I didn't set a reading goal in goodreads for the number of books I wanted to read in 2018, and now at the end of the year I don't remember why. I think I didn't want to feel pressured and have reading feel like a chore, but now I feel like something is missing. I don't have easy access to how many books I've read, fiction vs. nonfiction, books borrowed from Overdrive, etc. I can still find that information; it's just not as easy. Last week Carole said she viewed the reading goal more as record-keeping than an actual goal, which now sounds like a good idea to me, so I think I'll start off 2019 differently and maybe even go back and fix 2018.
All of this has me thinking about my favorite books of 2018. It drives me nuts when I see these lists appear too early, but I've recently finished two wonderful books that I'm fairly sure will make the list. The first is Marilla of Green Gables. It's a prequel of sorts to Anne of Green Gables, one of my very favorite books. I started it with trepidation, fearful that it could never live up to the tone and delight of the original, but it comes very close. I gave it four stars and have been thinking about Marilla since I finished it.
The second book is Fox 8 by George Saunders and it is a marvel. It's really a short story about Fox 8 who has learned the Yuman language. It's original, heartwarming, heartbreaking, sweet, but not saccharine. This may be a story that you either love or hate; I gave it five stars and love everything about it (even the cover), but your mileage may vary.
By now I know that you Yumans like your Storys to end hapy? If you want your Storys to end happy, try being niser.
What have you been reading lately?
I just bought Fox 8 on your recommendation. I love George Saunders stories. This year I would have a hard time picking a favorite but could easily come up with a list of 5 or so. I also use the Reading Challenge as a record of what I've read. I've been know to change the total if need be. There is no pressure. I also added the year to my tags just so I have that as a way to quickly check when I read a book. Goodreads is a great record-keeper.
ReplyDeleteI am completely intrigued by Fox 8, and I already have a big stack of books from the library. Temptress, Bonny! I just finished reading Human Acts, which is about the student uprising in S. Korea in 1980. Sad, but very well written. I made a mistake and started reading Kingdom of the Blind, Louise Penney's new book, now I don't want to ready anything else.
ReplyDeleteOh my! In days when I am trying to stretch my reading goal - these recommendations come at a most timely time! Thank you! (And, yes... please all be much niser!!)
ReplyDeleteFox 8 sounds WONDERFUL! I've been keeping a record of what I read (and my ratings) in a little notebook...also what Fletch and I read together. No pressure, just curious to glance back over the year. (I'm also keeping track in the same notebook my knitting accomplishments (!!) for the year - with a picture of each, notes about the yarn, how long it took me to make, etc. I'm enjoying the process...with (again) no pressure. More like a journal for each.
ReplyDeleteI use the Goodreads Reading Challenge for record keeping. It turns out that I usually exceed my goal and I never feel pressured to meet that goal. Fox 8 sounds interesting and I liked your review, so I just bought it and look forward to reading it once I finish the Inspector Lynley mystery I'm reading!
ReplyDeleteI don't know why I never thought of using it for mainly record keeping before, and not a hard and fast goal. I've got some other things to do today, but some time before the end of the year I'm going to back and set a goal for 2018. I do hope you like Fox 8 as much as I did. It's definitely the most unique book I've read this year!
DeleteI placed Fox 8 on hold this morning when I read your Good Reads review. It's shocking, I'm sure, but I never read the Anne of Green Gables series. Maybe I should start with Marilla?
ReplyDeleteI set the goal to make an attempt but in all reality it's just a nice record keeper. :-) I think I will enjoy Fox 8, thank-you for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteOh boy, those look like two books that I would love! I adore Marilla (always Colleen Dewhurst in my mind, tho Geraldine James is very fine) and, hm, adding those two to my lists right now!!
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ReplyDeleteI hope you have time for a good book now and then! :-)
DeleteI set a goal of 32 which is a stretch for me. I did it and this year it was not stressful. I like seeing what I read each year so definitely set a goal, even a small one. I will keep the Marilla book in mind, sounds intriguing.
ReplyDeleteI think I'd enjoy both these books - thank you! My reading goal for 2019 is going be to SLOW DOWN. I look back at some of the books I read in the first few months of 2018 and I don't even remember them! But I do remember the really good ones - Circe, Paris in the Present Tense, Tale of Two Cities, Sing Unburied Sing, Gentleman in Moscow (re-read). I hope to read more of those really good ones next year (and not so many of the forgettable ones...)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear your good review of Marilla of Green Gables. I always have mixed feelings about books that stretch the story of a classic -- on the one hand, I want to go back to a beloved setting and characters, but on the other, I'm always afraid to be disappointed.
ReplyDeleteFox 8 is intriguing...I'll add to my list of possibles. My reading goal for the past two years has been: 2 fiction titles a month; I've no idea how close or far I am 'cause I forget to tally...but I am reading more fiction these days. Probably 'cause it's easy to go from zilch to 1, 2, possibly 3, 4....
ReplyDeleteCheers~
I just requested Fox 8 from the library after Kat reviewed it.
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