As the new year has begun, many people have been sharing their reading lists from 2023. Even though I’m a lifelong avid reader, I’ve never kept track of my reading. There’s no particular reason why, I’ve just never really thought about doing so. All these lists nudged me to consider my own reading life. What did I read over the last year? When I stopped to think about it, I realized that I did not like what I saw.
I have to admit it: I’ve been stuck in a bit of a reading rut for quite a while now. Maybe more like a ditch, really. I read all the time, but I primarily read and reread lighter things. If I pick up a book and it starts to get stressful, I put it down. Emotional turmoil? No, thanks. If someone is going to die, forget about it. Due to this new habit of mine, I’ve sometimes found myself with 4-5 books partially read at one time. What I do finish is often not worth mentioning–or at least embarrassing to do so.
“I’ve been reading way too much crap lately,” I confided to a friend recently.
“There’s nothing wrong with reading crap,” she said.
“But,” I continued, “I’ve not just been reading crap, I’ve been rereading crap!”
“Oh,” she said. Then after a moment, she continued, “Well, you really should at least read fresh crap.”
Exactly!
So, it occurred to me that keeping a list of books I’ve read might be a good way to hold myself accountable for upping my reading game–for digging my way out of this trough. If I have to write down the title, and maybe share it sometime, it might spur me to be more selective about what I’m reading. I mean if it gets too stressful for me, I can always opt out, right?
Stay tuned!
Nix the comfort zone 
Nothing wrong with reading crap; ruts (and ditches) happen!
I like keeping track of my books on Goodreads; do you use the app/website? I was also recently introduced to Storygraph. I just barely created an account, but it looks like it’ll be neat to see my reading data formatted.
Good luck with what you decide to read and how to track it! 🙂
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I did try Goodreads for a hot minute many years ago, and am considering using it again. I had to laugh because I went to check out Storygraph and it was unavailable–I tried not to take that as a commentary! lol I’ll check it out again soon. Thanks for the recommendation!
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There’s something I find really satisfying about keeping track of my reading, whether in physical notebooks or on Goodreads. In the way back, I was inspired by a new friend who read a kids’ book a week — 52 books a year seemed like so many! Now I clear 100 with no problem! (I count everything, even picture books!)
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I’m looking forward to being more mindful about my reading. I’ll have to think about what all I’m including when I track. I feel a need to draw a boundary between school and home, so I may not include those books. Still pondering though…
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Maybe intersperse more literary short stories with the lighter reading if you’re feeling entirely too guilty. Although, I don’t think you should feel guilty at all. Life itself is deep and thought provoking (or even just provoking) as it is. I also find that older fiction is less emotionally draining than anything written after roughly 1970
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I’m totally fascinated by this part of your comment: “older fiction is less emotionally draining than anything written after roughly 1970.” I’m definitely going to be thinking about that and about why it might be so. I also may add some older books to my growing queue! Thanks!
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Lessons in Chemistry good book not crap not to stressful
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True confession—Lessons in Chemistry is one of the books I started and then put to the side. I did not want to read about the death that happens early on. I am planning to go back, restart it and get through that part. I’ve heard it’s great. Thanks for the recommendation– I always love hearing about books others have enjoyed!
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I am an unrepentant list keeper. Steps, types of exercise, and gratitudes in a daily journal. I like keeping lists but rarely return to looking at them.
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There’s something immensely satisfying about creating lists. Do you list books you’ve read? I wonder how many people return to their lists…
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Hi Mol! Happiest New Year to you, sweet friend! Thank you for such an enjoyable several years of reading your work. I enjoy everything you create.
I wanted to respectfully point out a few things that contradict the very name of the blog you created: Nix the Comfort Zone.
I commend you for your bravery to put yourself out there to gain followers and to share your (brilliant) poems, hear your thoughtful insights and enjoy your (amazing) photography. I know that was a leap outside your comfort zone alone… and reading a compliment like this is probably not your most comfortable space either.
My observation is for you to consider seeking to push to the goal of becoming more comfortable with the uncomfortable. I’d suggest starting with the half read books (gasp!) to push through the discomfort of those topics you dread (and tell us about it) … and also to boldly share titles (eek!) of your current secret trash addiction! (It better be juicy! LOL) I’d love to know the titles of past books and how many times you re-read something crappy. Now that’s a comfort zone boundary! I’m joking but the point is not to embarrass yourself, but to truly become more comfortable with discomfort and know that you are not being judged.
Viva “Nix the Comfort Zone” in 2024!!!!!!
♥️
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I do want to say thank you for the thoughtful and perceptive comment, but you just have to say who this is before I respond further! lol
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I had to laugh about your friend’s advice. Yes, fresh sounds good 🙂 I’m not sure about trying to make your reading public. Maybe you could have a reading partner or journal and try to read one thing a week that you want to talk about there. Maybe short stories would be nice? xo
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I find that I’m enjoying the idea of being thoughtful about my reading. I’m not sure I’m going to dive into incredibly deep, complicated texts, but I do want to pick things that spark my thinking rather than serving solely as a mindless escape. I’ve never been a huge short story reader, but maybe I’ll give them a try. Thanks for the suggestion! Are you a short story fan and do you have a suggested author?
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I have tracked my reading for many years, though I’ve been somewhat inconsistent since 2020–determined to be consistent again this year. I often forget what I’ve read otherwise. I wonder how keeping track of your reading will change what you read. Do you have sources for finding good books that you will enjoy?
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I generally have a good idea of what books are current and well-reviewed. I just haven’t been reading them! lol I get ideas from the free “Book Pages” flyer from my library and also look at lists, blogs, and sometimes check out the New York Times “best of” lists. Do you have a recommended source?
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