In my last post, I talked about my goals for 2021, and how my One Word for the year would influence those goals. This includes my never-ending To Be Read list.
My reading goal for the year is to read at least 35 books. I’ll definitely try for more than that, but 35 seemed to be a reasonable number in light of my other goals But as far as how I’m choosing what to read, that’s a little more complicated.
My One Word for 2021 is actually WORD(S). I intend to focus on how I use language, both personally and professionally, and how I learn from what others say. This means that when I choose books to read this year, I will pull books from my To Be Read list that represent a wide range of authors, genres, and subjects. I want to learn from what I read.
What I Hope To Learn From the Words of Others
I already try to read a wide variety of books and other works, but I know there’s always room for improvement. I want to do a better job this year of balancing between personal interests and exploring works that represent different experiences and interests.
My decision to expand what I read this year involves four criteria:
- CRAFT – As a writer, I want to learn from other writers. Whether that’s someone who’s written 50 books or two, I want to study how other writers create their fictional worlds or make their arguments through research. Studying others’ words will help be learn more about the craft of writing.
- VOICE – I know my own background in terms of family, culture, education, and experiences. I can only truly write from that point of view. As a writer, I know I can never fully capture anything beyond my life and own imagination. However, I can read about what other people experience and create. While I might not always like someone else’s book or agree with their opinions, I want to listen and learn about how they integrate their experiences into their work.
- CURIOSITY – I believe in being a lifelong learner. That means staying continually curious about new ideas and trying new things. While I will never become a scientist, I want to read about those who research cures for disease or develop plans to save endangered animals. I’ll never be a great athlete, but I want to learn about healthy living from an Olympic champions. And I’ll probably never be a world traveler, but I want to learn from someone who bicycles across South America.
- FUN – As a longtime reader and student of literature, I enjoy studying what I read. I love breaking down narrative structure, character development, themes, and all that stuff most people despise about their high school English classes. But, while I enjoy reading books as a from of study, I want to also find books to read purely for fun. These books are those quick-read types that aren’t necessarily about being great literature. They are the books you can get lost in and finish in a day kind of books.
What I’m Reading This Year
Like most readers, my bookshelves – both physical and digital – are overrun with books. So how am I choosing my books for this year? There are a handful that have been on my To Be Read list for a while, so those get first dibs. But after that, I’ll prioritize choices by the four categories above and balance that with a rotation of fiction vs. nonfiction, favorite vs. previously limited reading genres, and like vs. diverse authors/subjects.
Here are some of the books I’ve either already read or are on my list for the year. There are plenty of others I’ll choose from, but these will be some of my priority books for 2021.
Already Read:
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe – Benjamin Alire Sáenz
- Award winning young adult book about an Hispanic boy in Texas navigating high school, learning about friendship, and questioning his sexuality
The Mapwalker Trilogy – J.F. Penn
- Fantasy series centered around the ability to travel between different worlds through maps and other magical means. The Mapwalkers are responsible for protecting their version of earth from those in other parts of the borderland worlds.
And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie
- Classic mystery involving strangers lured together on a remote island only to discover they’re part of a plot to kill everyone at the house. I actually read this in middle school, but I decided to re-read it after watching a biographical series about Agatha Christie on PBS.
Currently Reading:
Troubled Blood – Robert Galbraith (pen name for J.K. Rowling)
- Private investigators are hired to look into a cold case of a missing doctor. (I understand there is a debate about this book due to the portrayal of a potential suspect And while I have chosen to continue to read – and am enjoying – this book/series, I recognize others will feel differently. Character portrayal is certainly an important discussion for all readers and authors.)
Becoming Willa Cather – Daryl W. Palmer
- Chronicles how Willa Cather’s experiences in both her rural Nebraska hometown and her adult life in Pittsburgh and New York influenced her growth as a writer. As a Nebraskan, Willa Cather has long been one of my favorite classic fiction writers. In recent years, besides reading more of her books and short stories, I’ve had the opportunity to visit her childhood home in Red Cloud and participate in the Cather Center annual conference.
Want To Read:
Barracoon – Zora Neale Thurston
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings – Maya Angelou
A Warrior of the People – Joe Starita
Citizen Reporters – Stephanie Gorton
Dear Edward – Ann Napolitano
Limitless -Jim Kwik
The Hate U Give – Angie Thomas
Gabriel Allon series (currently up to Book 12 in the series) – Daniel Silva
Confederacy of Dunce – John Kennedy Toole
Yards After Contact – Andrew Hoffman
Dream Like a Champion – John Cook
The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers – Maxwell King
Where the Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens
New Releases I’ll Read When Published:
Small Favors – Erin A. Craig
Soundtracks – Jon Acuff
Your Crib, My Qibla (poetry) – Saddiq Dzukogi
**Do you set reading goals for the year? What books are you looking forward to reading in 2021?**
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Hey! Reading a wide variety of books is always room for improvement, it keeps you updated, helps in self-development, and many more. I like your choice and the topics you want to cover. But I suggest you read an inspirational book once, it’s helpful. Keep sharing!