2007: Reading Reflections

As 2008 rolls around it’d only normal to look back and reflect upon the year that has just passed. You’re probably going to see a lot of these posts in the next few weeks, but I think I’ll join the pack anyway. I think it’s fun to look back on how things have changed. It’s amazing how a year can seem like such a long time, and yet such a short time too.

This is the first of three different posts reflecting on 2007. This post will focus on my experience as a reader this year. Posts reflecting on books I’ve read in 2007, and my favorite posts of this year will be coming soon. Happy 2008 everyone!

My experiences as a reader in 2007 (in no particular order):

1. I’ve rediscovered the delight in reading Children’s literature. I’ve avoided reading anything other than teen or adult books for a couple years now. I think this was mostly fueled by the fact that my mother used to give me a hard time when I was younger when I read books below my grade level (she wanted me to challenge myself…). But no longer! I’m proud that I’ve finally gotten to the point that I can read children’s books with no guilt. Just because these books are written for kids doesn’t mean they’re “dumbed down.” In fact, I think a book that can be equally enjoyed by adults and children is a true classic.

2. I’ve reminded myself of how good it is to read books by favorite authors. It’d been awhile since I read anything by Tamora Pierce, Clare B. Dunkle, Orson Scott Card, or a Diamond Brothers mystery. But I managed to read at least one of each of these this past year. I just love falling in love with a book/author/series all over again.

3. I participated in the Cybils again. This experience was just as rewarding as last time. My group doesn’t announce until January 7th, so I’m not quite done yet. However, I’m still having a blast finishing up my duties.

4. My reviews have gone down. So I think the number of reviews I’ve posted this year have definitely gone down, even though I’ve read the same amount (and even more) books than usual. This is not necessarily a growth for this year, but it is a good place for a goal. I plan to spend a lot more time in the new year.

5. My personal library has expanded. I suddenly own a lot more books than I ever have. Growing up I always used the library, since I couldn’t afford to buy my own books. However, thanks to my reviewing job, and also to book swapping sites such as Bookmooch, I’ve been able to own a large number of the books I read. I’ve decided I enjoy owning my own books. There’s just something about knowing a book is yours that makes it a little more special.

6. I’ve rediscovered a love of classic literature. This could be partly due to my English college courses, but I’ve decided that a lot of these classics aren’t so bad. One of my favorite authors is now Jane Austen, though I’ve really taken a liking to Shakespeare as well.

7. I’ve started to read with an editor’s eye. My eventual goal is to work as an editor, so I particularly enjoyed my editing class this past semester. This has opened my eye to a whole new level of reading. In some ways it’s not so great (I notice mistakes a lot more) but I’ve also learned how to appreciate great writing. It makes reading a lot more fun.

Well, that’s pretty much if for my reading reflections of 2007. May 2008 bring a lot more growth!