Reading in the year ahead

I’m not one to make resolutions at this time of year, but I do like the newness of intentions I have about the year ahead. Usually I keep them to myself, but this year here’s one I’m making public. In 2023 I intend reading a lot. Reading books, newsletters, blogs. And less social media. This is not a new me, I always read a lot of books, newsletters and blogs. What’s new is that I am going to channel my reading obsession into a good cause. I spend a lot of time reading and think I can, and will use that time to fundraise as well. Kill two birds and all that.

So here I am declaring – which will make me do it – that I am setting myself a 2023 fundraising/reading challenge. I’ll do it in aid of Schnauzerfest and will read a number of books – number yet to be decided. And for each one read I’ll make a donation and invite others to support my read-a-thon along the way. I need to get this started so the decision on numbers of books will come soon. I don’t like to fail at things so I need the number to be realistic but worthy of calling itself a challenge.

For the last few years I have joined the Goodreads Reading Challenge and recorded the books I’ve completed. My average number during five years has been sixty three. So my read-a-thon will be somewhere in that region. (Feel free to join me on Goodreads, I love seeing what others read).

When I see other challenges and ideas which Schnauzerfest supporters are committing to, or thinking about, which involve activities which to me sound gruelling – marathon and half marathon runs, walking goals of vast mileage, sitting comfortably with my stack of books seems lightweight. But that’s fine. It is about setting out to do something I’ll enjoy. There’s no point making my challenge unbearable or unrealistic because that way lies early abandonment. I know myself and know I won’t keep anything up for a year if I hate doing it, or lose interest.

Did you receive my last newsletter? If you did, you’ll see I highlighted a few of my reading highlights of recent weeks. As I’ve had some lovely responses, I’ll continue this during the year. Although I am a poor book critic as I cannot bring myself to write negative thoughts about someone else’s book, so it will only be ones I enjoy that get in the newsletter highlights.

Right, I’ve got a reading stack to tackle. And a book to finish writing. Till the next time, I’ll leave you with this, apt for where I am,

If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.

Stephen King