A Reading Year in Review
‘Tis the Season
All the bookish folks I follow on social media are releasing their year-in-review posts. There they are, with stacks and stacks of books, artfully arranged by color, or genre, or by the order in which they were read. They boast of reaching and surpassing their triple-digit reading goals. I am in awe of their accomplishments.
As much as I aspire to be a super prolific reader, I’m not. This particular time in my life does not allow for it. And that’s okay. My goal for 2024 is fifty books. I’m currently at fifty-three! That means I won’t be still turning pages as the ball drops this year, trying to make my goal in the last few seconds.
For years, I’ve been a goodreads gal. But since goodreads is owned by Amazon, and Jeff Bezos is already a billionaire, I recently branched out to use The StoryGraph as well. It allows you to rate different attributes of the book you’re reviewing, and generates your reading stats for you in graphic form. It’s fun to see the trends in your own reading.
No matter how you track your reading, be it online or in a truly journal, remember that reading is supposed to be relaxing. It’s an escape. What it is not meant to be is another thing you feel you HAVE to do. Setting a goal and logging each title along the way should be fun, and enhance your enjoyment, not stress you out.
Comparison is the Thief of Joy
You may think that others who are reading more than you are faster or better readers. Perhaps you view them as more “well read” due to their extensive knowledge of the classics. If they are reading more “serious fiction” instead of genres like romance, fantasy, and sci-fi, that doesn’t mean they’re smarter or hipper than you are. So, if you are having difficulty extending some grace to yourself, allow me to help you with a few reminders.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Reading
You don’t have to read something just because it is on some list of “books to read before you die,” especially if you have a strong inkling that it won’t be your jam.
It’s okay to not finish a book if, after starting it, you realize that it is not bringing you joy.
Print, ebooks, online platforms, and audiobooks are all valid ways to consume stories. For folks with certain disabilities, or who lack access to print copies, alternative formats may be the only way for them to enjoy books. Don’t judge, and don’t let others judge you.
Do you only feel like reading one genre? That is 100% fine. Read what you love.
Likewise, reading books below your age group is totally allowed. There are some fantastic middle-grade and YA books out there. And if you want to snuggle up with a gorgeous children’s picture book, go for it.
Don’t beat yourself up if you go for a while without picking up a single volume. Everything in life ebbs and flows; dry spells happen for many reasons. You’ll know when the time is right to return to your favorite pastime.
A Wish for the New Year
As this year draws to a close, my wish for you in the new year is to read, however, whenever, and whatever you desire. Disregard anyone who insists there is a specific right or wrong way to go about it. As long as you’re having fun, if you’ve read one book or a thousand, you are still “well read.”
Thanks for reading!
Sarah
P.S. Some writers choose to use subscription services or other pay-to-read options for their blogs and newsletters. As for me, I’d like to keep these articles free to read. But hey, if you would like to make a little contribution through Ko-fi, that would be cool! It helps to pay my website fees and feed my fancy pencil addiction.