Before we get into this week's list. I want to talk to you a bit about 2013. Looking back at 2013 I am completely dissatisfied with what I read. I feel like I didn't really read anything amazing. I read some great books, but I don't feel like I read anything so totally amazing or original. Nothing that stayed with me. I don't think I read anything super memorable. So, I want to change that in 2014. I have thought long and hard about how to make this new year a great reading and blogging year.
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over at The Broke and Bookish.
So...
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over at The Broke and Bookish.
So...
Top Ten Goals/Resolutions For 2014 (bookish, not bookish or a blend)
Reading Resolutions:
1) Read outside of my comfort zone- I read A LOT of contemporary last year and I think it put me in a little bit of a rut. Don't get me wrong, I love me some contemporary. But I would like to broaden my horizons this coming year. Read more post-apocalyptic, dystopian, steam punk, fantasy... anything.
2) Tackle the unread books on my shelf- I would like to read ONE book a month from the books on my shelf that I absolutely needed to own but still haven't read. I don't know if that means that I make a TBR jar or I just chose a book at random for the month. We'll see.
3) Make monthly TBR Lists- Once upon a time I would have a list of five or six books that I would want/need to read for the month. Sometimes these lists did feel a little restrictive and that would stress me out, but for the most part I really appreciated them. It helped keep me organized- especially when it comes to review books. I know that I don't need to stick to these lists and if I stray it's not the end of the world.
4) Read a classic or two- I have been saying this for years. But I mean it this time! I am going to read Pride and Prejudice this year, I am going to read Jane Eyre this year. I am hoping to get at the very least those two read.
5) An hour a day- I used to be able to read for hours on end. But these day I am so distracted by the internet and my phone and other things that I won't pick up my book, or I'll read for a couple of minutes here and there. I would like to dedicate a time where I just read, and I think an hour is not an unreasonable amount of time. It can be done.
Blogging Resolutions:
1) One review a week- This has always been a kind of "rule" of mine. There was a time or two or six where I failed at this because I got a little lazy. Also, I am not, nor will I ever be, that blogger who posts five reviews a week. I don't have that kind of time, and I don't think it's necessary. I am a busy girl with lots of other commitments. But I think I can get out one solidly written review a week.
2) Post Twice a week- Along side my review once a week, I would like to have an additional post. Be that Top Ten Tuesday or a book haul or some kind of discussion. I don't want to overwhelm people with posts but I don't want to be a strictly review blog. That's boring and I like to talk about books.
3) Comment more- I know loads of people say this. But I want to be more present in the blogging community. I read a lot of blogs, but I don't always comment. I think that I am going to start. A lot of work goes into blog posts and I want to acknowledge by commenting more.
4) Review older books- More like don't be afraid to review an older title. There are so many books out there that I haven't read. And sometimes I read a book and want to share my thoughts on it, but won't because it's an older book and no one cares. I need to let that go, and just go for it. I need to review what I want to review!
5) Not so many review books- I can fall so behind with review books. Sometimes I request to many on Netgalley, or get to carried way when requesting books for review. So I need to be more realistic when it comes to review books and what I can handle.
Those are my resolutions and goals for the upcoming year, please link yours below so I can see what everyone else it up to.
~Happy Reading Everyone!
I feel like a lot of your goals are what all bookish people are feeling right now. Especially with reading the books that you already have and commenting more.
ReplyDeleteAly @ My Heart Hearts Books
Great list, I share several of your goals, like reading out of my comfort zone and commenting more.
ReplyDeleteThis is my TTT: http://takeawalkonthewriteside.blogspot.it/2014/01/top-ten-tuesday-top-ten-bookish.html
Good choices! I don't mind reviewing older books, I find it that people often don't know all the old books and end up finding new interesting reads. :) As do I. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree about distractions, it's terrible! I used to read for hours, too, now I keep glancing at phone and online. :X
Happy reading!
My TTT
I didn't add it to my TTT post, but I am seeing reading more of the classics on a lot of people's lists... I think I will try that one, too. Any btw, Jane Eyre is one of my all time favorite books!!!
ReplyDeleteoh! and if you care, here are my resolutions: http://chapterbreak.net/2014/01/07/top-ten-tuesday-top-ten-goalsresolutions-for-2014-january-7-2014/?preview=true&preview_id=5509&preview_nonce=1687031b93
ReplyDeleteYou have some great goals here!! I hear ya on tackling the unread books on the shelf-- I have sooo many, yet I keep buying and requesting ARCs! It has to stop! I also think it would be good for me to read a classic from time to time. I haven't really read any since high school other than jane austen books.
ReplyDeleteI like that your list isn't crazy, but things that are actually attainable! You can do it!
These are such great goals Sara! The monthly TBR list has become a new habit for me, and so far I really like it. I hope it doesn't stress you out as you get back into it.
ReplyDeleteI hope you like Jane Eyre! It's so good!
And I'm also trying for one review a week. Review pact? :)
Ugh, I know what you mean by all the distractions! I'm lucky if I can read for an hour a day, what with everything else I want to stuff into my life. But you're right, I do need to make time to read again, like I used to as a child. Let's make it happen!
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of doing a monthly TBR list. Maybe I kind of do this because I read so many new releases, but I'd like to focus on a backlist TBR list. Good luck with your resolutions!
ReplyDeleteI can relate to al of your goals. Why is the internet so distracting !
ReplyDeleteI may have to add reading a classic to my list too.