I’m sure lots of people are like this, but I go through reading spurts and slumps — even if I give off the impression that I don’t. If you’ve noticed my book count on the sidebar (11 so far since Jan 1st; 3 last week alone) or you get my Goodreads updates, it might seem like I’m going to surpass my 50-book goal way before the end of the year.
I wish.
Really I’m just giving myself leeway for the months I know I’ll be slacking.
For example, next month I’m going to be reading roughly six manuscripts from other writers. Since they’re novel-length manuscripts, I doubt I’ll be fitting in much other reading. (Except of course Megan Whalen Turner’s Conspiracy of Kings, which comes out March 23rd; I will be reading that book the moment I get it in my hands.)
In the summer, my reasons for slacking are far less legitimate, though. I feel like quoting that line from Bingley in the 2005 film version of Pride and Prejudice when Lizzy asks him about the library at Netherfield: “Fills me with guilt. Prefer being out of doors. Not that you can’t read out of doors, of course.”
And Jane answers, “I wish I read more, but there always seems to be so many other things to do.”
Sometimes I bring books with me outside, but often I just want to enjoy the sunshine. Or water my plants. Or watch the plants grow. (Not even kidding.)
So fear not: my current overdose on novels is me storing up for the sunny months ahead. I’ll still be lucky to hit 50 by the end of the year, as per my new year’s resolutions.
What are your reading habits like? Are you consistent throughout the year or do you find yourself more likely to curl up with a book in some seasons over others, rainy days instead of sunny, etc? How many books do you read in an average month or year?
All About the Words 
You’re way ahead of me! I seem to manage two books a month, though not always entertaining fiction. This month I read about web design and shopping psychology. :S
Webcomics are another matter though. I sample bunches every week. Gotta keep up with the industry you’re in and all that!
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That’s what I figure. That’s why I don’t feel bad that 90% of what I read is young adult fiction. If you don’t sample what you’re trying to create, how do you know (a) what’s good and (b) if YOU’RE any good. 😉
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I think I actually read more in the summer. I really, really hate the heat of our summers. One would think after all the years I’ve lived here, I’d be used to it, but no, I still melt every time I go outside. This summer, though, I might find melting preferable to the storm that three children cooped up inside will create.
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I do okay as long as I have shade. We got lucky in that our yard is on the east side of our house, so that makes afternoons outside bearable through the summer. Every summer I wish I still had the luxury of lounging by the pool with a book. Having to supervise children so they don’t drown sort of supercedes that. 😦
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Yeah for CONSPIRACY OF KINGS! Though (since mine is coming via post) you’ll probably read yours before I do, but we’ll have to talk about it as soon as I am done! I’m reading it as soon as I get it. All things dropped. 🙂
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That’s why I’ve been debating about ordering it — having to wait for the mail. I’m trying to scheme up a plan that will allow me to have it in my hands ASAP. Might require a drive up to TKE that day. But I agree: all things dropped.
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I’m not at all consistent. I tend to read more in the summer, but that’s just because the routine is lax. I do want to curl up and read when the weather is dreary, but that doesn’t mean I get to!
My goal for books read a year is right around 100. I usually read 7 to 10 books a month, half of them YA.
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That’s impressive! When you work at the library, do they let you read on the job? Because that would be a cool perk.
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