Books on the Nightstand discussion

Lara wrote: "My goal is to survive my MFA reading list."

A worthy goal. Where and what studies are you pursuing?

I am halfway through a creative writing MFA at Goddard College. It is an amazing program, but quite an intensive workload and I also teach full time. Sometimes I feel I am reading constantly and still can't keep up. It's all good books though, so no complaints!

Lara wrote: "I am halfway through a creative writing MFA at Goddard College. It is an amazing program, but quite an intensive workload and I also teach full time. Sometimes I feel I am reading constantly and ..."

Wonderful! I wish you well. My daughter will complete her MFA in Acting (New School for Drama) in May. Watching her hard work I have some understanding of your challenge. PS make sure you share your reading list. I never can have too many TBR

My favorite author (among a handful of favorites!) is David Mitchell. I would love to finish two more novels to complete the challenge to read EVERYTHING he's written. Great idea, Eric.

DONE:
Cloud Atlas
Black Swan Green
The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet: A Novel

TO READ IN 2013:
Ghostwritten
Number9Dream

And then I'll tackle China Mieville. Not literally, of course ;-)

Jana wrote: "And then I'll tackle China Mieville. Not literally, of course ;-) "

I would! I would then post status updates everywhere saying, "I tackled China Mieville literally." I bet people would still wonder if I had just read all his works and was just trying to be clever or if I had actually tackled him. Let 'em wonder ;-)

I am all about quantity this year. I have so many books on my shelves that are waiting for me ... but I am also so distracted by new books coming out. Maybe I'll have to stop listing to BOTN podcast (NOT!). Just plan to invest several hours every day reading. Will not let "little things" (like cleaning house) get in my way!!!

Here's one.

Read one novel by a woman author for every novel by a man you read.

Maybe this isn't a problem for everyone, but I have found my reading list (shaped by my own tastes and the sources I solicit for recommendations) overwhelming masculine, and it is high time I strove toward some gender parity in my reading.

I think there's a difference between tackling China Mieville literally and tackling him literarily.

If you do, though, don't forget his DC comics series Dial H.

Eric wrote: "I think there's a difference between tackling China Mieville literally and tackling him literarily."

Of course there is, but 1) most people will automatically run up the comparison between "literally" and "figuratively" instead and 2) Tackling him literally and literarily is a mighty fine line indeed to many New Weird female fans ;-)

Eric: I got the first Dial H hot off the press and then haven't picked up the next few. I see that Volume I comes out in April:

Tanya: Where's the LIKE button?
And when I stood across from him last summer as he signed my kindle (which I have mentioned only 1,000 times to anyone who listens to me), don't think it didn't occur to me ;-) That man's mind is so amazing. I defy anyone not to get an author crush on him if they hear him speak!

The first six issues of Dial H are very weird, with some of the narration coming from alien characters who are hard to understand. But the next issue focuses on the human characters and sets it off in a much more interesting direction (to me). I think by issue 7 you see where it's going and what the "rules" of the fictional world are. Also, the humor element amps up quite a bit.

My favorite author is VS Naipaul. I love his take on identity and culture and his general grumpiness and lack of a political agenda. I discovered him in college, then last year I delved into his backlist and read about 5 more, including my favorite Naipaul A House for Mr Biswas about 1950s Trinidad where he grew up. I've read about 12 or 14 or his books, probably close to half. . . I think I'll try to read 2-3 more this year, but to definitely get to ALL by the end of my life, which, as I'll turn 40 this year, is hopefully just 1/2 over. . .

I figured out the caption for my 2013 reading challenge: "The Long and the Short of It."
After hearing Ann's enthusiasm for short stories on this week's podcast, I want to participate in that adventure. However, at the same time, I am guilty of setting aside hefty books in favor of racking up a larger year-end total. (War & Peace: case in point.) So I also set myself the challenge of tackling several 700+ page tomes.
Question: How do you think short stories should be accounted for on book totals? E.g. 7 stories = 1 book? Any ideas?

Readnponder wrote: "Question: How do you think short stories should be accounted for on book totals? E.g. 7 stories = 1 book? Any ideas? "

I go by ISBN and it works for me regarding collections and singles; but I don't know how that works for shorts found in magazines and online. I would keep a separate count for those non-ISBN titles and so any goal you set there would be of your own making :-)

I don't have many reading goals this year because I want to re read and then finish the rest of Robert Jordan's Eye of the World series. I first read The Eye of the World 16 years ago and it was what convinced me to read high fantasy. It is so epic in size that I probably won't finish it this year if I want to read anything else. I love the story though so I am happy if reading the series means I read far less than my Goodreads challenge for the year. I love the idea of reading everything written by one author and always wanted to do this with Hemingway so maybe I will make that an overall reading goal whether it takes me 1 year or more.

Mona wrote: "I think she may be doing a reverse read of Thomas Hardy as well.."

I tried that, but it read like a word salad. The sentences didn't make any sense.

Eric wrote: "Mona wrote: "I think she may be doing a reverse read of Thomas Hardy as well.."

I tried that, but it read like a word salad. The sentences didn't make any sense."

Hee hee.

I just checked to see how close I am to a complete Thomas Hardy reading. I've read 5 novels and there are still a lot more to go. But since I haven't heard of most of them, I'm not going to add him to the authors-to-tackle list. Although the five I read are among my favorites of all time.

nancy wrote: "Today's the day that this inveterate deadline junkie has to decide on the 2013 challenge. I'm going with a selection of the suggestions from this discussion thread:
3 big fat books starting with T..."

I forgot to say...I'm aiming at a total of 50 books.

Amy wrote: "For 2013 I am giving myself 13 challenges. I am hoping to get through some of the "newer" TBRs (meaning after 2009 when I joined Goodreads, as I made quite the dent the year in those titles), while..."

Amy - I aspire to be as organized as you in my book reading someday!

My goal for this year is no goal. I've had fun the last couple of years with challenges, but I found the end of this year's reading almost turning into work as I tried (and failed) to complete the goals I had set. Another ant-goal for this year is to stop reading books I'm not enjoying. I had always been able to do this, but since really tracking books on goodreads the past couple of years it's been harder for me to do. I really wish goodreads had a DNF category that let you count the pages (or does this function exist and I don't see it?).

Lisa wrote: "Amy - I aspire to be as organized as you in my book reading someday! ..."


I'm pretty much a giant spreadsheet nerd. I have 2/3 of my reading listed out for the year :)

Amy wrote: "I'm pretty much a giant spreadsheet nerd. I have 2/3 of my reading listed out for the year :) "

LOL, I went from refusing to make a spreadsheet, to making a simple one, to making an insanely more elaborate one! I've been trying to wean myself away from lists and such over the past couple of years, but that's not working out. So this year I made a straightforward list of challenges and books that qualified for each challenge. I deliberately created the spreadsheet in google Drive, which is much more limited in features than Excel or Numbers, as I didn't want to end up obsessing over bells and whistles. Ironically, I've now been seeing exactly how far I can take a google Drive spreadsheet! Last night I was looking at value/array formulae beyond the True/False statements... This is how I got into trouble in the first place! :-D

I'm doing a few challenges this year. My overall Goodreads challenge is to read at least 60 books, 13 of which must come from the unread pile sitting in my apartment for more than a year. I'm also doing the Literary Explorations (another group here on Goodreads) Easy Challenge (there are also ard and an insane challenges). The Literary Explorations Easy Challenge involves reading books from 12 different genres, which means I'll end up reading books from some genres I don't normally read (like horror).

Tiffani, you've inspired me by your challenge. I, too, am going to tackle the stack of the unread growing my bedside, now nearly blocking my view of the bathroom.

Tanya/dog eared copy wrote: "Amy wrote: "I'm pretty much a giant spreadsheet nerd. I have 2/3 of my reading listed out for the year :) "

LOL, I went from refusing to make a spreadsheet, to making a simple one, to making an in..."

What language are you speaking Tanya? I think the Goodreads lists are about as extensive as I'm going to go... Meanwhile I wanted to thank you for recommending the audio version of Matterhorn. I'm listening to it and it's great.

Tanya/dog eared copy wrote: "Amy wrote: "I'm pretty much a giant spreadsheet nerd. I have 2/3 of my reading listed out for the year :) "

LOL, I went from refusing to make a spreadsheet, to making a simple one, to making an in..."

LOL! Those formulae can be addictive. I ended up using nesting IF statements to try and achieve the 'perfect' spreadsheet.

edited to counteract the effects of a couple of glasses of wine!

Esther wrote: "Tanya/dog eared copy wrote: "Amy wrote: "I'm pretty much a giant spreadsheet nerd. I have 2/3 of my reading listed out for the year :) "

LOL, I went from refusing to make a spreadsheet, to making ..."

Hilarious!! I'm saving the spreadsheets for work :)

Jana wrote: "Eric wrote: "Mona wrote: "I think she may be doing a reverse read of Thomas Hardy as well.."

I tried that, but it read like a word salad. The sentences didn't make any sense."

Hee hee.

I just ch..."

Jana wrote: "Eric wrote: "Mona wrote: "I think she may be doing a reverse read of Thomas Hardy as well.."

I tried that, but it read like a word salad. The sentences didn't make any sense."

Hee hee.


I just ch..."

Jana - how are we friends?? Thomas Hardy has always made me want to slit my wrists. Stranded on a desert island with only Hardy to read ... I might take up solitaire. ;)

Since this is Books on the Nightstand, I like the idea in a previous post and will actually commit to reading all of the books that are currently sitting on my nightstand. In addition, I'm going to do the 5 Patrick Melrose novels. I heard very good things about them this past year. Beyond that, I'm not going to set a numbers goal but will probably hit 40 or so

I've been thinking about which author I could pick to be part of Eric's suggested "ALL challenge", and right now I'm thinking of John Irving as this would mean 13 novels - perfect for '13. But possibly a bit ambitious. I may go with Lionel Shriver instead, or perhaps Swiss author Martin Suter.

My overall reading challenge this year is to read about 5 books per month (60 for the year), and to read exclusively from home (and the library), with the exception of book club books I may need to purchase if needed. I am planning on suspending my Audible membership for as long as possible, too.
My only book buying will take place at the Northshire at Booktopia Vermont in April. 3 weeks into the year, and I'm struggling but not caving in yet!

Kats wrote: "I've been thinking about which author I could pick to be part of Eric's suggested "ALL challenge", and right now I'm thinking of John Irving as this would mean 13 novels - perfect for '13. But pos..."

John Irving is one of my favorite authors. I haven't read all of his books yet, but of the ones I have read A Widow for One Year is my favorite. Good luck with your challenge!

I'm excited for my reading challenge in 2013, which is Around the World in 80 Books! I will read 80 books, set in 80 [hopefully] different countries. Probably a selection of fiction, non-fiction, travel writing, memoir, and short stories. Blogging my reviews, keeping a reading "map" [complete with flags!] over at my Tumblr blog. Should be a good year of reading [and traveling] for me this year! Happy reading everyone!

Happy reading, indeed! I am constantly amazed by the goals I see. The creativity is admirable. I am happy when I have enough time to read one book per month. If I stopped perusing the goodreads.com, strandmag.com or indy book shoppe websites I probably could get more done. For now, 12 is still my goal.

The last few years, creating a reading challenge was frustrating; it took some of the fun out of reading. So, my goal for 2013 is:
(1) To read at least 100 pages per day - - of anything (book, magazine article, short story, etc.)
(2) To log all books I read, with a 1-2 paragraph review, on Goodreads.

Mttabor wrote: "Here's one.

Read one novel by a woman author for every novel by a man you read.

Maybe this isn't a problem for everyone, but I have found my reading list (shaped by my own tastes and the source..."

I've been keeping track of author gender for a few years; I usually end up close to 50/50, but I have to really track it!

Joy wrote: "I'm excited for my reading challenge in 2013, which is Around the World in 80 Books! I will read 80 books, set in 80 [hopefully] different countries. Probably a selection of fiction, non-fiction, t..."

Joy, this is a really cool idea. Kudos to you. I recently read "The Last Brother" by Natacha Appanah, which takes place in Mauritius, a remote island in the Indian Ocean. I was inspired to read more foreign fiction, and noticed that the publisher Graywolf Press lists quite a few books that were written in other languages (and therefore presumably often take place in different locales) as part of their Lannan Translation Series. If you would like, I could send you this book with the list in it. I don't keep my books any more; I'd rather give them away to others. If you want it, just send me your address to [email protected].

Pamela wrote: "Joy wrote: "I'm excited for my reading challenge in 2013, which is Around the World in 80 Books! I will read 80 books, set in 80 [hopefully] different countries. Probably a selection of fiction, no..."

Thanks Pamela! Sounds great!

Lil wrote: "I really wish goodreads had a DNF category that let you count the pages (or does this function exist and I don't see it?). "

Hi Lil, I don't think anyone has answered this for you, but you can create your own shelf for DNF. Go to "My Books" -> "Bookshelves (edit)" -> type the name of your new shelf in the "add a shelf" box -> click "exclusive" if you don't want to have to also store the DNF books on your "read," "currently reading," or "to read" shelves. I've created two DNF shelves for myself - "quit" and "quit but may try again."

I hope this helps! I've finally learned to put books down that I'm not enjoying. Life is just too short to waste time on a bad book.

Heather wrote: "Lil wrote: "I really wish goodreads had a DNF category that let you count the pages (or does this function exist and I don't see it?). "

Hi Lil, I don't think anyone has answered this for you, but..."

Oh -- like the idea of DNF-may-try again.....I only have DNF, but sometimes is just a matter of timing on why it's not appealling.

The books on this shelf will not count as part of your pages read (which I think that Lil was asking about).

JoLene wrote: "The books on this shelf will not count as part of your pages read (which I think that Lil was asking about). "

You're right JoLene, I totally misread the question. Oops!

I like having two DNF shelves because some books would probably be delightful if I tried to read them in a different mood, but some books should simply be thrust away never to be looked at again!

Kats wrote: "I've been thinking about which author I could pick to be part of Eric's suggested "ALL challenge", and right now I'm thinking of John Irving as this would mean 13 novels - perfect for '13. But pos..."

Ooooo - if I could only "schedule" more of my reading this year... My challenges are already ambitious, but that would be perfect. I've only read The World According to Garp, but I loved it and the writing. I have 2 other John Irving books on my bookshelf to read someday.

Pamela wrote: "To log all books I read, with a 1-2 paragraph review, on Goodreads. ..."

Great goal! I should really stay on top of that more myself!

Pamela wrote: "The last few years, creating a reading challenge was frustrating; it took some of the fun out of reading. So, my goal for 2013 is:
(1) To read at least 100 pages per day - - of anything (book, mag..."

I agree and for that reason haven't been too specific in my goals except for a number of books, which isn't too stressful for me (52) AND add to my "complete works" with David Mitchell reading. But I love the 100 pages idea because it fits perfectly with the short stories.

I'm taking a couple of free online classes with Coursera this year. The next one up is The Modern and the Post Modern which starts on Feb 4. The class covers many authors I have yet to read, so looking forward to that. You can learn more about it: https://www.coursera.org/course/moder...

Elizabeth wrote: "I'm taking a couple of free online classes with Coursera this year. The next one up is The Modern and the Post Modern which starts on Feb 4. The class covers many authors I have yet to read, so loo..."

That looks fabulous, Elizabeth. I love that Fun Home is on there as well.

Elizabeth wrote: "I'm taking a couple of free online classes with Coursera this year. The next one up is The Modern and the Post Modern which starts on Feb 4. The class covers many authors I have yet to read, so loo..."
Elizabeth- have you taken a Coursera course before? I've been on the fence. I was hoping the poetry class would come up again, but as of now it doesn't look like it's on the list.

@ Jana: Loved Fun Home, and am also a David Mitchell fan. Would love to hear him talk in person.

@ Callie: In regards to Coursera, yes. Will be wrapping up an Astronomy course in a couple of weeks. So many great courses, so little time.

Heather wrote: "Lil wrote: "I really wish goodreads had a DNF category that let you count the pages (or does this function exist and I don't see it?). "

Hi Lil, I don't think anyone has answered this for you, but..."

Thank you! I didn't know about the exclusive function. I'll make two more shelves.

Jolene, you're right that I was hoping goodreads would let me count those pages, but at least I know the answer--can't! Maybe they'll add that feature (and a like button for these posts!) one of these days.

Lil wrote: "Heather wrote: "Lil wrote: "I really wish goodreads had a DNF category that let you count the pages (or does this function exist and I don't see it?). "

Yeah, I'd love a DNF category, too. I created one, but then I still have to shelve it in one of the three status categories, and I don't like doing that. I'd want "DNF--for good" and "DNF--for now" categories. I have a ton since I had my kidlet two years ago that I've started and for whatever reason (often just mommy-brained misplacement), didn't finish.

Jena wrote: "Yeah, I'd love a DNF category, too. I created one, but then I still have to shelve it in one of the three status categories, and I don't like doing that. ..."

I'm not sure if it counts the pages in your page count, but I know you can set up (multiple) DNF shelves that are "exclusive", meaning they don't overlap with the other 3 default shelves.