- It was a good lesson in the power of goal setting and gave a rewarding sense of accomplishment. To tackle a goal that seemed so difficult yet at the same time realistic and doable on the day-to-day scale was pretty eye-opening, and to see myself accomplish that goal over the year was pretty empowering. In fact it's motivated me to do some goal-setting in other areas of my life for the upcoming year.
- Tracking my reading and seeing that list grow was also rewarding- who knows how many books we read over the years but to see it on a list was awesome to see just how those numbers add up! Again, I'm going to continue with the numbers thing, because it's so satisfying to quantify accomplishments, so a lot of my personal goals are going to be similar- 30 hikes, 10 snowshoes hikes, stuff like that.
- I finally got around to reading some of those books that I've always wanted to or felt I should read but never made the time for.
- It gave me the chance to really work through my never-ending reading list. It's nice to be crossing books off that list, not just adding new books to it.
- A book a week was a comfortable pace and worked out well- some books were short and took less than a week, others were bigger and took a couple of weeks. I briefly considered upping the ante after reading about the 10-10-10 challenge (10 books x 10 genres by Oct 2010) but then I realized that if I read that fast I wouldn't remember any of the reads by the end of the year. As it stands, I did start to lose track a bit after hitting the two-thirds mark but I still have a basic idea of the plots of all the books I read this year. It was a calm enough pace to still enjoy all of the books I read.
- I talked to a lot of people about my 52 books project, and inspired a few to try something like it. I think it will be a lot more fun to be reading alongside other people this year!
- Lastly, I read a few articles about how the world needs more readers- people are reading less although plenty of books are getting written and published every year. For that reason I think I'm going to continue at the pace of a book a week for 2011.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
52 Books in 52 Weeks: A recap
A lot of people have asked me how my 52 books project went, so here goes. In a nutshell, it was most definitely a rewarding and satisfying endeavour that I hope to continue into 2011, for the following reasons:
52 Books in 52 Weeks (52/52)
40. The Diary of a Young Girl - Anne Frank (+) I expected this to be a more emotionally difficult read but it was more of a coming of age story.
41. Slave: My True Story - Mende Nazer A very good read about one woman's experience with slavery in Africa- some difficult to read descriptions but really an eye-opening read.
42. Incontinent on the Continent - Jane Christmas (-) Travelogue of the athour and her senior mother taking a trip around Italy. I looked forward to an off-the-beaten track look at Italy but what I got was a lot of griping and moaning about having to 'drag' her elderly and disabled mother around Italy, thereby 'missing out on all the fun'. bleah.
43. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson (+) Crime/mystery novels are not typically my genre, but this one was done with creativity, adrenaline, and a lot of twists!
44. The Girl Who Played with Fire - Stieg Larsson (+) Continues on in the style and story of TGWTDT.
45. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest - Stieg Larsson A little too much Stieg Larsson at this point, partly because the books become formulaic and partly because I read them so darn fast!
46. Day After Night - Anita Diamant I loved The Red Tent, however this novel of hers didn't win me over.
47. Born With a Tooth - Joseph Borden (abandoned) Loved his novels, but his short stories failed to draw me in. I tried, really!
48. My Journey to Lhasa - Alexandra David-Neel (+) Awesome woman, awesome story. In 1923, dressed as a Tibetan pilgrim, the authour walked from the Chinese-Tibetan border all the way to Lhasa, sleeping mostly outdoors on the ground, and carrying all of her belongings.
49. The Skystone - Jack Whyte (+) The first in an enjoyable series about the Arthurian legend, this books begins with the Roman occupation of Britain, and sets the backdrop for the creation of Camelot.
50. What the Psychic Told the Pilgrim - Jane Christmas Ugh. Once again sucked in by Ms. Christmas, once again wholly disappointed. An intriguing plot in which the authour sets out to walk the entire Camino de Santiago de Compostela- sounds enticing- instead be prepared to read, once again, a lot of the author's b!tching and complaining.
51. The Singing Sword - Jack Whyte (+) Continuation of the Arthurian legend series.
52. Stroke of Insight - Jill Bolte Taylor (+) ? I may actually have read this in 2009 but I can't remember. It's been a long year! This is a fascinating read about a neuroscientist who suffers a major stroke in her 30s and goes on to write about the experience in great detail in this book. Very insightful indeed.
41. Slave: My True Story - Mende Nazer A very good read about one woman's experience with slavery in Africa- some difficult to read descriptions but really an eye-opening read.
42. Incontinent on the Continent - Jane Christmas (-) Travelogue of the athour and her senior mother taking a trip around Italy. I looked forward to an off-the-beaten track look at Italy but what I got was a lot of griping and moaning about having to 'drag' her elderly and disabled mother around Italy, thereby 'missing out on all the fun'. bleah.
43. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson (+) Crime/mystery novels are not typically my genre, but this one was done with creativity, adrenaline, and a lot of twists!
44. The Girl Who Played with Fire - Stieg Larsson (+) Continues on in the style and story of TGWTDT.
45. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest - Stieg Larsson A little too much Stieg Larsson at this point, partly because the books become formulaic and partly because I read them so darn fast!
46. Day After Night - Anita Diamant I loved The Red Tent, however this novel of hers didn't win me over.
47. Born With a Tooth - Joseph Borden (abandoned) Loved his novels, but his short stories failed to draw me in. I tried, really!
48. My Journey to Lhasa - Alexandra David-Neel (+) Awesome woman, awesome story. In 1923, dressed as a Tibetan pilgrim, the authour walked from the Chinese-Tibetan border all the way to Lhasa, sleeping mostly outdoors on the ground, and carrying all of her belongings.
49. The Skystone - Jack Whyte (+) The first in an enjoyable series about the Arthurian legend, this books begins with the Roman occupation of Britain, and sets the backdrop for the creation of Camelot.
50. What the Psychic Told the Pilgrim - Jane Christmas Ugh. Once again sucked in by Ms. Christmas, once again wholly disappointed. An intriguing plot in which the authour sets out to walk the entire Camino de Santiago de Compostela- sounds enticing- instead be prepared to read, once again, a lot of the author's b!tching and complaining.
51. The Singing Sword - Jack Whyte (+) Continuation of the Arthurian legend series.
52. Stroke of Insight - Jill Bolte Taylor (+) ? I may actually have read this in 2009 but I can't remember. It's been a long year! This is a fascinating read about a neuroscientist who suffers a major stroke in her 30s and goes on to write about the experience in great detail in this book. Very insightful indeed.
Friday, September 24, 2010
This is too funny. I completely forgot about this blog. I am going to use Jen's method of making a list. I have not advanced as fast as Jen has. I better get reading!
Here is the list so far:
1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney. Fast read. I certainly can see why this was so popular with kids. The library had huge waiting lists for this one. I enjoyed it so much I read the entire series.
2. Diary of a Wimpy Kids: Rodrick Rules. This book was very reminicent of Malcom in the Middle.
3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid : The Last Straw. Perfect for my crurrent job: I now can have deep bookish discussions with my clients. I have no problem rrecommending this series & it is fun to discuss it with other fans.
4. Lawn Boy by Gary Paulson. A tad too young for me. A kid starts a buisness and gets rich. Appropriate for the intended audience.
5. When Heaven Fell by Carolyn Marsden. Set in Vietman.
The story is told from the point of view of a young girl who is living in Vietnam with her family. Life takes an unexpected turn when an aunt who has been living in America comes ot visit. The aunt had been the child of an American solidier and her Grandmother. None of the family knew of the aunt's existance. This book was very though-provoking both about the complexity of giving up children for adoption and the complexity of growing up as a visible minority.
6. The Year of the Rat by Grace Lin.
Clearly writtten for the 8 - 10 year range. Book provides good insight into how existing mental models impede the acceptance of visible minorities.
7. How do you Spell Geek by Julie Ann Peters
Not that memorable because I don't remember reading it. Good thing I made notes: "Spelling bees must be very trendy." Likely very exciting for the intended audience, especially if they like spelling bees.
8. The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron. This book won a Calecott Medal. It is one of those treasured books about non-traditional family groupings. I recommend you read the wikipedia synopsis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Higher_Power_of_Lucky
9. The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin. Very similar to the first book I read. Good recommendation for Grades 2-4.
10. Airhead by Meg Cabot. "Cringe".What more can I say other than it is a YRCA 2011 nominee...the kids must like it.
11. City of Bones byu Cassandra Clare
12. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
13. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare.
Perfect for my taste. Teen Fantasy. Loved them. The fourth one come out December 2010, conveniently in time to still make my 2010 list.
14. The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan.
Hugely popular with kids. Would highly recommend to the 12 - 14 age. This is the only one of the series I have read.
15. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen.
16. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Galdwell.
This is not YA you say! Yes, I know I am cheating but I want it known that I finally broke down and read the book. Five years behind you say...well... I try not to be a fad follower. haha
17. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
The best read on this list so far. I was very sorry when I was finished when it was over.
18. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins.
19. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins.
This series was the best I read this year... maybe even last year. I found these books to be usual in plot but also thoughful in the message it conveyed about power. What a wonderful way to teach humanity...through storytelling. This series shows the power of fiction. Fiction can help us clarify our thoughts, it can help us think about different points of view and it can even challenge our beliefs or perhaps validate themselves all though the power of entertainment.
20. Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
21. Gregor the Overlander and the Prophesy of the Bane by Suzanne Collins
22. Gregor the Overlander and the Prophesy of the Secret by Suzanne Collins
23. Gregor the Overlander and the Code of the Claw by Suzanne Collins
This series is for a slightly younger audience . Once again, great writing and moral pronciples about power, beliefs and human foibles that I could relate to and embrace.
24. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull.
First in the series (5 so far). Kids love this book and ask for it all the time. I enjoyed it but obviously not enough to read the rest of the books. I might try the second if I start running short of titles for my list.
25. The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
I choose this book as a result of a patron request. When I read the back blurb, I realized I had seen the movie. This book is the first of a series of three (so far). It is an post- apocalyptic novel. Since I have already seen the movie, I am basically reading through the book as a refresher for the rest of the series.
Here is the list so far:
1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney. Fast read. I certainly can see why this was so popular with kids. The library had huge waiting lists for this one. I enjoyed it so much I read the entire series.
2. Diary of a Wimpy Kids: Rodrick Rules. This book was very reminicent of Malcom in the Middle.
3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid : The Last Straw. Perfect for my crurrent job: I now can have deep bookish discussions with my clients. I have no problem rrecommending this series & it is fun to discuss it with other fans.
4. Lawn Boy by Gary Paulson. A tad too young for me. A kid starts a buisness and gets rich. Appropriate for the intended audience.
5. When Heaven Fell by Carolyn Marsden. Set in Vietman.
The story is told from the point of view of a young girl who is living in Vietnam with her family. Life takes an unexpected turn when an aunt who has been living in America comes ot visit. The aunt had been the child of an American solidier and her Grandmother. None of the family knew of the aunt's existance. This book was very though-provoking both about the complexity of giving up children for adoption and the complexity of growing up as a visible minority.
6. The Year of the Rat by Grace Lin.
Clearly writtten for the 8 - 10 year range. Book provides good insight into how existing mental models impede the acceptance of visible minorities.
7. How do you Spell Geek by Julie Ann Peters
Not that memorable because I don't remember reading it. Good thing I made notes: "Spelling bees must be very trendy." Likely very exciting for the intended audience, especially if they like spelling bees.
8. The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron. This book won a Calecott Medal. It is one of those treasured books about non-traditional family groupings. I recommend you read the wikipedia synopsis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Higher_Power_of_Lucky
9. The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin. Very similar to the first book I read. Good recommendation for Grades 2-4.
10. Airhead by Meg Cabot. "Cringe".What more can I say other than it is a YRCA 2011 nominee...the kids must like it.
11. City of Bones byu Cassandra Clare
12. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
13. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare.
Perfect for my taste. Teen Fantasy. Loved them. The fourth one come out December 2010, conveniently in time to still make my 2010 list.
14. The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan.
Hugely popular with kids. Would highly recommend to the 12 - 14 age. This is the only one of the series I have read.
15. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen.
16. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Galdwell.
This is not YA you say! Yes, I know I am cheating but I want it known that I finally broke down and read the book. Five years behind you say...well... I try not to be a fad follower. haha
17. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
The best read on this list so far. I was very sorry when I was finished when it was over.
18. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins.
19. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins.
This series was the best I read this year... maybe even last year. I found these books to be usual in plot but also thoughful in the message it conveyed about power. What a wonderful way to teach humanity...through storytelling. This series shows the power of fiction. Fiction can help us clarify our thoughts, it can help us think about different points of view and it can even challenge our beliefs or perhaps validate themselves all though the power of entertainment.
20. Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
21. Gregor the Overlander and the Prophesy of the Bane by Suzanne Collins
22. Gregor the Overlander and the Prophesy of the Secret by Suzanne Collins
23. Gregor the Overlander and the Code of the Claw by Suzanne Collins
This series is for a slightly younger audience . Once again, great writing and moral pronciples about power, beliefs and human foibles that I could relate to and embrace.
24. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull.
First in the series (5 so far). Kids love this book and ask for it all the time. I enjoyed it but obviously not enough to read the rest of the books. I might try the second if I start running short of titles for my list.
25. The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
I choose this book as a result of a patron request. When I read the back blurb, I realized I had seen the movie. This book is the first of a series of three (so far). It is an post- apocalyptic novel. Since I have already seen the movie, I am basically reading through the book as a refresher for the rest of the series.
Monday, September 20, 2010
52 Books in 52 Weeks: Part 3 (39/52)
disliked (-), neutral/ok ( ), liked (+), loved (♥)
27. Persuasion - Jane Austen (+)
28. Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen (+)
29. Prisoner of Tehran - Marina Nemat ♥
30. Sky Burial: An Epic Love Story of Tibet - Xinran (+)
31. Elephant Winter: A Novel - Kim Echlin (-)
32. Dagmar's Daughter - Kim Echlin
33. Emma - Jane Austin
34. Tears of the Desert: A Memoir of Survival in Darfur - Halima Bashir ♥
35. The Winter Vault - Anne Michaels (-)
36. The Mistress of Nothing - Kate Pullinger
37. The Bishop's Man - Linden MacIntyre (+)
38. The Year of the Flood - Margaret Atwood (+)
39. Hiroshima - John Hersey (+)
At this point I am starting to lose track of the books I've read, and remember what they were each about!
27. Persuasion - Jane Austen (+)
28. Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen (+)
29. Prisoner of Tehran - Marina Nemat ♥
30. Sky Burial: An Epic Love Story of Tibet - Xinran (+)
31. Elephant Winter: A Novel - Kim Echlin (-)
32. Dagmar's Daughter - Kim Echlin
33. Emma - Jane Austin
34. Tears of the Desert: A Memoir of Survival in Darfur - Halima Bashir ♥
35. The Winter Vault - Anne Michaels (-)
36. The Mistress of Nothing - Kate Pullinger
37. The Bishop's Man - Linden MacIntyre (+)
38. The Year of the Flood - Margaret Atwood (+)
39. Hiroshima - John Hersey (+)
At this point I am starting to lose track of the books I've read, and remember what they were each about!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Prisoner of Tehran - Marina Nemat
What an amazing story. She writes about her experience as a political prisoner in Iran, where she was tortured and nearly executed, and held prisoner for over 2 years. Her writing is beautiful and easy to read, and her compassion and goodness is what is truly humbling. I really recommend reading this!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
52 Books in 52 Weeks: Part 2 (26/52)
14. Fall - Colin McAdam (-) a little too disturbing of subject matter for my tastes
15. Mother of the Believers - Kamran Pasha interesting account of the birth of Islam and the life of Mohammad
16. Vanishing and Other Stories - Deborah Willis (-) pretentious & cliche
17. The Disappeared - Kim Echlin ♥ gorgeous writing, period
18. Infidel - Ayaan Hirsi Ali ♥ thought-provoking and intelligent
19. Northanger Abbey - Jane Austen (+) sweet, though a bit too sweet at times perhaps
20. Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte (-) too much melodrama
21. The Inheritance - Louisa May Alcott (-) saccharine
22. The Golden Mean - Annabel Lyon (+) well-written and a pleasure to read
23. Great Expectations - Charles Dickens (+) amazing characterization and a complex plot
24. Married to a Bedouin - Marguerite van Geldermalsen ♥ a sweet and insightful love story
25. Galore - Michael Crummey (+) history & myth of a maritime community
26. Too Much Happiness: Stories - Alice Munro (abandoned) (-) found I just couldn't get into her writing, especially in a short-story format
15. Mother of the Believers - Kamran Pasha interesting account of the birth of Islam and the life of Mohammad
16. Vanishing and Other Stories - Deborah Willis (-) pretentious & cliche
17. The Disappeared - Kim Echlin ♥ gorgeous writing, period
18. Infidel - Ayaan Hirsi Ali ♥ thought-provoking and intelligent
19. Northanger Abbey - Jane Austen (+) sweet, though a bit too sweet at times perhaps
20. Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte (-) too much melodrama
21. The Inheritance - Louisa May Alcott (-) saccharine
22. The Golden Mean - Annabel Lyon (+) well-written and a pleasure to read
23. Great Expectations - Charles Dickens (+) amazing characterization and a complex plot
24. Married to a Bedouin - Marguerite van Geldermalsen ♥ a sweet and insightful love story
25. Galore - Michael Crummey (+) history & myth of a maritime community
26. Too Much Happiness: Stories - Alice Munro (abandoned) (-) found I just couldn't get into her writing, especially in a short-story format
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Spoon Fed - How Eight cooks Saved My Life by Kim Severson
At close to 250 pages, this is a great read that you can do in a day. It's a memoir of a food writer who has spent time in San Francisco & New York, whose work led her to meet some heavy-hitters in the food world. While I've only ever heard of one of those names (Racheal Ray), it was pretty interesting to read some of the anecdotes and encounters that shaped her life & career. I loved her style of writing, as well, she made room to include recipes that I'll definitely be trying out.
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