I feel like I’ve really gotten back into enjoying reading this month after a bit of a slump and I’m excited to check in! In particular, I’ve been fitting in some really delightful romances, which has kept me reading quickly and helped add some variety mixed in with my nonfiction reading. I’ve also found some fantastic essay collections. I’ve enjoyed these for their diverse perspectives and, honestly, I think my brain is still having an easier time with these shorter pieces than with a full book. Since I’ve been keeping busy with volunteer activities and am caring for my cat through some health issues, I’ve decided I’m alright with just reading whatever works best for me right now.

Books Read

I made it through 10 books in January, keeping me ahead of the more modest goal I’ve set this year of 100 books total. I’d love to actually make that 120 though, so we’ll see if I can keep this up! I am trying to read for quality not quantity, but when there are so many good books to get to, I can’t help wanting to achieve both.

• Caliban’s War
• Red, White, and Royal Blue
• The Last Job
• A Little Devil in America
• Disability Visibility
• The Wedding Party
• Half and Half
• Four Thousand Weeks
• Place Not Race
• Heartbreak

Top Post

I shared my Beginner’s Guide to Nonfiction post in a couple of places recently and although it’s an older post, it slightly beat out my year-end stats as my most read post last month.

Challenge Progress

• Write more in-depth reviews – I’m letting myself off the hook on this one, at least for now. I have had a lot going on and I’m intentionally letting myself write some lighter reviews right now.
• Write more discussion posts – I think I’ll be dropping this goal. I’m not sure I really enjoy writing discussion posts anymore, at least not enough to make myself write them regularly.
• Read more deeply on specific topics – I’ve got some planned reading on redlining that I’d like to get to in February before going to see a relevant exhibit at my library.
• Read at least 40% nonfiction – 6 of 10 or 60% of the books I’ve read are nonfiction, so definitely on track here!
• Write 3 posts a week – Only did this 2 of 4 weeks last month, but again, not going to be too hard on myself this month.
• Read my own damn books –  In an about face from last year, I’m focusing less on reading my own books and more on both mood reading and reading books by marginalized authors. Only two of the books I read this month were books I already owned (plus 1 review copy I’d only just received).
• Read books by and about people from marginalized groups – Thanks to an extremely rewarding visit to a new section in my library called the ‘Equity Resource Center’, I was able to grab a bunch of essay collections I’ve been wanting to get to. That pulled this number up to 5 of the 10 books I read last month.

Pondathon Progress

This is a new section that I’m very excited to add to my monthly round-up. I’m participating the Pondathon this year and it may be my favorite read-a-thon ever. You actually get new graphics (flowers, etc) to add to your digital terrarium as rewards for reading books. It’s truly adorable.

First, my character card, to which I’ve added the badge I earned for doing the first side quest:

And then my current terrarium! In case you can’t tell, I’m having a ton of fun with this

Preview

I don’t have any blogging events planned other than continuing with the pondathon, but that’s more than enough to keep me entertained and busy!

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