I participated in the 52 books in 52 Weeks Challenge in 2013. The only goal is to post one book a week at the challenge site. Here is my wrap-up.1. How many books did you read in 2013? Did you meet your personal goal?
Per Goodreads, I read 107 books. I exceeded my goal for this year (which was 86, to beat last year's number read by one). But next year I am going to read some longer books so I don't think I will read that many.
2. What are your top 5 (or more) favorite stories?
I did a Top Ten post here.
3. Name one book you read this year that you thought you’d never read.
The Infernal Detective is a paranormal mystery, again not the type of book I would normally read. But I have been reading more fantasy and I decided to give it a try.
This would be Frantic by Katherine Howell. I read it in less than a day, very unusual for me. The story is definitely fast paced and had me hooked from the beginning.
5. Did you come across a story you enjoyed so much that you read it again or plan to reread it in 2014?
Not really. I was really impressed with Mr. Ives' Christmas by Oscar Hijuelos, and I am sure I will read it again at Christmas, but probably not in 2014. And I want to try more of his books.
6. Name a book you thought you’d love but didn’t.
There were a couple of books that were too dark for me, too violent and depressing. Instruments of Darkness by Robert Wilson is one. I loved the first book I read by him: The Company of Strangers. Also Forty Words for Sorrow by Giles Blunt had too much graphic violence for me, including explicit torture scenes. Don't get me wrong, they are both good books and worth reading, but not the kind of book I seek out usually.
7. What book had the greatest impact on you this year?
Nothing applies.
8. Do you have a favorite cover or quote from a story you’d like to share? Share a shelfie.I love book covers, and have many favorites. But I will go with this Santa cover.
9. What book would you recommend that everybody read?
Reader's tastes vary so much I would never attempt to recommend something to everyone. However, we all love books, and this year I read Book Lust To Go and re-read More Book Lust, both by Nancy Pearl. The Book Lust books have suggestions for everyone and are very re-readable.
10. What was your favorite part of the challenge? Did you complete any of the mini-challenges?
I liked aiming toward at least one book read a week and one book reviewed a week. I love the reviewing process because it forces me to think about what works for me and what doesn't.
Also, I like seeing what everyone else read. I did not do any mini-challenges.
The challenge continues this year. It is hosted by Robin at My Two Blessings. Sign up at the 52 Books in 52 Weeks site if you are interested.
I am ready for another round of Reading 52 books in 52 Weeks. To repeat, the goal is to read one book (at least) a week for 52 weeks. Make the year easy and casual or kick it up by exploring new to you authors and genres. Challenge yourself to read at least some classics or delve into that chunkster (more than 500 pages) you always wanted to tackle?
There are several mini challenges that are optional:
Read Around the World
Nobel Prize Winners in Literature
Well Educated Mind: Continuing exploring the classics in 5 categories: Fiction, Autobiography, History/Politics, Drama and Poetry.
52 BaW Reader Recommendations: Read books recommended by participants in 2013
Dusty Mini challenge: Limit buying new books for 1 - 4 months and read 4 to 12 or more books gathering dust on your shelves prior to 2013.
Chunky Mini Challenge -books more than 500 pages.
11 comments:
I didn't know there was a Poirot Christmas story! That's so fun!
Tracy - I am so impressed with what you've accomplished! And I'm very glad you enjoyed Frantic as much as you did. I think Katherine Howell is extremely talented.
Katie, I did enjoy the Poirot book set at Christmas, and it was a country house mystery to boot.
Margot, I was very happy with Katherine Howell's first book and have the 2nd one to try sometime soon.
Nice post - you do like your challenges! Mr Ives - arrived. I'm looking forward to it at some point. Giles Blunt - I may read later this year, if I sign up in July for the Canada challenge.
I do like my challenges Col, but I am doing challenges lite this year to keep from being too stressed. Giles Blunt certainly paints a picture of the colder parts of Canada.
Well done, Tracy! Doesn't reading 52 books in 52 weeks clash with your other readings and challenges? One book a week is my norm for this year besides at least five short stories a week.
Prashant, I noticed you were reading a lot of short stories recently. I am going to read some Agatha Christie short stories soon, and maybe try some others throughout the year.
You read way more than me, Tracy. :) I wish I could get with the Challenge thing - I did try a couple out a while back, back after awhile I forget to keep up, it's just too much pressure for this old lady. Ha. I so agree with you, by the way, about Nancy Pearl's Book Lust books. They are a MUST for any reader's library. Over time I've tried many of the books she's recommended and most of them have been top notch.
An aside about short stories. I'm not a real fan, except for the Agatha Christie, Rex Stout and Dorothy Sayers shorts. Go figure. :)
...meant to say: but after a while forgot to keep up.
Yvette, I had problems keeping up with challenges in 2013, it can be stressful, since I push myself too hard. So I am doing less challenges in 2014. I am not a fan of short stories either, but I am going to try to fit more in this year.
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