1. Last year I think that I barely read four non fiction books. That's got to change. I'm note quite sure when I began to put aside that genre; it just happened. I know that I am missing out. Still, because I believe in taking baby steps I think I'll set my goal to be a 5 to 1 ratio for 2009. I already have two checked out from my library. Now let's just get my butt in gear, set aside the fiction for a bit, and read them!
2. I'd love to be able to read every day, and if I included keeping up with blogs, the short stories that we discuss in my class, essays that I grade over the weekend...well, then I could probably achieve that. But reading for *me* is completely different. Curling up with a book, crinkling the pages, making notes or underlining sentences or marking paragraphs is my therapy. So I guess, resolution #two is that I promise myself to take time out for me-reading at least five days a week.
3. After looking over my reading from last year, I never really stepped too far out of the standardized novel. Knowing this, I've decided to incorporate more short story collections this year.
4. Lastly, I am not a reader of fantasy/sci-fi. I never willingly pick up a book in this genre (I don't really include the HP or Twilight series here). In college, while earning my Lit degree, I purposefully took a Science Fiction course because I knew I would never read anything on my own unless an assessment was being held over my head. It's silly really. Also, in this time I decided that there were two reasons why I had no affinity toward this genre (1) I found that the names were often too difficult to pronounce in my head, and therefore, I'd become less likely to form an attachment. , and (2) I'm a more character driven reader by choice and from what I did read, science fiction tended to be more plot driven. I also realized while in that class, that I didn't really care for Heinlein, but really dug Gibson. Oh yeah and I guess the only author that makes the exception with my anti fantasy/sci fi genre is PK Dick. But, I ramble(!) I resolve to read at least 3 - this is huge, people- books from this genre.
Well there you have it. Between the challenges, my new resolutions, and just what looks good as the year progresses, I think I'll be staying busy!
There are so many great non-fiction reads out there! It might help you ease back into the genre by going for 'books about books.' Those are always fun. :)
ReplyDeleteOh great suggestion. I've also considered picking up more memoirs. Since I'm more into character development rather than plot developments in fiction, memoirs might be the crutch I need to hobble into the realm of non fiction.
ReplyDeleteDo you have any science fiction suggestions? I'm even weaker in that genre!
I read Stranger in a Strange Land last year, and it did leave me cold. One of my favourite sci-fi authors is Peter F Hamilton, who writes "Space opera" although that might be a bit daunting to start with as his books tend to run to over 1000 pages! A couple of standalone sci-fi novels I've read and really enjoyed are Stone by Adam Roberts and Sister Alice by Robert Reed. :)
ReplyDeleteChris,
ReplyDeleteScience fiction is generally plot driven, but there are some exceptions. If you like dark characters, then Richard Morgan is an excellent bet. No hard to pronounce names either. Iain M Banks has all kinds of unpronounceable names but he is also quite literary.
Note, I adore science fiction and may be biased.
Tripp
I don't read science fiction, so no suggestions there. But Carl's Sci-Fi experience probably has so many you'll feel overwhelmed. :D (He blogs at Stainless Steel Droppings, in case you didn't know.)
ReplyDeleteMaree - Oh gosh, it's good to hear someone else felt similar to me about Heinlein. I know that he was the first in the genre to put a female in lead (Friday), but still!
ReplyDeleteTripp - I think you sold me with "dark" and "no hard to pronounce names". Richard Morgan's name will be added to my TBR
Eva - Thanks for sharing a new blog!