You know the old proverb, ‘Hell is paved with good intentions’? Well, that’s me when it comes to reading challenges. I start out with the best of intentions to swap screen time for reading time but, like most new year’s resolutions, they soon fall by the wayside.
Saying that, perhaps I’m being too hard on myself. If I count up the number of books read in 2017, there’s quite a list, especially if I add library borrowings and titles from my two bookclubs. I just didn’t formally review many, apart from one Reading Recommendations post back in June 2017.
Still, I’m giving it another go. I’m not sure if that makes me persistent or deluded. I’ve signed up to the Australian Women Writers (AWW) Challenge and the Mount TBR Reading Challenge. I’ve nominated to read 6 books and review 4 in the AWW Challenge. In the Mount TBR challenge, I’m aiming for Pike’s Peak, which means knocking 12 books off my shelves.
I won’t promise to read only books I already own, as there are just too many soon-to-be-released books by other Australian authors. And I want to read them, regardless of how many great books already grace my shelves. There’s also the issue of the Perth Writers Festival. Every year I tell myself I won’t buy any books – and every year I’m inspired by numerous local and visiting authors. So, I’m just not prepared to fight that one any more.
My real challenge is not reading per se, but actually taking time to write a review. Years ago, I was given a lovely Book Journal – and I’ve never used it! So, it’s coming down off the shelf to sit with whatever book I’m currently reading. Please feel free to give me a kick up the butt during the year if I haven’t reviewed anything, although I’ve reframed it by calling it a recommendation. I’ll only comment on a book if I’d be happy to lend it to you.
Wish me luck. Actually, I don’t really want to rely on luck – just some concentrated reading time will suffice!
