I used to never read more than one book at a time. But, as the old adage goes, "Never say never."
If you happen to peek into my bedroom, you'll find several books on top of the nightstand . . . more stashed on shelf underneath . . . and sometimes a few piled on the floor.
Here's my current roundup of books I'm currently reading and those I'm oh-so-eager-to-read, with my recent picture book reads on top of the stacks.
Picture books are often my bedtime reading, just the right length for my shortened nighttime attention span. I try to read through the stacks of picture books I pick up from the library before I share them with the grand boys. I'm not sure they are ready for Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre, but it should be required reading for older children. I grew up in Oklahoma and knew very little about the 1921 Tulsa race riots until I read the the YA novel, Dreamland Burning by Jennifer Latham. If you haven't read Sophie Blackall's If You Come to Earth, then add it to your "must read" picture book list. Picture books often end up on the floor, ready to be carried downstairs and added to the book bag I take to Jack and Robby's house.
The stack on the left includes the "required" books I'm currently reading/need to read for upcoming book club meetings. Can you believe that I've never read a Louise Penny, Three Pines mystery? I'm so glad one of my book clubs decided to read Still Life.
The middle stack is filled with books I "choose" to read. Miss Benson's Beetle was one of the "unchosen" in our recent book club balloting for 2021-22. And so . . . I picked it up . . . and started reading . . . despite the required reading in my first stack. I want to read something . . . right . . . now . . . that promises to be "an absolute delight" (Elizabeth Berg) and "a pure joyride" (Lisa Wingate).
The stack of middle grade books on the right is a problem. I try to avoid having multiple middle grade books arrive at once because I always want to read more books than I have time to read. But Red, White, and Whole comes highly recommended and is a novel-in-verse, a structure I love. The other two titles are by authors I love: Just Like That by Gary Schmidt and The Canyon's Edge by Dusti Bowling. Oh, sometimes I wish that I were a faster reader!
I hope you've found a title or two you might want to add to your WTR (want to read) list. Please excuse me, it's time for lunch and I want to begin Red. White and Whole!
Wow! I don't know how you do that. I was trying to figure out how I was going to read a "required" book while reading my personal fun book. Now I have no excuses!!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I have to read several books at once too--something different for each mood, each level of attention span. I need to request some picture books from the library. I miss them so!
ReplyDeleteI often have more than one book going at once... but there’s usually one I spend the most time with just because I want to know how it all turns out. Then I think why did I want to finish it so soon, I wish I were still reading it! There are several here that I will have to add to my WTR!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great list of new books to check out. Picture books are amazing (and can be so powerful)!
ReplyDeleteMy nightstand is full of books... they topple over all the time
I love digging through your reading piles. Like you, I always have several books going at one time, some picture books, some adult books, always a YA or two, and then of course middle grade novels. I highly recommend, CANYON'S EDGE. The audio book is terrific!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendations! I have read the Schmidt and Bowling books and they are wonderful. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteIt was fun joining you in your reading spree. My list of TBR is so long that I can't see the end. I'll add the titles and hopefully one day...
ReplyDeleteI don't usually have more than one, and this year my Bible study, reading and planning is so intense. I usually love reading a light read also.. but even that has been tough. I know I'm caring for my dad...I've got to give myself a break... but I feel guilty that I'm having trouble keeping up with my book club reads. Thank you for the rec's Ramona XO
ReplyDeleteOooh, I like the sound of Miss Benson's Beetle. I've never read a Louise Penny mystery either--this may be the time!
ReplyDeleteI like your plan - and your list of titles. Thank you for sharing! I was just laughing about this with my husband last night. I'm a teacher's nightmare. I have so many books going at one time all the time - and I wouldn't want it any other way. Right now I am working through several titles: 2 books about writing, a book about gathering, 3 poetry books (getting ready for April), a middle grade title and an adult fiction (I really need to get better about these!). Of course, I can't forget blogs, our newspaper, and magazines.
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteMy stacks rival your stacks! I often tell friends that I'd like to have 3 heads so I could read 3 books at a time. Thanks for the suggestions!
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