Just when I set myself the task of catching up before the end of the year (or sweeping away and cleaning off), what happens? I am pretty dependable at getting myself in over my head when it comes to having too much to read and not enough time to read all aspire to. But then I have bookish friends who lure me off in other directions. Okay, I admit, I am a pushover. A willing participant. But if I can do double duty on some of my reading projects then surely it could conceivably be manageable?
So, it seems that November is going to be a very busy reading month. Keeping in mind my own wishes and desires, now I have a whole slew of other reading, shall we call them, possibilities? Here is a little run down of all that can be achieved in November if a reader set her or his mind to it. Some of these are my own ideas but most of them are organized by others and I hope to tag along behind.
November is German Literature Month hosted by Caroline at Beauty is a Sleeping Cat and Lizzy at Lizzy's Literary Life. Since I am already reading the newly published The Second Rider by Austrian author Alex Beer, I am conveniently reading something translated from German even as I type this post.
November is also Margaret Atwood Reading Month (to coincide with her Birthday on the 18th) hosted by Buried in Print and Naomi at Consumed by Ink. It's been ages since I read any of Atwood's work and I am sure I have a book or two by her on my shelves that is as yet unread.
I am also joining in BiP's ongoing Mavis Gallant short story reading project. I had already been dipping into another Gallant short story collection (and she ranks high up on my list of favorite short story authors), so I have From the Fifteenth District in my book bag and am already reading the first story in the collection, "The Four Seasons".
And I just discovered that November is also Novella Month hosted by Rick at Another Book Blog. I had no idea, but I think I can manage a novella or two. Reading in Bed gives a little rundown of the history of the event if you are curious. I might have something translated from German on my shelves. Or maybe just a classic or something I have long wanted to read. And there is the attraction of a short read and so instant gratification (as I try and meet a goal of books read by the end of the year).
Stefanie of Weeds (formerly So Many Books) and I have an ongoing postcard correspondence. And being the good sport she is, has kindly agreed to read a book I came across that looks interesting, Call of the Cats: What I Learned about Life and Love from a Feral Colony by Andrew Bloomfield. My nonfiction reading this year has been almost nonexistent so many reading in the company of another book and cat lover will help me stay on track!
Oh, and I think I have my theme ready for November's prompt, though not a list of books yet to choose from (I have a few ideas, but must scope out my book piles). I shall share soon, I have lots and lots of potential November reads to share this week as a matter of fact. Why play it safe with books when you can dream big, right?