Way back in January, I set a few goals for 2o12. One of them was for exercise (800 miles in 2012), one of them was for writing (still working on accomplishing it), and one of them was for reading. 50 books in 2012, to be exact.

My Inspiration

Friend and fellow writer / Great New Books team member Nina Badzin inspired me to take up the challenge, as she has been doing a 50 Books Challenge for a couple of years. I love to read, and since I’m a novelist, reading helps me with writing, but I wasn’t sure how I’d do with such an aggressive goal.

After all, I have a house full of active boys, and live in a foreign country where life is everything but easy. But I love to set a goal and try, so that’s what I’ve been doing. Trying. Logging my books read at Goodreads, posting them on twitter at #FridayReads, and now reading along with running Great New Books. Only now, 9 months into the year, have I stepped back to see if I’m on track.

I’m so glad I’ve taken up the challenge. Below, a visual list of the books I’ve read so far in 2012:

 

Looks like I have 48!

When do I read? (How do I have the time?)

I love immersing myself in another world, in a compelling character’s journey, so reading is an ultimate pleasure for me. Reading best fits into my life and daily schedule in the evenings, when the house is quiet and I’m settling down for the day. And since I don’t watch much television (it’s mostly in Czech where we live), I make the time to read.

How do I read? (Paper or digital?)

Digital is so convenient, isn’t it? I love the ability to find a book, press a button, and have it magically appear on my device (usually just my iPhone — no e-reader here yet). But, I will always have a love for the feel, smell, and tactile experience of reading from a book on paper. I order many books through Book Depository (free worldwide shipping), especially ones I know I’ll want to keep for years to come. I tend to keep my books as references, and also frequently lend the great ones to friends.

What are my favorite books?

Some of my all-time favorite books are: The Shell Seekers, all books by Kate Morton, The Language of Flowers, State of Wonder, and Jane Eyre. I keep track of a list of Favorite books here at Goodreads, and at Great New Books we keep a list of Book Recommendations.

How do I keep track of my reading?

I joined Goodreads.com several years ago, and have really enjoyed keeping track of the books I read on their site. I also find many of the books I’d like to read from reading friends I admire and trust for their recommendations at Goodreads. If you haven’t joined Goodreads yet, you must. It’s a book-lover’s candy store.

How can you join me?

You can find me at Goodreads, and, I’d love it if you joined me and 4 other reading friends at an up-and-coming online book club called Great New Books. We’re growing and having fun reading and discussing books with many book-loving folks, every Wednesday, by reading one book per month. Find us at http://GreatNewBooks.org.

Beginning this Wednesday (tomorrow, October 17 – 23), we’re giving away a copy of our November book pick, A Good American by Alex George. Stop by and leave a comment (any comment) to enter to win!

Okay, now a question For You: What is your favorite recent read? Any books you’d like to recommend? Thanks! I can’t wait to hear them …