That I decided to start in July…
That’s not entirely true. I’d set a rough goal back in January, but it wasn’t until July when I realized just how little I’d actually read when compared to what I really want to read, and it lit a fire. So here I am, in August, trying to finish a book every four days or less. And loving it. I’ve read 17 books so far this year, which is more than one a month, but no where close to how many I used to read. At the height of my reading, (middle school) I was probably reading more than 13 books a month. Anyway, six of these books have been finished in the last 10 days, although I started some of them much earlier.
This all collides nicely with my little free library. I can’t remember if I’ve mentioned it here before, but one of the first purchases I made for the house was the little free library box. Right away I started collecting books for it and made an instagram. I reached out to my local ‘Buy Nothing’ group and friends to let them know about my little free library. Granted it took me another several months to get it stained, placement approved by the city (so we didn’t dig into any lines or pipes), and then to actually get it mounted. But now, it’s in full swing and I absolutely love it. It brings me so much joy!
Right now I’m listening to ‘Before the Coffee gets Cold’, which got off to a SLOW start, but has gotten significantly better since Part 1. I’d suggest it… it’s definitely not a super intense read or that emotional, but it’s a neat story, and the returning characters are what makes it special. I just finished reading ‘The Testaments’ which was a sort of sequel to ‘The Handmaids Tale’. While it didn’t have the intensity Handmaids did, it had some closure that I was eager for. The ‘writing’ of Aunt Lydia was fabulous. As a character both in the book and the show, Lydia was always definitely deeper than many. I’m so glad that she was included. I did feel some of the characters relationships were forced to be deeper than they actually were.
Using Goodreads I’ve been keeping track of my reading and sharing my reviews, I’d forgotten how much fun social reading can be… Most of the books I’m reading I’ve been adding to the little free library, so the reviews go up on the LFL Instagram as well. The Instagram doesn’t just have reviews and books though… I have also been adding some really great weekly themes, lessons, and projects that go with books I’ve picked out. I do these projects with the kids I work with and it’s been so awesome for both encouraging reading and continuing summer learning. The books I pick are largely focused on diversity, kindness, and self-confidence.
Anyway, I’m sure there will be more about this, me… reengaging with and sharing my love of books. I have lots of cool things in the works, from hosting a 12 hour read-a-thon in October, starting a book club, and expanding my little library (including commissioned art from a local artist). I hope you all find this as exciting as I do, if nothing else, I hope you enjoy my joy.
Coffee & Conundrums 