First Five

 So far, I have read five books...and have a few more going, which is something that once upon a time, I could never have acomplished!

• Three of the five are books I checked out from our local library!  Yay!  I do want to be more diligent about checking out and supporting that need literary group.
• Two of the five were young adult, another goal of mine:  to read more young adult books.  One...The Red Palace...I lent to a student.  Spreading the love of literacy!

Off to a great start; should more than meet my 2023 reading goals as I have many that I want to read, both on the clubs/challenges lists and some that I have purchased.

Last week, our principal shared that we each have $350 to spend on young adult books for our in-class libraries. Oh, happy day!  Have my book list ready to order!  Of course!

Next reads

• Bookends by Zibby Owens
• Schindler's List for Paper Chase Book Store Book Club...already know I will not finish this long read in time.  Oppps!

What are you reading good?    AND...on this snow day...what a great day to read!  Happy reading!

Two for Two

 One week into the year and I have read two books, both mysteries, both intriguing.

• The Red Palace, a young adult book, takes place in Korea in the 1700s, both places I had never traveled.  Full of culture and intrigue, the adventure continues page after page, until, when finished, I was convinced the author should consider a sequel!
• The Woman in the Library...just had to keep reading until I had caught onto the dual plotlines...and then I was hooked, spending much of my Saturday finishing the mystery.  Good!

Now, to finish book three...which I did not complete before my last Thursday deadline for book club.  Busy week!  But!  The discussion during book club has not deterred my reading...just hooked me even more!  Thus, back I go to Kentucky and the travels of the backpack librarians.  More to come!

Reflecting on 2022...and planning ahead for 2022

 A year ago, I had high hopes, which I exceeded...and failed hopes.  Yet!  2023 now allows me the chance to continue!

Let's deal with the failings first:

1. I did begin Gone with the Wind and will need to place that goal to complete on the 2023 list.  I began this one with a couple of students.  We set goals...and then school life intervened and weather and...  Conclusion:  I realize why students may not like reading a book assigned in chapters and such.  Too easy to become disconnected.
2. I did not complete all the Book Lists I started...but!...I did read some on all.  Just going to take that for a win.
3. I did not read half of my selections from my TBR...but!...I did read many ebooks this year, saving myself much financial investment.
4. I did not finish a re-read of the Harry Potter series...need to begin Book 3!

Now, for those successes:

• I read 90 books...exceeding my 52-book goal.  Yay, me! Of those 90, twenty-nine were for book club suggestions, which always push me from my normal reading rut.  :)
• Series did seem to be my thing and was easier to do so because I did subscribe to Amazon Prime Kindle and was able to devour more in a series.  Nice.

• Harry Potter and Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling (1-8) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
• Bree Taggert Series, Books 1-4 by Melinda Leigh (Ebook)
• Morgan Dane Series, Books 1-6 by Melinda Leigh (Ebook)
• The Priority Unit (Maine Justice Series - Book 1) by Susan Page Davis and Fort Point (Maine Justice Series - Book 2) by Susan Page Davis
• Independent Study by Joelle Charbonneau (Book 2) and Graduation Day by Joelle Charbonneau (Book 3)
• Hope's Highest Mountain by Misty M. Beller (Book 1). Love's Mountain Quest by Misty M. Beller (Book 2), and Faith's Mountain Home by Misty M. Beller (Book 3)
• The Calhouns of Montana by Juanita Kees (Books 1-3) ebooks
• Emma Griffin FBI Mystery by A.J. Rivers (Books 1-3) (ebooks)
• One Little Lie by Colleen Coble (LifeVerse Book Club), Two Reasons to Run by Colleen Coble (Pelican Harbor Series, Book 2 - ebook), and Three Missing Days by Colleen Coble (Book 3 - Pelican Harbor - ebook)
• The Blake Brier Series (Books 1-3 - ebooks)
• The Sound of Rain by Gregg Olsen (Book 1 - ebook) and The Weight of Silence by Gregg Olsen  (Book 2 - ebook)
• The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake (Big Library Read - ebook) and The Surgeon's Daughter by Audrey Blake (ebook)
• A Witch Too Late/A Witch Too Hot by Paula Lester and M.E. Harmon

• Seasonal Reads for Christmas:
• Christmas Next Door by Susan Page Davis and Vickie McDonough (1-8)
• A Virgin River Christmas by Robyn Carr - ebook
• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickents (Paper Chase Book Club) - gift from Mayfen
• Coming Home for Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne (purchased at Goodwill/2022)
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (Anthology) - (purchased at Goodwill/2022)
• Silver Bells by Luanne Rice (purchased at Goodwill/2022)
• The Wish Book List by Lynn Austin (LifeVerse Book Club - Facebook - ebook)
• Favorite Authors:  The best with creative plotlines.
• JK Rowling
• Nora Roberts
• Francine Rivers
• My Favorite Reads of All
• The Maid by Nita Prose  (Facebook Girlfriend Book Club April Pick - read in May)
• The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin (Facebook Girlfriend Book Club - July Book - ebook)
• The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake (Big Library Read - ebook) and The Surgeon's Daughter by Audrey Blake (ebook)
• The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict/Victoria C. Murray (LC Book Club)
• Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
• On Folly Beach by Karen White (Lowcountry Boil Book Club - Facebook - ebook)
• The Wish Book List by Lynn Austin (LifeVerse Book Club - Facebook - ebook)

Thinking about 2023

• to read an average of one book per week = minimum of 52 books
• to read half of my goal from my own TBR pile = 26 books (these will be bolded).
• to complete books for book clubs before the meeting time (love book clubs!) AND to finish books from 2022 Book Club lists!
• to continue to read series (love series!)...I have one I have been "saving up" for, as the last one has been published!  
• to completely read more professional books 
• to continue to read more ebooks.  I am now in-like with my Kindle! 
• to continue to read more young adult books
• to read a classic...or four!
  
• AND...to write much more frequent posts about the books I have read.

I hope 2022 was good to you and your reading goals.  Happy reading in 2023!