Which is not as high as in past years--especially the years immediately prior to selling my first novel, where I averaged 52. And not even as high as 2009 (44 books) or 2008 (36).
I know all this because for most of my adult life, I have kept a reading log, divided by month and year, listing title and author, as well as occasional notes about the genre or my thoughts.
While it started as a fun little hobby, this list has gone on to mean many things to me. First off, it encourages me to read when “real life” gets in the way. I not only try to make time for more books, but the idea of “adding another tally” to that month’s total has encouraged me to finish books that I’d been otherwise tempted to put down.
This log has made my vacation reading even more fun as I try to break personal bests of how many books I can read in, say, a two-week period.
And it serves to keep my reading memory intact. Like say I am vaguely reminded of a young adult novel I read about working on the railroad and want to recommend it...and I’m thinking, yeah, and I met the author at the SCBWI book signing, but what’s the title and her name again? I go to my list, and there it is: When the Whistle Blows by Fran Cannon Slayton.
Or say I’m wondering if I’d read the latest Stephanie Plum novel, or if I’ve devoured everything by Carolyn Mackler...I have a ready list in which to compare.
So before I close to go finish the book I am currently reading (as I say, my list is pitifully low this year!), I’m going to ask our Buzz Girl readers. Anyone else keep a reading log? And if so, how’s it working for you?
Tina
Tina Ferraro
Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress
How to Hook a Hottie
The ABC’s of Kissing Boys
www.tinaferraro.com
Posts
21 comments:
I am very OCD when it comes to my books. I keep a list of all books read and the month in which I read them and also if it was a read book or an audiobook. So far this year I have read 63 books 5 of which are audiobooks.
I don't keep a log, but you've given me the idea that maybe I should. Because I'm always trying to remember what books I've read.
Heather, I guess you could say I'm OCD when it comes to my books, too! =)
Janie, I told a friend about this maybe 10 years ago, and she's been a compiler ever since! Give it a try...
I do not keep a log but sometimes I wish I did b/c it would be interesting to see how many (and which ones) I've read.
I started keeping a log this year because of a challenge and invitation given by a Facebook friend to read 100 books in the year 2010. I finished book 93 yesterday! If you're on FB, check out the group Centurians of 2010. There's no shame or penalty in not reading 100 books, and there are lots of excited readers sharing titles every month. I post my list of books read on my class blogs at www.kaymcgriff.edublogs.org. Click on the tag for books read.
I do because I read so many books, it's also a great reference for my blog post on my favorite reads for the year. So far this year...339, I passed my goal of 300.
I love keeping a log! This is my third year doing it and every year the total tally goes up. I barely made 100 the first year, 115 last year and then I'm up to about 130 this year I think. And I love getting to put novels for school on the list because it give me incentive to finish them. And then this year I started doing video reviews on my blog www.wouldbewritercantcook.blogspot.com and I love it.
I've been keeping such lists for years -- and I also list the movies and plays I see (because it's so much easier to remember things that way!)
When I first started tracking the books I read, I generally topped a hundred books a year, but the last several years I've read fewer... This year, I'm at 63, which is probably about normal for me now!
BTW, I keep all my lists in a nice notebook, so they're ready to hand and can't be lost when my computer dies... ;-)
Cara
I used to keep a notebook with each month's books listed, but now I use Shelfari.com to keep track...
I have read 221 books this year, as of this morning! :)
Wendy, yeah the log is great because it's "one less thing" you have to keep in your head!
Kay, I will check that out on Facebook, thank you!
Yabooknerd, you have read more than 300 books more than me this year. Wow!
Cara, at one point, I included movies in my list...but that column fell by the wayside. But there have been times I really could have used a ready reference for what I'd seen as well!
Shelfari...I didn't know an online listing like that existed. Thank you, Jessica! (And 221--wow!)
I read TONS of books and I can't keep track. Other than the reading logs I had to do in elementary school, I haven't keep a reading log.I never even thought of keeping a log of all the books I've read, even just for pure curiosity. That is a great idea, and I must start creating a log myself! 2011 Resolution? Not to forget any?? Haha!
I always start a yearly list but I forget to keep track for some reason. One year I did keep track and I think I read 50 books that year. This year I think I'm going to keep the books I read list on my blog
Steph and Carrie, I think it's a great idea if you keep one in 2011. We can compare this time next year!
Wow, I am awfully happy you keep a reading log :)
You might just have persuaded me to try it myself this year!
For the record gang, I finished reading another book yesterday and cracked open what I hope will be #34. See how this log can inspire us to greater heights?
I am addicted to Goodreads and keep not only all my books read on there but have a list on there as well. I've read 275 books this year, but I'm really hoping to hit 300.. by some miracle. Not sure if I can read 25 more before Jan 1st. I want to though. Maybe I'll read through a large stack of graphic novels to help.
Post a Comment