Do you make yearly reading lists?

[SusanH]

I never have, as I tend to go on reading jags, favoring one author or type of book for months at a time, then preferring something else. Since I never know what direction my interest will go, I rarely plan ahead. Instead I make note of books I intend to read someday and keep them in reserve for when the mood strikes me.

So who makes lists? Do you find that you follow your list reasonably closely or do you veer off on tangents? Have you made one for 2003 or did you have one for 2002?

[SusanH]

In honor of the topic, I must quote Mr. Knightley in Jane Austen's Emma, discussing Emma's never-quite-realized plans to "read more":

Emma has been meaning to read more ever since she was twelve years old. I have seen a great many lists of her drawing-up at various times of books that she meant to read regularly through--and very good lists they were--very well chosen, and very neatly arranged--sometimes alphabetically, and sometimes by some other rule. The list she drew up when only fourteen--I remember thinking it did her judgment so much credit, that I preserved it some time; and I dare say she may have made out a very good list now.

[Laura_008]

I do sort of. When I hear of a book that I want to read, I write it down on a list I keep on my desk. Then later, I'll go onto my local library's website and browse the catalogue and see if they have them. It's not a real formal list, just a little sticky note.

This year I'm starting a reading journal. I'm going to write down everything I read, what it was about and what I thought about it. I'd like to see how much I read in a year, plus I'll be able to keep track of what authors I like and don't like. I think I got this idea from someone on this board, actually. :)

[Caryl]

I love to write New Year's Resolutions every year, and reading is always one of the topics I write about. My resolutions are actually more like goals or dreams, things I'd love to do during the year.

I don't really make up a list of specific books, but I do set a few reading goals and daydream about the books I'd love to get to. Last year, I wanted to read all of Austen's novels, but I only read P&P! So, that goes on the list again for this year. :) I also write down things like, "Read my magazines more often," and "Read at least two novels and one non-fiction book each month."

Laura, I just started a reading journal last year, and I love it. I found a nice, small one that has room for a paragraph or so about each book, so that I wouldn't be too intimidated by it. I got a bit behind this fall, but did a search here of the "What are you reading?" threads, and was able to catch up again!

Susan, that's a wonderful quote! I know I'll love Emma when I meet her. :D

[Satya]

I never make a list of books I'm going to read. I keep a list of the books I've already read in case I'd like to recommend a book to someone or go back and read a book again. Also, it makes me feel very accomplished to see all I've read. I tend to collect books that I want to read and keep them on my "to read" shelf. When I finish a book I go to my book case and puruse my tantalizing choices. I read whichever book strikes my fancy at the time:) (The Brothers Karamazov has been on my shelf for about five years now!! Ha! I'll get to it some day!)

[Lisa Jo]

I don't make lists as such, but I always have names of books jotted down on scraps and notepads all over my house and car. Whenever I read a good review in the paper or hear one on NPR I'll scribble it down.

A few years ago NPR's Talk of the Nation featuring callers' favorite reads. People called in through the entire show recommending books they'd really enjoyed. I only caught the last 10 minutes of the show and was so disappointed I'd missed most of it.

Edited to say: A few years ago I finally hit on the idea of writing down all the books I read and movies I watch. I write them at the back of my journal and it is wonderful to be able to go back and see what I've read and when. I have a little rating system: a downward arrow means I didn't care for it, a star means I especially liked it, blank means it was just "worth reading". I do the same with the movies. :)

[Ursula]

No. I don't know that far in advance what I want to read.

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Ursula
Me: 35, Dh: 34 (1989)
<font color="#FF850B"><font size=2pt> Dd: May 2001</font></font>
19 Months
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