Seems like 2017 reading has just begun and then you blink and we're well over halfway through the year!
As I sit back and reflect, I am so glad that the #mustread community exists. I am constantly overwhelmed by the sheer number of books I need to read. I buy more books than I can possibly read and I have stacks and stacks of books I need to get to. By participating in #mustread, I get some of those books read. It doesn't make a dent in the pile, but I'm always so glad to have a reason to get to these books.
When I first started with this community I made my #mustread lists too long. I could barely get to half of the books because of all the books that weren't on the list! Two years ago I started to whittle the number of books I allowed on the list down and it has gotten more manageable each year. I try and pick a book to read each month, meaning I should have 12 books on the list. I couldn't do that this year and as a result, I still don't think I'll get to all of the books on my list. But, I've done a better job this year than in year's past, so I'm celebrating that!
Since our April update, I've continued to read at least one book a month from my list. Hoping I get to 4 more this year! Here's what I've read since April:
Counting Thyme
by Melanie Conklin
This was a book I had heard about in 2015, even picked up the ARC at NCTE that year. But time went by and I just didn't get to it. I had heard nothing but good things, but so many books.... Glad this went on the #mustread list. It was a beautiful and moving book and went in a direction that took me by surprise. I'm looking forward to more Melanie Conklin stories!
The Stars of Summer
by Tara Dairman
encouraged to read by Kristen Picone
I was so glad to be back with Gladys and the escapes she gets herself into! She's a favorite character and one that I was able to introduce a lot of readers to last school year. In fact, I had to wait until close to the end of the school year to get this book from them!
The Seventh Wish
by Kate Messner
encouraged to read by Melissa Guerrette
Again, a book I had on my radar for a very very long time just hadn't gotten to it. Definitely a well needed book. I find the buzz/controversy about this book ridiculous. I love seeing it used as a whole class/grade/school book and the conversation around it.
Another Brooklyn
by Jacqueline Woodson
I think this book would fall under young adult or adult. I always like reading Woodson's words, they're melodic. But this one was not my favorite. I liked, but didn't love it.
Hook's Revenge: The Pirate Code
by Heidi Schulz
I think I liked the first book better than the sequel, although I like the new character we meet!
The Running Dream
by Wendelin Van Draanen
One of my favorite reads on my list. This book will stick with me for a long long time. For me, someone who does not have a disability, but helps her daughter who does have one, this book shows how a positive attitude, an attitude of not giving up but trying and trying and trying, can make something possible. This is the book I handed her.
I have four more books to read this year. I really want to get to some of the others I missed earlier in the year, especially The Reader and Island of Silence (the Unwanted series). Between the books I'm reviewing for my blog, the books I want to read for my NCTE presentation, and the books I'm reading for my state reading award committee, well.... I just need to find a way to not need sleep!
Happy 2017 reading!
Your intro fits me, too. Stacks and stack wait for me, and now with Carrie's list and yours, I have added more. I enjoyed Another Brooklyn very much, and will definitely look for The Running Dream. I'm not sure I've heard of it! Thanks, Michele!
ReplyDeleteCounting Thyme is one of my favourites! You are doing so well!
ReplyDeleteI can't even read all the books I get from the library!
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of anything Jacqueline Woodson writes, although The House You Pass on the Way is my favourite. I love Tara Dairman's series.
I can totally relate to feeling overwhelmed with books to read. I have stacks of books to read, but sometimes I don't know what to read because it's too hard to make a decision. Too many good books out there! The Seventh Wish that I got this summer is still in my pile. I'm not familiar with The Running Dream but it sounds fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel - sleep gets in the way of reading. :) I really love The Running Dream. I've read and enjoyed most of these titles. I too have decreased the amount of titles I chose for this in 2017. I didn't want any stress over it and am reading for so many purposes. You're doing great.
ReplyDeleteYES to the Running Dream! I loved, loved that book!
ReplyDelete