It’s mid-July, just over halfway through the calendar year, and I’m checking in with myself on my reading goals for the year.
I also have an ask of you.
I’m looking for reading recommendations related to a reading goal. Read on for details.
Why I Set Reading Goals
Reading has been my favorite hobby since … well, since I first learned to read!
So, you might be asking, if reading is your favorite pastime, why do you need to set reading goals?
That’s a fair question.
I set reading goals for a few reasons. Setting goals gives me a way to measure my reading activity over time. Goals help me grow as a reader; I might use a goal to push myself to read more or to read on a specific topic. I also use reading goals to keep me engaged in activities beyond reading, like traveling to attending a book related event.
Bottom line, reading is exercise for my mind and my spirit, and having reading goals helps me to build those “muscles.”
So let’s see how I’m doing with my reading goals.
2022 Reading Goals
Goal 1. Read 30 Books
Summer Status Check: I’ve finished 23 books, counting both print and audio books.
I’m well ahead of schedule! I feel good about being able to accomplish this goal. Honestly, one year I didn’t meet my book reading goal and it hurt my pride.
Summer tends to be when I get busy. I spend more time outside, with family and doing things with friends, and less time reading. I’m all but sure to not read as regularly in the summertime.
Plus, there are a few longer books I’d like to read this fall. It’s good to have a bit of a cushion so that I know adding lengthy books to the mix won’t throw me off this goal.
Goal 2. Complete Two Reading Projects
- Read about Loneliness, and
- Read about Los Angeles history, development, culture, architecture etc.
Summer Status Check: I haven’t made much headway on either of these reading projects.
It’s not that I am not interested in these topics, I still very much am, it’s more so that I’ve been reading books that are immediately available at the library or books that are currently in my stack of books at home. I haven’t been buying books or seeking out specific books to borrow.
In order to move forward on this goal, I think that I should create a list of books to read on each of the topics. Then, I can request books from the library or treat myself to a new book or two.
Here’s where you come in.
Do you have any suggestions for books about loneliness?
How about recommendations for books about Los Angeles?
Feel free to share your ideas in the comments.
Goal 3. Write about Reading
- Write Goodreads review for each book I read, and
- Write here consistently
Summer Status Check: No Goodread reviews to date and very little written here.
Alas, l haven’t found a rhythm, or quite honestly the energy, to write on a regular basis. There’s so much going on in the world right now, it can feel overwhelming. Plus, I’ve lot going on in my own life.
One of my larger personal and professional goals is to build my skills in writing. I’d hoped that writing about what I’m reading would be a good way to get started.
I think this can be a good pathway into writing more and I’m embracing taking a slower pace on this goal. I’m giving myself some grace here because there are are plenty of other things that have been bringing me down.
Afterall, reading is a great joy and any goals I set for myself should also bring me joy.
The Seventeenth Line 