It is the time of year where we evaluate what we have done, and what we hope to do in future. I quite like lists so I will start with some statistics from my reading in 2009...
In total I have read 18 books. Not much compared to some blogs but quite a few for me.
These books were split equally between male and female writers, so 9 each. This was coincidental.
The nationalities of the authors was as follows...
English - 7
USA - 7
Spanish - 1
German - 1
Australian - 1
Irish - 1
-Two of these books were in translation.
-Three of these books were non-fiction.
The Genres of the books read in 2009 were...
Historic drama - 7
Mystery/thriller - 2
Comedy/drama - 2
Psychological mystery - 1
Ghost Story - 1
Childrens - 1
General drama - 1
-Four of the books were prizewinners.
-Four of the books were known as classics.
-Two of the books were collections of short stories.
-One book was by a new writer.
Favourite Reads of 2009...
The Shipping News by Annie Proulx
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Other accomplishments during 2009...
Completion of the 2009 mini challenges hosted by caribousmom.
Attending a one day course 'The Hour for Loving':Texts in time.
Organizing 2 book swap events at work.
Releasing a few bookcrossing books
Onward into 2010...
I have my Writing America course coming up, starting at the end of January.
I have also compiled a list of personal challenges which I hope to use as a guideline to shape my reading in 2010. Because these are my own challenges, I have 8 in total to tie in with the spirit of The Octogon...
- Read another Jane Austen
- Read another Russian
- Read another short story collection
- Read another American classic
- Read an Irish classic
- Read another Zola
- Read another Charles de Lint
- Read another Elizabeth Gaskell
These are not set in stone but will be used as a point of reference throughout the year. We'll see how I get on!
I am still currently reading Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. Its quite a tome and although I am quite enjoying it, it is slow progress simply because of its length. I will keep you posted.
Wishing you all a prosperous and happy new year, hopefully surrounded by those you love, and lots of books!
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4 comments:
Pillars of the Earth has come up on many favorites lists for 2009. I'm going to have to add it to my to-read-in-2010 list. Best of luck in all your goals for the new year.
The last three books on your "favorites list" are three of my all-time favorites. You chose well in 2009, IMO. Here's wishing you a great reading year for 2010.
I like your goals for 2010! Hope you have a wonderful reading year :)
Petunia - thanks for dropping by, I really enjoyed Pillars of the Earth so I hope you like it too.
Sam - thank you for your good wishes. Intrigued to know which of the books are your all time faves.
Gentle Reader - Thank you for your best wishes and encouragement.
Happy New Year to you all!
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