A Reflection On My 2018 Reading List-54 Books in 52 Weeks

    In 2018 I read 54 books, with my goal being one book per week, and while I know there are people who are able to read far and away more than this, it was quite a task for me.  However, I really enjoyed this challenge and it taught me a few things when it comes to reading and spending time with a book. Many people think reading is a leisure activity, which it is, or that it’s a waste of time, which it isn’t, when there is so much else one could be doing.  I disagree on these negative views.

    Taking time for calm, quiet, and something that brings you joy is important.  While some people say they aren’t readers, it’s like the old adage, they just haven’t found the right book.  So, while I hope “non-readers” would find works they enjoy, for those of us that do read, I would challenge you to set a lofty reading goal, be it on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis.  

    A book a week was difficult for me and at times I would read two smaller novels in a week to give me extra time to read a larger one, but I averaged a book per week and got past my goal of 52 books.  Doing this though, as I said, taught me a few important things about what you need in order to read a lot of books, no matter what that looks like for you.

    First, you have to budget your time and make reading a priority.  Some people can dive deep in a book in a crowded space while many of us need a quieter space.  No matter your preference, take a moment to make sure it’s a time and area where you’re able to shut out the world and focus on the story you’re reading.  I know so many people who say they’re “too busy” to read, but few of us rarely have oodles of free time. You have to make time.  Obviously, reading is enjoyable if you’ve got the right book(s) but taking the time to just shut down for a bit was incredibly helpful for me in 2018.

    Second, be picky about what you read.  I used to be the type of person who would finish a book no matter how terrible it was or how little I enjoyed it.  I did this because, as a wannabe novelist, I believe it’s important to know what both bad and good writing looks/sounds like.  However, when your goal is a book a week, for most readers like me, it’s important to be intolerant of books you’re not enjoying for the sake of time.  Mind you, don’t drop a book at the first hint of it slowing down, sometimes a great book may wane a bit, but don’t be afraid to be picky.

    Finally, don’t be afraid to take extra time with a book you enjoy.  I know most of us will devour a book we love in a few sittings, which is fine, but I also know folks who will read small bits of a book they love, just to make it last a little longer.  In these cases, though, mind your time and stay on the track you’ve set.

    I know it’s not easy to stop and read sometimes but setting a goal that is above your normal reading volume will force you to shuffle things around and you may find, just like a good editor, you’ve been able to cut some of the waste and unimportant parts from the story of your day.