43

OK, some of you might not know this, but those of you who know me won't be surprised at all. I keep a running list of books I've read and movies I've seen in the back of my journal. I begin with the first book I finish each year (I might've started it on Dec. 31 but that's ok; it's books I actually FINISH that get on the list), and continue until Dec. 31 with the consecutive numbering.

This morning I finished book #43 of the year. My personal goal was to read an average of 10 books a month, for a grand total of 120. This would beat last year's total of 113. Since it's only the end of April, I've kept up with my goal. It's okay to be a bit ahead, because with traveling this summer I might not make the goal of 10 each month.

I have enjoyed the challenges I've joined that keep me focused, but I'm like a kid with a new toy when it comes to a new book. I start new books right away, but then I may not finish them. Isn't that sad? That's why I have about seven unfinished books laying around.

I have been reading mostly Christian fiction and some romances lately, because that's what I'm being sent for book reviewing. Not that I'm complaining, because I'm not. I like them. I also like general fiction, women's fiction, literary fiction (if it's not too deep) and essay collections. Sometimes a little chick lit is fun for a diversion as well. Even if I couldn't tell Prada from Payless.

I have amassed a collection (through Paperback Swap, of course!) of all four Cleo Coyle coffee house cozy mysteries (the fifth comes out this summer), but I haven't started them yet. I am not sure if I've ever read a cozy! I sorta know what one is, though.

I am also gathering some children's books for a Newbery Award challenge I've joined, and I am really looking forward to reading some of them aloud to my girls this summer. We'll be reading a LOT. It's going to be great!