11 Comments

I always set a goal of 50 books on Goodreads. Sometimes I read more. I read books that are recommended by friends, New York Times, etc. Occasionally I re-read a book, and when my library stack runs out I read from my own library. I just finished "I'm Glad My Mom Died," and am reading "Paranoid Park." I started reading "The Fraud" by Zadie Smith because I've liked her other books, but put this one down. Don't care for it. I might have 500 or 1000 books left to read (according to statistics based on age), so no time left to read books I don't enjoy.

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Life is too short for bad books! Put down anything that doesn't serve you. I'm always trying to do it more because I am a completist at heart, but it's a goal for 2024. Thanks for sharing, Sandra :)

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Enjoyed this, thank you. I’m currently reading In Memoriam by Alice Winn and savouring it. It’s easily one of the best queer books I’ve read so far.

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Thank you for reading, Kashmira. And thanks for the recommendation too - that book goes look good!

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Oh and for queer book recs, I've REALLY enjoyed Sonora Reyes' YA books. Very sweet but does heavy lifting in its representation and compassionate character dev and storytelling.

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Excellent suggestion, Tina, thank you!

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I like quantifying my books in a year because reading is like a liminal hobby...as a library-goer and non-book-collector, there's no physical evidence of my hobby. I'm afraid I'm still using the evil-corp book app, but have found it the most helpful for book recs. Storygraph wasn't for me as the types of data pieces, which it was very strong weren't for me.

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Nov 24
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So glad you enjoyed this piece, Emily. Thanks for reading 💕

I hear you on the Substack/books reading balance. I'm not sure I've found the right blend myself. I'm also having a slightly itchy reading moment - there are a bunch of books I've started but not finished, which I want to 'tick' before the end of the year, and my brain is tired and frazzled so my focus isn't as good. But I'm finding my way.

So glad you discovered Melissa Febos this year - she's one of my favourites. And glad that you've focused on healing this year. That's the most important thing of all 💕

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Feb 6, 2024
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Thank you Marissa. I think the Irish version of Libby is Borrowbox and I'm planning to get set up on it this weekend. 🤞

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I was coming to say that - Clare, you local public library has Libby (under catalog > online resources on their website). No more money to yucky companies, yes libraries!

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*always* support libraries. They are lifeblood for our communities and one of the few places you can go and pass some time, without spending any money. Thanks for the suggestion, Albe :)

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