I've been thinking that next year I don't want to make too many long, drawn out plans like I am known to make and just concentrate on my own book stacks for a while. I'm not sure how this will work out (knowing how easily I am attracted to new, shiny books and challenges and such), but Isabel's 9 Books for 2009 reading challenge actually sounds like something I can manage. The idea is to read nine books already on your bookshelves over the course of the year. I have loads of books on my bookshelves I've been meaning to read...
I just heard that the Winter Persephone Biannually is in the mail, so I can look forward to receiving it in the next couple of weeks. There are three new titles out. They all sound good, but this one appeals to me the most. I'd don't think I've ordered any of the Dove Grey Persephones all year (though I bought a couple of the new Classics from The Book Depository some time back). There are three new Classics as well. I love the new cover of Mariana by Monica Dickens. If I didn't already own the book I would be tempted to get the new one. It's a great read by the way!
I'm almost halfway through reading the pile of books that I mentioned earlier, which I hope to complete by the end of the year. If I keep doing this I may not get them all read, however. I'm sure I'll probably come close, but that's okay if I don't. I'll get to them all eventually. It's just nice starting a new year with a manageable pile of books on the night table. Three are short story collections, which I have been bad about not picking up and reading. Old habits die hard.
I have another book I can add to my upstairs/downstairs list. I am thoroughly enjoying Sarah Harrison's The Flowers of the Field, which I started partially on a whim and partially in hopes of finishing a reading challenge. It's sort of on the fluffy side, but it's also well written and completely absorbing. I think I put off reading it as it has over 650 pages. Sometimes chunky books put me off a little, if I have lots of other books started. In this case I am happy there are so many pages as that means the story is going to last for a good while (though at the rate I am reading, I don't think it will take me long to get through it). The story follows three women (two Edwardian sisters and a parlor maid who grew up in their household) through the Great War. It's out of print, but it looks like used copies can be had cheaply. I've already ordered two more books by Harrison. I can see I've found a new author to add to my comfort reads worthy of multiple rereads list!
I spent a good chunk of yesterday being lazy and reading. I even managed to work in some stitching time. I wish I could have more days like that!