When I was looking back at my reading during 2010 I had a bit of a shock. A new addiction to romance led to my reading a lot from the genre. Over half of the 150+ books I read during the year were romance. My non-fiction reading also took a hit during the year. In light of those observations and other thoughts that I’ve had I’m going to post some of my goals for reading during 2011.
I’ll be the first to admit that none of this is in cement. The rules are just like my rules for reading challenges… if I don’t accomplish the goal it is not the end of the world. I happen to be something of a moody reader and am liable to put down a book that I’m enjoying simply because I feel like reading something else. It’s a bad habit, but it is what it is.
The goals:
1. Science fiction; for some time I’ve been thinking about my lack of science fiction knowledge, at least when it comes to the literary aspect. One of my goals is to start reading science fiction at least somewhat regularly to get a feel for the genre. I’ve actually joined a reading challenge for this one and I hope that by the end of the challenge I will have a better feel and understanding of the genre.
2. Romance; I’d still like to read romance novels, though I’d prefer that they don’t strangle all of my other reading this year. In addition, I’d like to try more of the different types of romance out there.
3. Non-fiction; I usually read quite a bit of non-fiction, especially books that have to do with my main research interests. However, as I mentioned above, this past year I only read a couple handfuls of non-fiction. That reading really took a hit what with all of the new reading I found. During 2011 I’d like to start reading non-fiction regularly again. I have a ton of memoirs, science, history, psychology, sociology, and true crime books that I would like to read.
4. Reviewing; what with starting the blog, and school, and work, and yada, yada, yada I didn’t get into a review writing shedule that I was content with. I also didn’t review a lot of the books I read before starting the blog. I would like to get in the habit of at least mentioning something about each book that I read during this year.
These are the main goals I’d like to keep in mind during the year. Hopefully putting them here on the blog will help me stay focused on them and I won’t get too moody with my reading. Time shall tell.
Have you any goals for 2011? I’d love to hear what you’re hoping to accomplish.
Among Stories 
My goals:
More Science and more Classics….
I’m with you on the science for sure. At least certain types of science. I definitely do not have the brain power for physics and the like.
As for classics… I probably should have that as a goal seeing as how I have several unread classics on my shelves, but I’ll just keep telling myself that I’ll get there someday.
Good Luck!
Oh, I really like physics – though any kind of math freezes my brain! I’m planning on a few physics books – at least – this year. Some of them might interest you.
I too have far too many classic texts on my shelves that I’ve had for years (or even decades) thinking that I’ll get around to them ‘one day’. When I have finally read some of them I was, after conquering the ‘odd’ language barrier, very impressed – which I guess is why they’re classics [grin].
For some reason physics has never really been my cup of tea. Though I must admit I’ve also never gone back to it after the torture that was my high school physics class. The math portion though… well I’ve always been really good at math. Personally, when it comes to science I’m more of a chemistry and biology person. I’ll keep an eye out for your science reads this year.
As for classics… well I’ve owned most of mine for a few years. I’ve found that once I got the hang of the language of the time I was able to enjoy the books. Even so, when I look at my copy of Don Quixote and the like I still feel a sliver of intimidation.
I guess that classics can be intimidating because if you don’t like them or think they’re not particularly well writen you might end up blaming yourself for not understanding it or failing in some way. Where if you read a modern novel that hasn’t stood the test of time and think that – it could just be a crap book.
Well said and certainly true.
For myself though, the intimidation comes from the length of said classics. Don Quixote, Ulysees, Crime and Punishment… those are all really long books. That’s not to say I won’t enjoy them when I do read them, I just have to gear myself up for the undertaking.
As for modern books, the way I see it is that because its written recently everyone who reads that book is going to feel their own way about it. While the classics have some timeless theme in it, modern novels might have something that was unheard of before and so some readers might subscribe to that something while the rest of us find the premise ridiculous. Or as you said before, it could plain and simple be a bad book.
Was that long-winded enough? (I apologize if I made no sense… I know what I was trying to say, but I’m sick as a dog and not thinking straight, =[)
I understood you. But you should be tucked up somewhere warm and drinking plenty of liquids rather than Blogging! I hope you’re feeling better today.
At least I haven’t totally lost it, haha. Honestly, I’ve never been good at the whole bedrest thing, but rest assured I am taking it easy. And thanks, I’m sure one of these days I’ll be good as new.