From as far back as I can remember I have always loved to read. I can remember my mom having to ask me to put my book away to eat dinner or worse, to clean my room. In elementary school our books were color coded by grade level and I can remember making it my goal to read all of the books for my grade level each year. And read them, I did. Every last book on the red level, then the blue, even the yellow, green and purple.
Then somewhere along the way life became a little busier. And there is nothing like having to read a million pages in some college text book to make you dread reading anything you aren’t required to read. I would sneak in books over the summer and on breaks but I never really read like I used to.
I could tell you a million things I could do other than reading each night, but the truth is we make time for the things we love or want to do. So that means turning off the television and trading in some mindless reality television for a little me time with a good book before bed each night. And honestly? I’m really excited about it!
I did manage to squeeze in a few books in 2011.
First up, Something Borrowed and Something Blue. I absolutely loved this books, they were fun and easy reads and the movie doesn’t compare to the book. I also read Heart of the Matter and Baby Proof, also by Emily Giffin. Those two were just so-so compared to Something Borrowed and Something Blue, but still both easy, fun reads.
I also read a few healthy living books and a parenting book. I’m sure plenty of people get something out of these but I didn’t. Actually, since Christmas I’ve been counting calories and getting my tale on the treadmill and it has been more beneficial than any book or crash diet I’ve ever attempted. To each their own. And the No-Cry Nap Solution? Well, it didn’t work for us but I have a copy I’ll ship you if you want to try it out!
Then it will be on to the Hunger Games series. Mainly because everyone has recommended them to me.
And then perhaps a little Divergent?
I already have both of these I’ve just never actually read them. 2012 seems like a great time to dive into them.
Have you read anything lately that you loved? Do tell!
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I was the same way as a kid and then as college started and life for busier I started to read less and less. The husband and I have been making a point to turn off the tv at 9 every night and to and read in our room. And I love it. Way better than watching my trashy reality tvshows I have become addicted to. And now all day I look forward to reading. I love Emily Giffin. Read all her books. Loved Nora Roberts bride quartet though I can’t get into her newest book for her trilogy. And yes the hinger games are amazing. It took me awhile to get into the first one. But after that I was hooked and could not put it down. I just got divergent from the library so I think I will be starting that today. Sorry for the long comment I just love “meeting’ other book lovers like me!
I swear Jennifer, I think we are kindred spirits :). The Hunger Games series is wonderful and if you haven’t already bought it you are welcome to borrow it. American Wife is pretty fantastic, too and I have read every book Jodi Picoult has written. I recommend every one but her debut novel. I haven’t read any of the Emily Giffin books, but I’m thinking I might need to. My goal for the year is 25 and I just finished number 3!
I just wrote a post on this on Friday! Rather than ramble off my faves, they are all listed here: http://www.livinglifegratefully.blogspot.com/2012/01/page-turners.html
They are kind of different than the genre it looks like you usually read (mostly memoirs / non-fiction), but I promise that all are really, really good!
YAY for reading!! The Bridal Quartet Series is on my list for this year. Jodi Picoult books are always great reads. I think Nineteen Minutes is the best one I have read yet. I really enjoy her unique perspective on tough life situations. She always makes me think about the “other side”. I have a bunch of great books on my shelf if you ever want to do a book swap. My friends and I do this all the time and it’s so much fun. 🙂
Im also on the hunt to read more this year. Not sure what all kinds of books you are looking to read but Im reading the Meg Meeker book the 10 habits of Happy Mothers right now and its been a wonderful book so far
love jodi picoult!
and i’ve read all of the emily giffin books. i liked all of them except for heart of the matter. it was very disheartening to me. almost like it justified infidelity. i don’t know….it just didn’t sit well with me. maybe because i had read all of her others and i was expecting something much more fun and lighthearted?
When I was about 13 I went with my mom to visit my Grandma in Arizona. There wasn’t much to do so I read. I would finish a book in like three hours. I was driving my mom nuts with having to go to the bookstore everyday.
I really want to start reading the books by Emily Giffin. I heard they were really cute.
you forgot our feminine appeal!!
Several of these books are on my list to read, also. I’ve heard that “Nineteen Minutes” by Jodi Picoult is great so that’s next on my list. I just finished the Hunger Games trilogy and they were great! All my coworkers made fun of me because I finished them all in four days.
The Help! It is one of my all time favorites…if you have seen the movie, it is just as good but with more detail 🙂
I’m an avid reader too. Always have been. But obvi with a toddler running around, sometimes it isn’t that easy. I just bought myself a Kindle, so I’m really starting to enjoy it again! Right now I’m reading Water For Elephants….and then next I think I want to start those Emily Griffin books. Those look interesting. And then after that, I’ll start the Hunger Games Series. LOL! Wow…that’s a lot of reading! Better get started!! Happy Reading!!
I wrote a similar post on Monday too! I love to read. And you’re right, you need to make time for it, and as much as I love reality tv, reading just makes me much more happier & fulfilled!
Loved the hunger games, about to start divergent! Have you read any Karen Kingsbury? She has fabulous series that I LOVE!
I just read Divergent today and loved it! The Hunger Games is fantastic. I can’t wait for the movie in March! I have really tried to make it a priority since the beginning of last year to read as much for pleasure as for classes. I love reading on my own time too much to let it fall by the wayside.
And If you’re ever looking for recommendations, my favorite books are The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova and The Swan House by Elizabeth Musser. They’re both phenomenal reads!
Little Bee by Chris Cleave. so so so GOOD.
I recommend you check out the website goodreads.com. It’s a community of people who love to read & discuss books; as you rate books it will recommend others (like Amazon or B&N but with much much better recs).