Ah, January. New beginnings and all that entails. But there’s a reason this month is named for that good old two-faced Roman god. Looking back is just as important as looking forward, and often, a good place to start any new venture. So before I began setting reading goals, joining more reading challenges, and adding more to my pile on the bedside table, I thought it would be good to take a few minutes to reflect on the past year. And since this was the first year I had kept track of every single book I read (guilty pleasures and all), I was eagerly anticipating reviewing my list in its entirety. And it’s a pretty impressive list, if I do say so myself! 125 books, neatly categorized and rated on Goodreads. At least, I thought it was impressive…
When I heard that the New York Times Book Review had released their annual list of 100 notable books for 2010 (
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/05/books/review/100-notable-books-2010.html
), I couldn’t wait to compare my list to theirs. With my vast reading selection and varied interests, there were bound to be some match ups. Much to my chagrin, I had only read 2 of the fiction books on the list, and none of the non-fiction. “Well,” (I reasoned with myself ) “you own a USED bookstore! Most of the books you read this year are a little more, well, aged. They’re probably on the 2009 list”. Uh, nope. Zip. Zero. Not one. 2008? Again, only 2 books. Ugh. So I’m asking the question: What does this say about my reading habits? Have I become increasingly lazy, turning to the pages of escapist thrillers or chick lit? And is there anything wrong with that? If my customers are any indication, my reading habits are pretty normal, maybe even a cut above some. (I’m thinking in particular of that certain type of woman who reads solely paranormal romance, or the man who has never read anything unless it features a cowboy, an Indian, a horse, or some combination thereof on the cover).
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/05/books/review/100-notable-books-2010.html
), I couldn’t wait to compare my list to theirs. With my vast reading selection and varied interests, there were bound to be some match ups. Much to my chagrin, I had only read 2 of the fiction books on the list, and none of the non-fiction. “Well,” (I reasoned with myself ) “you own a USED bookstore! Most of the books you read this year are a little more, well, aged. They’re probably on the 2009 list”. Uh, nope. Zip. Zero. Not one. 2008? Again, only 2 books. Ugh. So I’m asking the question: What does this say about my reading habits? Have I become increasingly lazy, turning to the pages of escapist thrillers or chick lit? And is there anything wrong with that? If my customers are any indication, my reading habits are pretty normal, maybe even a cut above some. (I’m thinking in particular of that certain type of woman who reads solely paranormal romance, or the man who has never read anything unless it features a cowboy, an Indian, a horse, or some combination thereof on the cover).
So, is this “reading identity crisis” going to affect my habits for 2011? Should I set the bar a little higher this year, perhaps including more non-fiction in the TBR pile, thus exercising my brain, and making me at least appear more intellectual? Or, do I continue as I have been, reading what I love, and loving what I’m reading? Stay tuned…
