I am one of those crazy, weird, super geeky people that actually tracks what they read. Not only that, but I have participated in a reading challenge for the past five years. This year, I originally set a reading goal of 75 books and then increased it to 100 when it became apparent that I was going to blow right past the original goal. I have reached and surpassed my revised goal by reading 125 books! I had someone tell me that a personally difficult year translates into a fruitful reading year, and this seems to be true. Looking over my list, there are several stand-out books, some that I have already written about and others that deserve a mention. There are also a few stinkers, but why dwell on that? I also discovered some interesting trends in my reading.
A member of our family is struggling with the end stages of Alzheimer’s and bladder cancer, which is reflected in many of the books I read in 2015, including “Can’t We Please Talk About Something More Pleasant,” “Being Mortal” and “Still Alice.” All three of these books gave me comfort, courage and an expanded perspective.
I found several incredible books that allowed me a few moments of pure escapism. “All the Light We Cannot See” is probably one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. “Good Lord Bird,” “Furiously Happy” and “Hyperbole and a Half” kept me laughing even about things that are not supposed to be funny. I really needed to find reasons to laugh this year.
There were nonfiction titles that kept my mind active during long periods of just waiting. And waiting. And waiting. “The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements,” “Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman” and “Knowledge is Beautiful: Impossible Ideas, Invisible Patterns, Hidden Connections – Visualized” all fed the geek in me.
For pure inspiration, I discovered a few role models. “My Life on the Road” by Gloria Steinem – I just want to HUG her! But I’m an introvert, and that would be creepy and weird, but still…I just want to HUG her! Or maybe I could be like her, except that I’m a horrible homebody. This is definitely one of my favorite books of the year. I had actually read Steinem’s classic, “Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions,” earlier in the year before I even knew that she had another book coming out. Oddly enough, her books dovetailed nicely with Amanda Palmer’s “The Art of Asking: or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help.” Okay, so Amanda Palmer can still make me very uncomfortable (blame it on my age, environment, introvertedness, whatever) but I also think I really love her. I mean really. Love her.
There are so many more great books that I probably should mention, but it’s time to look forward. My reading goal for next year is once again 75 books. I know that having read 125 I should try to keep that up, right? But I’m hoping for a happier and healthier year spent doing more things with family and friends. And hey, 75 is still a highly respectable goal!
Happy New Reading Year!
