Sunday, January 1, 2017

Bookish Plans for 2017

I started writing out long-winded explanations for each of these "goals," but realized that is so completely unnecessary. By keeping this list short and sweet, it's more likely I will actually refer back to it from time to time throughout the year!

1. Continue writing short reviews on Goodreads, but...
2. remember I don't have to review every book!
3. Read more Newbery & Caldecott books
4. Read a variety of picture books
5. Read poetry and short stories
6. Read classics
7. Read at least five new-to-me authors (thanks Jade!)
8. Read (A LOT) more from my own shelves (#ShelfLove!)
9. Read new books I buy during 2017 in a timely manner
10. Use the library, but not as much as I have been (to help with #8)
11. Implement a book buying ban for YA and adult titles (exceptions for books to be read right away)
12. Use my wishlist shelf on Goodreads as a sort of waiting period to discourage impulse purchases
13. Spend less time researching, browsing, and shopping for books
14. Better curate my bookish email subscriptions, newsletters, and blogroll
15. ENJOY reading and sharing books with my son

Thanks to everyone who shared their ideas about book buying bans, limits, etc. I've taken bits and pieces from various suggestions and it is my sincere hope that by focusing on that last one -- the joy of reading -- the rest will fall into place. My free time is limited, so I need to make a conscious effort to spend that time wisely and many of the items on this list are there for that very reason. When I am tired or lacking focus, it's super easy to just browse lists and book sites and keep adding to my TBR, but that is not doing me any good. I learned a LOT about children's literature this year which I am happy about, but enough with the research already!

One final note -- for the new year, I have reset my "starting" TBR count on my sidebar to my number for the beginning of the year. This number now includes the individual titles from all my omnibus/treasury type books that collect multiple works in one binding (which really made that number jump!) This is probably only of interest to me, but I've decided on a "new year, new start" philosophy and wanted the most accurate starting number possible -- hopefully record-keeping errors and accidental omissions have been kept to a minimum. If I manage to get that number going (and staying!) in the right direction this year, I will consider that a success!

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year!

8 comments:

  1. I love all your plans on this list, but mostly number 15 - it's so fun enjoying books with our little ones. I think numbers 12, 13, and 14 will really help to keep the book buying down. I've actually been implementing number 13 in to my own life for general buying these past few months or so and other than Christmas presents I've barely bought a thing. It really helps when you aren't researching items and browsing so much. Yay for discovering new to you authors (and thanks for the shout out).

    Good luck with your goals in 2017 - but most importantly, enjoy reading!

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    1. Thanks Jade! It's hard to not discover new books while among the book blogging community, but I know I sometimes go well beyond that circle with my browsing, and that's when the TBR really grows untamed!

      I had some gift cards and reward points that I did spend already, but I think I chose well and won't have those new books lingering too long unread :)

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  2. My big thing is reminding myself that the world will not end if I don't review every book I read!

    I love the new year new start philosophy. Good luck on all of your goals this year. I just know you will do great! :D

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    1. Thanks Kay! I can be a bit of a completionist, so I totally get that! But really, for our own sanity, not everything needs to be reviewed!

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  3. Love #7!

    My son received Little Penguin Gets the Hiccups for Christmas and we jus read it before nap time- SUPER cute.

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    1. That sounds so cute! I will have to check it out :)

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  4. These sound like great plans. The library is definitely my downfall as far as reading from my own shelves is concerned. Maybe I should just ban myself from library visits for awhile... Best of luck with all your bookish plans!

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    1. Thanks Julie! And yup, I do that too -- I just got a stack out from the library yesterday! I think I will try periodic library breaks throughout the year. We'll see how it goes :)

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I'd love to hear what you think :)