50 books in 365 days
In late 2016, I accepted the Goodreads Reading Challenge and decided to read 24 books in 2017. I’ve been reading more over the years and Goodreads has been my book tracker for a while, but I never set a firm goal. I did want to read more but I wasn’t really sure that I could hit the mark at the outset.
I was able to read 28 books that year, accomplishing my goal. So for 2018, I aimed higher — 50 books. I was nervous that I was aiming too high again, but after overachieving in 2017 my confidence up. I will admit that reading 50 books was tough. With work, life and everything it was hard to find the time. I have a few cheats, or power moves, depending on how you see it. Graphic novels count as books. I’m not talking about single issue comic books, only anthologies. Yes, they are faster to read–but I would argue that they are just as involved. Audio books count too. Technically I’m not reading–I’m being read to. But, with all of my commute time (much of which is driving) this has become a key method of getting through books.
You can view my entire 2018 list here. You’ll notice that from a content perspective that it’s all over the place. I read 3 to 10 books at once, at all times. I like to have options when I read. I use my phone, tablet and real books (yes, the paper ones) and depending on what mood I’m in, I will pick my content to suit. Sometimes it’s decided my situation and what is available on a given device at that moment–but I try and give myself options.
The highlights
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Yes, you’ve seen the show. But, this is way better in some key ways. It’s more focused on an individual experience. It still builds the world (that you love and fear) from the tv show, but it’s more mysterious. The scope is less broad, but I feel like that makes it better as a book. I do watch the show and I’m very interested in the growing scale and stories, but it’s worth reading in the original form.
Dune Messiah (Dune #2) by Frank Herbert
Children of Dune (Dune #3) by Frank Herbert
I read the first Dune book in 2017 and followed up with these two this year. They extend the story and dive deeper into the politics and religion of the initial tale. There is so much good stuff in these that it’s hard to pinpoint it, but once you’ve bought into the Dune world it’s so enjoyable to keep going.
All the Pieces Matter: The Inside Story of The Wire by Jonathan Abrams
If you are a fan of the HBO show ‘The Wire’ and you haven’t read this book then you should just stop reading this right now and go find a copy. It has all of the background and behind the scenes details that will bring back every stand out moment and make you smile and nod in remembrance. On top of that, it’s a really interesting story about the creative process. Not everything can be planned, how to adapt, when not to and something about the magic of collaboration.
This is not a happy book. It was amazing and digs into a lot of what is wrong with our current culture and systems. It hits on education, politics, news and much more.
Another one for the not happy pile. But again, so in depth, scary and real. This was hard to read with everything going on right now, but if you care about the foundations of what we say that we believe in then it’s worth a look.
Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl by Carrie Brownstein
I probably wouldn’t have read this book normally, but on my mission to read 50 books and it’s availability in the audio format with Libby (an app that connects with your library card to get you free books) I gave it a go. I never knew about Ms. Brownstein’s life before Portlandia. I had heard of her band, I just never put two and two together. It’s honest, thoughtful and a really great listen with the author reading the book herself.
I did not see the very popular movie based on this book. I would gladly watch it now. From what I understand, the movie focuses on the later stories from the book and there is so much more to the story and this book goes into every detail.
Was there anything I was sorry that I read? No, not really although Naked Lunch was close.
If you have questions or thoughts about all of this I’d be happy to share. For 2019, I’m shooting for another 50. I thought of maybe going for 100, but I barely made 50. You can follow my progress here. Happy new year!