Bookworm

A couple of weeks ago I was updating one of my many spreadsheets, the one entitled "Books." It has a multitude of book lists: ones I own, ones I've lent out, favorite books, books of favorite authors, four different "must read" compilations, as well as books I planned to read during each of the past four years. It was in updating the current year's list in this last category when I had a moment of inspiration.

In the past, I've used these yearly tabs to remind myself of books I wanted to read, either from a friend's suggestion, a "must read" list, or something I own but haven't read. Usually they hover around 20-30, many are checked off while others get carried forward to the next year. But in adding to the 2009 list, I became curious as to how many books I actually read each year - these aren't comprehensive because many things I just pick up and read, without writing it down.

So, I decided to keep track this year. And, because I'm all about the numbers and stats, to set the goal of reading 100 books this year. It didn't sound like too many at first, until it was pointed out that this is the equivalent of 1 book every 3 1/2 days. But I like to be optimistic, plus I had already read 18 books through the second week in March, leaving only 7 needed for the first quarter of the year.

While I've decided to include any books no matter the length, difficulty, or whether I've read it 10 times already, I'm not planning to "cheat" and read all easy stuff (as I have been accused - believe me, I own enough Children's books to read well past the 100 mark). The queue of books I want to read is never ending, so I don't think that will be a temptation. I've added to the sidebar my shelf from the cool Shelfari site of what I am currently reading, in my four typical categories: Fiction, NonFiction, Literature, and Children's/Young Adult.

First Quarter
So it's the end of the first quarter - a good measuring point - and I'm just one shy of the 25. Below is the shelf of the 24, in the order read:

• 2 nonfiction
• 2 fiction
• 2 children's/ya
• 3 series (Anne of Green Gables, Twilight, and Harry Potter)

Clearly, the literature genre is suffering, but Oliver is swiftly moving through London. And while I would classify all the series books as "easy reads," I'm giving myself a break since this plan only started 2 weeks ago.


So, 24 down and 76 to go (well, hopefully 75 after tonight). Anyone have some suggestions? I do have about 20 queued up, but always willing for input. Just don't be offended if they aren't at the top of the list, they all have to wait their turn :)