.jpg)
We are halfway through the reading year and at the beginning of the year I posted on goodreads that I wanted to read 60 books in 2025. But now I have already finished my 43rd book and decided to up the total of books I want to read this year to 70. Am I reading too much? Am I choosing too many books that are under 200 pages so I can improve my score?
I know I should be out in nature more. There is no rule about this but sitting with a big book for a month might be a good idea. Many of the historical biographies being written these days are 800 pages. It can be an investment in time that pays off rather than improving one's book total score. No right or wrong way to do it of course. What do you guys think?
When I saw the title for your post, I thought you were referring to the problem of too many books in the house, which is my problem, but I see that this is a different topic.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it is possible to read too many books, with the caveat that you are enjoying the reading. But I also don't think anyone should push themselves to read a certain number of books a year.
My original goal for 2025 was 60 books, although I usually get to about 85. Then when I got to 40 books, I upped it to 70. I seem to be reading about 6 books a month now, which would bring me to 72 books for the year if I continued that rate.
All in all, I agree that there is "no right or wrong way to do it."
In thinking about it I am probably using goodreads in the wrong way. It shouldn't be a source of stress with book goals to shoot for. And I agree it doesn't matter how much we read as long as we enjoy our year of reading.
DeleteIt is impossible to read too many books anyway!
ReplyDeleteVery true!
DeleteIt's so difficult and I've come to the conclusion I should stop trying to manipulate my reading. A couple of years ago I decided to slow down as I was reading around 100 every year. I have managed that and am on course for around 60. But now of course I'm unhappy because I'm not sure it's enough as I have a huge tbr pile. I think I'm never happy and just need to stop and just go with the flow. But big books are problematic because they can take me ages and I'm put off by that. Gosh, what problems us readers have. LOL!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's a good plan, not to manipulate our reading just go with the flow and whatever amount of books we read 10 or 100 a year that's fine. I guess I was surprised that at the beginning of the year when I set my goal for 60 I was already closing in on the figure in July. Was I reading too fast? Long books can take me ages too. And if I am going to invest in a long book it must be one that will hold my interest. Men To Match My Mountains by Irving Stone is on my classics list and that may be the long book I need to committ to.
DeleteI think you should read what you want and not worry about numbers. In the mood for short and quick? Great! Want to tackle that chunkster? Awesome. Both short and long reads have value. For me, it's all about reading the books I want to read in the moment I want to read them. :D
ReplyDeleteAgree there is enough stress in life. We shouldn't add to it by worrying about how many or which books we are reading or not reading
ReplyDeleteRepeat after me: there's no such thing as too many books. 😉
ReplyDeleteI agree 😀
DeleteHi Kathy, this is a good post & topic: Should we be worrying about the speed of how many books and the amount we're reading? I guess making a Goodreads goal does make us have those feelings. I set sort of a lower goal (like 60) ... and then can do what I want if I go past it. Maybe don't up it next year. ?? I don't know the answer but striking a balance between being out in nature / enjoying summer... and being with a book is maybe worth striving for. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI do have to get out in nature more. Even if I take a book with me. Thats a good idea. Set the goal at 60 and don't think about it after that.
DeleteI recently upped my GoodReads goal to 70, thanks to my devotion to audio books. I don't feel that I read print books differently than I did before--I always have a couple of books going and don't shy away from big books. A few years ago, towards the end of the year, I found myself picking short books and quickly put a stop to that way of thinking.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I like big books because I can really spend time getting to know the characters and world.
I put my goodreads goal to 70 too. Audio books if done well are great and I also read faster with audio.
Delete