This month was a weird month when it came to reading. I read four books, two of which were nonfiction and I think that has to do with why I’ve only read four. Of the four, one was a library book and three have been on my TBR shelf for a very long time. I think the two nonfiction books bogged me down a bit, but I did enjoy stepping out of my fiction comfort zone for a change. The coolest thing of the month is the awesome video I stumbled across from the Seattle Public Library which you should watch here.
On a personal note June, for some reason, was a bit of a roller coaster ride for myriad reasons, many of which have nothing to do with me. Hopefully July will be a little less turbulent and I can pretend I’m on vacation for most of it even though I’m working.
Recent Acquisitions
Apparently late spring/early summer is when I go a little crazy with the book buying! Although, considering how crazy I’ve gone at other times this month was nothing. Above you’ll see the totality of my purchases this month. (I didn’t purchase a single Kindle book, for shame Amazon, for shame.) I’m probably most excited about The Enchantress being released in paperback as I now have all six books and I think a re-read is a must. The others I purchased at the Harvard Bookstore Warehouse sale which is always fun. I stuck only to the remainders tables and went with books I thought sounded interesting. We’ll see when I actually get to them how they are.
Challenge Progress
I stuck to my basic challenge goal this month and only completed one book, The Canterbury Tales. I also had a few moments where I debated abandoning my challenges and I still might. I’m definitely enjoying the challenges and the books I’m reading, but I’m not sure I want the (self-imposed) restrictions any longer. Who knows what will happen over the next few months.
- Mount TBR Reading Challenge
- Monthly Progress: 1 book + 2 not listed
- Overall Progress – 8/12 (67%) + 10 not listed
- Back to the Classics Challenge
- Monthly Progress: 1 book
- Overall Progress – 6/11 (55%)
- Tea and Books Reading Challenge
- Monthly Progress: 0 books
- Overall Progress – 2/4 (50%) + 1 not listed
- The Classics Club
- Monthly Progress: 1 book
- Overall Progress – 24/100 (24%)
What’s Next
I’m going to stick with a few lighter reads to kick off July. I’m in the middle of Ten White Geese by Gerbrand Bakker and it’s good, but not very light. I think I’ll read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society after that and maybe a couple Austen fan-fics or some Paulo Coelho. I think my big classic for next month will be Uncle Tom’s Cabin. I’ve never read it, but it’s on my Classics Club and Back to the Classics lists.
Good luck with Uncle Tom’s! I read it, and it’s a tougher read, but just stick with it and hopefully you enjoy it!
Thanks. We’ll see how it works out.
You sure read more than I did this month. Goodluck with the reading in July.
Haahaa thanks and you too!
Harvard Bookstore Warehouse sale–how in the world did I not know about this! I love Uncle Tom’s Cabin–a very sentimental story. I’m curious what you will think of the writing. And if you get the chance, her house is right next to the Mark Twain house in Hartford. They were neighbors!
Oh! And I completely forgot to take a picture that same weekend of Borders 🙁 Oh darn, guess I’ll have to go back again.
Might have to check out the houses if I ever get down there but I don’t particularly like Twain if only for his rude comment about Austen 😀
What did he say about Austen again?
Well by far the most heinous: “Everytime I read ‘Pride and Prejudice’ I want to dig her up and beat her over the skull with her own shin-bone.”
But there are plenty, here’s a few: http://www.twainquotes.com/Austen_Jane.html
I know I shouldn’t laugh, but that’s one of the things I like about Twain. He could be an ass, but a funny one at that.
Can’t believe it’s already July! Anywho, I know exactly how you feel about the challenges: that’s how I felt last year and what led me to do only 2 this year. Definitely don’t want reading to become/feel like a chore.
I read Pillars of the Earth a few years ago-good book, but long. I didn’t have any interest in reading the sequel though, as it took place a long time after.
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Guernsey! (The title is too long to type.. haha)
Happy 4th!
Happy 4th! I thought I was doing well limiting myself to only 12 books and I mean I’m clearly doing well enough. I think maybe not picking the books ahead of time might be a good idea for next year if I do do them. Or only doing the Mount TBR challenge with minimal expectations. Who knows.
Yes, that’s how I felt last year too: if I picked the books out ahead of time, I felt “locked in” and then sometimes I didn’t even feel like reading them. (luckily you can always change your mind, but still…)
Yeah makes you feel like you’re going back on it? We’re just so conscientious. Haahaa.
Haha I know right? We’re the ones putting ourselves through it, too!