I'm a perfectionist by nature and
feel like my brain is perpetually on overload trying to suck less/do better, so
I've never cared about New Year’s resolutions. But, in 2016, I felt like I
really didn't read enough books and figured a quantifiable goal would be
helpful. I shot for book a month (which still felt shamefully low given my
librarian heritage, but whatever, it was realistic and still plenty more than I
had been reading.) I ended up reading 13 books in 2017 and here they are.
January:
Scrappy Little Nobody –
I'm a long-time Kendrick fan and her book of theatre kid essays was the perfect
way to kick-off the year.
February:
The Descendants –
Purchased while I was on Kauai and read in both the right place and headspace.
March:
Why Not Me –
Thought Kaling's first book was stronger, but still dug it.
The Handmaid's Tale –
Timely, poetic, and resonated with me more than 1984 and Brave
New World ever did.
April:
The Bell Jar –
Long overdue. I love Plath’s poetry. Don’t know why I held off reading her only
novel, but it’s incredible.
May:
The Princess Diarist –
Rest in power, Carrie. You were a force to be sure, and such a strong part of
my childhood.
June:
Lads Before the Wind –
Came highly recommended and doesn’t disappoint if you’re interested in the
origins and evolution of marine mammal training.
July:
Lads Before the Wind – Continued…dense,
but worth it.
A Wrinkle in Time – Heard
about the film coming out next year and decided to reread this childhood fave
for funsies.
August:
Ender's Game – Definitely
better than the movie. The final chapter really stuck with me, so much so that
I tore it out and saved it from the copy that Loxley otherwise obliterated.
The Stand – One
of mom’s favorites and, therefore, a solid pick for my introduction to King.
September:
The Stand – Continued…felt
like a quick read, but I guess it wasn’t.
October:
The Stand – Finished
it, loved it. No plans to dive into King's more horror-laden work, but I’m
always down for post-apocalyptic tales of good and evil.
Sense and Sensibility – Liked
the character development and storyline more than Pride and Prejudice. Mansfield
Park next, maybe Emma.
November:
Something Wicked This Way Comes – I’ve
read Fahrenheit. Now, I’ve read this. I’m just not into Bradberry.
December:
Slaughterhouse-Five – I
didn’t have any expectations, other than that it would be really good. It was
better.
A friend asked if I'll up my goal to 14 books in 2018. I don’t think so because it was never a competition. The resolution was meant to be a fun way to jump start the practice and help me be more mindful my time. So, I’m sticking with a book a month. Brownie points for extras and we’ll see how it goes. Happy New Year, all, and whatever your resolutions, be gentle with yourselves.
Keep on keeping on,
SRD.
