Reading Update: January - April

For the last few years, I was in a bit of a reading slump, so in January, I joined the reading challenge on GoodReads with a goal of reading 24 books this year. I don't know what's gotten into me, but I've already read 30. 

Actually, and this is completely anecdotal, I'm convinced that meditation practice has made me more able to sit and focus on books for extended periods of time. I used to be able to do it with no trouble, but then things started to change, and I 100% blame computers and other devices for making my brain more easily distracted. I started a daily meditation practice back in October and then it seemed like all of a sudden, I could sit and read and not feel restless again. 

So far, Lincoln in the Bardo and The Song of Achilles have been my favorites - the ones that I've recommended most often to others. Especially Lincoln in the Bardo, which is so unique and beautiful. 

I've been a lot less rigid in my choices, because I think part of my problem in recent years is that I've chosen lots of very serious works of nonfiction, to the point where reading started to feel like taking my medicine - I'm doing it because it's good for me but I'm not really enjoying it. Which isn't to say that I don't want to sometimes read very serious works of nonfiction. But this year I've been picking up whatever catches my eye, and it's been really refreshing. 

I've read some books of essays, a memoir or two, a couple plays, and several books of short stories. I've picked up a couple books I've had lying around forever and finally read them. I've ordered a couple brand new books on their release days because I just couldn't wait to read them. I re-read Macbeth. I'm just having a lot of fun with reading at the moment. 

So hopefully this renewed vigor for reading will last. I'll keep you posted.