I don't usually set a goal number for books to read but usually, I read about 100 books each year. This year I read 130. Sometimes I forget to write down the audiobooks that I listen to but this is fairly close to my yearly number. Of course, I read a lot of middle grades which are usually faster books to read. Makes my book totals add up faster. Again, this is not a race.
And here are my goals:
I like to listen to book podcasts when I walk and so I have three favorites that I stay up to date with their shows. They are: From the Front Porch, The Currently Reading Podcast, and What Should I Read Next with Anne Bogel. These shows keep me updated on what books I might want to read. None of the hosts are my book twins but I do get many good suggestions. I just love listening to people talk about reading and loving books.
Book of the Month
Read at least one Book of the Month book each month.
I want to stay caught up. This is my second year with this book subscription service and I enjoy choosing one new release each month to read. I just love reading hardcover books that are hot off the presses. It feels like such a luxury. I just signed up for another entire year and so each book will only be 12.50. I think that is a great deal and actually less expensive than a trade paperback. You can also order add-ons and they are only 10.00. If anyone is interested, let me know and I can find you a referral code. Otherwise, borrow the books from me that I have already read. I don't mind. This goal keeps me up to date on newly published books.
Book Club
Read a book club book each month.
With the pandemic, my book club has been pretty small over Zoom but I still have enjoyed it. I want to keep reading with a group each month. I read differently than I do on my own and I like to talk about books! So I will continue to make this book a priority. Although I am allowed to not finish a book if it just is not for me. This goal expands my genres and gets me out of my comfort zone by reading what others have picked.
Read at least one book from the book list each month.
Read all sixteen of the books nominated this spring for 2021-2022.
I have been reading with my local reading group for years. We have a huge book list to read from to select the new nominees for Minnesota middle-grade readers for the next school year. Currently, we are working on next year's list for 2021-2022.
My goal is to read at least one new book each month from the list or a new middle-grade release. I usually manage many more than that but some months I do come up short. So I want to even this out.
I also want to read each book on next year's list. This list will come out in late spring. Usually, I have read many of them already, but I feel like I can't properly promote a book if I haven't read it. This is my professional reading goal and makes such a difference when I talk about these titles when I have read each one. This year I will not allow myself to abandon any of them!
Daily Devotional
Read the daily reading from New Morning Mercies.
I have a new devotional book called New Morning Mercies that is organized in a daily reading for one year. I want to read from this book to start my day. Or maybe at the end? This will be my goal for my spiritual reading. I have never done a yearly devotional. It will be fun to see this through to the entire year. I might even consider jotting notes on each day like a mini diary. I will see how this goes. I have never been a journal keeper before.
Podcasts
Walk every day and listen to a book podcast.
I am also looking for a favorite podcast that is about children's literature but I have not landed on one yet. I will keep trying different ones. I really want to hear about new middle-grade books with a format similar to my adult podcasters.
In the meantime, I enjoy my daily walk when I have these podcasters in my ears discussing the books they are reading. This is my goal for exercise and reading. It makes me want to put on my sneakers and go walking.
I want to keep posting book reviews about the books that I finish. When I started this blog, I just posted about middle grade books. Lately, I started posting my adult books too. I usually never posted a book if I gave it lower than 3 stars but I may start adding the books that were not for me. It helps me when I see why someone did not like a book. So, it may help you too.
I have also been playing around with Youtube book reviews for middle grade and will keep adding them as well. I even have a ring light now...so fancy!
For both my blog and YouTube channel you can subscribe and get notifications of my new posts. I also post my new posts to Facebook too. I think lots of people find this helpful.
Well, it seems so formal to write all these reading goals down. All of these things are what I was naturally planning on doing. What are your reading goals or do you just go with the flow? It will be fun to look back next year and see how I did!
Happy 2021 Reading!
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