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Post by Linda on Nov 19, 2024 1:54:05 GMT
I do set a yearly goal - I love reading but it can be hard to sit down and read on a regular basis - a goal helps me remember to do that AND I then get the positive reinforcement of ticking off progress. I'm very list-oriented, lol. I read a very eclectic mix of books - fiction and non-fiction, fluffy romance and classic literature. Sometimes I read to learn, sometimes I read to escape, and sometimes I read because I'm working on a book challenge list...those tend not to be books I would otherwise pick up to read and sometimes I hate them. Other times, I've discovered real gems.
As for audiobooks - I count them. I don't listen to many books - less than 10% of the books I've read this year were audio - but sometimes that is the format they're available to me in.
Do I sometimes choose to read shorter or quicker books especially if I'm behind on my goal? sure but they are still books from my TBR list and they are balanced by the 500+ page books I also read.
I'm a Storygraph fan - didn't care for Goodreads
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Post by flanz on Nov 19, 2024 1:58:50 GMT
I read strictly for pleasure and relaxing. Reading isn't something I would ever set a goal for. same |
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TXMary
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Post by TXMary on Nov 19, 2024 2:33:31 GMT
I set a reading goal every year on Goodreads. I rarely reach it. And I'm okay with that.
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SabrinaP
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Post by SabrinaP on Nov 19, 2024 2:36:34 GMT
I always set a goal, but really don’t focus on it much. I like how on Goodreads it shows you your progress toward the goal like it says you are 1 book ahead of schedule. I read every single day and have a book going at all times, so the goal is nothing more to me something to track. I’ve hit my number and not hit my number and neither bother me.
For the record my goal was 85 this year and I’ve read 80. It says I’m 6 books ahead of schedule.
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Post by cadoodlebug on Nov 19, 2024 2:38:15 GMT
I keep a spreadsheet for books that both DH and I have read. Also dated so we know how many we've read at the end of the year. He often reads a few more because he is more likely to read during the day where I usually only read at night or while on the treadmill. Most of the books I've read in the past few years have been recommended on our weekly reading threads. I immediately put them on hold at our library. I've learned to *freeze* them when I get to #1 so I don't have 5 books ready at one time. Occasionally I'll start one and think *who in the world recommended this*?  |
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Post by tampascrapper on Nov 19, 2024 2:59:31 GMT
I set a goal but I wouldn’t rush books at the end to meet it. I really use it just for tracking and for fun. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and I count them towards my goal.
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kate
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Post by kate on Nov 19, 2024 3:24:34 GMT
Like several of you here, I set a goal to keep reading at the front of my mind as something to do. I get queasy thinking about how much of my life I've wasted playing stupid games on my phone or scrolling FB/IG, and having a reading goal is often just the little extra push I need to open a book instead of going online.
Last year I met my goal pretty easily, so I set more of a challenge goal for 2024. I may not make it, but I will certainly have done more reading than if I had not set a goal, so I'll call that a win.
I am a shameless bottom-feeder as a reader. I read mostly books from the book exchange "library" in the laundry room of my apartment building and freebies from Amazon Prime First Reads. At the end of the year, I see my list is heavily dominated by genre fiction, though I do enjoy good nonfiction as well.
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Post by leftturnonly on Nov 19, 2024 3:52:56 GMT
I just watched a video setting up a really cool journal for reading, movie/tv watching and games. It's the right time of year to begin thinking about doing something like this, so if anyone is interested: 2025 Reading Journal Setup - JashiiCorrin |
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Post by chaosisapony on Nov 19, 2024 3:53:42 GMT
I don't understand the reading goals either. It reminds me of being back in fourth grade where you got points for each book you read and the more points you got the better you did in the class. No regard for what the book was or what you were getting out of it, but just a focus on the quantity of reading.
At the end of the year I'll take a look at my Kindle stats out of curiosity. Some years it's 50 books, some years it's 90. The number makes no difference to me since I am just reading for relaxation and pleasure.
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Post by leftturnonly on Nov 19, 2024 3:59:20 GMT
I don't understand the reading goals either. I didn't either, but one of the videos I started watching (because of this thread) listed some favorite books. I went to Amazon to read about a few and darned if I don't already own one of the favorites. So maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to put some of these into a fun list like some of these journal videos are doing, and then I won't waste time or money trying to figure out what to read next. So maybe not so much a timed goal, but still, it could be a fun way to get through some of the stack. |
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Post by snugglebutter on Nov 19, 2024 4:31:37 GMT
I don't like setting a numerical goal. In the past when I tried, I never met the goals, was way too hard on myself and just stopped reading for years. These were very moderate goals too, like 1 book a month, but all of my kids were small and it just didn't work well for me at the time.
Getting my Paperwhite several helped me restart my reading habits, because it was easier to read while cooking or doing small tasks around the house. This year I really picked up the pace - 11 books in 2023 vs 36 so far in 2024. A bunch of those were in the first few months when we had a stressful situation in my extended family. I was definitely coping/escaping. But I am really pleased with what I've accomplished. I did have a goal to read through the Neapolitan series by Elena Ferrante and I got it done. (they weren't the easiest read) Next year I want to read the rest of Elizabeth Strout's books.
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cycworker
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Post by cycworker on Nov 19, 2024 5:23:13 GMT
I set a reading goal mostly because it helps me to not completely get sucked into TV & the internet. My reading goals were too big initially, and now they're a more reasonable 15 per year... and I may drop it to 12 in 2025. I don't force myself to finish a book that I don't enjoy just because of the goal. I've found that while I used to be a fast and voracious reader, I've let myself get into bad habits, and I'm trying to reverse that. While I genuinely enjoy reading, it's also a worthwhile skill to maintain. so I do think it's important to read at least a little bit every day.
So the goal I set at Goodreads isn't meant as pressure; it's a guideline to help me check in with myself.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 19, 2024 10:43:07 GMT
ecvnj58 said: So here’s the problem. I have done that for years. Then this year I find zodiac academy which is a zillion pages each book and I’m sucked in. Im on book 8.5. and now I’m 8 books behind schedule and it’s kind of driving me nuts. I’m still not altering my reading style but I hate that these books have made me take a noticeable hit. Usually by now I have met my goal I'm not picking on you but this is exactly the mentality I'm talking about that would bother *me* about setting a reading goal. I can see myself being driven nuts by this and it being more discouraging than motivating. Sounds like you are struggling with this too.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 19, 2024 10:47:43 GMT
iamkristinl16 don't feel like you can't participate in the book thread. I participate even though I don't tend to read the same kinds of things that everyone else does. (Mostly non-fiction) I just feel like sometimes it's about exposure. If I read some great books, I want to share and maybe someone will pick up a book to read at my recommendation.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 19, 2024 10:49:44 GMT
SabrinaP said: I like how on Goodreads it shows you your progress toward the goal like it says you are 1 book ahead of schedule. This would drive me insane. 😂
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Post by jeremysgirl on Nov 19, 2024 11:04:33 GMT
I might step away from the board because I'm quite creeped out. I woke up this morning to a message from my sister informing me that Goodreads is owned by Jeff Bezos (I knew this) and that I might want to use Storygraph instead.
I went backwards through all my messages and social media posts and could not find anywhere I said that I used Goodreads. I asked her where her comment came from as it seemed quite odd. I mean with the fact that I couldn't find anywhere I had mentioned to her/publicly that I use Goodreads and that the timing of her comment would coincide with this thread.
So now I am wondering if she is lurking here and reading my comments. I know this is a public message board and anyone can read here. If she wanted to post here that would be a different matter. But lurking makes me feel like I am being watched. And I'm not comfortable with that from my family.
So I'm stepping away until I can feel confident that I'm not unknowingly being watched. Like I said, if she wanted to openly be a member of the board and I knew she was here, that would be one thing. But just reading my posts and not telling me is not ok with me.
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Post by peasapie on Nov 19, 2024 11:24:51 GMT
A book goal keeps me on track for reading. If I see that I'm way under my goal (like this year), I figure out what I've been doing with my time instead. If I know that I've been lounging around only watching tv or Tik Tok, I have a 'talk' with myself to see why, lol. Maybe I've been swamped at work and my brain is tired, or maybe I've been lazy for no reason. I do the same with scrapbooking...like why haven't I done any, or how did I get all the extra time? I read for pleasure and relaxing. I'm not trying to learn anything, just enjoyment. I read a TON in the summer, but this fall has been almost no-existent because my brain is tired after work. That’s interesting and, while it would feel like pressure to me personally, I totally get what you are saying about allowing goals to provide a reading incentive. |
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Post by lesserknownpea on Nov 19, 2024 11:31:41 GMT
Becki: ((((((((hugs)))))))
Making a goal for reading, makes as much sense for me as a goal for breathing. One or two years, out of curiosity, I’ve looked back to see how many books I read. That’s the closest I’ve come to caring.
What I read, when, how fast, has always been a matter of love, curiosity, passion, even obsession. I’d like to see someone stop me! I’ve never written down a list of books I’ve read, although I wish I did, it would be a cool thing to have.
This has been as interesting thread helping me understand what a person could get out of a goal though. I appreciate it.
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SweetieBsMom
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Post by SweetieBsMom on Nov 19, 2024 11:35:49 GMT
I read strictly for pleasure and relaxing. Reading isn't something I would ever set a goal for. Same. I go in fits and spurts. Currently I'm reading a lot. Come January when I am working 24/7 until May, I won't touch a book. |
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Post by melanell on Nov 19, 2024 11:41:33 GMT
It's just getting close to end of year and I'm starting to see more book goal posts coming up and some people take them damn seriously. I figure there are loads of people who take all sorts of things very seriously that I personally do not, so this is merely another example.  There are so many things I view as an occasional activity or just something fun that other people give far more importance to in life. I also believe that a good many people enjoy challenging themselves. And in that way, I can see them wanting to put out extra effort at the end of the year if they feel they are falling short, OR wishing to point out that they met their challenge if they have already hit their goal. I think for me, the bigger question is why there needs to be controversy over this at all? If people want controversy in regards to reading, we have a long list of banned and challenged books they can discuss.  But how others opt to read? It doesn't matter in the least to me. I mean, sure, it's interesting. I like to hear different thoughts on it. But it doesn't have any affect on my life, so I can't imagine arguing or being agitated about it to the point where anyone might say the topic has now become "controversial".  |
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Post by ecvnj58 on Nov 19, 2024 12:14:16 GMT
ecvnj58 said: So here’s the problem. I have done that for years. Then this year I find zodiac academy which is a zillion pages each book and I’m sucked in. Im on book 8.5. and now I’m 8 books behind schedule and it’s kind of driving me nuts. I’m still not altering my reading style but I hate that these books have made me take a noticeable hit. Usually by now I have met my goal I'm not picking on you but this is exactly the mentality I'm talking about that would bother *me* about setting a reading goal. I can see myself being driven nuts by this and it being more discouraging than motivating. Sounds like you are struggling with this too. It’s the first year it’s done this. Next year I may switch to page count. Truthfully it bugs me that it bugs me. I 100% don’t think it’s the behavior from my reading that I want. I started reading so much to stop scrolling and set a good example for my kids. I didn’t start reading to be the best at it or whatever is in my head. I know you aren’t picking on me. It’s been interesting to reflect on this as the year is coming to an end. I identify as a reader so some of this is tied up in who I am which can be hard sometimes to reconcile my thoughts with. I think this goal thing is very tied into my personality. I’m an engineer and super competitive with myself and goal focused. Also you totally can be a reader and not do this behavior. My goal is 75 books. Does it really matter if I end at 70? I know in my brain it does not. I should fail this purposely to prove it’s all ok and that my life will not fall apart. I know it’s all very silly. For some of these book tokers it’s probably also very tied to personality and $$$. So on surface we know it’s silly but it can feel otherwise. |
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Nov 19, 2024 12:14:49 GMT
I might step away from the board because I'm quite creeped out. I woke up this morning to a message from my sister informing me that Goodreads is owned by Jeff Bezos (I knew this) and that I might want to use Storygraph instead. I went backwards through all my messages and social media posts and could not find anywhere I said that I used Goodreads. I asked her where her comment came from as it seemed quite odd. I mean with the fact that I couldn't find anywhere I had mentioned to her/publicly that I use Goodreads and that the timing of her comment would coincide with this thread. So now I am wondering if she is lurking here and reading my comments. I know this is a public message board and anyone can read here. If she wanted to post here that would be a different matter. But lurking makes me feel like I am being watched. And I'm not comfortable with that from my family. So I'm stepping away until I can feel confident that I'm not unknowingly being watched. Like I said, if she wanted to openly be a member of the board and I knew she was here, that would be one thing. But just reading my posts and not telling me is not ok with me. That is odd. Hopefully it is a coincidence and there js another explanation but I get feeling unsettled by it. |
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Post by lisae on Nov 19, 2024 12:17:34 GMT
No goals, no lists. If I don't like a book that isn't for my book club, I don't continue. Reading is for enjoyment and enrichment. Since I get almost everything from the library, I do have time limit but I don't rush through books even ones I love. Those especially I want to last.
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christinec68
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Post by christinec68 on Nov 19, 2024 14:12:08 GMT
It's just getting close to end of year and I'm starting to see more book goal posts coming up and some people take them damn seriously. I figure there are loads of people who take all sorts of things very seriously that I personally do not, so this is merely another example. There are so many things I view as an occasional activity or just something fun that other people give far more importance to in life. I also believe that a good many people enjoy challenging themselves. And in that way, I can see them wanting to put out extra effort at the end of the year if they feel they are falling short, OR wishing to point out that they met their challenge if they have already hit their goal.
I think for me, the bigger question is why there needs to be controversy over this at all?If people want controversy in regards to reading, we have a long list of banned and challenged books they can discuss. But how others opt to read? It doesn't matter in the least to me. I mean, sure, it's interesting. I like to hear different thoughts on it. But it doesn't have any affect on my life, so I can't imagine arguing or being agitated about it to the point where anyone might say the topic has now become "controversial". Seriously!!! I am in a couple of book groups on Facebook - there are "cage matches" and lots of shade thrown around over particular authors, specific books, not finishing books, and so on. I'm the same as you in that I could not possibly care less about what people read, how they read it, when, where or how quickly. As long as I am enjoying what I am reading, all is right for me in my reading world. |
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Post by leftturnonly on Nov 19, 2024 14:21:44 GMT
Jeremysgirl - Maybe the timing is coincidental. You've been a reader for years and Goodreads is a natural tie-in. It's not a big leap for a sister to make. But for goodness sakes sister, if you are here, tell Becki because now it's become a thing.and it doesn't need to be.
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breetheflea
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Post by breetheflea on Nov 19, 2024 14:35:24 GMT
I might step away from the board because I'm quite creeped out. I woke up this morning to a message from my sister informing me that Goodreads is owned by Jeff Bezos (I knew this) and that I might want to use Storygraph instead. I went backwards through all my messages and social media posts and could not find anywhere I said that I used Goodreads. I asked her where her comment came from as it seemed quite odd. I mean with the fact that I couldn't find anywhere I had mentioned to her/publicly that I use Goodreads and that the timing of her comment would coincide with this thread. So now I am wondering if she is lurking here and reading my comments. I know this is a public message board and anyone can read here. If she wanted to post here that would be a different matter. But lurking makes me feel like I am being watched. And I'm not comfortable with that from my family. So I'm stepping away until I can feel confident that I'm not unknowingly being watched. Like I said, if she wanted to openly be a member of the board and I knew she was here, that would be one thing. But just reading my posts and not telling me is not ok with me. That is odd. Hopefully it is a coincidence and there js another explanation but I get feeling unsettled by it. If you both have Goodreads, it probably sent her an email trying to get her to "friend" you. I don't use my account anymore, but haven't deleted it, and get messages like that all the time. By the way, Storygraph is awesome... |
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Post by Texas Scrap on Nov 19, 2024 15:16:45 GMT
Anyone who has used Goodreads and Storygraph want to share a comparison? I have used GR for so long and connected to ppl there, but open to switch if it offers a similar experience and I can recreate my history... Also jeremysgirl - I am sorry for your creep out experience. I would probably feel same. I hope you get clarity with your sister. We would miss you terribly if you left. |
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Post by padresfan619 on Nov 19, 2024 15:27:39 GMT
The conversation about Bezos owning GoodReads and StoryGraph being own by a black woman has been popular in my circle since the day after the election, I wouldn’t necessarily think someone is stalking your posts.
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Post by scrappinmom3 on Nov 19, 2024 15:27:45 GMT
I have set goals on Goodreads for the past 4 years. I choose a number that is reasonable for me. I really don’t feel the pressure to make the goal. I mostly use Goodreads to keep track of books that I have read. I can’t tell you how many times in the past that I would be partway through a book and I would realize that I had already read the book.
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breetheflea
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Post by breetheflea on Nov 19, 2024 15:35:23 GMT
Anyone who has used Goodreads and Storygraph want to share a comparison? I have used GR for so long and connected to ppl there, but open to switch if it offers a similar experience and I can recreate my history... Also jeremysgirl - I am sorry for your creep out experience. I would probably feel same. I hope you get clarity with your sister. We would miss you terribly if you left. You can import your Goodreads history to Storygraph. It gives you more statistics and graphs about your reading (and not just at the end of the year.) You can also set reading goals other than # of books to read and add challenges (if someone posted one, like the Buzzword challenge). I don't know how the community part compares, I'm not friends with anyone on there. |
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There are so many things I view as an occasional activity or just something fun that other people give far more importance to in life.
But how others opt to read? It doesn't matter in the least to me. I mean, sure, it's interesting. I like to hear different thoughts on it. But it doesn't have any affect on my life, so I can't imagine arguing or being agitated about it to the point where anyone might say the topic has now become "controversial". 
