If I actually made a plan and stuck to it, I could accomplish quite a lot. My problem is I am easily distracted. Occasionally I will set my mind to doing something, and I will actually do it. But other times I am not as successful in my endeavors--usually this has to do with challenges. They sound so wonderful at the outset, but then I let other books get in the way. So when I see another tempting challenge it is hard to resist--the opportunity to read more books or at least plan to read more books. Last year Amanda organized a great reading challenge--the first I ever participated in. I listed ten classic mystery novels that I wanted to read (my goal was to read eight and two books were bonuses), and I read five of them, which I thought was actually pretty good. So do I join this year knowing I will likely get distracted? If I incorporate other books I am already planning on reading maybe that is the solution to sticking to it? So, I guess I am going to join in. I am going to be a little general in my choices, so I have more wiggle room later on. I will once again choose ten books/or types of books and if I get six read this year, I will be happy.
- One Virago from this list.
- One Persephone from this list.
- Armadale by Wilkie Collins from this list (I haven't forgotten about that list!)
- A book by Colette.
- One new fiction book published in the last year--see stack of books in photo above.
- A nice short book from this list!
- A Good Man is Hard to Find by Flannery O'Connor (for Southern Reading Challenge--I don't think I will get three read, but I will try and read one at least!)
- In Lucia's Eyes by Arthur Japin or maybe Lady's Maid by Margaret Forster or maybe both!!
- One seafaring tale (maybe another Horatio Hornblower adventure or a Patrick O'Brien book?)
- Katherine Mansfield: A Secret Life by Claire Tomalin
Bonus: One miscellaneous classic book (from any number of lists I have made in the past).
Since I am continually making lists of books I want to read, maybe this is one way of reading a book or two from those lists--and actually accomplishing something. I realize I am being very optimistic, but you never know. This might just be the challenge I actually finish!