I’ve been contemplating my reading for the current year in light of making decisions for 2010. I want to tell you about some challenges I’m joining but first I should tell you this fact: in 2009 I signed up for 18 challenges. Yikes! How did that happen?
With all those challenges and the books I received from publishers and authors, my reading life became a “have-to” instead of a “I-want-to.” It was beginning to feel like a job and I knew I needed to make a change.
It seems I’m not the only book blogger who is feeling this way. Jennifer, the Literate Housewife, said it much better than I can in this post (read it here). She came to the conclusion that, for her, 2010 will be the Year of Reading Deliberately. I love that phrase. I’ve decided to join her.
What does this mean? For me, it means I’m going to be very deliberate in choosing my challenges and in saying yes (or no) to review copies. The books I read in 2010 will be those I really want to read and can get excited about.
To start with, I evaluated my challenges for 2009 and was surprised to find I had completed all but the Jane Austen challenge. That made me feel a little bit better – but wait – I’m still chanting my new mantra: de-lib-er-ate, de-lib-er-ate. Yes, I can do this. Therefore, here are the challenges I am now deliberately and carefully choosing to do:
100+ Reading Challenge It wasn’t a problem this year so I’m confident I can read at least 100 books in 2010. This challenge is sponsored by J. Kaye’s Book Blog. For more information, click the button above.
Support Your Local Library Challenge I’m going to commit to reading another 25 books from the library in 2010. I have such a fondness in my heart for libraries that I am deliberately staying with this challenge. This is another challenge sponsored by J.Kaye’s Book Blog. For more information, click the button above.
The next challenge I’ve chosen to join is for my own personal satisfaction. All my life I’ve been known to get very “righteous” about several causes. These are things I care about, which is why I joined the Women Unbound Challenge.(See my post here.)
The Social Justice Challenge is a year-long project concentrating on various social issues. Each month the focus will be on a different issue effecting our world. There are so many things I care about on the list. The goal is to read about the subject and then do a personal action step connected with that issue. I really like the personal involvement in this challenge. I’m hoping many other readers will join this project.
My commitment is to participate as an Activist at least six times during the year. The Social Justice Project is hosted by Amy, Hannah and Natasha. For complete information, visit the dedicated blog here or click on the button above.
I’m still reading the Agatha Christie novels and intend to continue that perpetual challenge. I enjoy mysteries and thrillers so much that I’ve decided to join the Thriller and Suspense Reading Challenge. I’m committing to 12 books. This challenge is sponsored by Book Chick City. Click the button for more information.
That’s it for right now. I have a lot more challenges I’m interested in joining, but I’m deliberately taking my time deciding on them. My plan is to post again next week with my final decisions. Now, tell me how you are doing on your reading plans for next year.
You’ve still got quite a few challenges going for 2010! I tend to avoid them for the most part, but when I do take on one, I like it, because it pushes me to do things I wouldn’t have done otherwise. Good luck with your deliberate reading plan!!!
Good for you! Good luck with your challenges and your reading!
Congratulations on finishing 17 challenges this year! Very impressive. I plan on finishing the Austen challenge today by watching Persuasion.
I decided to only choose 4 for 2010 and I’ve already chosen them. I decided not to join challenges that I knew I would accomplish anyway (100+ and the library), and like the 4 I’ve chosen. But I must say that you’ve tempted me with the Social Justice challenge. I may have to take a peek at that one. And if I end up signing up it will be all your fault!
Wow. 19 challenges last year!! Well, I’m thrilled that you chose the Social Justice Challenge for one of your challenges this year!!
That sounds like a healthy plan to me! I started off this year scrambling to finish Edgar Sawtelle and Anna Karenina back to back in January in time to participate in book group discussions online. It felt like homework – although I did enjoy both books and the conversations about them. So I decided to chillax the hell out and read what I wanted when I wanted and am a much happier Bumble. That’s why I turn down ARC’s and have toned down my book group schedule. So many interests – so little time. So when I find something that interests me, I spend as much time as I can with it. The quality is better that way.
Congratulations on completing your challenges. My plan is to read my own books. That said, the majority of challenges I will be involved with in 2010, I already have the books on my shelves. Books I want to read or reread. I’m being picky about the arcs or review books I accept, making sure they will fit in with my challenges. I don’t like the pressure of “having” to read something. Reading for me is my relaxation and for pleasure. So when I start feeling stressed about it, then I will re think, re organize, etc. I’m also doing Book chick City’s thriller challenge.
very interestingi post; it seems to me that you still have a lot of challenges. I think I’ll look up that Library one. That might work for me; we love libraries. Dumb question: How many books do you carry with you in the RV at one time? I have trouble sometimes finding room for a TBR pile in ours — that’s one thing I’ll enjoy about our canal cottage in Florida (when we get there).
Good for you! I am being a bit more realistic about challenges, but I look at them as fun. I really try to complete them, but if I fail, I don’t stress about it.
I have always loved reading but it has gotten away from me the last few years. Then on my birthday this year, I decided to buy a “from me-to me” gift for myself (books off course). Now that I have re-discovered my love for reading, I found “book-blogs” – who knew! And for the first time ever, I am entering a challenge (only one to get me started) to see if I am able to commit myself to it! I am joining the “100+ books challenge” from the J Kaye’ Book Blog. Wish me luck!
I think a lot of us are looking at 2010 like that!! I love the “deliberate reading” and will have to really remember that for the new year. I love to read and don’t want it to feel like a chore. I will be very selective in-regards to review books (accepting very few) only doing a couple of tours, and mostly concentrating on my library loot and personal library. You rocked those challenges Margot!!!
oh, you’ve picked some great challenges! I didn’t realize how closely the Social Justice Challenge ties in with the HALF THE SKY Mercy Corps/One Table challenge I posted about. Thanks for letting me know more about Natasha’s project; I’m going to look at the monthly schedule.
I think you’re very wise; book reading should not be a “have-to” sort of thing.
I’m doing a similar strategy, since I don’t read very quickly. I’ve started doing book reviews through Net Galley, which has a lot more university-level books. But I’ve realized I need to be close to finishing one before I ask for another, so I don’t have someone wondering why I haven’t done the review I promised.
Same strategy with Library Thing. I’m not requesting new books in any month where I have other reviews to catch up on.
And I’ve only joined one Challenge this year (the World Religion Challenge.
Welcome to the 100+ and the Support Your Local Library Reading Challenges. I am so glad you have decided to join us in the fun. 2010 is going to be a great year in reading. I can just feel it!
Good luck. It looks to be a great reading time for you in 2010.