Another strange year. You, too? Do you feel closer to normal or still adrift? I kind of hate that term 'new normal', but I think the world has, and I too need to, reinvent(ed) itself/myself. My reading did not come off at all as I expected it too. Looking back I see that I did not really have high expectations (and I see one seriously lagging book still on my pile that was there last January!!). So, maybe in a way, I met those low expectations. I gave up on a few things, but that is mostly par for the course for me anyway.
I am still in clean up mode. I am hoping to clear my in progress reading pile, or get it to a manageable size (also normal for me). But I do want to have some small goals or projects to look forward to. The reading year may be disappointing in some ways, but I have enjoyed a lot of good books. Did I ever mention here that I occasionally help out in a local indie bookstore? It is my new source of books (along with my trusty library). I have joined in a few in person book clubs (with mixed results).
But I do feel like my reading has strayed from what I would like it to be. And I have been absent from the book world (my normal refrain this year) and I miss it. I want to get back to the things I really love. Small steps? I have some ideas for next year. Reading more of my own books. Being more discerning on what I request from the library. Maybe a nice classic project--one 'big' book to start with, but not a major project. Please--reading more of my Viragos, Persephones, and NYRBs.
I think I am going to let go of a couple of subscriptions (guilt for not reading magazines and books is pressure). I might take a pass on my lovely NYRB Classic subscription and take a closer look at the books from previous years. Another serious weeding project for my books (as well as other crafty things I have accumulated over the years). Another go at my reading journal (the notebook I have for writing down notes and quotes and other bookishness).
Just some things swirling around in my head at the moment and nothing actually set in stone.
What about you? Have you been engaging with the reading community--online via blogs or Instagram or maybe Tiktok? Have you been feeling good about your reading year? Maybe exceeding plans and goals? Or are you still feeling adrift? Are you a Goodreads reader or some other place or maybe not at all? Maybe just a physical journal? Has reading been a good distraction? Or do you also feel a little pressure for it not being what you want it to be?
I have had some really wonderful yoga teachers and one has said, just fake 'til you make it. Sometimes you really don't feel something, or feel like doing something. But just pretend you do, and sometimes that is enough to push you into the right mood or realm of being. And I think he is right. So I am going to say it, even if I am not entirely convinced it will happen. I want to be here more frequently and be more of a presence in the reading world. I admire other readers who are blogging and vlogging and engaging and loving books and talking about them. I want to be a part of that, too. In some way. So, still five (plus a few days) weeks to finish some books, start some books, and make some plans.
My end of year posts are not going to be my typical wrap ups, but I hope to share what my reading year has been like--the upsides, and there have been a few. Maybe just going to fake it for a while and see if I can get back on track!