Wednesday, January 2, 2008

New Year’s Reading Resolutions

I need to make some resolutions. I could stand to lose a few pounds (okay, more than a few) and want to earn some travel money. But this is a reading blog, so I’ll spare you any more of my failures and dreams to focus of reading resolutions. After reviewing the list of books I read last year, I’ve decided I need to make some changes:

  • Resolution #1: Broaden my reading. Of the 83 books I read last year, 10 (12%) were about the former Soviet Union (FSU), 57 (69%) were young adult or children’s novels, and 31 (37%) were a part of a series. Clearly, I need to expand my horizons. I won’t stop liking young adult novels, and my interest in the FSU won’t magically disappear; however, I resolve to read books on other topics, and I will in 2008.
  • Resolution #2: Broaden my reading. Did I already write this? Last year, I only read 13 (16%) non-fiction books. In 2008, I resolve to read more non-fiction. I suspect, though, all the books will probably be about the FSU. I can’t help myself.
  • Resolution #3: Stay current. Twenty-one (25%) of the books I read in 2007 were published in 2007. Actually, I’m rather pleased that one-quarter of the books I read were new. I resolve to continue this trend in 2008—and maybe raise my percentage to 26%.
  • Resolution #4: Stay current. Gosh, I'm redundant. Not only do I need to read newly-published books, but I also need to stay up-to-date on what the masses are reading. I resolve to check Amazon’s bestsellers list on a biweekly basis to update my “to read” list—and maybe even read a book or two on it.
  • Resolution #5: Stay current. Not only do I want to read popular books, but I also need to stay current with the literary conversation. I resolve to read the New York Times Sunday Book Review section on a weekly basis. I probably won’t read every book (okay, I can’t possibly read every book) they review, but I can read some books. If I want to be taken seriously as a reader, I need to read seriously.

So, dear readers, what are your reading resolutions for 2008?

1 comment:

Wanna-Be Lit said...

Wow, impressive goals. Guess I need to make some.