First, the stats:
- 2006 – 103 books
- 2007 – 99 books
- 2008 – 77 books
- 2009 – 79 books
- 2010 – 82 books
As you can see, I still haven’t made my yearly goal to read 100 books, but the number is climbing upwards! The problem is that reviewing books (2006 and 2007 I didn’t review as I do now), cuts into reading time. Oh well, I won’t stop reviewing!
Out of those 82 books, these were my favorites (click on the book to see my review):
Blew me out of the water – Two books this year just had the perfect mix that made me feel like I was in utter love from start to finish. Unless I don’t feel consumed to a semi-obsession, a book won’t get on this list.
These books I loved and came close perfect (and wow, I had 9 of these this year. Up from 5 last year)
(Note: The Man Who Loved Pride and Prejudice is the repackaged mass market version of Pemberley by the Sea and Cordelia’s Honor is actually 2-books-in-one – I linked to the first book)
Goals for 2011:
1) Keep working on the TBR but don’t worry so much about how many books I buy. Last year I held back on buying books when I wanted to because I was concerned about the size of my TBR (it was 190, now it’s over 250). I’ve decided not to do that – if the TBR grows, it grows. Instead I think I’ll focus on trying to read more often than I have been (this year I often had rows of days where I read nothing. I’d like to read even a few pages a day as long as I read something)
2) Try to read 100 books – this is a long standing goal, just for a number to aim for. I don’t think it will ever not be a goal!
3) Be better about reading challenges – I sign up for online book clubs and challenges and I pretty much NEVER complete them. I suck at it. I’m going to try to read books for book clubs and challenges early this time. And oh man, I’d love to complete the Everything Austen challenge for once. Both times I joined, I got 4 out of 6 Austen related books/movies read and watched, then ran out of time. In 2011.. oh, I will get 6 out of 6. I WILLLLL!!
4) Stay easy going in this blogging thing. I think that will all the book blogs out there, it’s easy to put pressure on yourself and lose perspective. I want to make sure to remember that I do this because it makes me happy.
specficromantic 
I really should get started on the On the Edge books. I have them waiting for me already, and it’s been a while since I had my Ilona Andrews fix.
I think reading 82 books this year is still a feat in itself, especially since you write really good reviews, too. 🙂
…if the TBR grows, it grows. Instead I think I’ll focus on trying to read more often than I have been
I’m learning to adapt this philosophy too. As long as I am reading and I love it, I don’t think my TBR will stop growing. Unless I suddenly go bankrupt of course.
Have a great 2011, Janice! 🙂
The Edge series has more of a dose of romance in it than the Kate Daniels books, but this is not a bad thing; I think you’ll like them.
Thanks for saying that… I often feel like conveying how I feel about a book – is pretty hard!
Yes, the TBR can’t be stopped, so why fight it? 🙂 Plus it just makes me feel sort of bottled up when I make myself read a book which wasn’t the one I REALLY wanted to run out and buy and read.
A Happy 2011 to you too!
Yay for Bayou Moon and Going Too Far! They made my list too. 🙂 I’ve been meaning to read Cordelia’s Honor and I’m hoping to pick this up this year. I actually have all of the Vorkosigan books but I haven’t read them yet except for Young Miles.
Yes to not fighting the growth of our TBRs! I’ve tried slowing down with the buying of books but sometimes, I just can’t help myself especially now that the Book Depository and Better World Books have free worldwide shipping. For some reason, I always feel like if I don’t buy a book as soon as I see it, I’d have a hard time getting it later on. As long as I don’t spend beyond my means, I’m fine with my TBR piling up. 🙂
Happy New Year, Janice!
I liked your list — I agree with every book on there that I’ve read. And I REALLY need to read Jellicoe Road.
Yes, it was stressing me out trying to be good and trying to keep the TBR down. After BEA when 40 books got added it was kind of ridiculous. I think I’d rather just buy the book I wanted and get to read it. Anyway: I’m super curious how many books you have on your TBR! 🙂
Happy New Year Chachic!
I hope you get to read Jellicoe Road soon! Melina Marchetta is a great author and I can’t wait to read The Piper’s Son when it comes out.
Hey, me too! I was getting stressed about the number of books that I have in my pile. We don’t have anything like BEA over here but I go crazy whenever I see bargain books and I end buying more than I usually intend. So now I have a rule that I will only buy books that I really can’t wait to read. I just checked, I have 176 in my “books I own but haven’t read” shelf on Goodreads.
Ah, then my TBR is bigger. Hohohoho. 🙂 It’s over 250 I think.. I kind of lost count after 227-ish.. I need to go input more books on my online list that’s on paperbackswap.
82 is damn respectable!!!! and i was absolutely *over the moon* about Going Too Far when I read it last year too. I got it from the library, but immediately ordered a copy to own, and pet, and admire, and reread for my very own bookshelves. i dont think you read too much contemporary romance, but i would definitely recommend Victoria Dahl to you, especially Lead Me On. Grown up fans of Echols would like her too.
And I just decided to pull the trigger on trying Ilona Andrews for the first time, after so many people have been raving about her forever! Which series and/or book of hers do you think i start start with first?
happy reading in 2011!
I love to do that – get my own copy after I fall in love with a book I borrowed from the library. A grown up version of Echols’ YA? I’m going to have to look into Victoria Dahl!
I think that I’d recommend you start off with her Edge series first, because each book has a HEA. That way you can get that satisfaction in one installment. Plus I know you aren’t afraid of romance so it’s a good fit. Start with ON THE EDGE, then read BAYOU MOON. After that you should try out the Kate Daniels books, which are pure UF, and the romance in it covers multiple books… the slow burn is rather awesome though.
while i was squeeing one day over Victoria Dahl i actually found out she and Echols are writing pals…well there’s a more sophisticated professional term for it, but that’s how i remembered it in my mind. Dahl is also fun to follow on twitter. anyway, if you try her i hope you enjoy!
and yay im so glad i asked about ilona andrews, now im making an informed purchase 🙂 thanks!
I wish my read count was in the 80s. I know what you mean though about reviewing cutting into reading time, but I love your reviews. They’re always very thoughtful, and I can tell you spend time on them.
Thanks again for recommending Bet Me. I really liked it. 🙂
Thanks! Yes, I think the eighties range is highly respectable and I’m quite happy with it. 🙂
I’m so glad you liked Bet Me.
It makes me happy that you do it, too, Janice. 🙂
Those are some great books on your list, btw. I really want to get to CORDELIA’S HONOR this year.
Aw, thanks 🙂
I’d be interested to see what you think about that book. I’m not sure where your tastes lie on the SF spectrum, but I really liked Cordelia’s voice, especially in the first book in that 2 book omnibus, Shards of Honor.
I love reading people’s list of favorite books for the year. I’ have a similar post practically finished… My total book count came in at 83. I, too, am inching up every year to 100. Hopefully 2011 will be the year for both of us! 😀
I loved Going Too Far also. I bought my daughter Forget You for Christmas so I could read it. LOL. I’m so bad.
Deanna Raybourn is on my list to glom. Got to get to those…
I think your goals are really great ones. I think you’ve got the right idea about all of this… do it your way and have fun. That’s the whole point, right?
We have to do that subway date in 2011. Maybe we should plan a trip to The Strand?
I can’t wait to see your post! Yes, I’ve been enjoying the end of year posts. Love seeing the best of last year lists. It makes me go buy more books too, heh. 83, we’re pretty close to each other this year.
HAH, reminds me of how I would borrow books from the library “for my sister” and read them after she did.
You have to read Deanna Raybourn. Begin at the beginning with the first book, Silent in the Grave. The progression of the hero and heroine’s relationship is quite addictive.
I think if I was a more competitive person I’d be more organized and focused about this, but eh, you have to keep that up ALL YEAR!
Subway date.. this is where I was going to show you how easy-peasy it is to take the subway? Yes, indeed. And I’m ALWAYS down with going to a bookstore.
haha! Yes, that’s the subway date to which I was referring. 🙂
I plan to read Silent in the Grave this year. NO MATTER WHAT. I hope. LOL