2021 is here and that means new goals, new possibilities, and new adventures! How has the new year been treating you so far? Anything worthy of note? Did you receive one of the best presents of all this holiday season? (That would be the gift of the written word, in case that wasn't clear. :) ) Christmas at my house always includes a few books, both new and passed down. Book giving is such an art form not unlike candle giving. To be successful you must first understand your recipient. Do they read? Do they have a favorite author? Do they have similar tastes as you? If they don't read or have a list of books they've read in the past, the task becomes more difficult - obviously. For that situation I recommend trying to remember a very specific detail they may have shared either recently or in months/years past that may clue you in to what kind of literature may speak to them. One of my (now) closest friends and I were just beginning our journey into a deeper friendship and I really wanted to succeed in getting her a great book for Christmas a few years ago, but I knew nothing of her taste in books. What I did remember was that she loved/s horror movies (and hates rollercoasters). I added that note because that was crucial in my remembering of such a note as I am the exact opposite. I love rollercoasters but generally steer clear of anything horror related (as I enjoy reading before bed and scary things plus trying to go to sleep doesn't always equal a happy Sarah). Anyway, I gifted her a mystery book that another friend had recommended to me as one of their favorites and it was a smash hit. My now close friend said that she used to love reading mystery books and had only paused because being a full time student can be quite time consuming. The book inspired her to pick up books again and that is simply the best thing to experience both as a giver and a receiver. (I gifted her The Beach House by James Patterson.) I always recommend giving books as presents because the art of picking the perfect (or at least good) book is such an intimate and personal experience. It doesn't matter if the book is brand new, has been sitting on your shelf for 10+ years, or is used from a cheap book store. If a piece of art reminded you of another human, share the beauty.
If you prefer to have your books on your shelf to remind you of the infinite universes and journeys, spend some time once a month or so perusing your local Half Price Books clearance section for some of your favorites. This way you can stock up on books you might like to loan for typically $2-$3 a book and you do not have to worry about loaning out your beloved copy.
I have set a few goals myself with regards to reading this year and would love to share them with you so that you can help keep me accountable! :)
1. I will read at least 3 books a month, allowing for flexibilities between months as long as my year total is 36 or more.
2. Each month I will not repeat a genre, unless specifically requested.
3. I will loan out at least one book per month without repeating recipients back to back. (I can give a book to Sally in January, Suzie in February, and then Sally again in March.)
3. I will make blog posts for each of the books I read within a week of completing said book.
What kind of goals have you set, or plan to set? Have you tried the app called Good Reads? A friend recommended the app to me and it is an interesting way to track your reading, for sure.
May your new year be fresh, safe, healthy, and full of ever expanding universes.
Happy Reading, Bookworms,
Sarah
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