, because I see the cover more often, they tend to stick with me because I spent so much time looking at the physical object of it!
Yes! Seeing the books often really helps me to remember them better, also because they are kind of unique because each edition has different paper, font, size, etc.
Solid goals, Paige! Is the My Reading in A Year a physical reading journal? I dabbled in an analog reading journal in 2024 and I really enjoyed that way of processing my reading life.
No, it's a reading project. There are 12 books my husband picked and wrapped for me to read for each month for the whole year. I also did the same for him. At the end of each month, we will get together and discuss how the books were for each of us. Then we would open the next book for the next month.
I love short story and essay collections for dipping into in between other reads - such great palate cleansers and great reminders that expert writers can do so much with so few words. Also, yay used books! I do get a little conflicted about supporting authors and bookstores AND buying used, so I hope to do a healthy mix of both this year. With clothes though, I have zero issue with not supporting brands or manufacturers and wish I could find what I need used always and forever!
So much with so few words is exactly why I'm so excited to dive into some collections this year! The writing, out of necessity, feels so tight and clean because they have constraints.
And yes, I definitely still want to support my local indies. I'm sure I'll be buying new copies of books I'm excited about from them and then sourcing more backlist titles I'm interested in owning copies of from Pangobooks.
My local library, sadly, does not have Libby (I write every 6 months to ask!) and in recent months had to pause the interlibrary loan service. So it's been challenging to get books from the library (so sad, I'm hoping things start improving in the new year). So I've been trying to get creative on how to source books I'm interested in while the library isn't my best option.
I'm so sad to hear this about your library! It breaks my heart when libraries can't be the wealth of resources they should be for everyone, due to funding. I have been experimenting with paying for a non-resident library card from Fairfax Virginia to supplement my current Libby that has long, long, LONG wait lists. It's $27/year - not sure if I've gotten my money's worth, but if nothing else I'm supporting a library! https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/non-resident-library-card-application#:~:text=If%20you%20live%20in%20the,the%20card%20may%20be%20used.
I love that idea! There are a few libraries in neighboring towns to Portland that offer non-resident cards that you can pay for, so I'm thinking about that. Currently I have access to the Boston Public Library on Libby since Dean get's access through his Boston based employer, but the lines can be very long!
I just can’t get over the no ILL - I am very very spoiled by my regional library network and need to remind myself of how lucky we are. I’m sad for everyone in Portland! I’m happy you at least have access to BPL Libby via Dean :-)
My reading goal is different I’m making a book blanket. A crochet square with colors of the cover of each book I read and a journal entry to remember each book and square
I cannot wait! There are such a handful of new releases this year that are "go to the bookstore on pub day to get a copy" books for me and that's definitely one of them ◡̈
Looking forward to your recs for short story collections and diverse reads! After enjoying Madwoman, I’m looking forward to reading her short story collection called Heartbroke.
Love these, Michelle! I had a similar reflection about diversity in my EOY reading reflections. And I love using Pango-- my favorite treat is to sell my books there and use my credits for purchasing books on Pango, I call them free books. :)
These are great goals! I don't have a numerical goal nor specific ones but I was thinking the other day that I would like to read more physical books and savour them longer this year because I go super fast with ebooks and once I finish one, I immediately go to the next read without even thinking about it because they are all ok my Kindle, I don't even have to put them back on the shelf. Another thing I'd like to do is reading more in my mother tongue (italian), I've read more than 50 books last year and only four were in Italian, the rest all in English. It's good to improve my second language but I would also like to keep cultivating my first one.
I love these goals, Alice! I totally feel you on reading physical vs. digital. I love my Kindle, but I agree that I savor books more when I read them in their physical form. And, because I see the cover more often, they tend to stick with me because I spent so much time looking at the physical object of it!
Yes! Seeing the books often really helps me to remember them better, also because they are kind of unique because each edition has different paper, font, size, etc.
My goals are:
-to read my set number of books for the year
-keep up with 'my reading in a year' that I got as a present from my husband
-to finish reading my past book club reads
Solid goals, Paige! Is the My Reading in A Year a physical reading journal? I dabbled in an analog reading journal in 2024 and I really enjoyed that way of processing my reading life.
No, it's a reading project. There are 12 books my husband picked and wrapped for me to read for each month for the whole year. I also did the same for him. At the end of each month, we will get together and discuss how the books were for each of us. Then we would open the next book for the next month.
Oh, I love that! What a sweet way to connect over books each month.
I love short story and essay collections for dipping into in between other reads - such great palate cleansers and great reminders that expert writers can do so much with so few words. Also, yay used books! I do get a little conflicted about supporting authors and bookstores AND buying used, so I hope to do a healthy mix of both this year. With clothes though, I have zero issue with not supporting brands or manufacturers and wish I could find what I need used always and forever!
So much with so few words is exactly why I'm so excited to dive into some collections this year! The writing, out of necessity, feels so tight and clean because they have constraints.
And yes, I definitely still want to support my local indies. I'm sure I'll be buying new copies of books I'm excited about from them and then sourcing more backlist titles I'm interested in owning copies of from Pangobooks.
My local library, sadly, does not have Libby (I write every 6 months to ask!) and in recent months had to pause the interlibrary loan service. So it's been challenging to get books from the library (so sad, I'm hoping things start improving in the new year). So I've been trying to get creative on how to source books I'm interested in while the library isn't my best option.
I'm so sad to hear this about your library! It breaks my heart when libraries can't be the wealth of resources they should be for everyone, due to funding. I have been experimenting with paying for a non-resident library card from Fairfax Virginia to supplement my current Libby that has long, long, LONG wait lists. It's $27/year - not sure if I've gotten my money's worth, but if nothing else I'm supporting a library! https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/non-resident-library-card-application#:~:text=If%20you%20live%20in%20the,the%20card%20may%20be%20used.
I love that idea! There are a few libraries in neighboring towns to Portland that offer non-resident cards that you can pay for, so I'm thinking about that. Currently I have access to the Boston Public Library on Libby since Dean get's access through his Boston based employer, but the lines can be very long!
I just can’t get over the no ILL - I am very very spoiled by my regional library network and need to remind myself of how lucky we are. I’m sad for everyone in Portland! I’m happy you at least have access to BPL Libby via Dean :-)
Isn’t it nice when things feel steady? I enjoy short story collections as well.
It truly is the best feeling. I must savor it while I feel it!
My reading goal is different I’m making a book blanket. A crochet square with colors of the cover of each book I read and a journal entry to remember each book and square
That’s an amazing idea, I’d love to see a photo of the blanket as you work on it and when it’s finished! Do you listen to books as you crochet?
Yes I love to listen to books and podcasts while I work
Susan, I love this! I see these on Instagram and I always love seeing the progress and the finished product. You'll have to share some photos!
Love the idea of reading more short story collections! And very excited for the collection we're getting from Curtis Sittenfeld this year.
I cannot wait! There are such a handful of new releases this year that are "go to the bookstore on pub day to get a copy" books for me and that's definitely one of them ◡̈
This piece was such a joy to read, Michelle! 💫
Thank you, Thaissa!
Looking forward to your recs for short story collections and diverse reads! After enjoying Madwoman, I’m looking forward to reading her short story collection called Heartbroke.
I'm excited to see what I discover! Heartbroke is such a good collection, one of my favorites for sure ◡̈
Love these goals! 2 and 4 are also ones I am pursuing this year. Happy reading!
I'm excited for us ◡̈ I look forward to hearing how yours go!
Love these, Michelle! I had a similar reflection about diversity in my EOY reading reflections. And I love using Pango-- my favorite treat is to sell my books there and use my credits for purchasing books on Pango, I call them free books. :)
Love these goals, January always ends up being one of my favorite bookish times on the internet as folks share reading intentions.
I should try Pango, i usually use Thriftbooks for online used books but I also remember Portland/suburbs having some great secondhand bookstores too
Pango is my favorite, I definitely recommend giving it a go!