As I look back at my reading life this past year, I realize it has been a year of trying to regain my joy with reading and the habit of daily reading. With those I feel I was successful. I love the fact that the majority of my reads were higher star ratings. I believe this is due to learning what types of books I enjoy and don't enjoy. I also have become a lot pickier in what I choose to pick up because I don't want to rate a book lower. I am not afraid to DNF a book anymore, I would rather not finish than continue a book I'm not enjoying.
When choosing a book I begin by looking at reviews (without trying to spoil the book), to discover what kind of content might be in the book. If I am picking up a book I want it to have absolutely no open door spicy content, and barely even closed door. If the physical attraction plays too prominent of a role I will DNF. I also expect the book to have minimal violence and language, although I prefer none. If those requirements makes me seem snobby I am completely okay with that. I have learned who I can trust to give recommendations which meet these standards and when I have to be more cautious. Life is too short and the amount of books too many for me to waste time on something which will detract from my joy of reading, or make me uncomfortable as I'm reading.
Now for some my nerdy side and some actual statistics from my reading last year.
Total Books Read: 56 this number is up from 34 in 2024. I am taking that as a huge win.
Format: Print: 21% and Digital 79% - this is not surprising at all as I read most of my books via my Kindle. I read a few fiction paperback, but the majority of print books I read were read alouds or nonfiction. I also had no audiobooks because I struggle with audiobooks.
Here is my graph of the year:
Overall I am very happy where the reading year went and how I increased my reading from the previous year. I think for me that's the biggest indication that I am getting my joy of reading back, and making it a habbit again. I will be sharing my favorites from the year, but I am seeing progress in my reading life and that is the biggest win coming out of a few year slump.
