top of page

Whatcha readin'?



Since 2014, I've maintained a running book list on the app Goodreads and set reading goals for myself each year. I used to try to push myself to read more and more books each year and for those first few years, I didn't hit the reading goal I had set, so, I started looking at it differently. I started to consider what was going on in the rest of my life and how that will play into how much reading time I have. For example, I got married in September 2014, JP and I planned everything ourselves, and I set my reading goal to 75 books. 75 books while planning a wedding, nope, didn't happen. I read 24 books that year.


In 2023, I had decided I was going to read the super long books that I avoid so I can hit my lofty reading goals. I typically only tackle one 800+ page book per year if I set my goal too high. In 2022, I read Stephen King's The Stand, it is over 1,000 pages and really ate into my progress which is what led me to make that declaration for 2023. That didn't quite go as planned either though. When I interview author's on my podcast I try to read their book(s) ahead of speaking with them whenever possible, definitely can't control the book length there! So, despite my plans, 2023 was a good mix of various length books.


I read the most books in 2019 (53!) and the longest book that year was 739 pages. I read my first Sherlock Holmes, discovered Lucinda Reilly's Seven Sisters series, went wild for Abigail Adam's biographies, and even narrated a book myself. One of my favorite books I read that year was Matt Haig's How to Stop Time, he has since become a favorite author of mine.


In 2023, I finally read David Copperfield and I really enjoyed it. I'm super glad to have read that before reading Demon Copperhead, I had a lot of fun looking for the parallels. One of the most important books I read is Dear Tui, a warning by M.C. Ronen. It is a climate crisis novel that everyone should read.


Here are my stats from 2023







What's the plan for 2024? I set a goal of 30 books and would like to explore authors and perspectives different from my own. Read what interests me, what my guests are writing, and dig more deeply into those books that support this spiritual journey I'm on.


I know there are many people who don't find tracking books meaningful and don't understand why others do so, I totally get it. No judgement here, if you don't want to track books, don't! 😃 I mostly track for two reasons, first, so I don't forget and buy a book I've already read. I get most of my books from the library but it has definitely happened! Second, because having a goal keeps me reading even when I try to tell myself I don't have the time. It's so easy to let go of the things that bring us joy when life feels chaotic, this ensures I still make that time for myself, because, hey, I said I was going to do this!


If you're on Goodreads and want to connect, here's my profile: Kimberly - Goodreads


Tell me in the comments about your reading habits. Are you a tracker too? Do you like writing reviews? Fiction/non-fiction? Favorite genre? You get the idea!


Oh, and if you have recommendations for me, let me know! I'm open to pretty much anything!


27 views6 comments

6 Comments


Jeanine Byers
Jeanine Byers
Jan 05
•

No recommendations. And for the first time since I have heard someone's reading goals, I am not confident I will surpass it. I used to read every day without fail, so I never worried about how many I read. But lately, I just haven't wanted to read as much. Some days have gone by with no reading! No idea why.

Like
Replying to

I have times like that too, Jeanine, I like to think my attention is simply needed somewhere else and I trust that I'll find my way back. 💚

Like

Glenda Cates
Glenda Cates
Jan 04
•

I used to set goals of how many books I would read but always missed the goal. Instead I've set a goal of reading at least 30 minutes a day which sometimes goes longer or shorter depending on what is happening. I love Romance's and here lately I've been reading Murder Mysteries or books by Authors I'm working with. Have a blessed day and thank you for sharing new books with me. Have a good day and thank you for being a part of #UBC #BlogBoost

Like
Replying to

That’s a great goal! I think the best goals are the ones that work with us. What’s your favorite book? (Ever or just recently)

Like

Amrita Basu
Amrita Basu
Jan 04
•

I am a book worm and love reading mysteries but can't remember to track reading them for unknown reasons!

Like
Replying to

What’s your favorite mystery or mystery series?

Like
bottom of page