There's the slow food movement, the slow media movement, the slow fashion movement, so why not the slow read movement?
It's all about quality of reading time over quantity.
Slow reading means that I won't try to speed read through an ever increasing number of books this year. My goal is to take my time and enjoy myself. I'll still set a goal, but it'll be easily doable (for me, that's 24) and I won't be pushing myself to exceed that number.
My Unread Shelf factors into this in a big way. There are books in my home library that have been waiting for a long time to be picked up. I'm continuing to give them a chance this year. I'll read at least 12 pages a day to start, which is a slow but sure progress. No pressure to finish the book in a week or two. I want to say I enjoyed it or, if not, then I decided to give it away. No pressure to finish.
I'll still be reading more than one book at at a time, which seems to be my default setting. Usually one fiction, one non fiction, and one devotional type book are on my book pile.
I want to take time to write down thoughts as I read, and I find that hard to do if I just want to get through the book. More meaningful reading is my goal.
How about you? Do you set reading goals? Love a good challenge? How many books do you read a year?
Photo by Mahendra Kumar on Unsplash
That's a good idea with the slow read. Kinda of like I'm doing with Bible reading this year. Stop and really study it, meditate upon it. Quality not quantity, right?
ReplyDeleteI usually speed read fiction when I'm on the treadmill. Mindless reading so the time goes by faster. Probably get through a book in about a week's time.
Important thing is, we are reading :) Good for the mind and so much more!
betty
Yes, reading is definitely a favorite pastime of mine. I can't imagine NOT having at least one book on the go!
DeleteAs soon as I set a goal it becomes a burden. I think that's because I'm a process-oriented person and I can't give myself fully to the activity at hand when there is a deadline of sorts. Reading is such a nourishing and sustaining part of my life, I want it to stay as "slow" as necessary!
ReplyDelete"Slow" definitely has it's advantages! Thanks for dropping in!
DeleteI set a goal of 20 + 20 -- 20 youth and children's books and 20 others. I'm looking forward to catching up on some of the stuff that Liz is reading to her kids =)
ReplyDeleteThat's a unique goal! I'm sure you'll reach it, my bibiophile friend :)
DeleteHello! It looks like it has been a while since you posted. How is the reading going? I love reading and really enjoy being part of book club. There are few things better than a well written book!
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Thanks for popping by!
DeleteI found your blog today, and agree with doing slow reading. I read a lot, but no pressure to read a certain number of books. Some books are meant to be savored. Nice to meet you. Oh, I have a Chi also, your guy is ever so cute.
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping in and leaving a note! Yes, some books ARE meant to be savored, not rushed through, and that's what I'm hoping to do more of this year!
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