This all makes perfect sense… but at the same time I love the way I can pick up a book semi-randomly at the library and, yes, sometimes it’s dreck, but every so often I find an unexpected gem.
And quite a few of the books that come garlanded with great reviews and look like they are right up my street turn out to be a disappointment.
Not naming names for the latter category, but a great example of the former is the Holmes and Russell series by Laurie R King.
The tiny amount of books any one person can read always makes me feel anxious. There’s not enough time!
For me, a portion of the joy I get from reading comes from looking at my (embarrassingly large) to be read pile and letting pure gut feeling decide which one to read next. Whatever title calls my name at the moment.
Probably not the most efficient, but I don’t know if I can give that up. I’ve tried to add a bit more structure by setting the rule that I have to read 1 Shakespeare play in between every other book read (which breaks your see plays live rule, but hey—everyone’s got their own system!)
That spontaneity is indeed a part of the joy! I’m looking forward to those slots filling up and surprising me throughout the year.
And the seeing plays live is far from a rule! More of an ideal, though especially with Shakespeare it’d probably be after reading & understanding it first. Or maybe experience, then read to understand. I’ll figure it out when I get there, I expect.
Dang that’s a tough question. I’d be torn between two radically different books:
1. So You Want To Be A Game Master by Justin Alexander is packed with excellent, usable advice I wish I had ten years ago. Can’t recommend highly enough for anyone interested in, well, doing exactly what the title says!
2. Consoling the Heart of Jesus by Michael Gaitley completely changed the way I pray in nearly every way, including my mental image of God. It’s a rare book that brings me to joyful tears, and this was one.
This all makes perfect sense… but at the same time I love the way I can pick up a book semi-randomly at the library and, yes, sometimes it’s dreck, but every so often I find an unexpected gem.
And quite a few of the books that come garlanded with great reviews and look like they are right up my street turn out to be a disappointment.
Not naming names for the latter category, but a great example of the former is the Holmes and Russell series by Laurie R King.
Definitely leaving room for spontaneity!
The tiny amount of books any one person can read always makes me feel anxious. There’s not enough time!
For me, a portion of the joy I get from reading comes from looking at my (embarrassingly large) to be read pile and letting pure gut feeling decide which one to read next. Whatever title calls my name at the moment.
Probably not the most efficient, but I don’t know if I can give that up. I’ve tried to add a bit more structure by setting the rule that I have to read 1 Shakespeare play in between every other book read (which breaks your see plays live rule, but hey—everyone’s got their own system!)
That spontaneity is indeed a part of the joy! I’m looking forward to those slots filling up and surprising me throughout the year.
And the seeing plays live is far from a rule! More of an ideal, though especially with Shakespeare it’d probably be after reading & understanding it first. Or maybe experience, then read to understand. I’ll figure it out when I get there, I expect.
Great write up!
I like the idea of building a book list on a yearly basis. I read between 25-30 books as well and this would definitely save me a bit of time..
What's been your favourite book this year?
(Also, thank you! *facepalms*)
Dang that’s a tough question. I’d be torn between two radically different books:
1. So You Want To Be A Game Master by Justin Alexander is packed with excellent, usable advice I wish I had ten years ago. Can’t recommend highly enough for anyone interested in, well, doing exactly what the title says!
2. Consoling the Heart of Jesus by Michael Gaitley completely changed the way I pray in nearly every way, including my mental image of God. It’s a rare book that brings me to joyful tears, and this was one.
Like I said, VERY different books!
Cool will check them out, thank you!