So, I didn’t get anything finished this week. Stuff to do, and the current set are all large books. Instead of reviewing a specific book, I’m going to give an overview of how my reading is going in general this year.
I set a reading goal every year, and I use the Goodreads Reading Challenge to track it. So far this year, I have read a total of 18 books out of the 26 I set as a goal. I have been doing this for a few years now. I set a goal, and if I reach it, I add one to it for next year. So, last year, my goal was 25 books. I hit that, so this year was 26. I’m doing pretty well right now. Eighteen books is 69% of my goal, and 6 books ahead of schedule as calculated by Goodreads.
Here’s the list of books I have read, with links to my review of that book. I’ll follow the list with a few breakdowns.
I’m a Good Dog: Pit Bulls: America’s Most Beautiful (and Misunderstood) Pet by Ken Foster
Stiff Competition (Madison Cruz Mysteries #3) by Lucy Carol
American Fairy Tales (From Rip Van Winkle to the Rootabaga Tales) by Neil Phillip
The Sandman #6 by Neil Gaiman
Kitchen Confidential (Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly) by Anthony Bourdain
Codex by Lev Grossman
Paradisi Escape by Cheri Lasota
Dream Stalker by Amy Hopkins
Just a Geek by Wil Wheaton
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Neffington
The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon
Chill Out, Fido! by Nan Keene Arthur
Blood Hound by James Osiris Baldwin
The Sleep Revolution by Arianna Huffington
The Collapsing Empire by John Scalzi
The Aeronaut’s Windlass (Cinder Spires #1) by Jim Butcher
I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest
Hanging Baskets, Window Boxes, and Other Container Gardens by David Joyce
Some stats on the books:
Science Fiction: 2
Fantasy: 7
Non-Fiction: 7
Mystery/Romance: 1
Self-Help: 2 (Or 4, if you count the pet books)
Graphic Novels: 1
Audiobooks: 4
E-books: 6
Of course, some of them fit into more than one category (like fantasy and e-book, or non-fiction, self-help, and audiobook), so the numbers don’t necessarily add up to eighteen. I had noticed a trend in past years toward all my books being sci-fi and fantasy, with a definite lean to fantasy. I wanted to diversify my reading a bit this year. I think I’m getting there, with fantasy and non-fiction tied for numbers. I have also been adding more audiobooks to my reading list, because they are good for times when I am doing mindless chores like washing dishes or folding laundry, but can’t really hold a book or e-reader.
Overall, I think I’m doing pretty well this year. I hope I can keep it up, and hit my goal. Then it’s on to 27 for 2018!
Do you set a reading goal for yourself? If so, how are you doing?
♥Don’t forget– all my books will be either free or half price at Smashwords during the month of July. Take a look below and pick your favorite (or two or three!) and go to Smashwords starting July 1 to take advantage of the sale!
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Available now:
After five years away, Kaili is coming home for the ceremony to install her sister as head of the family business. When an old rivalry threatens the family, Kaili and her partner need to use all their skills to save the sisters’ lives. Learn more here
A collection of six short fantasy stories set in varied worlds of magic and mayhem. Learn more here.
A short novelette set in a dystopian Earth after the final environmental collapse. Sam is a genetically engineered chameleon who may hold the key to mankind’s survival. Learn more here.
In a world reeling under the effects of severe climate change, food shortages are common, and arable farmland is scarce. Unscupulous distributors like Beni Oligowma take advantage of the shortages for their own gain. When a promising new technology for growing food even under the harsh conditions is unveiled, grocery store owner Frank is determined to see that everyone is able to benefit from the results, not just the Benis of the world.
Feed My People is a short story, set in a dystopian science fiction world, and is free. Learn more here
Demon hunters Johnny and Cerise travel to the small town of Carroll Fork where they find a demon-possessed thrift store, a sweet old lady who is more than she seems, and an army of underworld inhabitants. Can Johnny and his trusty yo-yo save the town from a devil of a problem?
Five and Daemon, the Yo-Yo Files #1, is a short novelette in an urban fantasy setting, with elements of the supernatural and humor. Learn more here
Things have been quiet. No demonic possessions, no otherworldly intrusions, nothing. And then Lucifer shows up in Johnny’s living room, claiming that two archangels are missing, and something is definitely not right in the heavenly- and other- realms. Saying he has nothing to do with it- this time- he asks Johnny and Cerise to help him find out what’s happening, and who is behind the disappearances. While they are trying to do just that, Lucifer is devilnapped by a larger-than-life serpent. He manages to get a clue to Johnny before he disappears. Johnny and Cerise are left to puzzle out the disappearances and try to find the missing angels. Oh, and stop what could mean the ultimate destruction of pretty much everything.
Snake’s Alive, the Yo-Yo Files #2 is an urban fantasy novelette with elements of the supernatural and humor. It will be available on June 13 at most e-book retailers. Look for it then!
And So On... 