Revisiting My 888 List

So, 2008 has come and gone and what of my 888 reading list? Did I finish it? No! Am I happy? Yes!! I am thrilled that I read 34 books on my list in 2008!

When I first started the 888 challenge a year ago, I honestly didn’t think I’d even come close to the 56 book mark (8 can overlap). My main goal was to get myself reading more consistently and I know that mission was accomplished!

I read more than twice as many books as I did in 2007, most of which were for my woman's book club which I left in October even though I was a founding member. The group dynamics just started to change with an influx of new members and I no longer felt as though it were a safe place to share. I frequently felt out of place... though I didn't belong. They spent more time socializing and gossiping than reading / discussing the books. But that is a long story and not one worth reviewing here.

I’ve really enjoyed my reading this year. When I shared the 888 Challenge with others, some felt that the categories were limiting. I, on the other hand, felt it helped encourage me to read genres I don't normally select. I know my tastes in books though and chose categories accordingly.

As the year progressed though, I found myself drawn to other books that were not originally on my list but yet I was so compelled to read them. In fact, I had hesitated in reading the Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer - I had assumed it would be a silly teen romance novel - but once I picked it up and started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I read all 4 in less than a week. In doing this, and not sticking to my plan, I ended up reading 2-3 more titles in some categories (Education/Parenting and Just For Fun) than the required eight. Thereby neglecting other categories entirely (Biographies).

I really liked the variety of books I finished. There were several books on my original list that I never got to but I knew from the beginning that I would move any that I didn't finish to 2009. I probably could have read more books if I didn't homeschool, coordinate 2 clubs for the kiddos, run marathons, have 2 children and a husband, enjoy crafting and volunteer. Yet, that is certainly okay.

So. . . call me crazy, but I want to read more! I’m compiling a 999 List ~ 9 books in 9 categories in 2009! Again, 9 books can overlap so there are 72 total. I have a huge feeling I won’t come anywhere close but that isn't the point anyway. I really, really like having the categories to pick from me.

In addition, I've formed another woman's book club. A girlfriend (another founding member of the old book club) and I hand-selected the members. We've laid down ground rules. We are committed to actually reading quality literature as well as having a good time. I'm also going to participate in an online book club, Sound Mind, Sound Mom.

It's all a part of my effort to have more fun in '09.