52 books a year

Originally published in the Ketchikan Daily News, December 2019; written by Ann Marie Meiresonne.

Reflecting on my 2019 reading goal for this year of 52 books, one for each week, I realize now as I did in January this is a lofty goal for me. Especially if one does not count picture books, which I haven’t kept track of those titles, just the others. Even though I did not reach my goal there is joy in reviewing my list of books and happiness that I wrote each title down in a new notebook with a few notes, a first for me.

To review a few there is The Mad Wolf’s Daughter, a juvenile fiction book, by Diane Magras which I absorbed with great delight the adventure of a wee young lass full of tenacity and endurance as she saves her older brothers and father. The sequel to this book The Hunt for Mad Wolf’s Daughter was a good adventure as well but not quite the equal of the first.

Sky In the Deep by Adrienne Young a young adult novel of intensity described as part Wonder Woman part Vikings. There is action, a bit violent and plenty of drama to keep the reader turning pages.

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis is a read of self-esteem, happiness, goal setting and success. A much sought after self-help book written by a bubbly and very honest author.

Thirty Million Words: Building a Child’s Brain, Tune in, Talk More, Take Turns by Dana Suskind is an excellent read about the cognitive neuroscience of ages zero to five.

Enchanted Hour: The miraculous power of reading aloud in an age of distraction by Meghan Cox Gurdon is persuasive on the need to read aloud to your children. She includes plenty of anecdotes of the power of reading aloud and has a listing of her favorites as well.

My latest completed book was The Vanderbeeckers on 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser, again a juvenile fiction novel, set at Christmas time about a modern family of 7 living in a brownstone in Harlem. I had a heartwarming time with this big family, their antics and the drama of their landlord not renewing their lease. Yes, a light read but so fun to be in this family’s life for a little while. The great news is there are 2 more books with another due out in September 2020.

Reviewing my list I know I read to suggest titles for our young patrons and parents but I also read to be entertained, to learn and interestingly enough this past year most of my lead characters and authors have been female. As I prepare for my 2020 goal I did a search and there are numerous reading challenges out there such as the British Crime Classics and Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge. Book list ideas abound with Reese Witherspoon, Oprah, the Military Reading Lists, PBS Newshour and more.

I think a number goal as my challenge is best for me. Perhaps I will get new books as Christmas presents, have you ever heard of Jolabokaflod, Iceland’s Christmas Book Flood tradition? I will browse the library and bookstore shelves or have a friend suggest a best read. The possibilities are exciting.