30 Books Challenge - Complete!

Mission Accomplished! I set out to read 30 books this year and I did it! Considering how much I read (at least 20 minutes - if not longer - every day), this doesn't seem to be a challenge YET It's a trickier feat than I expected. I hope to close out my reading year with at least another book...and some blog posts with my reflections. For now, I have a list of those I've finished, and a short reflections on lessons and gains.

In addition to the quantity of books, I wanted to read a variety of stories and ensure I read books inclusive of various cultures, races, and ethnicities. I was also jarred by that first 4 books I read were written by white men, so I wanted to open my list intentionally to more women and more people of color.  I also wanted to read books in a variety of formats based on my whims of fancy - including hardcovers, paperbacks, e-books, and audiobooks(yes, audio books count!). I wanted to see what I would also naturally be drawn to and how my intentions would actually play out as the year continued.


By the numbers

• 30 books
• 15 written by men, 15 by women
• 10 written by people of color
• I read more books by men of color (7) than women of color (3). 
• 12 books that focused on cultures (including ethnicity, faith) different from my own
• 4 non-fiction
• 26 fiction
• 3 young adult/children's
• 11 books with strong female lead/prioritized characters
• 5 hardcovers
• 17 paperbacks
• 4 e-books
• 2 audiobooks
• 2 e-books with audio provided

I am never a reader that plans too far ahead. So much of what I read depends on the 1-3 books I most recently read, and which format I read them in - and what I am in the mood for. So, my list shaped up to be a mix of formats and situations, but I noticed that without my intentionality, I may not have read as many authors that were not white men. I also maybe wouldn't have been exposed to various cultures and perspectives, and so I want to be even more thoughtful in this regard as I continue my reading journey.

I also decided to document my reading year via Instagram (#30Books, #instareading, #instabooks, #mjyearofawesome, #mjreadingchallenge2015 and sometimes #adventuresinreading and #recommendedreading). This was 1) easier than blogging, 2) helpful, at least visually, and 3) affirming. I also stored earmarks in many captions, and short reflections, not only for my own reference but theoretically fodder for future blogs. I also would remark on how I finished the book and how I read it - at my bedside, on a plane, over wine, in between by the pool, during my commute, etc. It's nice to look back and see just how infused reading is in my life.

This made me also think a lot about how much I read how I formed the reading habit. I was an active and social kid, but also read often. I remember days at summer camp when I would take a break from the pool and read my book. I remember weekly library visits, the feeling I had opening a new book, and the reading challenges I completed at school. It made me even more thankful to have a mother and grandmother who encouraged my reading - who didn't let me slide with just telling the story based on the pictures, and let me read aloud to my stuffed animals, our dogs and just generally as dinner was being cooked. I am sure they read to me before I could read, and for all of this I am eternally grateful. The impact reading has had on my life is certainly profound and very much continues, building my perspective and expanding my worldview. It is an incredible privilege and is one I take with both pride and luxury.

I hope to discuss more of which book(s) have stayed with me this year, which I am happy to leave behind and some earmarks. I also am still going to read every day through the end of the calendar year, and listen to an audiobook or two, so the reading year is far from over. I'll also more clearly define my reading goals for 2016 because, reading. Oh, and did I mention that I'm re-reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone via Illustrated Edition? And that the audiobooks are on Audible? HARRY, I CAN'T QUIT YOU.

To books,

~MJ

Books (in order):
hardcover, paperback, e-book, e-book with audio, audiobook

1. "A Sudden Light" by Garth Stein
2. "Ms. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransome Riggs
3. "Looking for Alaska" by John Green
4. "The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace" by Jeff Hobbs
5. "The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" by Junot Diaz
6. "Flight" by Sherman Alexie
7. "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison
8. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia-Marquez
9. "The Last American Vampire"by Seth Grahame-Smith 
10. "The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt
11. "The One and Only Ivan" by Kathrine Applegate
12. "Paper Towns" by John Green
13. "Everything I Never Told You" by Celeste Ng
14. "Jurassic Park" by Michael Crichton
15. "The Invention of Wings" by Sue Monk Kidd
16. "Go Set a Watchman" by Harper Lee
17. "Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage" by Haruki Murakami
18. "The Martian" by Andy Weir
19. "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel
20. "The Book of Speculation" by Erika Swyler
21. "The Reincarnationist" by M.J. Rose
22. "Beloved" by Toni Morrison
23. "The Sympathizer" by Viet Thanh Nguyen 
24. "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates
25. "Euphoria" by Lily King
26. "Yes Please" by Amy Pohler
27. "Sounds Like Me" by Sara Bareilles
28. "Why Not Me?" by Mindy Kaling
29. "The Tiger's Wife" by Tea Obrecht
30. "People of the Book" by Geraldine Brooks

Pretty Right On

I get the BuzzFeed Books Newsletter and when it is delivered to my inbox, I enjoy reading through the various lists, articles and occasional quizzes. This one was pretty right on - about the home in my heart and how I approach reading:

Can We Guess Where You Live Based On Your Taste In Books?

1. You got: The Mountain States

   You live in one of the most interesting geographical regions in the country, and that’s how you like your books — always switching things up and keeping you on your toes. The landscape around you is so beautiful that you also have high standards for the writing in books you read.

I had a hard time picking a favorite classic. It came down to these three, in order:

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (selected)
2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 
3. On the Road by Jack Kerouac

I also landed on two quotes, but had to select Kerouac because - Kerouac:

1. "The only ones for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved."
2. "Everyone has a moment in history which belongs particularly to him."

I also had a hard time deciding where I most like to read, mostly because it's everywhere. But I landed on "the pool" because it is where I hope to be most of the summer.

The Tattered Cover Bookstore and Barbara Kingsolver were also easy selections. 

Oh, I do love this quiz.

~MJ

Also, this was an added bonus:

Which “Harry Potter” Guy Should You Date Based On Your Zodiac Sign?

1. You got: Harry Potter

   As a Pisces, you are a perfect match for the boy who lived. Harry is brave and compassionate, and he’s willing to do anything to protect his loved ones. Life with him will be a constant adventure.

   
2. 
   

Harry, doing it again.

You know how I feel about Harry.

And now there is scientific proof that Harry's goodness helps produce goodness in others.

http://m.mic.com/articles/95236/psychologists-find-a-surprising-thing-happens-to-kids-who-read-harry-potter

I would love to take a course in Potter. I would love nothing more, too, than teaching a Potter course with middle schoolers. 

And so. Reminds me I need to read the new short story on Pottermore! I'll leave you with this:

"Why you should care: It's impossible to rule out that there were inevitably other factors at work beyond the scope of the study, but if you're a Harry Potter fan, this is wonderful news. It provides some experimental backing for J.K. Rowling'sopinion that, "The Potter books in general are a prolonged argument for tolerance, a prolonged plea for an end to bigotry."

More importantly, it shows that conveying messages of tolerance through literature actually works. Potter's journey of self-discovery, then, might some day be immortalized in projects that aim to teach tolerance to young children."

Oh, Harry.

~MJ

Oh, Harry.

This year has been a mixed bag of books for me. I will discuss that in a later post.

But I did do something over Thanksgiving Break that sent me on a whirlwind three weeks of happy nostalgia.

While one of my friends and I adventured in the Land of Enchantment, we took an audiobook for the long drives through Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. That audiobook was "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." Beyond the trip being amazing, that was one of the best things that ever happened in my travel experience.

First, I don't do audiobooks very often (or really, at all). Second, I rarely re-read (or re-listen?) to stories I've already read. But when she put in the first CD, I was giddy with joy. This series truly gives me light.

We listened to the whole book. While stopped in Amarillo, TX for a snack, we passed a Barnes and Noble, and knowing our proximity to the end of the story, we contemplated buying the second book. But we didn't. Oh, how wrong we were! A half hour outside of Amarillo, we regretted this decision when the book ended. When Dumbledore awarded Neville points for his courage in standing up to friends, I teared up. How could one not?

And then we were left with 3-4 hours of road left, many cows, and no Harry Potter. So we filled the emptiness with theories about what happens after book 7 and whether J.K. Rowling should write an 8th book. We also just rode quietly in awe of her masterpiece and the uncertainty that anything quite like it will come again.

Upon arriving at home, I did get the second book in audio form and commenced my new exploration into the Chamber of Secrets. It blew my mind that literally, I had not engaged with that text since seventh grade, and yet the story - and so many details were fresh. It was like seeing an old friend for the first time in years and picking up right where we left off.

Then, I was at Target (like B&N, a dangerous and expensive habit), preparing for Tulsa's "snow days." I happened to pass through the DVD section (it was right there!) and found the HP Movie series, in its entirety, for $20. Now, I have never been quiet about my opinion that the movies are not that good - but, the audiobooks had made me thirsty for all the Harry Potter I could get.

And so I watched 7 of the 8 movies in four days (thank you "snow days") - and it was so good for my soul.

The whole experience reminded me of just how powerful this series is, and what a profound impact stories can make. As I embark on Christmas break, I hear a play is coming along from J.K. Rowling about Harry. What I realized is that no matter the next installment, the first seven stories are ones for the ages. And the reason I crave more is that they are just so good. Even 14 years after my first reading, I still find them to be engaging and beautiful. Whether an additional installment, in the form of a play, will satisfy  - I don't know. But I'm happy these stories happened, and that they continue to live very brightly in my life.

Thanks again, Harry.

~MJ

So True

I noticed this on Twitter today. The trending topic, "HP CONQUERS ALL" caught my eye. This quote epitomizes, in 140 characters or less, my previous post about HP and my love of Stephen King.

@PotterHeadFreak "Harry Potter is about confronting fears. Twilight is about how important it is to have a boyfriend." - Stephen King. HP CONQUERS ALL.

Others of my favorite tweets in this trend included:

@12Grummauld_Pl 1,090,739 words. 3,363 pages. 199 chapters. 17 hours and 14 minutes. 8 movies. 7 books. 1 story. HP CONQUERS ALL.
@karlagt Stone? Saved it. Chamber? Discovered. Prisoner? Met him. Order? Joined. Tournament? Won. Prince? Revealed. Hallows? United. HPCONQUERS ALL.
@chelseyaccionox 7 reasons HP CONQUERS ALL. Love. Hate. Betrayal. Anger. Excitement. Fear. Hope.

I love the idea that somebody's stories can so profoundly affect the world. For years.

Thanks again, Harry.

~MJ

Thank you, Harry.

Best. Series. Ever.

I left "A Game of Thrones" in my car and a new book I'm reading for work. I may not be able to handle reading much right now anyway, but I glanced at my bookshelf and couldn't resist: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

My mom originally got this book for me over ten years ago. In 7th grade, I heard about the book on The Rosie O'Donnell show (my favorite after school tv pastime) but didn't think much of it. Then, my mom got me a copy as she had heard good things about the book. She only got me paperback, though, thinking that if I got into the series we could do hardcover, but it wasn't worth the investment if I ended up not enjoying the first book.

Little did we both know what a passion it would become.

I raced through the first three books during the fall of my 7th grade year, which, in addition to my other reading, catapulted me to the front of my homeroom class in terms of number of books read. That year I won a CD from my teacher for reading so much - and I thank HARRY POTTER!

In the years that followed, I remember the time spent waiting for a new book to arrive. I always pre-ordered the latest HP novel on Amazon.com instead of doing the bookstore party thing. Amazon always promised it would be delivered day-of-release. Twice FedEx failed on Amazon's promise and I had to wait a few extra days (aka, an eternity). But twice Amazon refunded our money for the inconvenience!

I remember the FedEx delivery guy arrived on schedule for the delivery of one of the books. But he was exasperated  It was mid-afternoon; I had anxiously waited all day and was convinced my book was lost in the mail. I'd also heard about people looting delivery trucks. I also had heard that there were simply too many books to be delivered for them to all arrive on schedule. But, FedEx man arrived. I saw him through the picture window in the living room and it was all I could do not to race to the door before he got to the doorstep. My mom and I greeted him and got the book. I was speechlessly excited. He smiled nicely and I remember my mom and him chatting a moment about his day. He said something about his truck being full of Harry Potter and there not being enough hours in the day. So true, delivery man. So true.

I knew people who read them in 24 hours. I would usually try to savor the book for a week although so often it was hard to put down. I remember growing with Harry - the story lines deepening as I matured. I fancied myself to be the same age as Harry and I still won't let anyone tell me differently. I started an HP fan club online in middle school, in the days of AOL chat rooms, message boards, and list servs. I managed to acquire a following of 70 or so people, from all over the world, for an e-newsletter about Harry. It included columns about the plot and characters and I accepted submissions of something from my readers.

My fascination with local news got me to send the newsletter to a local anchor (Wayne Herman at Denver's 7). He mentioned it on the air during the last segment of a show and subscribed to future newsletters. It was probably my most successful attempt at amateur journalism as a child - fostering a love I already had for writing and letting be a little reporte...thanks to HARRY POTTER!

It still blows my mind to think how deeply I, along with millions across the world, got into HP. I usually hesitate to jump on bandwagons right away, but I definitely rode the wave of HP like a pro - and I long for those times. I wish had gone to a bookstore party or two. I did wait in line for the midnight showing of the sixth movie, although I fell asleep (the movies aren't as good as the books, anyway). I long for the anticipation that came with a new HP book; the novelty of that FedEx delivery every couple of years.

I also miss the adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione; the wisdom of Dumbledore and Hagrid; the characters I cried over like Sirius Black, Dobby, and yes, Dumbledore. I miss losing myself in a world mixed of wizards and muggles, broomstick sports and custom wands. And, considering how successful HP is, I wonder why words like "muggles" don't clear my computer's spell-check.

Despite my many years of commitment to HP, I've never re-read the books, unlike so many people I know. I also haven't seen movie 7 part 2, but that, to me, is not as grievous or interesting. So. I pulled book 1 off my shelf tonight. I just wrote a whole blog so I should be able to read a chapter or two.

And still, after all these years, I have a giddy anticipation about opening to page 1 and getting lost in Harry's world.

Thank you, Harry, for giving me that escape - along with everything else.

Here's to books that keep you reading,

~MJ

The Landscape's Changing

In Craig Ferguson's "Between the Bridge and the River," one of the many journey's chronicled is that of Fraser, a man in crisis. He is guided aptly by Virgil (yes, the Roman who also appeared in Dante), trying to find his way out of crisis. In one episode, they are walking a vast, empty expanse that is dull and unwelcoming; after V tells Fraser a story, Fraser notices the landscape is changing, as well as the look of his guide.

"Things are changing," said Fraser. "You look different, the lay of the land looks different. What's going on?"
"Ah," Virgil smiled, "You just heard a story, you are being affected by it. Nothing has changed. I am the same, the lay of the land is the same."
"But it all looks different," protested Fraser.
"That's because the story, like all stories, has altered you slightly. Everything will look a little different."

This is one of my favorite passages from one of my favorite books. It seems simple, yes, but I think it speaks to why I love reading so much.

I've loved reading ever since I first could, sitting on the kitchen counter at the age of 6 reading "The Great Kapok Tree" to my family as they prepared dinner. I've never been anything less than a bookworm - you can ask the friends I went to the pool with in the summer, who splashed around as I read in the sun. You can ask my students, who always heard how much I loved a book before I made them read it.

Call it the inspiration of summer break, or because I am yet again in the midst of great reading - but, I thought it was time to take stock of what I've read, what I'm reading, and why it matters (if to no one else, but me). I used the quote from "Angela's Ashes" with this in mind, knowing that minding what's on my mind about books can not only be a good reflective practice, but help me to find that resplendence that Mr. O'Halloran tells his students about.

Awhile ago I had a reading blog that failed -- I think because I tried to make it too routine and mechanical. For that reason, I am not sure what the format of this blog will be other that what comes to me in the moment I choose to add to it. I am constantly ear-marking passages as I read, so I'm sure some reflection related to those will come. I also envision reflecting on a recently finished book, the process of finding a new one to read, and my inevitable juggling of too-many-books-at-once. Mostly, I hope this will track how my landscape changes throughout the course of reading. It's also crossed my mind to invite some of my avidly reading friends and family to author on the blog. We'll see.

Ultimately, know this: the contents of this blog will largely consist of opinions. I never demand agreement with those, just that they are heard. Like Dumbledore said, "Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open." So hopefully, like me, you'll see this as an opportunity to reflect on the landscape and its changes -- all because of books.

~MJ