30 in 12

I have a confession to make.

For the last few years I've struggled to read more than, possibly, 5 new books a year. Saying that out loud causes me great shame. I don't even know what to blame it on, except that I found re-reading old favourites more enticing than the mystery and allure found in the pages of a new book. Those were dark times.

But huzzah. Look at this. 

 

30 books in a year! Ok I cheated a teeny tiny little bit, in that I actually finished my last book a few days into 2012, but I think it totally counts because I only started the challenge somewhere in February. So if a year is 12 months, and it is, then this totally counts as a win.  Boo to you Mr Samuel!

Of all the books I read this year, the most memorable would be Cutting for Stone, the Dark Materials trilogy, The God of Small Things, The Help, It's a Magical World, The Secret Life of Bees and The Colour Purple. The others ranged from good to meh. Reviews and ratings can be found here.

For 2012, my goal is the same. I contemplated really pushing myself and going for 50 books, but in the end settled on 30. Towards the end of last year, I found that the pressure to finish the challenge spoiled the enjoyment of the book, and since the purpose of the challenge is to read books, not speed read books, I think 30 is a solid number to aim for.

I must say I'm really excited about the books I have in store; Shantaram, Chinaman, Let's talk about Kevin, Thornbirds, the Glass Palace and Half of a Yellow Sun, among others. I've started, however, with a Thomas Harris spree. I could've sworn I've read Red Dragon et al before, but for the life of me I can't remember the story so I figured it counts as a new read.

 I do recommend that you get on Goodreads and start a challenge for yourself, because it's such a great motivator, but even without a challenge, it's nice to see what others read and recommend, even if you're just looking for that one book to get through this year. 

As for me, I shall keep you avid readers posted on what I am avidly reading. (It was right there). 

Until then.

For the Melomanics

Acoustic music, at last!

The Melomanic Sessions is happening this Sunday, 8th at the Warehouse Project. Gehan my super sexy boyfr, of the headless videos fame will be performing, along with the blogosphere's favourite illustrator, Asela of twitter fame, CC and assorted others.

The last time they had the Sessions, somewhere in November?, I really enjoyed myself. It started inexcusably late, something I hope does not happen this time, but the music was really very very good. WP provides the informal, relaxed atmosphere of a good ol' jam session (and some scrumptious chocolate cake), and the musicians do the rest. So come out and show some support for our local talent!

Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/298071203568026/

I resolve..

 Unawatuna, new year's eve 2011

The time has come, the walrus said, to talk of New Year resolutions. That time when you dig up the last post of last year and balefully look at the good intentions as yet unfulfilled. In fact, I just did that and could find no such post, though I vaguely remember resolving to eat less butter.. My waistline knows how that went..

I did come across this post from the beginning of the year though, which captured exactly what a magical day that last day of the year was. Was it a precursor for how the year would go? Yes and no. It's pretty hard to sum this year up. It's had wonderful, shiny moments and ugly, dark moments and everything in between; so in a word, life. I'm proud of some of the things I've accomplished, but know there is much room for improvement and renewed effort.

I go into the new year knowing that there are tough decisions to be made and some inevitable heart break; a bittersweet wedding most probably, and lots of good times; perhaps new beginnings or hopefully, new chapters to old beginnings. I hope there is love and laughter, but I understand that it is as much in my hands as anyone else's to make that happen. I resolve to embark on new projects, new adventures and learn new skills.

Come what may, happy new year to you all.