When I reviewed my twenty-two books to read in 2022 journal page before working on this year’s list, I was surprised to realize I had read more books from the list than I thought I had. The last two and a half months of the year, I really struggled to finish a book, so checking anything off my reading list for the year was at a standstill. In spite of not finishing last year’s, though, I only carried a couple of books over from that list, and they’re specifically ones that I already own.
In fact, I started this year’s list by going through my shelves of unread books, picking out ones that piqued my interest as I was browsing, and adding those to the list. The second half of my plan for the year is to have as many books on the list come from the library or be bought used as possible. I have a lot of goals and dreams for the year (more on that later, I’m sure), so saving as much money as I can manage is of the utmost importance. Plus, I love the library, and I’m trying to foster a similar love in Finn, so utilizing it as a resource for the year can’t possibly be a bad idea.
My list also has less horror on it than I would have anticipated. I did make a concerted effort to include a variety of genres, but that still only meant having half of them be horror and the rest be a mix. I know what I like, I suppose.
This isn’t really a strict list of books I have to read this year, either. It’s more of an inspiration for when I can’t decide what to read. I can check the list, and maybe I’ll be reminded of something that interested me here at the beginning of the year. It’s also inspiration to read through more of the books I already own, since I have no shortage of unread books. Honestly, the whole list could have been only books that are already on my shelves, but where’s the fun in that? Sometimes I just want to go find a book on someone else’s shelves, even if it’s the public library (which I guess you could say are still partly my shelves—you know, taxes and all that).
I think the top three books I’m most excited to read this year are Carmilla, A Dowry of Blood, and Dark Archives. Apparently I’m in the mood for sapphic vampires and horrifying history. Honestly, though, the whole damn list has me so inspired to maybe, finally finish another book again. It’s been a hard few months of half read novels beside my bed. It’s not even that I haven’t enjoyed them; I just haven’t had the attention span. That, or I get too emotional while reading and have to take a break so I don’t chuck something across the room (see: Whisper Down the Lane).
Have you read anything from the list? Do you have one of your own for the year?
I just got a good reads account to keep track of my books. Lots of YA has been read but, I want to expand on what I’m reading. Definitely going to check out your list!
The Fifth Season, Braiding Sweetgrass, & Carmilla are all great (and very different!). I’ve taught Carmilla in my LGBTQ+ Lit class and I’m going to reread it again this year so lmk if you want to talk about its wildness lol. I just finished Legends & Lattes and enjoyed the cozy coffee vibes.