Reading Resolution

This year, as with every year I make a resolution with myself that I am going to read more books.. and every year I fail. "Well, I told myself.. Not this year." So this year I set a more realistic and more concrete goal. My goal is to finish 12 books this year. That gives me a month to finish each one, even if I get into a reading slump and don't get one finished, I can still read more than one book if my heart decides to devour them.

So far this year I have started 4 books and finished 2, which is not uncommon for me. There seems to be a faux pas in the reading community around the dreaded DNF (Did Not Finish) lists that many readers have.. but I don't understand why. If you aren't into a book why waste your time trying to finish something you hate or just aren't vibing with? That book will be there and you can try reading it again later or maybe its just not the book for you.

The only books that I have finished this year are "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller. It was my January read and I absolutely loved it. The second I just finished for February titled "Blue Bloods" by Melissa De La Cruz. This series is a reread for me this go around.

My unfinished titles include "A Deadly Education", and "A Gentleman in Moscow." I have yet to finish either of these books, I would like to finish both of them someday.. Neither of them were grabbing my attention like I wanted them to, I might try them later in the year. Instead started rereading one of my favorite book series from my teen years called "Blue Bloods" by Melissa De La Cruz. I have just started the second in the series "Masquerade" and I am hoping that I can maybe get the second and third finished in March.

Would I have rather continued reading a new book, and add a new story to my finished book lists? Yes, but sometimes that isn't what a person needs. Rereading books still counts towards my goal of 12 books for the year and I'm still reading more than I have in the years since I graduated from college.

I guess what I am trying to say is don't fear the DNF and don't underestimate the power of rereading stories that you remember loving. New books will find their way into your life, and some may resurface when you need them most. Just keep reading. Read something, a magazine. a newspaper, poetry.. devour words my dear, they help you to grow.

Honorable Book Recommendation: "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" by Jules Verne. A classic and a favorite. Happy Reading!