Happy New Year!

It’s nice to be back. I took a slightly longer vacation than anticipated since we decided to stay a few extra days with family this past week. It’s all good though because it left me with time to think about this little space and what I want to accomplish in the coming year. I’m not one for resolutions, especially in regard to my reading. I’ve tried but never quite accomplish what I set out to do. Last year, I planned to read at least one non-fiction book a month, and was good for the first few months of 2011, then took a free fall and let it go. I did read a number of non-fiction books but not the amount I anticipated. I pictured lists upon lists of non-fiction, I got to seven. I don’t feel bad about it though. I knew it would happen; it’s my resolution pattern.

On another note, I did complete all the challenges I participated in last year. In some ways, these challenges are my reading resolutions in that I’m picky about what I sign up for — I want something that fits with my reading style but leaves me room to try new things without feeling constricted in anyway — I try to keep it to three or four and no more. I also like to find things that will help me to read more of what I want (for example: classics) without feeling like I’m forcing myself to do it as part of some doomed resolution. So maybe I do have resolutions, but the passive aggressive type. Whatever works I guess.

Looking back on my list (I did a best of list early in December), I read a lot of good books, had very few DNFs (a scant three books went unfinished), and topped out at 99. Not my best record, and it would have been nice to see 100, but I’m happy with almost everything I read so no complaints. I ended the year on a very good note with MWF Seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search for a New Best Friend by Rachel Bertsche. It was funny, cute, and made me think about the relationships I have with friends. If you’re looking for a good read, pick this one up. I hope to have a review done soon, and I warn you now, it will be a gusher.

As for the blog itself, I keep thinking and re-thinking my ratings system and how it’s working or not working for me. Most books fit into the 5 star system and I’ve allowed myself to make use of the .25, .5, and .75 stars (what they are exactly I don’t know and I don’t know how you even go about divided up a star but anyway) and while it’s useful, I’m thinking of ditching it for a I liked this book/I didn’t like this book type thing. When and if I figure it out, I’ll let you know.

I’m also going to be taking a class starting in January and will probably see my reading drop a bit at least until the class is finished. January is usually my most productive reading month due to cold weather (or what passes for cold weather in DC) but this year I’m changing things up. So, if there are a few slow days around here, please forgive. I’ll be doing some writing instead.

I’ve got long list of books to read this year so I’m off to get started.

Happy Sunday, Happy New Year, and happy reading. 🙂