Somehow, we are already halfway through 2022. Which means most of the staff here at Tyson Library should, ideally, be able to stack the books they’ve read since January 1 on top of each other and the stack stand somewhere around their midriff. Let’s see how our reading efforts are stacking up to the challenge!
Aly, Children and Teen Programming – Goal: 5’5″
Aly has added 29 books to her chart so far this year.
“I find that I am reading a lot more than I have in probably 5 or 6 years,” Aly said. “I want to be able to read to my height, so instead of scrolling on my phone, I pull out a book instead.”
Aly’s favorite read this year (so far): Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business by Dolly Parton, Non-Fiction
Her least favorite read this year (so far): How Not to Fall in Love by Jacqueline Firkins, Young Adult
Aly’s book choices earlier in the year were largely in the genre of non-fiction, but she has found her way into quite a few historical romance and thriller tales lately.
“I’ve enjoyed most of (the historical romance), but sometimes the romance stories can be a little too predictable,” said Aly.
She’s also added the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn to her list, and has seemed to enjoy the source material used in the popular Netflix production.
Donna, Cataloger – Goal: 5’3″
Donna’s chart includes 25 titles from the first half of the year.
Donna said she doesn’t think she’s read more books than she would have normally this year because of the challenge. This will be the first time she’s tried to keep track of her own reading habit for an entire year.
“I’ve always been an avid reader,” said Donna. “It’ll be interesting to see how many books I will read by the end of the year.”
Donna’s favorite book this year (so far): The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah, Historical Fiction or The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris, also Historical Fiction
Donna said this was a difficult choice, because she has enjoyed so many.
“My favorite genre is historical fiction, especially WWII,” Donna said. “I enjoy learning things I didn’t already know when I read a book. And, I also enjoy a good page-turner as well.”
Margaret Ann, Circulation – Goal: 5′
Margaret Ann has finished 19 books since January 1, 2022.
Margaret Ann’s non-strategy to read to her height is simply to “read, read, read!” She said: “If you are reading something that catches your interested, you will read faster to find out what happens!”
Margaret Ann’s favorite read this year (so far): The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn, Historical Fiction
“The challenge is not the size of the book! said Margaret Ann. “I just don’t read as much during the summer months – that is the challenge! I would rather be outside in the summer, working on my flowers.”
Before the year is over, Margaret Ann plans to read at least one book that is out of her “comfort zone.” She’s been enjoying historical fiction and realistic mysteries, so far this year.
Tali, Advertising & Marketing – Goal: 5’3″
Tali has added 29 titles to her list in the last 6 months.
“I read in just about every format, I think,” Tali said. “This includes the traditional book we all think of when we picture going to the library, along with audiobooks, digital audiobooks, e-books, and even graphic novels.”
Tali’s favorite book this year (so far): Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler (Earthseed #1), Dystopia
Tali’s least favorite book this year (so far): Era of Ignition: Coming of Age in a Time of Rage and Revolution by Amber Tamblyn, Non-Fiction
“I’ve read more for pleasure this year than I have in…I want to say decades, like since I did summer reading programs as a kid,” said Tali. “Setting a goal and challenging myself to chisel away at it day by day and week by week is intrinsically rewarding for me and having the extra motivation with the public tracking charts is helping to keep me reading when I would normally tell myself that I’m too busy.”
While some of us have made great progress towards our goals in the last 6 months, others still have a ways to go. But, we have plenty of time to catch up!
If you saw our original post about setting these “reading to our heights” goals in January, we hope you’ll continue to follow along. There isn’t a reward for reaching our goals (other than the self-satisfaction, I suppose), but I think we’re all enjoying the challenge.
“I would encourage more people to try some sort of reading challenge, even if it isn’t this one,” Aly said. “I’ve always wanted to read more. I used to read a lot when I was younger and a teenager, but it lessened as I’ve gotten older. So I’m happy that I have a challenge pushing me in a goal I already wanted to accomplish.”
Check out our reading logs in the adult area of our collection the next time you stop in. If you see a title there you’ve been thinking about reading or have already read, we’d love to chat about it!