Turning over (another) new leaf

I always like to start off my year with a New Year's literary resolution (of sorts) and challenge myself to not only read more books but to attempt to broaden the genres and authors I read. Last year I set the goal of reading 52 books and within those 52 books, I wanted to read three classics and seven biographies. I am quietly chuffed to report that I succeeded in exceeding the 52 book mark and managed to read 64, with the classics being another success, however with the biographies I was not so successful, with only four being read fully. Being the true bibliophile that I am, I have upped the ante and set the bar of my annual literary New Year's resolution higher. So I would like to publicly announce my Reading Challenge for 2015 to be:
¦Read 65 books
¦Read two genres I haven't read before, for example, science fiction, steampunk, Western
¦Read a book from each of the authors attending the Whanganui Literary Festival in September 2015.
I will be reviewing a lot of these books within this column and will keep you informed as to my progress and trials and tribulations of attempting this challenge while working, having a wedding, participating in Open Studios, helping organise the Whanganui Literary Festival 2015, and not to mention the six gorgeous kids to love and look after!
I would like to challenge you to partake in this challenge too. Why do it? If it simply subconsciously helps you read more, extends your reading genres / authors then, in my humble opinion, the challenge has worked. My book club participants all took on this challenge last year, setting their own goals and reported back throughout the year. The feedback has been really positive, with varying degrees of success.
If you are interested in taking part contact me on the details below or pop in and see me, I would be happy to help and inspire you.
Have a great week, remember the Summer Reading Project for adults and the fantastic holiday programme for the kids both available at our amazing taonga, the library.
¦For more information on any of the activities mentioned or to comment, call in at The Gonville Café Library, phone 344 5872 or email kelly@wanganuilibrary.com