Personal Journal – Michelle Reads & Writes

TBR – or will they be?

Posted on December 2, 2020 by Michelle

I saw that another blogger had posted about removing books from her TBR list, and I decided that it might be about time that I did the same. While I only have about a quarter of the amount of books on my TBR as she did, I still find it overwhelming to look at, especially as more and more books get released and added to the list.

I am writing this blog as I am working on this list. I am going to start with the books that I had added to my list when I first started tracking my books on Goodreads in 2013. So far, I feel like these books I want to keep. There are a few classics that I haven’t read yet, so they’re staying.

Okay – this is real life here. I can’t do it. I feel like nearly every book on my list is something that I still want to read. New idea. My reading goal for next year (even though I haven’t set it yet) is to read at least 100 books. I’m going to add a stipulation to that goal. At least 75 of them have to be on my TBR list. Eek!

At this moment I have 298 books on my TBR, I’m assuming that will go up as the Project Lit group announces more books for its list. But! It will be nice to make a dent in that with my goal for next year.

I hope you enjoyed reading my train of thoughts on this post and will help keep me accountable to my goal throughout the year. 🙂

Book Reviews, Personal Journal, Possible Trumans 2021-22, ProjectLitBookClub

An update of sorts

Posted on November 9, 2020November 9, 2020 by Michelle

It has been a minute since I have blogged about my reading adventures. Or anything at all. This summer, like many people, I spent a lot of time reading, learning, reflecting, and changing. Everything I read seemed too big to write a review on. I started to think that my thoughts on these novels I love weren’t anything that needed to be shared to a wider audience.

In all honesty, I have very few people who read my blog. Significantly fewer since I left Facebook and can’t share my posts with my “friends” there. But I started to think this past week as we were all captivated by the election results that we all matter. Every voice matters. When we share our passions with the world, it matters.

My main focus will be reviewing the books I read. From time to time I will use this blog to share other things I am learning.

For now, here are the books that I’ve read since my last blog with my Goodreads ranking. I MAY come back and review these later, but for now, the rankings will have to do.

**I didn’t rate this book. It desperately needed an editor, and it was hard to put away my English teacher glasses. The story was good though.**

Personal Journal

New year, more books

Posted on January 1, 2020 by Michelle

I’m sitting here with my oldest as we wait to ring in the new year. This is always the time of year when people think about what they can do differently, how they can improve themselves, and I am no different than everyone else. I’ve already committed to getting healthy, saving money, and making necessary improvements to our home. But I also wanted to change how I approach the books I read during the year.

My reading goal this year is at least 75 books, about 6 books a month. Instead of mindlessly going to the library, and picking out random books, I’m dedicating the first of every month to laying out the books I plan to read that month. I still plan on reading young adult books so that I can help my middle school students find books that speak to them, but I am going to read more genres!!

Here’s my list for January:

Drum Roll, Please – Truman possible. I tried to read this one this summer, and I was so bored. Hoping it picks up a little more.

Skyward. I’ve started this one, and I am enjoying it so far. Another possible Truman, and given the first few chapters, I wouldn’t be surprised if it made the list.

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl. This is the last possible Truman that I need to read, but the copy our school library had is lost, and I keep forget to reserve it from my public library. Doing it today! I have only heard good things from those who have read it, so I’m looking forward to it.

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One of my dear friends, Sam, gave me the coolest poster for Christmas where I scratch off the books that I have read. I THINK the books are the top sellers; I’m really not sure. There are a lot of classic novels, but a few more recent books as well. One of the books on the list that my co-teacher said I HAD to read was The Princess Bride. Adding that one to the list for January.

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Becoming by Michelle Obama. I’m going to finally finish this!

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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I wouldn’t be surprised if a Harry Potter book was on my list each month. Between me re-reading the series for myself and reading the series for the first time with my youngest, I am bound to be reading on each month.

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My Hero Academia. My oldest is really in to anime and graphic novels. She loves this series, so I told her I would try it out.

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I cannot wait to see what this year brings. Happy New Year, and happy reading!