2007 Fall Into Reading Wrap Up

A few short months ago, (although it feels like it’s been much longer) I joined the Fall Into Reading Challenge hosted by Katrina at Callapidder Days. At that time I had a list of seven books I planned to read this fall- three fiction, four non-fiction. The goal was to complete the books by the end of the challenge period, December 21st.

While I did not read all of the books, I did read more that I would have if I had not joined the challenge. I read a total of four and a half books. I posted reviews for all but one, of the completed books. They are here: Next, Playing for Pizza, and Taking Care of the Me in Mommy. I also completed the Red Glove series over a week ago, I just haven’t had the time to write a review yet. And, I’m half way through My Heart’s at Home. I still hope to read the remaining books on the list, maybe I can get them finished by the time the Spring reading challenge begins.

Now to answer Katrina’s questions:

• Tell us how you did. Did you finish all the books you had on your original list? If not, why not? Did you get distracted by other books? Were you too busy to read as much as you would have liked? And if you did finish them all, did you read more?

As I stated earlier, I read four and a half books. One of them got added to the original list, because I wanted to take a fiction book when we went camping. I was busier than I thought I would be, but I’ll admit there were some nights I was just lazy – I snuggled in on the couch with the remote control instead of a book.

• Tell us what you thought. What book did you like most? Least? Did you try a new author that you now love? Have you written off an author as “I’ll never read anything by him/her again!”?

I loved, loved, loved the Red Glove series. (I promise I’ll get a review up soon.) The book I liked the least was Next. I was really disappointed, I expected more because it was a Chrichton book. In the past, I found his writing to be much more entertaining and thought provoking. I won’t “write him off” but I will be more wary of his future books.

• Tell us what you learned. Maybe you learned something about yourself, your interests, your reading patterns. Maybe you learned that you love/hate a particular genre. Maybe you learned some fabulous little nugget of truth from one of the books you read. Whatever it is — please share!

I learned that it is sooooo difficult for me to focus on a non-fiction book, even when I’m interested in the subject matter – and heaven help me If I find the subject uninteresting, I end up falling asleep while reading. Fiction, even when it’s not that great, maintains my attention much longer. I’m easily intrigued by a story, so it’s easier to continue reading.

As for a nugget of truth, The Red Gloves Collection, which is actually one book comprised of four novellas, offers the same truth in each story. When we take the time to focus our attention on someone in need, we get to witness Christmas miracles ~ because Christmas miracles happen to those who believe.