As the end of 2016 approaches, it’s time to reflect on accomplishments of the past year and make plans for next year.
Looking back, I did complete a few goals. I finished the first draft of a novel and started this blog. With some regret, I decided to shutter my children’s book blog Wrapped in Foil. I stepped waaaay out of my comfort zone and took a martial arts class. Through it all I met some wonderful people, not only in real life by joining new writing groups, but also online through memes. Best wishes to you all!
The Last Two Weeks:
Here at the blog we talked about Primary Colors: A Novel of Politics* by Joe Klein (previously published anonymously).
Primary Colors is part of our challenge to read through the 100 novels recommended by the computer algorithm in The Bestseller Code by Jodie Archer and Matthew L. Jockers. This is an older book, published in 1996.
Links to related posts:
- Primary Colors discussion starting page
- Karen’s review from a reader’s perspective (spoilers)
- Roberta’s review/analysis from a writer’s perspective (spoilers)
- Evaluate the book in the wrap-up poll
We also participated in BookBeginnings with J.A. Jance’s Downfall
What’s coming up:
Little Bee: A Novel* by Chris Cleave
We start reading Little Bee by Chris Cleave (2008) on Monday December 19, 2016. (Little Bee was also published as The Other Hand. ) Have you read it? Stop by and join the conversation.
Links to posts read and enjoyed on other sites:
It’s almost 2017 and time to plan what to read next year. Here are some 2017 Book Reading Challenges to get you started:
- B.B. Toady’s directory of 2017 reading challenges
- Tanya’s 2017 Reading Challenges Master List
- My Reader’s Block is participating in an impressive list of challenges
Although the Bestseller Code 100 challenge we’re hosting will keep me busy, I think I’d like to get something for Rose City Reader’s 2017 European Reading Challenge. The long-running Non-Fiction Adventure looks intriguing, too, but I know I could never stick to a 50-book list prepared in advance for nonfiction. My interests change way too much, sometimes hourly.
What about you? Are you taking part in any reading challenges next year? What are your favorites?
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Today we’re joining the Sunday Post meme at the Caffeinated Book Reviewer blog.
Congrats on the first draft, and on your other accomplishments this year! I bet Primary Colors is interesting reading considering we’ve just come through another election season! I remember hearing about that book, I forgot Klein wrote it though.
Good luck with your 2017 challenges, I just picked a few this week too. there are so many. 🙂
Thanks Greg. Good luck to you, too.
I wasn’t sure I wanted to read Primary Colors right after the election, but it was next on the list. It turned out to be fine because it gave things a historical perspective.
Well done on this year’s achievements! It sounds like you’ve been busy and I hope you’re able to build on them next year!
Still have to make it through the holidays. 🙂
I don’t know if I am joining any challenges this year…still not sure if I plan to host my own again…we’ll see!
Happy Holidays and Happy Reading!
Hosting challenges can be quite a commitment, but sometimes I need that extra incentive to pick up a book instead of sit in front of the computer.
Congrats on finishing the first draft of a novel….and on your reading goals. Enjoy the week, and the upcoming holiday season.
Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
Good luck with your writing, too. I liked your post about balance.
Kudos on the first draft! So exciting!
I do miss your Wrapped in Foil posts and still refer to back posts when I’m considering gifts for my granddaughters.
I want to do Rose City Reader’s 2017 European Reading Challenge also. I’ve tried to sign up on her website, but none of my log-ins seem to work in leaving a comment. But I can still do the challenge.
I still feel the tug of children’s books. Maybe I’ll go back to it if I ever have grandchildren.
I am still trying to figure out what challenges to enter for next year. I just haven’t committed to any just yet. Thanks for the challenge list links, that helps. I might join in on some of the 100 book challenge reads. I have a few of them just sitting on my TBR. The list looks good so far. I joined the facebook group so hopefully I can jump on with whatever is next.
Welcome! Because the list is such a mix of genres, we don’t expect people will want to read them all.