Over the past few years, I've been reading the Laura Ingalls books with my children. We go faster in the summer months and then slow down during the school year, so it's taking us a while. But we're nearing the end. Only a couple more books to go.
I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to revisit all these tales my mom read to my sister and me when we were growing up. But I also forgot a lot of things that were included in these books.
They seem like simple, innocent little stories at first glance. After all, they're about a little girl growing up out on the prairie, right?
Yes. But what you might not realize/remember is that back then, they saw some things a bit differently than we do today.

Can I be honest with you here?
I'm learning a lesson lately.
Life's too short ... to finish the book.

Wait.
What? What did the author just say?
​Did she say to NOT finish a book?

How many books did you read in 2022? Did you count? I keep track on Goodreads. For the last few years, I've set my "goal" at 125, though it's not set in stone. It's an average that I know I usually hit/pass. This year, I passed it by more than 10, though there were a few points where I wasn't sure I'd make it.
Something I have discovered is that writing/editing more leaves less time for pleasure reading. But that doesn't stop me from reading for pleasure anyway. Reading is my stress-relief. And, I feel it helps me be a better writer, too. So, what did I read?

How's your reading going this year? I've got to be honest. I've had good months and slower months, but somehow, I'm still on target.
For the last few years, I've set my "goal" as 125 on goodreads. Honestly? If I don't hit it, it's not the end of the world. But it is fun to go back and look at all the books I've read through the year. The ones pictured above are just from the last few weeks. If you want to see the others I've read this year, check here.
​Want to know some of my favorites?

How many books did you read this last year?
If you remember, earlier in the year I set my goal around 125, figuring since I'd passed it the year before it wouldn't be a problem. I'm glad I didn't add more! I barely finished the 125th book three days before the end of the year.
Granted, this number is a bit misleading, because some of the "books" I read were actually sets of multiple books, and they only counted as one. And, some of the books I read haven't been published yet, so they won't count until they release. The privilege of being an author who has author friends. ;)

Read anything good this year?
I've read several good things, as well as a few that disappointed.
Every year for the past few I've taken the Goodread challenge to set a goal of how many books I'd read in the 365 days. This year, my goal is the same as last -- 125. I passed it last year, but I also figured I'm going to be a bit busier this year than last, so I might as well leave it the same.
There are no awards at the end, except for having read that many books, which is a reward in and of itself, usually.