For the first time since 2015, I didn't make my reading goal for the year on Goodreads. I didn't get a nice write-up summary of my year of reading like I have in past years, and I'm actually kind of sad about that because I really like those cool charts and stats and summaries they do once you've met your goal. Instead I just got the basic non-congratulatory summary that you'll see below. I've been shamed by Goodreads. Womp womp. In the past my perfectionist self wouldn't have let myself not make this goal, or would have been disappointed in myself if I didn't make it, but my more relaxed less-perfectionist self is pretty cool with it. 😎
Reading will always be one of my favorite things to do, and normally it's a great escape for me, but this past year I've had so much on my mind, and I was busier than ever with starting work, the terrible/horrible/no good/very bad divorce process, and with the business of life. When I had free time to read, I'd often find myself lost in thought because of everything going on, and it was hard to focus. By the time I went to bed, which is my prime reading time, I was either too tired to read or my brain was fried and I didn't have the mental energy for it. My book would sit on my bedside table, calling my name, and I would literally turn my back on it. Sorry book, I don't have the energy for you tonight. {Insert obvious cliched marriage comparison here 😂.}
This year I'm setting a reasonable goal for my reading for the year: 24 books, or two books a month. Even though this year is going to be very busy and full of change--even more than last year--I think I can manage 24 books. If not, it's fine. But I want to get one of those cool summaries again, so that's my goal! And I really do miss devouring books and escaping into their pages. I hope there will be more opportunity and head space for that this year.
You have read 21 of 30 books in 2022.
My favorite books from 2022 were The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, The Second Coming of the Lord, The Priesthood Power of Women, and The ABC Murders. Kind of funny that two of them involve the gospel and two involve Agatha Christie, two things that I like very much (especially the former!).
My least favorite books were Healing the Wounds of Divorce (it was poorly written) and Flying Solo (multiple things about it bugged me).
The coolest book I read was The It Girl because I met the author and started reading it while I was in the room with her, and she autographed my copy.
Here's to a good year of books and reading in 2023! 📚
