My reading has slowed way, way down this month. I’ve only read 11 books, roughly half of what I’ve read each previous month this year. I’ve had fairly frequent distraction in the form of a husband who has had about half the month off work due to the holiday we were saving to visit my parents. We didn’t get to, and as a result we’ve been hanging around here, and believe me, it’s hard to read with someone who often wants attention and distraction. I have no idea how anyone who has full-time jobs and kids manages to get anything read. I applaud all of you. I know that when I eventually land one of the five million jobs I’ve applied for, my reading will go way way down, as I won’t have the alone time I’m used to.
We also happened to acquire an Xbox 360 a couple of weeks ago, and have shifted full on into gaming mode. Obviously I’m still reading, but at a much reduced rate as my in-laws have taken the opportunity to buy us lots of new games.
I doubt I’m going to read another book in the next hour, and so I bring you reading statistics for 2009. I read a total of 283 books. In genres (these don’t add up, as I’ve included some overlap):
- Historical Fiction: 76
- Literary Fiction: 34
- YA: 29
- Fantasy/Science Fiction/Horror: 88
- Non-fiction: 23
- Romance: 36
- Graphic Novel: 4
- Women’s Fiction: 8
- Classics: 6
- Thriller/Mystery: 11
I read 15 5-star (according to LibraryThing) books this year. Choosing a favorite out of those fifteen is hard! Unlike the past two years, I haven’t had a book jump out at me as an instant favorite for the year. Those that will remain favorites include Possession by A.S. Byatt, Nothing but Ghosts by Beth Kephart, Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Emma by Jane Austen.
I definitely have some things I want to change for 2010 about my reading. I want to read more classics for a start. I loved five of the six I read this year and I have so many sitting around waiting for me. I’m pleased with the non-fiction I read, but I want to read more of both history and memoirs and perhaps other topics as well as they interest me. I also want to approach blogging differently. I want to include more non-review posts, but while I have so many reviews left to write, it’s hard to make this a priority. I do want to continue reviewing every book I read, so until I start to read less consistently, I will have to brainstorm. I also want to visit more new blogs and leave more comments on the blogs I do read. I’m still very shy on others’ blogs when I know I have no need to be.
As it is nearly upon us, I’d like to wish you all a very happy New Year! Here is to a successful, happy, and healthy 2010 for all of us.
I want to read more classics as well in 2010. As a matter of fact I already started with Emma. I still don’t know what to think about it but as I have learned with all of the other classics I read I must read the whole book in order to have a fully formed opinion. A lot of times they come out on top as a whole even if there are parts i dislike while reading.
Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!
.-= lilly´s last blog ..BTT: 2009 In Review =-.
Happy New Year to you! Your stats are still good – you should be proud. Enjoy you evening with your husband, and please do comment more often as I love hearing from you.
.-= Heather J.´s last blog ..December ’09 Recap =-.
As someone who only read 10% of the books that you did (shameful, I know), I must say, I’m impressed, awed, and inspired. Looks like you had a wonderful year in reading. I hope your 2010 is just as great! Happy New Year to you and yours.
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Reading Resolutions for 2010 =-.
I am thinking that I want to concentrate on one classic author at a time – this year might be the year of Austen for me!
There’s something to be said for a clean slate. If you get to those reviews, all well and good, but if you don’t…no guilt! This blogging thing is supposed to be fun!
Happy New Year to you!
.-= Marg´s last blog ..December Reading Roundup =-.
You had a great year in books! I’m sure spending time with your husband has been lots of fun. Happy New Year to both of you.
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..2009 Challenge Wrap-Up =-.
Happy New Year Meghan! You’re a star in my blogging sky.
.-= Amy @ My Friend Amy´s last blog ..2009–My Year in Blogging and Reading (My Top 12) =-.
I am totally amazed by he number of books you have read! Happy 2010!
.-= Stacy´s last blog ..2009 Wrap-up, part 2 =-.
You have amazing stats!
I hope you have a wonderful new year!!!
.-= rhapsodyinbooks´s last blog ..December 31, 2009 – New Year’s Eve Blue Moon =-.
You’re shy about commenting on other blogs? I never would have guessed it, Meghan!
11 books in one month would still make me happy, but that is definitely a drop in the number of books you usually read.
.-= heidenkind´s last blog ..Ring In the New Year with Reading =-.
First, I hate you for how much time you had to read this year, second Happy New Year. And for all your slowing down, you blew away your goal of 200.
.-= Joshua Nudell´s last blog ..Biography =-.
You had a great year!
In 2010 you should totally join us for the Classic Reads Book Club. Our first book is “East of Eden,” my favorite of all time.
.-= Jen – Devourer of Books´s last blog ..My Top Books of 2009 =-.
It sounds like you had a great reading year, Meghan. Good luck with your goals for this next year. I hope you have a wonderful New Year.
.-= Literary Feline´s last blog ..2009: A Year in Review (A Bit on the Long Side) =-.
Eleven books is still fantastic to me! Good luck with finding a job, and with your reading in 2010!
.-= Alyce´s last blog ..January Bookshelf Cleaning Giveaway =-.
Wishing you the best in 2010, and I hope you meet all your goals.
.-= Anna´s last blog ..Everything Austen Challenge: Completed =-.
Fantastic record! Wow is all I can say. I still think 11 books in one month with your distractions, (LOL) is really great. I am sad I didn’t get to read Possession, one of my picks for this year. Well, there is always 2010. Also, don’t be shy, come visit me anytime and say whatever you feel. Happy New Year..Wisteria
.-= Wisteria Leigh´s last blog ..Review-The Little Stranger, by Sarah Waters =-.
Happy New Year! Reading 283 books is a big accomplishment!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Best Books of 2009 =-.
I’m noticing that many of us have the same goals for this year: more non-fiction, more classics, brainstorm a little for our blogs. Good luck with meeting all of your goals.Happy New Year.
.-= Vasilly´s last blog ..Favorite Books of 2009 and Wrap-up Post =-.
Awesome year, Meghan — and lots of great personal events too. Hoping 2010 brings you a job and one that lets you read to your heart’s content.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Weekend Cooking: Movie Review: Julie & Julia =-.
My reading slowed down near the end of the year, too. It started off really well, too, so it was very disappointing. I still managed to read a lot of great books, though, so I guess I shouldn’t really complain.
.-= Kailana´s last blog ..Madeleine L’Engle Read-Along =-.
You’ve had an amazing year in so many ways. 283 books is a phenomenal number. You do make a valid point about free time and work/home obligations. I always envy those who are able to read so much while still balancing the others. I, myself, am not so good at it. I’ll be lucky to make 100 books in 2010 I suspect but I hope to at least achieve that goal if I can
Here’s to a fabulous 2010!
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Sunday Salon – 1/3 =-.
Wow Meghan, you had an incredible year! And I know what you mean by your husband being home taking away reading time : my reading diminishes too when The Man is not working. But it’s okay
Your goals for 2010 sound great! I also took the resolution to leave more comments on blogs. Hopefully I’ll get better at this soon.
Happy New Year to you!
.-= Kay´s last blog ..Reading and Blogging resolutions for 2010! =-.
Happy New Year! I can’t read as much or as fast as other either, so don’t feel bad. I used to play my Playstation, but since I started knitting…well there you go, no time left.
Good luck in 2010.
.-= jennygirl´s last blog ..Sunday Reflections (Jan. 3) =-.
Incredible year Meghan. True, reading seems to diminish around the hubby. Focus goes down, but hey it’s give and take ‘-)