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Reading Resolutions?

It’s the time of year for resolutions or, as Jeff Goins writes at Zenhabits, for “sustainable habits.” If reading more is among your resolutions, one way is to join a reading challenge.

Words and Peace blog links to two dozen themed challenges. One that intrigued me is “Books Published in the First Years of My Life.” Sarah Reads Too Much is hosting the Back to the Classics Challenge, and Jillian at A Room of One’s Own hopes to read “books I started but didn’t finish” in 2012.

Last year I reached The Europa Challenge‘s Ami level by reading fourteen Europa Editions. Europa publishes “literary fiction, high-end mystery and noir, and narrative non-fiction from around the world.” I’ve enjoyed expanding my literary horizons, so this year I’m going for Cafe Luongo level.  Like many reading challenges, The Europa Challenge fosters discussion via its blog, Twitter feed, and Goodreads group.

Goodreads encourages members to define their own 2012 Reading ChallengeBooks On the Nightstand “12 in 2012″ challenge participants also customize their goals, such as reading twelve books in a particular genre or twelve books they already own. Another challenge posted at Goodreads is “Around the World (in 52 Books)” which sounds daunting but very appealing.

If you’re just interested in making more time to read, emulate Ann Kingman. On Books on the Nightstand’s podcast #161, she mentioned her plan to read for an hour every morning.  “25 Literary Resolutions“ at the Los Angeles Times’ Jacket Copy blog, includes time-related ideas. 

A habit I hope to form in 2012 is reading in tandem with my teen, who doesn’t want me to read aloud, but is amenable to the idea of reading and discussing the same book. She has also challenged me to re-read the Harry Potter books, which I am starting today.

What are your reading resolutions?

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About Deb Baker

Deb Baker is a writer and insatiable reader. She's also a reference librarian and former indie bookstore events coordinator. Her writing is often inspired by the nine states where she's lived, her two autodidactic teens and husband, the cat who adopted them, and social justice issues. Her poems and essays have appeared in journals on three continents. She's a member of New Hampshire Writers' Project & the National Book Critics Circle and writes the Mindful Reader column for the Concord Monitor. Views on her blogs are her own, and not the opinions of any of her current or former employers.

4 Responses to Reading Resolutions?

  1. just curious, what do you mean you are “intrigued” by the reading challenge I host myself, “Books Published in the First Years of My Life”? Do you need some explanation, do you feel like doing it? don’t hesitate if you have any questions. Emma @ Words And Peace

    • Deb Baker

      Hi Emma,

      I just think it’s a fascinating idea and a unique challenge. I’ve got too much on my plate this year, but I may join you another year.

      Happy reading!

      All good things,
      Deb

  2. I dont have any reading resolutions, just to finish all the unread books i have that i bought last year and had no time to get to. Wait, i guess that is considered as a resolution.

  3. Pingback: 2013 Reading Resolutions | The Nocturnal Librarian

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