As we wrap up 2021, many of us look back over the year and both highlights of events and valleys of circumstances. Some take a look at their reading lists to see if they’ve met goals they set for themselves. I do not have a hard copy reading list, per se. Nor do I track what I’ve read in an effort to outdo myself. But, I did decide a while back that I wanted to read more - something that I had put aside when I was busy raising kids and working.

This blog writer found a way to keep a spreadsheet of her reading habits from which she was able to track her trends and see where she was within her challenge. While reading her post, I was able to find the origin of the spreadsheet from Book Riot where it is available for use. If you are the sort who likes to rise to a challenge and track your progress, this could be just the tool you’ve been looking for! I might use it just for fun but share it with friends who are more competitive.

While I was “researching” (read Googling) books of 2021 and reading trends, I came across the BBC “Best Books of the Year” and scrolled through, happy to find a few that we carry here at Canterbury. I like looking through lists like this to see if I have read any and to find suggestions.

It would seem that reading trends in general are up since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic - both digital and print versions. We are curious to see where that goes - if it has been a fluke of being confined to our homes or if it is a rediscovered pleasure that will be a continued habit.

A favorite question of mine and my husband’s when we talk to people (especially new acquaintances) is “what are you reading?” The answers have varied from embarrassed “well, it’s really just fluff, but sometimes that’s what I need” to “my goodness - I started this book I found, and I can’t believe how much I am learning from it.” Sometimes what others are reading enlarges our reading list because it sounds so intriguing or just because they present it so enthusiastically.

So, what are you reading, do you have a reading list, and will you be tracking your habits in the coming year? Stop in to Canterbury Book Store and browse our stock! You might find something you didn’t know you wanted to read.

Happy New Year!