I’ve just rounded on the big 5-0. Sure feels good!
No, I’m not celebrating my age – that’s a few years off – it’s my goal of reading 75 books in one year. In seven full months I’ve read 50 books and if all goes well I should clear my New Year’s goal and perhaps then some.
In looking at the list of books that I’ve thus far got under my belt – or at least filtered into my brain – it’s quite an eclectic list. But then it would be, considering that I was challenging myself to read the many books that I’ve got in bookcases around the house that I’ve been meaning to read. Along the way, though, I picked up a couple from the used bookstore, from the new books store, through my audio book collection and from friends who have kindly given me some of their favorites.
Here how the books stack up thus far:
30 fiction
20 non-fiction
Nine of the books deal with Nevada and the West because I am admittedly a genealogy nut and several of the books on hand are those that have been given to me or purchased by me to learn more about the land my two sets of great-great grandparents emigrated to in the 1860s. Those titles include:
Comstock Women: The Making of a Mining Community Edited by Ron James and Liz Raymond; Saucer Eyes by Eulah Croson Lauckes; The Deep Blue Memory by Monique Urza (Laxalt); The Money & the Power by Sally Denton & Roger Morris; The Mountains of California by John Muir; Where Are All the Magpies? By Patty A. Melton; William Morris Stewart (various authors- Nevada Historical Society); The Ox Bow Incident by Walter Van Tilburg Clark; Sun Mountain by Richard S. Wheeler.
Thirteen of the 50 I consider literary classics. Though an English major many moons ago in college, the emphasis was on writing, not literature, so these remained unread until this reading binge came on. In alpha order they are:
Emma (Jane Austen)
Fairy Tales (Hans Christian Andersen)
O! Pioneers (Willa Cather)
One of Ours (Willa Cather)
Roughing It (Mark Twain)
Short Stories (F. Scott Fitzgerald)
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (unk)
The Age of Innocence (Edith Wharton)
The Legend of Sleepy Hallow (Washington Irving)
The Odyssey (Homer)
The Red Badge of Courage (Stephen Crane)
Uncle Tom’s Cabin (Harriett Beacher Stowe)
OK, I admit, I did read the Odyssey back in the day, but it is very much worth the re-read.
A few spiritual ones – or at least books that explore other religions — sped on my reading bender: Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller, The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs, and Postville by Stephen Bloom. Bloom’s book is not actually spiritual, or religious, but is a study in Orthodox Jewish-Midwest Iowa relations. Still, educational in terms of orthodox beliefs. One other self-help book to add to the melting pot was The Majesty of Calmness by William George Jordan.
Biographies. Oh, I’ve read a few. Eight people who probably seldom if ever met – Steve Jobs (by Walter Issacson); Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer (Irene Gut); Then Again (by Diane Keaton); Chronicles I (by Bob Dylan); Killing Bono: I was Bonno’s Doppelgänger (Neil McCormick) and the three bios from my Nevada list. Now, tell me, should I have Walden by Henry David Thoreau in with biographies or under classics? Maybe that one can be termed classically autobiographical. But by that standard, so then would be Roughing It, by Mark Twain.
Along the way, I read a few “juvenile” books that our daughters have wanted me to check out. The Indian in the Cupboard (by Lynne Reid Banks), The Book Thief (by Marcus Zusek) and the Secret Dragon Society (by Adeline Yeri Mah).
I like my historical novels by the wheelbarrow load. So far, besides those mentioned above, my list includes Brighton Beach Boys in the Radio Service about World War I, The Dovekeepers set in the first century in Israel, The Other Boleyn Girl occurring in 16th century England, Mary Barton set in 19th century England’s Industrial Age, and I Heard the Owl Call My Name about Canadian Native life. One further book that is actually non-fiction, but reads like a novel because it’s knitted together so well, was Manhunt, about the quest to track down John Wilkes Booth after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.
I threw in two Arthur Connan Doyle Sherlock Holmes books: A Study in Scarlett and The Hound of the Baskervilles. And one science fiction – the Invisible Man by H.G. Wells.
Human beings need their comedy – though these are plainly outdated, I do enjoy PG Wodehouse and therefore read My Man Jeeves and the Adventures of Sally.
Two disappointments (and this is why I avoid a lot of best sellers) were The Mermaid’s Chair by Sue Monk Kidd (so sad, because The Secret Life of Bees was exceptional) and Wicked by Gregory Maguire. Truly insipid.
Rounding the 50 out were two books on economics that I do so highly recommend: Boomerang by Michael Lewis and Nickeled and Dimed: On Not Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich.
Do I have a favorite? I cannot choose from one of my “children,” though a couple will be relegated to the attic and some of the others may get a further review on this blog. So far, it’s been a fun and rewarding book journey. I’m proud of myself for setting this goal for 2012 and honestly looking forward to augmenting this list with oodles of titles in the next five months of the year.
Mikalee Byerman
Aug 08, 2012 @ 17:05:16
I live in Northern Nevada…so your list of Nevada/Western book sounds particularly appealing. Thanks for the recommendations — and congrats on your success! 🙂
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 18:30:00
I love our history here, don’t you? My mother’s side came to Virginia City from Ireland in 1863, making me a 5th generation. As I read these books, I imagine “my people” in those dusty streets and underground in the mines, creating a life in a new, strange place. Fascinating how books can set the scene.
Mikalee Byerman
Aug 08, 2012 @ 18:34:21
I do love our history — it’s addictive once you start digging through it! I recently stayed at the Cobb Mansion in Virginia City for a story I’m writing for RENO Magazine. The owners there are so FULL of incredibly cool information, anecdotes and history-buff-style trivia. I also stayed at the Gold Hill Hotel — such a cool place!
talleygilly
Aug 08, 2012 @ 17:05:56
A great list–this is inspiring me to write down what I read each year (I don’t currently and as I get older I have difficulty recalling the titles!). I loved Nickleled and Dimed also – since I read that years ago I always leave feel compelled to straighten up hotel rooms whenever I travel and leave extra change for the hotel staff. It always humbles me to think of the hard work so many people face every day just to get by. And congrats on making Freshly Pressed today!
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 17:58:01
Because the author really lived it, instead of interviewing the people who work low-wage jobs, you really have a sense of the treadmill life. When she was working the two jobs simultaneously — it really clicked. Books so connect us all with worlds we never would see!
stateofthebook
Aug 08, 2012 @ 21:56:58
It wasn’t until I began to keep a list of books read that I began to truly pursue reading. It helped me see that I was bad reader and could improve alot. Hope you experience a new level of reading as you start recording your reads. You can see mine here: http://stateofthebook.wordpress.com/books/
Happy travels through your books.
saladcheese
Aug 08, 2012 @ 17:18:04
I really like the mix of classic and post-modern — good luck with the rest of the year!
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 18:10:59
I’m currently reading a Geography book and plan on cracking some Hemingway next. I have a few to choose from — do you have a recommend by him? Wish me luck!
saladcheese
Aug 09, 2012 @ 00:31:47
My Hemingway order of preference is The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arm, For Whom the Bell Tolls, The Short Stories, then anything else. But you can’t go too wrong with The Old Man and the Sea. Be prepared, though: he writes fiction like a newspaper reporter sometimes.
lexifate
Aug 08, 2012 @ 17:22:40
I love your goal. I try to read several books a month actually and try to bounce between those that are things I want to work on or learn more about and what I call my fun fiction. I loved Jane Austin when I was in high school and find myself looking at them again in the bookstore. Congrats on being so close and you can totally do it.
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 17:52:56
Thank you! I so love the support in the whole blogworld!
jenniesisler
Aug 08, 2012 @ 18:20:44
What a fantastic post! COngratulations on being Freshly Pressed:)
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 18:35:18
Thanks! I’m verklempt! It came out the blue. 🙂
David
Aug 08, 2012 @ 17:57:41
I don’t like to think of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” as a classic even though it’s considered one. Stowe’s writing style is way too melodramatic and the characters too one dimensional. It’s more of a classic in terms of its place in history. Otherwise, nice picks.
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 18:18:02
It’s true. I had to play with some of the “Is it a classic” or not. In her time, she was the best selling author next to the bible. Perhaps she belongs there instead 🙂
Jeanmarie Simpson
Aug 08, 2012 @ 18:06:28
Gracias a ti, hermana!
Kathleen Berry
Aug 08, 2012 @ 18:15:53
I love this concept and wish I had the time to carve out to spend the time reading such treasures. Thank you for sharing this with us and congrats on getting this wonderful exposure.
alleyandthemovies
Aug 08, 2012 @ 18:25:31
Congratulations! You’ll make your New Year’s goal in no time. I’ve already bookmarked some of these on Amazon. 🙂 I also review novels in a series called Book Vs. Film, where I compare a book and its film adaptation. http://randomfilmbuff.com/2012/08/02/d-6/
Thanks!
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 18:38:23
I will certainly check it out! I just finished Oscar Wilde’s play, an Ideal Husband and then found out it’s a movie with Julianne Moore and Rupert Everett. I wonder how it gets the modern treatment.
alleyandthemovies
Aug 08, 2012 @ 19:09:18
Oscar Wilde is fantastic. Hopefully the movie does it justice 🙂
Naomi
Aug 09, 2012 @ 03:22:13
Excellent reading list! I love Wodehouse, too, and while I liked Emma, I prefer Pride and Prejudice. I noticed in the comments above that you were looking into movie adaptations of Wilde. If you’re watching An Ideal Husband, I beg you to also watch The Importance of Being Earnest (with Colin Firth, Rupert Everett, Reese Witherspoon, Anna Massey and Tom Wilkinson). It’s the funniest thing I’ve ever watched.
playfulmeanderings
Aug 09, 2012 @ 03:49:49
I prefer P&P, too. Emma is Shakespearesque in mistaken identity and miscues. I like the Taming of the Shrew change in Emma, as a character, as well. But much more happens, plot wise in P&P and of course, there’s Mr. Darcy. Sounds like a great movie!
jessjots
Aug 08, 2012 @ 18:38:15
This is awesome! As an English teacher, I really feel like I should try something similar 🙂
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 18:43:54
Do! Do! It’s been a joy and all my family have been supportive. Always suggesting a book and trying to get “their” recommend next in my queue. I have purposely tried to mix it up, genre-wise, so it makes the reading more compelling.
Jean
Aug 08, 2012 @ 18:46:26
Strangely I’m not drawn to reading older literary classics (meaning written centuries ago). And haven’t been for many years. I graduated in English lit.
I read lots of non-fiction now. Not sure what that indicates.
But enjoy your reading journey.
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 18:55:04
I go back and forth. That’s why I’ve got 30 fiction and 20 non fiction so far. I think being ecletic feeds my whole brain — which was part of the book binge. I hope to stop by your blog soon!
StetotheJ
Aug 08, 2012 @ 18:49:25
That’s one eclectic list you’ve read there. I guess there is so much more that I have never even heard of which will now have to be read. Congratulations on the big 5-0.
the_lunatic
Aug 08, 2012 @ 18:50:32
Lovely goal and great taste in books 🙂
salaamreaders
Aug 08, 2012 @ 18:51:24
Seventy five books in a year is an ambitious goal and you have already read fifty in seven months! Great going and good luck.
StaceyMaisch
Aug 08, 2012 @ 19:19:48
What an amazing goal you have set for yourself! I know I could do 50 in a year, maybe even 60. But 75? I honestly don’t know if I could do it. I love to read and have a Great Books page on my blog, too. But I just don’t know if I could tackle this challenge. Especially with the heavy titles you have selected. Way to go, though! You’re inspiring! And congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 19:25:04
Gosh, thanks! I definitely have more dishes in the sink and I stay up a lot later than I used to, ha, ha. My mother says I’m doing it to filter out the political discourse — could be! The thing is, my brain just feels better. I’m lighter and brighter. Hoping to check out all the bloggers out there that I’ve met today by being freshly pressed!
bicycle
Aug 08, 2012 @ 19:33:24
30 fiction
20 nonfiction
0 Poetry
Why read 100 pages when 100 words will suffice?
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 19:58:57
Humbled am I by your observation.
What do you suggest?
The Smile Scavenger
Aug 08, 2012 @ 19:41:31
Wow! 50 books so far this year? You are my hero(ine)!
Do you have a Goodreads account? Fair warning: if you make one, your to-read book list will become seemingly insurmountable. It takes your ratings on books and generates books you might want to read… ah, I can spend hours on there!
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 20:00:51
I do have a Goodreads account? And you’re right — it’s exponentially a mountain. I do like to go on there to read about authors and scope around for ideas. What do you like to read?
The Smile Scavenger
Aug 08, 2012 @ 20:07:32
Everything! Lately, historical fiction and “The Tao of Pooh”. 🙂 Here is my “read” bookshelf if you care to look (if you’d like to be my Goodreads friend, I’d love to read your reviews and if not, that’s totally fine too!).
http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/7404444-amber?shelf=read
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 20:13:03
I surely will become a Goodreads friend. Passion for books, that’s what we book geeks do!
The Smile Scavenger
Aug 08, 2012 @ 20:27:54
Thanks! I really must be a book geek because I let out an involuntary squeal when you replied! I’m always excited to meet more literary pals. 🙂
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 20:29:57
I gotta say, this 15 minutes a la Andy Warhol sure is fun!
Kat Mortensen
Aug 08, 2012 @ 19:45:19
May I suggest Wilkie Collins’s “The Woman in White”? I read it not long ago and it immediately jumped into my “best book I’ve ever read” category.
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 20:02:13
Definitely. I will add. This is kinda why I started to blog — to get insites on what else is out there!
Scribbler
Aug 08, 2012 @ 19:58:19
Lovely Post! And I sincerely hope you finish your goal!
Adieu, scribbler
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 20:09:53
Thanks!Sure am having fun with it! AND blogging too.
Scribbler
Aug 08, 2012 @ 20:10:31
My pleasure!
Adieu, scribbler
Anne M.
Aug 08, 2012 @ 19:59:48
Willa Cather! YES! My favorite author. So glad she made your list!
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 20:11:40
Have you read both (One of Ours and O Pioneers!)? I want to add My Antonia next. Which of hers is your favorite?
Kristin
Aug 08, 2012 @ 20:44:10
Congrats! What a list — you’ve inspired me.
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 20:56:27
Kristin! You are a fun writer — you should blog! Hope you will — I will follow you.
candelacouture
Aug 08, 2012 @ 21:13:04
PERFECT LIST! can you look at my fashion website candelacouture.com, i would love to have your opinion on my post, its fairly new 🙂
Thanks
newfanglednative
Aug 08, 2012 @ 21:16:02
I am impressed with your goal that you have set! You have inspired me to make an effort to read more books!
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 21:25:25
I will be rooting for you!
Molly
Aug 08, 2012 @ 21:35:46
What a wonderful and inspiring goal! You will certainly beat your goal of 75, I think you will even surpass it. Candide is one of my favorite books, but I am more of a mystery fiction junkie (James Patterson and the like). I always buy and make mental notes to read some more impressive literature like those on your list but have never gotten around to it all….but now I am inspired. Maybe this shall be my goal in 2013 – to conquer a whole list of books I’ve never gotten around to reading but SO SO want to! Thanks for sharing!
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 21:54:58
I think we are drawn to what makes sense at the time. So many of these have been languishing on my shelves until the time was right. Because I like puzzles, I like mysteries. Because I like history, I like historical novels. I just think books feed us in so many ways. And blogging, well it helps us to share our passions, right? Thanks for the encouragement today!
Molly
Aug 08, 2012 @ 22:28:55
Could not agree more 🙂 Keep up the good work!
stateofthebook
Aug 08, 2012 @ 21:40:33
Congrats on getting to 50 so quickly and good luck on finishing out the goal. I began the year intending to reach 75, my previous high was 53, but graduate work has slowed me way down and I’ll probably miss it. Also thank you for reading a variety of books and for intentionally doing so, it encourages me to see readers do this. As you pick your next books I’d suggest, not that you need any suggestions, Jorge Luis Borges’ Ficciones or Labyrinths. Either collection will provide you with an incredible read from the great Argentine master. It’ll add a new dimension to your literary experience I promise. Good luck on the next 25 and I look forward to some reviews of these.
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 21:59:02
Yes, yes, and yes. A dear friend says I need more South American Lit. Isabelle Allende and Gabriel García Márquez are as close as I have come. AND if I can’t squeeze them into 2012 — there’s always 2013! What are you studying?
stateofthebook
Aug 08, 2012 @ 22:18:46
I’m currently getting my Masters of Arts in Theology at a seminary in North Central Texas. Between Greek, Hebrew, and Latin I just haven’t had much time to read. But when I do it provides me with an escape that is wonderful.
Borges was probably one of the greatest influences on Marquez so you should definitely check his work out and honestly he was the greatest/most important writer that continent produced, IMO.
paulworthingtonjr
Aug 08, 2012 @ 21:57:14
An amazing post and an inspiring goal.
righterskramp
Aug 08, 2012 @ 22:09:53
A quick, but worthwhile, read is Room: A Novel. I also enjoyed Stephen King’s 11/22/63, which is not scary in the slightest, by the way. Congratulations on your being freshly pressed today!
inkandpages
Aug 08, 2012 @ 22:30:33
Just a wee correction: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow was written by Washington Irving, not Booker Washington 😀
playfulmeanderings
Aug 08, 2012 @ 22:40:10
Wince! Thanks for letting me know. Fellow bloggers, is is Kosher for me to make the edit? I think yes, yes?
kollshi17
Aug 08, 2012 @ 22:47:59
thank you
Saraswathi Sripada
Aug 08, 2012 @ 23:40:28
That’s a good list. Adding to my to-read booklist. Thank you.
Kimberly
Aug 09, 2012 @ 00:44:05
Have you heard of http://www.goodreads.com? I just recently discovered it and it’s so amazing to have a contantly accessible list of the books I’ve read and want to read without wondering where I put that scrap of paper…. search my email address kimberly@kimberlycave.ca – I’d love to see your whole life list of books. I’m still working on remembering all the books I’ve read! Let your daughters check out the list – I have read some AMAZING children’s/teen fiction. I have to admit it’s becoming a favourite genre of mine this year especially as I am having a tough time finding gripping adult reading. Congrats on Freshly Pressed and reading so many books in such a short time! Woo!
playfulmeanderings
Aug 09, 2012 @ 02:54:40
I am on Goodreads. I’ve got a lot of books logged in there, but like you, it’s difficult to recall the titles. I will find you on there and share your list. Thanks for kudos — it’s been like a surprise party with surprise guests all day!
CuppaHeaven
Aug 09, 2012 @ 00:47:46
This is inspiring. I do jot down a to-read list but I don’t keep track of books that I have read or keep a target. Looking forward to your next 25 recommendations!
playfulmeanderings
Aug 09, 2012 @ 02:52:08
I had never kept track before, but it does add up. Just like anything in life, having a goal, keeping a promise to yourself, stimulates the results! I’m hoping the next 25 are just as eclectic and quirky.
skip s
Aug 09, 2012 @ 01:21:05
Hi, so glad there are still people who read! WHen all else fails, I have been known to read cereal boxes!
If you can handle the darkness, try some Cormac McCarthy.
Here’s a suggestion for your list, an E-book I just published, “Six Inches Tall”. Think of it as a healthy, but delicious snack.
It’s a fully illustrated tale about a six inch tall girl and her life-journey. It looks like a kids book, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. It’s not easy to classify but you might really like it. I can send you a link for a free one if you’re interested. Check out our site, there’s a free chapter, trailers and more.
thanks,
playfulmeanderings
Aug 09, 2012 @ 02:49:09
Definitely — The Road is waiting for me in the bookcase next to the bed. As for your book, I would be honored. Thank you for seeking me out.
skip snaith
Aug 09, 2012 @ 23:37:28
Dear Playful,
re: Six Inches Tall
I mispoke (or mis-typed as it were).
It turns out I can’t send the link myself, the e-junky system that handles our file has to send the link. This means I need to put an e-mail address into the system to which they will send the actual download link. Hope that’s OK. The links are time sensitive, they expire in a few days…
akrostikon
Aug 09, 2012 @ 02:22:17
Wow, impressive! Think I’m gonna do the same
playfulmeanderings
Aug 09, 2012 @ 02:47:15
It’s been a very pleasurable journey. I have found great treasures in my stacks!
Melissa Kotler Schwartz
Aug 09, 2012 @ 02:35:14
I love your book list! Here’s a book that I would add to the list: Mrs. Bridge by Evan Connell.
Melissa Kotler Schwartz
http://www.strangersihaveknown.com
playfulmeanderings
Aug 09, 2012 @ 02:45:02
Thank you. Totally looks like my alley!
Isabelle's Blog
Aug 09, 2012 @ 03:39:17
Mrs. Bridge is one of my all time favorite books (I am a english lit major) and Mr. Bridge is DEF worth a read as well. And I agree: Mermaid Chair SUCH a disappointment, along with maybe all the NYT best sellers I’ve ever read.
I would add Of Human Bondage to the list by Maugn, and I think you would LOVE Ruth Reichl.
playfulmeanderings
Aug 09, 2012 @ 03:45:00
Oh! Fellow “Of Human Bondage” fan! You are the only person I’ve known to mention that wonder. Swoon. Ok, Mrs. Bridge add.
vincentborgese
Aug 09, 2012 @ 02:50:45
If you hadn’t mentioned your recent purchase of several books, I’d swear you just bought a Kindle. SInce all the classics you mentioned are in the public domain, as you know, you can download them for free. Great art, for free! Congratulations on your achievement. No, this isn’t an ad for Amazon. I’m just cheap, and floored by the technology, today, we take for granted.
playfulmeanderings
Aug 09, 2012 @ 03:27:51
I have not gone the kindle route (me=cheap, 2) but I have dabbled in some free audio books to check out that route. Thank you for visiting my blog. It’s been fun to connect with so many nice people!
mandyevebarnett
Aug 09, 2012 @ 03:20:46
Trying to determine a favorite book is like choosing a favorite child – impossible. I do have books I re-read every couple of years..Ferney by James Long, all Kate Morton’s books, The Thirteenth Tale…more but I would fill up your blog LOL. My newest favorite so far is The Map of Time by Felix de Palma – which has H G Wells as a time traveller, which is cool considering his Tiem Machine novel. I wish you luck and I’m sure your list will grow for another year. P.S. I studied Greek & Roman literature in school and went through lots of classics including Homer & The Iliad.
itsmecherry
Aug 09, 2012 @ 07:35:44
I found your humor very interesting. 😀 I had a wonderful time reading this.
cartoonmick
Aug 09, 2012 @ 07:49:45
I’m not a great reader of books, but I admire your setting and (almost) achieving your goal. Well done.
vand3
Aug 09, 2012 @ 08:16:39
great……… stevens johnson syndrome
becomingcliche
Aug 09, 2012 @ 09:20:38
I recommend The First American. It’s an autobiography of Ben Franklin that reads like a novel. So compelling!
playfulmeanderings
Aug 09, 2012 @ 13:04:30
I have been looking for a “Ben” book. Thanks for the recommend!
Mr.Jay
Aug 09, 2012 @ 09:35:07
Good list. Just get inspired.
Nordie
Aug 09, 2012 @ 11:50:51
I use Goodreads to keep track of those books I read each year. My original target was 50 this year (down from last years 90 odd) because there were a number of thick books on my TBR list, so thought it would slow me down. However, I’ve hit the 50 mark, without reading those thick books, so like you, my next target is 75. My books are almost exclusively fiction – I’m not a big fan of non fiction books.
LibraryThing do a monthly Early Reviewers compitition, where you can put your name forward (and maybe even “win”) free copies of books. Goodreads has a similar thing, but I have recieved more books via LT.
playfulmeanderings
Aug 09, 2012 @ 13:24:14
I will have to check out LibraryThing. That’s a new one to me. Good for you on your goals!
elvishjesusfreak
Aug 09, 2012 @ 12:59:56
I love this idea! Books and reading are my favorite! 🙂 I’m glad to read about someone who reads as much as I do!
littlecitybot
Aug 09, 2012 @ 13:04:35
ahhh sir gawain and the green knight is a brilliant read! all f scott fitzgerald i approve of as well. the age of innocence is great too. the odyssey was a bit of a let down for me though. homer in general. i can’t commend thoreau – sorry! 😉 but i adored the other boleyn girl but the rest of the series wasn’t as good.
nice to meet a fellow former english major 🙂 thanks for sharing! x
playfulmeanderings
Aug 09, 2012 @ 13:22:01
Admittedly Thoreau was one of my bigger challenges. I chose him because I had just read the Mountains of Calif by John Muir and Muir adored Thoreau and emulated him. I didn’t have as much trouble with his writing as some of his bold stances. Then he would turn me around just as quickly on another point. Daunting. What are you reading now?
Nodds & Nends: Books lists, a Pretty Ursula, and a Crazy Cat Lady Costume « Absurdly Nerdly
Aug 09, 2012 @ 13:47:04
moxey
Aug 09, 2012 @ 15:11:25
We’ve read many of the same books.
I devoured The Dovekeepers. It’s been a long time since I’ve been so consumed by a book.
I felt the same way about The Mermaid Chair, considering The Secret Life of Bees is one of my favorites.
Let me recommend The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, if you haven’t already put it on your list.
I’d like to friend you on Goodreads. How should I search you out?
playfulmeanderings
Aug 09, 2012 @ 15:50:35
Isn’t it great to share? Of course — here is my Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9631337-emelie , but I since I have been reading so much, it’s not as accurate right now – ie what I’m reading now. It seems like an easy way to keep track of books though and a fun way to meet readers of passion.
Eliza Shane
Aug 09, 2012 @ 15:30:20
Inspiring! Most of my life I’ve been a voracious reader, but lately have had little time to devote to that passion. I’ve been working on The Mists of Avalon for over A YEAR now! I’m a current English major, and as you indicated, there is a lot more writing than reading going on! Maybe I should start a list of all those books I want to read after I graduate :-).
playfulmeanderings
Aug 09, 2012 @ 15:55:25
I feel like reading, as with life, has its ebbs and flows. 🙂 It’s an itch I always want to scratch, but time is a huge factor. And sometimes I mentally just can’t give the book the justice it deserves. However, good books are like good freinds who will wait for us.
Kaushik
Aug 10, 2012 @ 02:30:46
Nice! My goal is 50 books this year. I have completed 28 books so far.
playfulmeanderings
Aug 10, 2012 @ 03:35:23
Great! What are you reading?
Sharon Satterfield
Aug 10, 2012 @ 16:38:16
Congratulations on getting to 50! This post is great and as I have read through most of the comments it is also inspiring to many people. I wish you the best of luck in getting to 75!
I’m actually in the predicament that I’m having to slow down how much I read. I was spending way to much money on books. I have a tendency to go through 3-4 books a day. I still read a lot and am always picking up new books.
Recently, in fact yesterday I picked up a book I have been wanting to read for quite sometime just hadn’t gotten to get it yet. It’s “Three Cups of Tea – by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin”
Anyways, best of luck and thanks for an awesome post.
~ Sharon
playfulmeanderings
Aug 10, 2012 @ 16:58:14
Wow! Stellar reader — that would run up the tab with 3-4 books. My workplace just dedicated a booknook for us to do a book exchange. It’s one way to curb costs by sharing. Three Cups of Tea shows that one person can make a difference and I learned a lot about the various cultures. Enjoy!
Sharon Satterfield
Aug 10, 2012 @ 17:11:08
Thank you, I’ve been looking forward to reading it for some time and happened to come upon it yesterday while at Goodwill.
dellasman
Aug 10, 2012 @ 17:21:40
Enjoyable post. Reading lists are as individualistic as the lines on our faces. My biggest problem is avoiding reading several books simultaneously. But I’ve been keeping a reading list since I read Henry Miller back in the Sixties. He had the most ambitious reading list I’ve ever encountered.
playfulmeanderings
Aug 10, 2012 @ 19:47:40
That’s a great analogy. With this goal I’ve set, I’ve often got two books going — one on the nightstand and one wherever I’m on the go, but it can make you feel a little ADD, ha, ha. Good for you keeping a list. I wonder as you look back on it if your reading tastes change. Fill us in. I’ve intentionally chosen a variety to feed all parts of my brain and personality.
dellasman
Aug 10, 2012 @ 20:39:33
My list, everchanging, is as eclectic as yours. Factors as significant as something I’m at work on or as mundane as the time of day play a role, I find. I would guess my reading is fairly evenly divided between fiction, non-fiction, and biography.
renogalsays
Aug 15, 2012 @ 02:03:15
This is an impressive list. Congratulations on reading fifty books so far. I know you will reach your goal seventy-five. I really like your book list (it’s inspiring). I look forward to perusing some of these titles.
playfulmeanderings
Aug 15, 2012 @ 02:15:17
Thanks so much, Renogal!
GreedyFrog
Aug 15, 2012 @ 05:42:14
Hi! Have you ever read anything by Jasper Fforde? If you haven’t yet, may I recommend that you add “the Eyre Affair” to your next list? Judging from the list above, there is a good chance you might like it!
playfulmeanderings
Aug 15, 2012 @ 13:15:54
This is why I like blogging — learning new things! I will have to look up Jasper Fforde. I love a modern take or twist on a classic. By the way, your blog name and concept is so clever. I shall be following.
GreedyFrog
Aug 15, 2012 @ 19:46:07
Thank you so much! 🙂
ellekelly
Aug 15, 2012 @ 18:03:52
Dear Playful,
This is such a fun and inspiring post, as are the comments! Thanks for flushing all the book readers out of the bushes. It’s so heartening to know that there are plenty of folks that still prefer the expanded imagination to the mind numbing TV screen. I envy your prodigious reading ability – I’m lucky to complete a book a month. You’re my gold medal Olympiad for 2012!
playfulmeanderings
Aug 15, 2012 @ 18:21:17
I agree — that post did show that people love to read. Though reading is a solitary activity, it feels like we’re all in it together. Thanks for the kudos; what do you like to read?
lautal
Sep 06, 2012 @ 12:17:22
Today not a lot of people read books especially old and classic. This is why your passion impressed me. People mostly looking for the information in the internet and do not bother to read a real books with the interesting content. Good luck with your goal.
playfulmeanderings
Sep 06, 2012 @ 18:25:28
Thanks! I’m having a great time with this and even when I meet the goal, I’ll keep going. I love your photographs on your blog. You have a keen eye.
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marlajayne
Sep 12, 2012 @ 19:43:52
I was relieved to see that I’d read a few of these books…and that we feel the same way about them. Nickel and Dimed is one of those that made a deep impression on me. I will never go to Wal-Mart again without thinking of her time there as a “Wal-Martian.” I think it was a sobering experience for the author and an awareness raising one for me.
chris9911
Dec 20, 2012 @ 03:39:51
I’m just little late to the party, but GRATZ on getting freshly pressed! You are a mean lean reading machine.lol. I love the title and I love your passion for books 🙂
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