Monday, December 29, 2008

2009 Reading Resolutions

Last year I posted about my reading resolutions. I had two reading resolutions for 2008: to read more non-fiction and to read & review all of the Rebecca Caudill nominees. I'm happy to say that both resolutions were a success! I've made reading non-fiction part of my regular reading habits. I enjoy it and I'm able to pick out non-fiction titles that I like. And that was the whole point!

ANYhoo, I've got a couple reading resolutions for 2009:

1. I'd like to read & review the 2010 Rebecca Caudill nominees for sure. I'd also like to include a little something more, like discussion questions, readalikes, and/or booktalks. If I get really brave, I just might attempt video booktalks for these titles. Time will tell... but I'll definitely read & review all 20 Caudill nominees.

2. This is kind of a strange one, perhaps. It's occurred to me recently that I almost never read books that someone hasn't recommended to me. Either I've heard about them on a blog, read a review of them, or they're by an author I've enjoyed in the past. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that, but I'd like to take a few more risks with my reading. One of the most rewarding things about being on a Cybils nominating panel is that I've picked up books I knew nothing about, books I never would have picked up on my own.

In 2009 I'd like to read at least one book a month that I don't know anything about. A book that I'll find from browsing my library's collection. Or maybe a cool cover will catch my eye and the blurb will sound interesting. Or maybe some kind person will send me a review copy.

So, there you have my reading resolutions for 2009. I think I've proven to myself that I am no good at challenges (I joined two last year and didn't complete either one...). But having my own personal reading resolutions gives me a little more motivation. I invite you to come up with a reading resolution (or several!), too.

Feel free to share in the comments. What are your reading resolutions? Or, if you prefer formal challenges, what challenges are you joining this year? Which are you really looking forward to? Which do you think will be the most challenging?