Resolve to Read

Do you make New Year's Resolutions?  I used to make many ... too many.  I would get carried away with new goals and then, exhausted, abandon them all by January 3.  Now, I don't make the traditional resolutions.  Instead I focus on experiences and trying new things - this year the goal is 13.  So, I decided to extend this to my reading.  My goal is to read at least 13 books every month.  And, I'm also going to try to spice things up!  Read more of a variety .... more adult books, graphic novels, and nonfiction.  

To keep me focused, I am participating in the Good Reads 2013 Reading Challenge.  Readers set their personal goal for the year, and Good Reads helps you track your progress as you go.  So far having read 2 books and currently reading several more, I am on track for my goal of 156 books this year.  If you resolved to read more and/or differently in 2013, join me in the challenge! 

Now, if I can just get off Pinterest long enough to finish a book, I am on my way!  :)  

Reading, Writing, and Summer .... Oh my!

Summer is upon us, and these lazy days provide the perfect time to catch up on reading.  To kick off the summer, I embarked on Donalyn Miller’s (The Book Whisperer's) book-a-day challenge.   The guidelines are as follows:

1. Read one book per day for each day of summer vacation. This is an average, so if you read three books one day and none the next two, it still counts.  
2. You set your own start date and end date.  
3. Any book qualifies including picture books, nonfiction, professional books, poetry anthologies, or fiction--children's, youth, or adult titles.
4. Keep a list of the books you read and share them often via a social networking site like goodreads or Twitter (post using the #bookaday hashtag), a blog, or Facebook page. You do not have to post reviews, but you can if you wish. Titles will do.

I started with a bang! ... eagerly diving into the huge stack of books that have been awaiting me on my night stand.  Before the start of June, I had read 13 captivating young adult novels.  But then…. 

I started my first summer course.  It’s an incredible writing class based on the principles of the National Writing Project, but it has monopolized my time and swallowed me whole!  I had to leave my book stack behind, and, instead, focus on professional books and articles for the month of June.  It’s been an amazing experience … I’ve learned a TON and grown so much as a writer and educator in just a few short weeks! 

In the weeks to come, however, I will return to the stack of young adult books that are beckoning me.  I will also post and tweet about the do-not-miss titles that I have encountered this summer.  And, I challenge YOU to join me in the book-a-day challenge, which I will be restarting the day my course is completed.  Grab a book, curl up somewhere air-conditioned, and get reading!  There are so many great books out there, and this is the time to find 'em.