Good Reading

Writers need to be readers, and I do enjoy a good read.

Last year I got through 48 books.  These included the very long (584 pages), the very short (67 pages), graphic novels and audible books.  I know some people get sniffy that listening to books doesn’t count, but that doesn’t mean I know any less about the book because I listened instead of read, I still count them. Equally some people get sniffy about graphic novels being included, well those people can count what they want, I’ll count what I want.  And I know I’m getting the better part of the bargain because graphic novels are a real artform in themselves.

When setting my goal for this year because I don’t have the commute and I’m a slow physical reader, I decided that I’d cut my Goodreads goal down to 24. That’s two books a month, which for years has been a real trial while working full time and writing.

So far this year, and January isn’t even over yet, I’ve read six books. And I started on number seven this morning. This has been achieved because I have those two hours a day back. And because I’ve been deliberately selecting books I really, really wanted to read. Even the one I struggled with a bit, I did want to read.  The graphic novel is in there because I wanted to read it before the vaguely related show came out on TV.

I don’t think that this will set a precedent and I’ll read quite so much every month over the coming year, but I have enjoyed what I’ve read. Also I intend to read the Iliad this year, so I’m expecting that to slow me down considerably.

If you want to know what I’m up to reading wise, you’ll find me as Goodreads – Gail B Williams

Bloggers

Been reading an ARC, advance reader copy, in case anyone wonders.  This is only the second time I’ve every done this, and I oddly feel the pressure because I have to get it read and reviewed by a specific date.

I shouldn’t be pressured, because that date is more than two weeks away, and I’m loving this book so much I’m already a third of the way through on day 2. I don’t want to put it down.

But it made me think about all the hard work that book bloggers must go through to keep their reading and reviewing up to date. It has to be remembered that book bloggers don’t get paid, they don’t always get the books for free (though often), so to read that many books and write often in-depth reviews, is really quite impressive. 

I couldn’t get through reading one book a week to review, I’ve got too much else going on. I’ve doing the Goodreads reading challenge this year, and so far I’m 22 books in, and most of that because I listen to Audible books too.  I’ve only set a challenge of 48 books this year, which I don’t feel any pressure to fulfil. If I miss my own expectations, so what?  Reading is about relaxing and enjoying. I’m not comparing my reading to someone else, that’s pointless, this is not a competitive sport.

And if it was, the bloggers I know would have me beat hands down. And good on them, they do a fabulous job for all authors, and largely go unsung.  So, thank you bloggers. I am in awe.