2012 Ambitions
So, brushing right over how ridiculously long it has taken me to post (again!), I thought it time to put my 2012 'resolution' down in writing.
Ok, so not so much a resolution, because I think those things are crap, but I've decided to tackle a bit of a project, and I find I'm much better and keeping my resolve if this is somehow made public.
I'm going to read 100 books in 2012.
Not just that, but I'm going to note them down and (possibly) make thoughtful little comments / reviews of each one. Some ground rules, though.
The List.
1. Odd and the Frost Giants - by Neil Gaiman
Oh I loved this. I've enjoyed many of Neil Gaiman's works (graphic novels, tv shows and movies) but I've shied away from his books. I had a less than impressive experience with Anansi Boys when I was much younger. But this delightful children's tale has re-awkened my taste for Gaiman. It's a cute little myth / fable, but some brilliant use of words. The eagle who "screamed with dark delight". Love it!
I read this with half my mind wondering when my niece and nephew would be old enough to read this too and enjoy it.
2. Reasons for Marriage - by Stephanie Laurens
i. Don't judge me. I enjoy chewing gum for the brain on occasion.
ii.I don't pretend that this novel has any redeeming qualities apart from escapism. And if I'm honest even that was difficult to achieve. A heroine that I identify with (smart, quiet, disinclined to marriage) gets hunted and basically trapped into marriage by an arrogant and entitled twat, but it all turns out ok because he awakens her passion. And gives her babies. And they find twu lub.
Ok, even I'm judging me now.
3. The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group - by Catherine Jinks
I love Catherine Jinks. Expect to see her name again down the list as I am currently engaged in hunting down some of her earlier works that I wasn't savvy enough (or cashed up enough.... books were expensive when your pocket money was $5 per week) to buy when I was younger.
This is a great romp through the the paranormal world (but not a paranormal romance, which was refreshing. I love True Blood as much as the next girl, but some straight action adventure is always welcome.) and really made me want to track down the first book (I think it's "Reformed Vampire Support Group"). It's a young adult fiction, but very well-written and engaging, and set around Sydney and outback NSW, so interestingly familiar to me.
4. Your Skirt's Too Short (Sex, Power and Choice) - by Emily Maguire
Damn I love this book. Thoughtful, thought-provoking. What conversations about feminism really should be like.
5. _______ ?
Ok, so not so much a resolution, because I think those things are crap, but I've decided to tackle a bit of a project, and I find I'm much better and keeping my resolve if this is somehow made public.
I'm going to read 100 books in 2012.
Not just that, but I'm going to note them down and (possibly) make thoughtful little comments / reviews of each one. Some ground rules, though.
- It will be considered to be cheating if more than 40 of my final list are Terry Practchett books. I know I re-read most of the Discworld series each year (nerd-alert! Don't judge me.) but I feel there have to be limits.
- It will not be considered cheating if young adult or children's books are included - there's a lot of good writing in that space - but the book must be no less than 50 pages.
- It will be considered cheating if at least 10% of the final list are not non-fiction. Despite the fact that I deal with bloody numbers and business reports on a daily basis, this is no excuse for not broadening my mind a little with some non-fiction / informative writing.
- And finally, I will not give myself a hard time if I don't make it to 100. 2 books a week doesn't sound like much, I know, but I have a busy year ahead (I'm already booked up until March for fuck's sake? What kind of sick person does that??) and if I don't make it to 100 it will not be for lack of trying / complete mental and physical exhaustion.
The List.
1. Odd and the Frost Giants - by Neil Gaiman
Oh I loved this. I've enjoyed many of Neil Gaiman's works (graphic novels, tv shows and movies) but I've shied away from his books. I had a less than impressive experience with Anansi Boys when I was much younger. But this delightful children's tale has re-awkened my taste for Gaiman. It's a cute little myth / fable, but some brilliant use of words. The eagle who "screamed with dark delight". Love it!
I read this with half my mind wondering when my niece and nephew would be old enough to read this too and enjoy it.
2. Reasons for Marriage - by Stephanie Laurens
i. Don't judge me. I enjoy chewing gum for the brain on occasion.
ii.I don't pretend that this novel has any redeeming qualities apart from escapism. And if I'm honest even that was difficult to achieve. A heroine that I identify with (smart, quiet, disinclined to marriage) gets hunted and basically trapped into marriage by an arrogant and entitled twat, but it all turns out ok because he awakens her passion. And gives her babies. And they find twu lub.
Ok, even I'm judging me now.
3. The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group - by Catherine Jinks
I love Catherine Jinks. Expect to see her name again down the list as I am currently engaged in hunting down some of her earlier works that I wasn't savvy enough (or cashed up enough.... books were expensive when your pocket money was $5 per week) to buy when I was younger.
This is a great romp through the the paranormal world (but not a paranormal romance, which was refreshing. I love True Blood as much as the next girl, but some straight action adventure is always welcome.) and really made me want to track down the first book (I think it's "Reformed Vampire Support Group"). It's a young adult fiction, but very well-written and engaging, and set around Sydney and outback NSW, so interestingly familiar to me.
4. Your Skirt's Too Short (Sex, Power and Choice) - by Emily Maguire
Damn I love this book. Thoughtful, thought-provoking. What conversations about feminism really should be like.
5. _______ ?