5 Books To Read in One Sitting
In 2016 I made a Goodreads goal to read 100 books in one year. I am not a fast reader and am easily distracted, so this kind of a goal seems like quite a lot for me.
I only made it to 89 books, so I wasn't able to mark this goal off of my bucket list. Last year I took it easy on myself, but I think in 2018 I want to try to aim for 100 again.
For a slower reader like myself this can be really challenging to complete. This time around I have a couple of tricks up my sleeve.
The first trick is to finish at least 1 audiobook a week. If I stick to that, then I'm guaranteed to finish 52 books by the end of 2018.
The first trick is to finish at least 1 audiobook a week. If I stick to that, then I'm guaranteed to finish 52 books by the end of 2018.
The second trick is to fit in some quality reads that are less than 200 pages. On the off chance that your goal seems a little out of reach, here are 5 reads that you are sure to fly through, both because they aren't very long and because they are excellent.
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman
I listened to this during my morning walks. It was my first Backman, shocking, I know, but will not be my last. (Currently finishing up Beartown!)
This novella deals with dementia and how it affects the entire family. It was such a moving read and I found myself laughing and crying my way through.
If you have ever had to watch someone you love slowly slip away then you will appreciate this read. It will be hard, but stands as proof of Backman's ability to craft a worthwhile story.
"Those who hasten to live are in a hurry to miss."
"Those who hasten to live are in a hurry to miss."
The Grownup by Gillian Flynn
If you aren't a fan of ambiguous endings then this quick read will tick you off. It's about a woman who pretends to be a psychic so that she can be paid quite a lot of money to rid a mansion of an evil spirit.
It's a tad crass as the below quote will illustrate, but worth the read. Flynn always does a pretty good job of surprising her readers.
“I would rather be a librarian, but I worry about the job security. Books may be temporary; dicks are forever.”
“I would rather be a librarian, but I worry about the job security. Books may be temporary; dicks are forever.”
It has been quite awhile since I read this little novel, but I can still remember just how surprised I was by the fact that something so small moved me so much. The characters weren't characters I thought I connected with until the end when I found myself so sad that it was over.
You have to be so careful. You can't ever just throw words out. They have to land somewhere.
You have to be so careful. You can't ever just throw words out. They have to land somewhere.
Hey Natalie Jean by Natalie Holbrook
Nat the Fat Rat a.k.a. Hey Natalie Jean was the very first blog I ever consistently read. I love her writing style and there is something about her that makes me feel like she is a kindred spirit.
This book is a collection of essays, many of which were on her blog, but I love them just the same. Some of them are shallow. Some may make you feel all of the feels.
I love this little book and read it during nap time, in the middle of the summer with an ice cream in the park. That's not necessary to enjoy, but it definitely didn't hurt the situation.
And even if the happiness I make for myself today is so silly and insignificant, it counts. And I'll be so grateful that I paid attention.
And even if the happiness I make for myself today is so silly and insignificant, it counts. And I'll be so grateful that I paid attention.
Little hint, you can inexpensively purchase this essay on its own or you can find it in Patchett's This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage
. Your local library is more likely to have the second option.
. Your local library is more likely to have the second option.
I've been thinking about becoming a better writer for awhile. I enjoy words and I enjoy when others seem able to put into words the abstract thoughts that I haven't quite been able to pin down. All this to say that this particular essay has been recommended to me on numerous occasions, so I finally made it a priority to read it.
The essay goes through Patchett's own career and her experiences as a writer. All in all it really left me feeling motivated to stop talking about trying to write and get busy practicing.
I can't write the book I want to write, but I can and will write the book that I am capable of writing.
I loved The Grownup, and I love reading books in one sitting. It just feels so luxurious. Definitely adding these to my list, thank you!!
ReplyDeleteAgreed! There is definitely something about it that feels luxurious! I hope you discover a new favorite!
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