I have a confession to make . . . I read embarrassingly few books in 2018. I still managed to claim double-digit figures (thanks to some vacation time at Christmas), so I wasn’t a complete book failure, but for a life-long book-lover, my stats were pitiful.
Ever since I started writing, my reading time been drastically reduced. It was a price willingly paid, a sacrifice with no regrets. Yet, the little girl who used to max out her library card limit can’t help but wonder if she’s let too many books fall by the wayside that could have been enjoyed.
There are only so many hours in the day, and if I am working the day job full-time, writing full-time, and still squeezing in mother duties, church activities, and non-reading hobbies like cross-stitching or family board game playing, there isn’t much time for reading. But as my hubby likes to tell our kids – You have time for what you make time for.
So, my New Year’s resolution for 2019 is to read more! And I have a plan . . . or at least a few ideas:
- Read a nonfiction book in the mornings with breakfast. This only entails about 10 minutes, so it will take a while to get an entire book read, but it will get me started.
- Read at least a chapter of a novel in bed before going to sleep. My hubby will help with this. He likes to read a chapter in bed before going to sleep, so if we team up, we both get to read and we get to do something together. Perfect!
- I joined Becky Laney’s Share-a-Tea Reading Challenge for 2019. This is the perfect challenge for readers who love tea and savoring books. This challenge is all about the experience and not about the numbers. Here’s how Becky describes it: ” This is an anti-rush reading challenge. Enjoy where you are in a book, and, engage fully in it.” Now THAT, I just might be able to do. If you want to join, here’s the link.
- Umm . . . that’s as far as I’ve gotten. Any recommendations for sneaking in more reading time?
Now, in case you are like me and want to challenge yourself to read more books this year, I’m offering a giveaway of some great books to get you started. The contest will be open until midnight (CST) on Saturday. Two winners will be selected. One will receive a set of three Tracie Peterson historical novels, the other will receive a set of three Robin Lee Hatcher contemporary novels. You can select which prize package you want, or go for either. I’ll announce the winners in the comments on Sunday.
What are you resolving to do in 2019? Any suggestions for helping me keep my resolution?
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What a wonderful giveaway. Thank you. I love to read, but when life gets in the way I have to put it on my schedule. I get and hour lunch at work so I try to read half of that. I try to read 30-60 minutes before going to sleep. This helps me wind down and relax (depending on the book 😜) . Your tea challenge sounds interesting. Will go and check that out.
Reading at lunch is a great idea, Marti. I usually use that time to exercise, but I like the way you think. 🙂
Thanks for the generous giveaway. Are these for print books as that is the only kids I can read. I have read several of your books and thoroughly enjoyed them.
Hi, Vivian. Yes, all the books in the giveaway are print copies. Best of luck!
Good luck on your reading!!
Thanks, Cheryl!
I am striving to read authors I haven’t read before instead of the same ones. It’s stepping out of a comfort zone! Thanks for the opportunity to win a great giveaway!
That’s a challenge in and of itself, Linda. Good for you! I have to admit that since my reading time is so limited, I nearly always go to the authors I know I’ll love. However, I usually read for the RITA contest, so I get exposed to new authors that way. It’s easier for me to try new non-fiction authors than fiction authors, but you’ve given me serious food for thought. Thanks!
Fantastic giveaway. Another suggestion would be to try audiobooks as you drive to work or run errands. I can usually listen to one book a month doing this if I listen only when I am alone.
I was going to suggest this… and also say that audiobooks are perfect while working on crafts too… keeps your hands and your mind busy!
I also was going to suggest audiobooks–they really speed up a long drive!
I’ve done audio books in the past, and everything you say about them is true. My hubby and I share the ride to work, so I can’t listen there since we have very different tastes in fiction. I do enjoy listening to them on long car trips, however. I don’t do those very often, but listened to an Agatha Christie novel last fall on the way to a speaking engagement. I used to listen while I exercised, but lately I’ve been watching shows instead. Might have to get the audio account tuned up again, though. It does make “reading” much easier, especially if I can do two things at once. 🙂
My goal is to read more also and add some new authors to my list. Thanks for the great giveaway.
We can encourage each other, Tish!
I love your suggestion of a non-fiction book with breakfast. I often read my Bible study lesson (non-fiction) at meal time and fiction at other times of the day–especially right before bed. Another way I read lots of books is to listen to books while I’m getting ready for the day, getting ready for bed, and using the restroom at other times of day. However, I am partially retired and have no children at home–just a wonderful husband, so I have more reading time than I used to have.
Thanks, Suzanne. You are certainly maximizing your reading time. Love it!
I love to read and hope to find more time to do it in 2019 too. I also want to explore new authors because sometimes they are jewels that are just waiting to be discovered.
I love that attitude, Kelly. Digging for new jewels. Perfect. I start every book with the expectation that it will be a jewel. Not all live up to that hope, but there’s something about starting a new story that brings that out in me every time. 🙂
Happy New Year! May your year be filled with fun, adventures, love and happiness and the health to enjoy it. And let’s not forget LOTS of books!
My resolution is “do it”. I resolve to not put off for another day. Take that trip, tell those near to me how much they mean to me, read that book on the TBR list, speak to that newbie in town – just do it. We are not guaranteed tomorrow so I plan on making 2019 the best yet, step out of my comfort zone, try the new, relish the old and be all the “me” I can be.
Excellent advice, Kay! I admire your gumption. 🙂 That’s a resolution I can benefit from, too. May we both channel our inner feisty heroine this year. 🙂
In 2018 I decided to read more. I set my goal at 24 and read 60. I was so pleased! So this year I’ve decided to try for 100. I’m not sure I can meet that number, but we’ll see. I’m excited to read all the wonderful books I can, trying!
You never know until you try! Sixty is a great number. I’ve never really kept a count, so I’m hoping I will be pleasantly surprised by the number I actually accomplish.
Thanks for some tips to increase my reading time. I have read the Sugarcrrek Amish Mysteries out out by Guideposts and highly recommend them. For me they are a quick read along with being very enjoyable. There are 30 books in the series so this is a convenient way to boost your reading. It is possible to get used copies for a reasonable price through Facebook.
Thanks for the recommendation, Bev!
Karen, in 2018 I read 48 books (my goal was 24, kept low due to writing and college studies). Sixty percent of the books I read were audiobooks. Audiobooks make all the difference for me. I always listen to a book in the car. I listen while I’m getting washed and dressed in the morning and again as I get ready for bed at night. I’ll usually continue to listen in the morning while I bustle around the kitchen, fixing my first cup of coffee and maybe emptying the dishwasher, etc. In other words, I listen whenever I’m not still enough to hold a book in my hand. I usually have one print book in progress and one ebook in progress as well. Those take me longer to finish, and most often they aren’t available in audio. I utilize Goodreads and the Goodreads Reading Challenge to track my reading. Most years it is close to 50/50 between fiction and non-fiction. I used to try to track in a notebook and I would forget to enter or I would lose the notebook. The number of books I’m reading in a year has definitely increased since I started tracking using Goodreads.
Great tip, Robin. Thanks! I’ve let my audiobook account lapse, but I might have to start it up again. And tracking sounds like a great took to use.
I am embarrassed to say I read 125 books during 2018. It averaged out to about 2 and a half books a week. I love mysteries and Christian fiction. I’ve found several authors that wrote 3 or 4 books in a series–Colleen Coble, Terri Blackstock, Dee Henderson, and Lynette Eason, to name a few. So once I started a series–I wanted to continue.
My dream has always been to write more–so I really need to carve out more time for writing!Less time for reading!
Saying that, my grandson gave me a BAM gift card for Christmas–and one book I bought was Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody. I am already halfway through that book–and of course, she uses actual novels to illustrate the Save the Cat! Beat Sheet–so now I am adding more books to my TBR list!
I hope I can find a balance between the writing and the reading! Good luck to you in your New Year’s Resolve!
Don’t be embarrassed, Martha. Be proud! 125 is a fantastic number! I know what you mean, though, about carving time out for other things that you want to spent time on. If only there were more hours in the day, right?
Absolutely, Karen! One of the Recorded Books I listened to last year was Heart on the Line, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Are there any more titles in that series?
I am participating in a Facebook book club that reads a book together every month, have been loving it so far (started September 2018). I also just found this book-a-month challenge which may be right up my alley – #theunreadshelfchallenge2019 = https://www.instagram.com/p/BsGaTe0Hz2u/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Being part of a group would certainly help with accountability, Julie. Great idea!
Thanks for the give-away!!I love both Tracy Peterson and Robin Lee Hatcher!
They are both fabulous, aren’t they? 🙂
I love reading and I use Goodreads a lot to help me track and set up goals for myself. I usually read around 100 books a year (this last year it was 108) and what has helped me are audiobooks. I found that I can still read while doing other tasks that need accomplished, like washing dishes, cleaning my house, driving (even if I’m only in the car for 5 minutes) and even when I’m at work. At first I was a full believer in just owning and reading physical books, but then I realized that I could read more if my books were more mobile. I love audiobooks and narrators can give another layer to a book that I never knew before. Maybe audiobooks can help you too.
The mobility of audiobooks is a huge plus, Katie. And the ability to accomplish more than one task at a time. I used to listen to audiobooks quite frequently, but I’ve gotten away from that. I might have to get back into them.
I am with you there, Karen. I want to do more reading this year. I have a pile of books that I need to find time to enjoy. Love the giveaway!
We’re in it together, Gena!
I try to listen to audiobooks when I’m cleaning the house. Since I love to experience a fiction book by sitting and relaxing, I tend to listen to nonfiction (Christian Living mostly) as I work. Thanks for the giveaway!
You are so welcome, Chanel. Thanks for sharing your audiobook tip!
I already do what you’ve suggested. But instead of reading a chapter before bed, I can usually read many chapters or most of a book. I did the Goodreads challenge in 2018 and read 133+ books. I’d love to read more than that.Great give away!
Wow! Your numbers are HUGE! Good for you, Beverly. By the time I make it to bed at the end of the day, I’m so tired I don’t always make it through an entire chapter. 6:00 a.m. comes far too early. But I hope that if I keep chipping away at it, the numbers will come. Not YOUR kind of numbers, but enough to hold my head up. 🙂
My book numbers for 2018 were abysmal, but I did discover several new authors (a huge plus). And life is busy right now (newborn and toddler). I try to read a chapter or two at night to relax. I also use am app to read ebooks from my library on the go. I have listened to audiobooks while getting ready in the morning. And I read a TON of kids books. Does that count?😁
Yes – kid books absolutely count. There’s nothing better than passing on a love of reading to your kids, Kristina. 🙂
On Goodreads I’ve set 70 books as my 2019 reading challenge. Ladyt year I challenged to read 60 and I read 81. Not sure if I could read that much in 2019. I’m like you. I love to enjoy and savor my books . I don’t like to race through them.
Lately in the evening my husband likes to watch Hallmark movies and I enjoy them too. This cuts back on my evening reading and slows down my reading but st least I get to share the evening with my hubby.
I sometimes like to read a Bible study book in the mornings after devotions and prayer. Instead of immediately going on Facebook I will read a chapter from a Bible study book. This month I start a study at church.
You know, I used to read on commercials when we would watch TV together, but now that we DVR everything, we fast forward the commercials. Maybe I need to let the commercials play more, mute them, and read then. Might get in a couple extra chapters a day that way. Hmmm….
I love your read ideas. Happy 2019!
Happy 2019 to you, too, Melanie!
Audio books have been wondeful for helping me read more and since I spend hours in the car each week for dr appts etc for my kids(we have multiple therapies we go to plus a special preschool in a neighboring town) and help me really hit more books each year. I would love a set of Robin’s books. She writes wondeful stories.❤️
That’s using your time to its fullest potential, Melissa. Great job!
I’m with you! If we’re not careful, we can drift away from our first love — reading. I’m determined to read more in 2019. I’ve formed a sort of ‘book club’ with two friends and we’ve decided to read 5 books together this year — so that we can enjoy chatting about them. I’m excited to dive in!
Great idea, Becky! The extra accountability will help, too, I’m sure. It’s extra fun when you get to chat with fellow story lovers.
For the past couple years I’ve taken part in the Goodreads reading challenge. I’ve found it to be pretty fun. Last year my goal was 150 books, which I surpassed. Usually the summer is when I get the bulk of my reading done, because I sit for hours at our roadside stand.
Wow, Elizabeth. 150??? That’s amazing. That roadside stand sound like a reader’s best friend. 🙂
Hi, Karen. I read 29 books last year which is much lower than I’ve read in past years. I like to read myself to sleep at night, unfortunately I’m falling asleep faster than I used to! LOL.
Ha! Isn’t that the truth? No wonder I have such a hard time. 🙂
I’m a busy teacher, so lessons keep me too occupied to read much for pleasure throughout the school year. I get around that by listening to audiobooks I’ve downloaded from my local library. I get 40 minutes of listening each way to work every day and consider that my reading time when I have no other. Then, I have a priority TBR pile of books (not on audio) to delve into any time we’re on break. I too read at night before bed. However, I also like to keep a book by my den chair to read on when I’m not very interested in what the family is watching on TV. I’m still with them in the room, but get to enjoy my book too. Those are just some of the ways I keep up my reading stats. 🙂
Excellent suggestion about the family TV watching, Chrystal. I’ve been known to read during football and baseball games. If I look up every now and then, I still know what is happening in the game. 🙂
My hubby and I do what you do – we both read a bit in bed before going to sleep. It gets me more reading time and it gets him to actually read! LOL. I take a book along with me to every appointment and leave one in the car so if I’m ever waiting on someone or thing then I have it available.
Way to plan ahead, Susan. When I’m reading an e-book, I have it always available since I can access it one my phone, but physical books are more challenging. And I don’t like reading more than one novel at a time. My daughter reads 3-4 at a time, but I prefer to just stick with one story until I finish it.
Like you, I read before bed. I also started utilizing audiobooks during my commutes. I have some books on my phone that I utilize while waiting in lines, waiting rooms, etc…
Smart, Brandi. 🙂
Sign up for a Goodreada challenge for accountability. I read tons of ebooks. I have my Amazon account linked to Goodreads so when I leave a review on Amazon via my Kindle app it automatically copies the review to Goodreads. It’s a win, win!
That’s so efficient, Kelly. Great idea!
The Kindle app on my phone is how I sneak in as much reading as possible.Anytime I find myself waiting somewhere out comes the phone for a few minutes of reading.
The audio books don’t work well for me because if I am not looking at the words my mind starts wandering and I realize that i just missed the last 20 minutes or so.
I use the kindle app, too, Karen. Not often, but it’s great in doctor’s offices, etc. I definitely can’t do audiobooks at night. I sleep right through them. Ha! My best use of those is during long solo car trips, but I only do about 1 or 2 of those a year.
I resolve every year to read a new to me author every month. So far I have done more than 12 a year and enjoy getting to know new authors.
That’s impressive, Connie. Good for you!
That’s a great idea! I’m always hesitant about trying new authors when I already have SO MANY books in my TBR pile by authors I know I’ll enjoy and can’t wait to read their book. But, if I just set a rule for one a month to try that wouldn’t be so bad. Of course… I’d probably just be opening up a whole new can of worms for myself by finding several new authors I like so much that my TBR pile just keeps increasing exponentially!! Ugh… So many books, so little time.
New Years Goal – Be more positive and be more present.
Idea – I made it a point to spend one whole night after dinner to not turn on the tv or do extra work but to sit in my chair and read only. I finished most of my books at the end of the year because of that.
This year I’m in 3 online book clubs. I started an Instagram one myself (joyinthrwrittenword) to read ones I have on my shelf ;), then an Agatha Christie one (maidensofmurder), and a classic fiction one on Facebook (What the Dickens: Coffee, Tea, & Literary Club). I did the Agatha one last year and it helped and then started my own towards the end of the year. The classic one I just added. Because we all get so busy I figured it might be easier to just join online so we can pop in and out easier. So I’m hoping that’ll help me as well!!
Thanks for all you’re amazing books!
Great ideas, Amanda! I’m trying an online book challenge for the first time ever this year. I’m excited to see how it works out.
You should try audio books, they keep me company while doing dishes and other disliked chores. My Goodreads goal for 2018 was 56 books, I knew we had a tough medical year ahead of us so I didn’t want to feel pressured. Then I got a Kindle Unlimited subscription. I felt I needed to get my money’s worth. I ended up rating/reviewing 142 books. I didn’t list the ones that I couldn’t give at least 3 stars. I set this year’s goal at 75 (without KU).
Wow! That’s incredible, Andrea. I know what you mean about wanting to get your money’s worth. That’s why I can’t eat at buffets when I’m trying to lose weight. My desire to get my money’s worth outweighs my desire to eat less. Ha!
Reading while eating and a chapter or so before bed are my go-to’s, Karen. I also bring a novel with me when I go for doctor/lab appointments. Never know how much time will elapse be I actually see the doctor or lab tech, and every few pages helps. I would be happy to receive either book set should my name be chosen. Thank you for the heads up on making reading time and the book offer.
Thanks, Beth!
I set a goal of 65 books for 2018…at first I didn’t think I would reach it, then I surpassed it. For 2019 I set a goal of 85. I love your suggestion of a non-fiction in the morning for 10 minutes. That feels doable to me. I have a challenging time with non-fiction.
For suggestions to up your reading, my number one suggestion is always have a book with you. Always. You can sneak a read while waiting to pick up children, waiting for your coffee, doctor’s appointments, etc. I also have books on my phone. I am a hard copy girl, but have accomplished more reading while having some in ebook form. If going for a long drive, maybe an audiobook. I read during any down time or even in a bubble bath! I also read for about an hour before turning out the lights for sleep. You can do this. Happy reading 😘
Ooo – a bubble bath and a book? That sounds like a glamorous luxury. 🙂
Happy New Year Karen! I also feel like I didn’t get to read enough in 2018! A new year always feels like an opportunity to turn over a new leaf.
Thank you for the chance to enter the book giveaway! Love both Tracey Peterson & Robin Lee Hatcher.
Hope you have a blessed New Year! I’m looking forward to reading your new book “More Than Words Can Say” in June. 😊
Thanks, Emilee! Happy New Year to you, too. 🙂
I read a lot. I am doing a daily Bible reading and a book challenge that has me reading a different type of book each month (this month is a biography), and filling in the other spots with Christian romance. I usually read at least half an hour to an hour while kids nap and more before bed. I feel lost if I don’t read at least a chapter a day so I prioritize it…sometimes more than I probably should.
That’s what I need to do this year – set reading higher on the priority list.
Karen, when I was able to exercise for free, I would read while I did the recumbent bike. I just didn’t do the arm exercise part! Lol!
Now I have more time to read. I also read during commercials and also before going to bed.
I used to read on the treadmill. Still do every once in a while, but I’ve been watching shows lately instead of reading.
Read one (or more) non-fiction book a month; sew or embroider each day; and declutter 365 things in 2019!
I love the declutter one thing a day goal, Barb! I bet that will really add up over the course of a year. 🙂
I read every night while I soak in the tub. You have to bathe, right? Why not make it into “me” time 🙂
Sounds extremely logical and practical. I might have to start doing that. 🙂
What wonderful ideas to incorporate reading every day. I read before bed to make that way it’s easy to squeeze in time with a great book.
I’ve been doing that more, too, Stacy. As long as I can stay awake. Ha!
Hi Karen !
I love to read and wish I had more time for it. I enjoy reading before I go to bed. The only problem is if the book is really good. It can be hard to put it down 😀
That’s true. At least with my hubby next to me, when he turns off his reading light, I start feeling guilty about keeping him up so that helps me close the book. Usually. 🙂
Thanks for the generous giveaway. I usually try to read for an hour before I go to bed. It helps me unwind.
I agree. Reading is very relaxing. Whenever I am traveling and going to bed without my hubby to keep me company, I always need a book to read when I crawl into bed. It helps me feel like I’m not alone.
I always read during breakfast…and I also read while drying my hair…then for a short time after…I guess it’s my “reading before bed”. I always plan on reading a certain amount, then life happens, and I never get it finished!
I wish I could read while drying my hair! That’s such a mundane chore, but unfortunately, I need two hands which makes it hard to turn pages.
I will reward myself after doing a task at home that I don’t enjoy. I allow myself to read a chapter in a book. Because I am on goodreads I have been setting goals for the last 5 or 6 years. Until 2 years ago I was in the habit of reading 150-200 books and sometimes more. Then on January 7,2017 my mother suddenly passed away and I could not read for a couple weeks. I just couldn’t do it no desire. I also couldn’t write. One of the last things my mother ever said to me was keep writing and don’t give up. Then on July 16 this year I lost my Dad. As I came close to Christmas this year I suddenly couldn’t read or write for about 6 weeks. I only read 79 books last year. I set my goal to 75 books for this year. I find that I am writing more so that takes some of my reading time but I think this is still reading a lot which is important for writers.I do have my joy of reading and writing back.
Grief is a strange companion. I know the pain of losing a parent. It’s so hard. I’m glad you are getting back into your writing and reading, Wilani. It’s a great emotional outlet.
I don’t make resolutions as I find they are not usually kept! I am challenging myself to spend more time with God both in prayer and Bible reading in 2019.
I do read lots (225 in 2018) but I do not watch tv and live alone. I almost always have a book or kindle with me so read when I have to wait for appointments, etc. My main reading time is in bed at night. Most people think I sit and read all day but that is not true. If I’d cut out computer time, I could read even more!
WOW! You are a serious reader, Joan! That’s impressive.
There are a lot of good reading tips here. I read every morning and every night. I joined Goodreads and have found it helped me increase my reading levels for the past 3 years. I just set my fourth challenge at 80 books.
Thanks for a great giveaway! And Happy New Year!
80 is a great goal, Betty. I doubt I’ll even make half that, but I’m going to have fun trying. 🙂
I want to give myself more grace this year as I’m recovering from a few chronic health issues that we were finally able to get to the root cause of everything. I need to remember that healing takes time and I can say no to people and stop being everything to everybody all the time. I have to put myself first to get better.
Amen, Abby. Saying no is hard, but sometimes it’s the right answer. May you be blessed with good health in 2019.
I have used Goodreads to track my books for a few years. I did 150 for the past two. I have been retired for several years. I have a ton of books on my kindle so I try to read on that at Breakfast and lunch. I can sometimes use the narrated version if I’m ironing or folding clothes. It is available on most ebooks…. a little wooden sounding but free. Then other times of the day I read a paperback. Most of those I am reading for review ( for a publisher or author or a blog I guest on) I try hard to review each book I read. I just love to read Christian Fiction!
You are such a blessing to the Christian fiction book community, Paula. Your reader loyalty and reviews are appreciated so much.
I always take a book to read during my 30 minute lunch at work. I’m a special ed para at an elementary school so it’s so nice to have that quiet time to go into book world. Perhaps that would work for you?
Thanks for the giveaway!
That sounds like the perfect mini vacation in the middle of your day, Pam. I usually exercise at lunch, so reading probably won’t work for me at that time, but sometimes I read while exercising, so maybe I can do both!
My New Year’s resolution is to trust more and worry less this year. I lie awake at night imagining worst-case scenarios, which rarely ever come true. I’d like to put my worries in God’s hands and trust that he will get us through whatever comes our way. Easier said than done, but I’m going to try my best!
Ooo – that’s a good resolution, Susan. I can use that one, too.
My best place to read is on the elliptical. I look forward to the exercise because I get to read, and I exercise longer because I am enjoying the reading. Also I love audio books. I always have one in the car and I listen at home while I am doing chores.
I used to read all the time while walking on the treadmill. Then I started watching shows. Maybe I should work some more books back into the rotation.
I started listening to non-fiction audio books while driving to work and find that it helps two-fold: makes the 4o minute drive go by faster and I get more books read. I will almost always grab a fiction book before a non-fiction so if I can non-fiction on CD from my library, I actually get them “read”.
Smart thinking, Arletta!
I keep an audio book going in my car all the time.
I wish I could do this, too, but my hubby and I share the ride to work and we have very different tastes in fiction. 🙂
I saw several peeps suggest audio books which was my thought 😁 . I have the privilege to use ear phones at work and listened to at least two books weekly. When I get hooked on a story I will do groceries, chores, work out, etc with them buds! Aside from the audible app, I have the Christian audio app, and my favorite is the Libby app. As long as you have a library card you can borrow audio or ebooks on the libby app. This is how I accomplished to meet new to me authors last year. For physical books I try to read at least an hour at home, then during my work break, and on weekends when my daughters are in bed I read til kingdom come. 😂
I’m going to look into that Libby app. It sounds like a good one. Thanks for the recommendation!
I love listening to audiobooks in the car, and I always have a book on the kindle, in case I get stuck in line or am waiting for someone. Its a great way to get in some extra reading!
Good planning, Rochelle!
While I prefer physical books, I do read faster on my phone. If you are trying to squeeze more books in, that phone is always with you!
So true. When I’m reading an e-book, the phone definitely comes in handy. 🙂
Unfortunately I did not reach my goal of 100 books this year, I only read 73 compared to the 94 I read last year Maybe this year I can do better my setting my goal 25 books at a time Thank for the chance to win
That’s a smart idea so set intermediary goals. Accomplish one, feel good about it, then set another. 🙂
In 2018 I read and reviewed 98 books. I keep up on Goodreads and pin the covers on a Pinterest Board. I read a lot at night, sometimes later than I should. During the day I find a quiet place to read. My husband and I are both retired so I mostly read and craft some. I’m allergic to housework!
I do like to read, but I read no where as many as some do. Last year, I decided to do our Library Summer Reading Challenge. In order to accurately count the books I read, I did an excel spreadsheet and listed the books by author, title, publisher, date finished and any remarks I might have. For the summer {June 1 through July 31] reading program we were to report number of hours read — I had 10 books listed during this time.
AFTER the program was over I continued to list my books that I read. By the end of 218, I had a total of 42 — and that didn’t count any before June. I estimate probably an average of 4 or 5 those months — so maybe 65 – 70 total for the year?
I aim for at least a book a week, but usually exceed that.
I read anywhere and anytime I can. My usually reading spot is the big chair in the living room, or the corner of the couch. But I will read in the car, in the coffee shop, dining room table. Only VERY RARELY do I read in bed.
I never have aspired to write. So I am amazed at you, Karen, and at other authors who read so much each year, as well as write. And I thank you for giving me, and others, such enjoyable, interesting, and often instructive books to read.
What a spectacular giveaway by 2 pretty terrific authors! Your reading goals are pretty on point. I read on my work breaks so I’m slow too. I’ve just realized that reading non-fiction is simply not my gig, so that seems to take me even longer, but kudos for reading outside of the box! My big goal for 2019 is to learn how to crochet 🧶
Great giveaway! Thanks! I was going to say audiobooks which I see has already been mentioned spectral times. It helps me pass the time while driving and doing tasks. For my reading goals, I want to read more fiction and try a new author.
I, too, would suggest audiobooks. Using audiobooks has increased my books read exponentially. I read over 60 books this past year. I too have sacrificed reading time to write, so I understand where you’re coming from. I like the idea of nonfiction in the morning and fiction at night. Recording the books somewhere is a good motivator for me. I like to have a visual measure of what I’ve accomplished.
Having the Kindle app on my phone helps me sneak in reading when I wouldn’t be able to, otherwise. I always has a book to read when I have time to kill.
Thank you for the give away. I also would love to get some more reading in. I love the idea of reading in bed!
I am trying to do more reading.. I think I do more reading in the Winter time, cause it is so cold out. I would also like to see if I can get audiobooks(books on cd) to check out at our local library. Great giveaway.
We have our winners!!! Congratulations to Betty Strohecker who won the Tracie Peterson series and to Amanda Barnes who won the Robin Lee Hatcher collection. I’ll be emailing you ladies soon. Happy Reading!