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Just make this annoying thing go away.
Yep, I finally did it. I read over a book a week for all of 2009.
More than that– I never fell behind or stopped. I was always ahead of schedule for the entire year. So now, in 2010, guess what? I’d like you to do the same. Here’s how.
It feels awesome. It gives you an amazing amount of ideas. It helps you think more thoroughly. It’s better than TV and even the internet. It makes you understand the world more. It is a building block towards a habit of completion. Did I mention it feels awesome?
… whatever, just do it already.
First of all, why so many, why not just “read more books?” I’d argue that setting a massive goal, something crazy like one a week, actually helps. To make a comparison, the body reacts strongly to large wounds, expending significant energy to heal them. Small wounds, it doesn’t think much of, which means they can sometimes take longer to heal. So setting a massive goal will make you take it seriously.
So, that’s first. Make your goal massive and unreasonable so that you freak out a little. :)
The average book I read was maybe 250-300 pages. Some were larger, some were smaller. I broke this down to 40 pages a day, which I read early on so I can get it over with. It’s an easy, manageable goal, which doesn’t seem nearly so daunting as 52 books in a year. This is critical to managing your emotional state, making it feel like it’s totally reasonable.
I have a habit right now of getting up, showering, etc., and then going out for breakfast every morning, sitting at counter at the same restaurant, and drinking coffee until I’ve read my 40 pages.
Why do I do it like this? Because I know that I’m kind of weak-willed. I’m betting you can admit this about yourself too, and doing so will help you set everything into its proper place.
Oh, and a protip: Set it up early in the day, as early as possible. Like the Artist’s Way’s morning pages and Twyla Tharp’s exercise regimen (discussed here), it must occur early or we will put it off. This is the same with every habit– you must chain them together for them to work.
If you have a commute, use it. If you have a lunch break, use that. This is something I’m just figuring out, but the ability to whip out your book quickly and read 2 pages will help you out significantly, especially in getting ahead, which will be your biggest asset and give you a rewarding feeling. Further, getting ahead will help you take your time with the hard books that are really dense and worth taking time on.
If something sucks (or feels tough), it’s ok give up on it– for now. You can do this when you’re ahead of schedule and it won’t screw with you too badly, and then you can go back to that book every little while until you finish it.
I did this a number of times in 2009, which means the number of books I started was probably in the 60-65 range (I finished 54.)
Is your deadline closing on you, and you feel you may fall behind? Holy crap! Ok, it’s time to cheat. Choose a quick book and read it, something you may have read before, enjoy a lot, and can breeze through.
“This is cheating,” you may say. I would agree. But the short term cheating to help yourself succeed in the long run on this goal is more important than hard-headed idea that every book you read has to be frikkin War and Peace. It doesn’t. This is to enrich your life, not to make you feel like crap.
By the way, even small books can be incredible. In 2009 I read the following books that were small but awesome: The Dip, The Little Red Book of Selling, The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die, Man’s Search For Meaning, Vagabonding, and Of the Dawn of Freedom.
Never “owe yourself one” or deduct from the bank account, saying you’ll get back to it later. Your weekly deadline (the first is on January 7th) will help you stay on track, but falling behind may make you feel helpless and make you consider giving up. You have to control your emotional state from dropping to this level, where you feel it’s hopeless, etc., and you do that by always being ahead of schedule.
Reading has made me a much better, more complete, and happier person. All the world’s wisdom is contained in books– most of it is not on the internet or known by people in your social group, so this can really help you expand, if you let it. So start today.
All the best in 2010 to you.
†
December 31st, 2009 at 1:55 pm
I’ve wanted to make “reading more books, more often” my life’s resolution for… well, forever now. Though my accomplishments can’t compare to yours in 2009, I agree with one thing the most — it’s all about shaping a routine in a way that will help you accomplish goals. This is awesome inspiration.
52 books in 2010… here I come. Thanks Julien! And Happy New Year to you.
- Andi
December 31st, 2009 at 2:50 pm
I realized how much thinking I did while I finished Trust Agents a few days ago. It’s superbly helpful to have topic discussed at length and with focus. Blogs and the net are great (I’d argue necessary) for long term growth and keeping up with the times, but books do truly lead you to think about a topic at a more useful depth. I do notice that a staggaring number of deep thoughts or blog post kernals flick incessantly through my mind as I read. How do you capture these?
December 31st, 2009 at 2:51 pm
A couple of other things will happen as well if you read 52 books a year:
1. You become a better writer (if that’s important to you).
2. You accumulate a better vocabulary (which makes you more interesting when you speak).
3. You open up more (reading is very personal and when you read someone’s innards, you can’t help but become more personable yourself).
Another trick I would add (if people can afford it) is to get an e-reader. I always find it hard to lug around books, but it’s simple, easy and light to go everywhere with my Sony Reader. I find myself reading books at times when I normally would have never.
Last trick: when you’re watching TV or listening to your iPod, simply ask yourself this one question: “will I get more pleasure out of this or out of reading something new?”
And yes… Happy Ready and Happy 2010 :)
December 31st, 2009 at 2:56 pm
@Ben — I have a really thorough blog idea + todo capture system integrated into Gootodo.com, which I’ve been using for about 3 years. Works amazingly well and all you need is a basic phone that can send email.
@Mitch — I’ve thought about this and I’m still considering it, but I don’t want to look like a fucking tool. Is there any hope for me? ;)
December 31st, 2009 at 3:21 pm
I’ve read 27 books this year, a personal record. I usually read around 22-23. It’s been a great year indeed, I’ve shared books with my teens (great way to keep the communication going) and started reading classics I didn’t have the chance to read before. I have discovered aspects of my personality I wasn’t aware of through some books. I’ve laughed, I’ve fantasized, I’ve travelled in time, I’ve cried also. Books rock ;-)
December 31st, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Wow … what a great goal! Congrats on doing it! I’m working on my goals for 2010 right now and I think I will add this.
Thanks!
December 31st, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Books DO rock! But, I like my books to entertain me and don’t keep count, although I read every night and often all day if I find a great story. If I happen on a collection of SCI-FI or Fantasy Fiction (not limited to) I can lose myself in, I peel them off in way too short a time and feel empty when it’s over. And I quickly ditch books I find boring. Thinking about it, a book a week is not unattainable, just expensive if you’re buying them. I would also much rather read than watch TV. My wife doesn’t like to have three books on-the-go but if for the most part I like what I’m reading but get bored, I don’t mind putting it aside for a day or two and tackle something else. And I do read my faves over and over, like Stephen King’s “The Stand”, although I must admit I couldn’t finish Lisey’s Storey, which I thought was crap although Mr. King said it was his best work.
Oh well, the Golden Rule applies here–The one with the money makes the rules. I’ve taken enough of your time, so the best of the New Year to you and yours.
Paul
December 31st, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Hi, great post! Just reading this about this technique is inspiring. I read about 2 books a year due to poor time mangement, tv, the net and sleeping. I am going to follow this technique and see if I can read 2 books a month ie 24 books this year!
December 31st, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Yeah, that’s the real trick, isn’t it. If you’re going to set a resolution, make it one that you can actually accomplish, instead of an incredibly vague one. For example, “I’m going to exercise more in 2010″. Okay, more than what? More than you did in 2009? How much more?
This is equally good, because this isn’t something that you have to do EVERY DAY. I’m in! 52 books in 2010. I’ll grab the first one today off of my bookcase. I have several books that I haven’t read yet.
December 31st, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Julien,
Superb topic for a post. I like reading too – though your 52 far exceeds where I’m at. Hadn’t thought of 52 in 52 – you give a roadmap – nice! On LinkedIn… I’ve been trying to list my reads using the Amazon plug-in app – too bad we can’t list (on LinkedIn) those books not selling on Amazon – it would be nice to see people’s complete lists. Best for 2010. Ben.
December 31st, 2009 at 6:21 pm
The other tip that makes this work – cut TV. Mitch’s question is exactly correct, and the answer is usually that you’re better off reading. And plus, you can listen to music while you read!
December 31st, 2009 at 6:28 pm
I just go the Kindle DX for Christmas. I want to try this as well. You’ve inspired me (again).
Happy New Year my friend.
Marcus
December 31st, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Thank you for making me stop and think, I’ve been pondering it since I found this post earlier today and I can’t work out how many books I have read this year. More because I read so many than because I don’t.
My biggest problem is that whether it is fiction or non-fiction reading a book can take over my day, if I get gripped by it my brain goes into overdrive and just has to keep on reading. I’ve just been given the complete works of Jane Austin for Christmas as I’ve seen many of the films but never read the book.
In a bid to make me read slower I’ve started to read books in German – Eragon in German is hard going!
Reading a book is a great treat for me, I can only let myself when I have got other stuff done in the day. I love books and I love reading, just ask my family!!!
And congratulations for completing your challenge, hopefully you’ll read many more books this year.
I do like your idea of a habit of completion, it is something that I will work into my day.
Thank you again and Happy New Year
December 31st, 2009 at 8:03 pm
You don’t want to look like a tool… so, what you’re saying is that you’re not already a tool??
;)
I’m confused. Sounds like a topic for an upcoming episode of Media Hacks to me :)
December 31st, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Mitch: I dig your comments above…
Julien: I like how you’ve broken this down into a goal of number of pages to read daily (and further, how you’ve integrated that into your routine). I love reading! It’s an escape for me (it’s my meditation and frankly it gets my thought process flowing). I read several books this year but nowhere near 52. I’d like to though! (and heck, if I continue to keep getting review copies from publishers, I damn well better)…
Happy New Year Julien! (…and talk to you soon)
December 31st, 2009 at 9:29 pm
i doubt i could read a book a week, i mean i could, but i, personally, would feel like i’m rushing…and in my mind, i would be thinking what’s the big rush. but this is an awesome thing you did. it works for you.
i am taking a photo a day for a year, that’s about all i can do.
i’m going to go finish reading my book now. i totally hate when a good book has to end. i purposely slow down or not read it, just so that it won’t come to an end…but you know the saying. all good things….
December 31st, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Wow! You guys are reading monsters! I, too, would like to crank out more books a year. I find that the time part is the challenge (keep reading). Not the 40 pages per day – but absorbing it. If I read fiction, I can generally rip through it, no problem. But non-fiction, business books, or books that help me in life for career or whatever, I tend to read slower and digest more. When I read this post and also think that Chris Brogan and CC are cranking out book reviews left and right, it makes me think, ‘am I slow reader?’ So, do you all have a secret? Do you kind of skim? I’m more of a read-every-word kind of guy. At any rate, awesome accomplishment, Julien (among the others this year for you!).
December 31st, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Wow! 52 books in a year. Many people don’t read 52 books in a lifetime. My goal was 12 books this year. I just finished my 12th book today (ironically, it was Trust Agents). 52 books in 2010? For me, there’s too much work, kids activities, etc. I’ll stick to my 12… maybe raise it a bit. But 52? That’s impressive.
January 1st, 2010 at 9:23 am
I used to travel half of each year and I had so many books under my belt each year because of all the plane time. Now that I’ve stopped I’ve lost that time where I could crack a book. 2010 there are so many books to read that I may look into your system.
January 1st, 2010 at 10:28 am
For the past month I have been reading every day. I haven’t thought about a book a week, but that’s a great idea. I read while walking on the treadmill, so most days read 30 – 55 minutes. I think I’ll start tracking # of pages, instead of # of steps. Hope I can join you in the “book a week club” next January, 2011
January 1st, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Julien, you’ve really inspired me. I’ve been wanting to read more and couldn’t imagine how you were able to read a book a week – something I haven’t done since I was a student.
I was a voracious reader as a kid. I used to read during my commute to work and make it through a book every two weeks on average. Now, I rarely get a seat on the subway so I’ve opted for podcasts and squeeze books in at other times. ;-)
It’s time for me to get back into a routine. There’s a couple shelves full of books shouting “read me”. I think I can manage 20-40 pages a day, starting today.
Thanks and Happy New Year,
Eden
January 1st, 2010 at 3:28 pm
This is great advice. What I miss most about my younger days was sometimes finishing a novel a night. Nowadays I read 10 times as much in words but mostly (great) articles and blogs, etc. not enough fiction. Keeping a book by the bedside is one of my more effective ways of actually getting to read it.
Happy New Year.
IMRAN
January 1st, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Dang! I cannot read that fast. I am already behind :)
January 1st, 2010 at 3:32 pm
I love this idea. I got a Kindle for Christmas and in the last week of using it I’ve determined that I’m reading faster with it than I do with books (maybe it’s the % completed status at the bottom that challenges me to read on?). Not sure I’ll attempt a book a week but your system seems like a good one to accomplish that goal. Now I’m going to check out Gootodo.com. Thanks for mentioning it!
January 1st, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Love it. I always thought of you as one of the best-read people I know; now I know how you do it.
Another tip that may help people – if you spend a lot of time at the gym, consider audiobooks. It’s not the same experience, but it certainly helps to pass those hours on the treadmill.
52 may be a bit high for me, but you’ve certainly inspired me to step my reading up a notch from the 15 or so books I got through this year.
Thanks!
January 1st, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Congratulations on an awesome accomplishment. I will certainly set this as a goal someday. It just won’t work right now, but at least I’ve joined a book club and our first book was 700 pages.
If you need to cheat with some great books <200 pages, I've compiled a list with a lot of people's help:
http://www.meryl.net/2009/03/02/short-powerful-and-favorite-books/
January 1st, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Great advice, even in the comments here. I read a lot of books but I don’t think I’m doing 52. This gives great insight into making it manageable.
January 1st, 2010 at 3:57 pm
THIS IS FANTASTIC!! :) I’m starting with a series this year so I have something to keep me moving forward. And it’s a big series, has 17 books in it!! I should be set in the beginning, but I can also see how I could fall behind. Jan 7th seems SO close…I better quit commenting and get started!! Good luck everyone!
January 1st, 2010 at 4:04 pm
I am going to do just that and start off with your book, Trust agents. I bought a few business books, and its good to expand your mind. TV off. Time to read a book.
January 1st, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Awesome goal and congrats for doing it! I’d love to do this, but my ADHD allows me about 5-6 pages before I crash…and those 5-6 pages take FOREVER. I’m sure there is some sort of natural vitamin thing I can take to aid with my concentration (or some not-so-natural chemical thing)…and once I find it, I will definitely attempt to follow in your footsteps! :) Glad to get to know you in 2009!
January 1st, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Signing up for goodreads.com really helped me focus. I finally made it over the 100+ hump (I finished 113 in 2008), and I get great recommendations on books, particularly ones not yet released so I can keep an eye out for brand new books. It’s a great community – @Ben, we do exactly what you mention about making a list in many of the groups. You can create your own! I belong to both the 100+ Book Challenge group and one of the many 52 in 52 groups: here’s the public one – http://bit.ly/100plusbkgroup (the other is private).
For those of you just getting started, Julien’s tips are great! Good luck with your 2010 goals!
January 1st, 2010 at 4:39 pm
Wow!I was amazed! I’m a MA student and I have lots of books to read per semester. Thank you for the tip!
Good luck!
January 1st, 2010 at 5:22 pm
I read a lot of books and have no idea how many I read last year, so I’m keeping track in a notebook. I’m also keeping track of info I like from each book and may want to refer to. I read Trust Agents last year, but am reading it again as my first book for the year because there are a lot of great ideas I’d like to implement.
Thanks for the great blog.
January 1st, 2010 at 5:38 pm
Marcus,
I have a Kindle DX as well. You might want to try the ReKindleIT application. I find myself reading more of the web or Google Reader content with this application. Google Reader + ReKindleIt + Kindle DX = Killer Reading APP
January 1st, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Ha, I already had 52 books in 2010 as a goal. But breaking it down too 40 pp per day sounds so much more manageable!
January 1st, 2010 at 6:46 pm
Excellent post Julien. Thanks for the idea and inspiration. I think it is a doable goal and well worth the effort. I love the comments from your readers too. I have been exploring goodreads.com. This should be fun.
January 1st, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Excellent motivation and action tools. I happened to sign up for http://www.groupon.com last week; the first offer in DC was a 5 hour speed reading class (offers good day of only) – that and the kindle with changeable font sizes should help folks like me see and speed up. Thanks for the ReKindleT app, Michael. Ray Bradbury (creative genius/futurist writer) told me to read everything and anything beyond what one typically reads or does for a living. I’m ready, about 15 years later, to start – your post is thrusting me into action. Of course, Feats speak Louder Than Words,,, my first commitment is to take the course.
January 1st, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Awesome! We have the same morning routine :) I’m curious to know what you’ve read. Check out what I’ve read: http://femgineer.com/?page_id=361
January 1st, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Great idea, and comments also: I plan to buy an eReader and implement this goal!
To Tara: try Vitamin D (1000 mg/day) I really find it helps my focus and attitude.
Happy 2010 everyone!
January 1st, 2010 at 9:32 pm
Julien,
I have been reading a book a week for years now and when I used to tell people-about my reading habits-I would to get odd looks.
So it remained something I did – but didn’t discuss. It is good to know I am in good company.
Even though you listed Man’s Search For Meaning as a short book, it takes a lot to digest and worth every second of every page. I have re-read the book five times over the past five years. Are re-reads cheating?
Time to stop writing and finish up the book I am reading if I am to stay on schedule.
January 1st, 2010 at 9:53 pm
This is a great idea! I’m going to take this challenge. You give good suggestions. I think I can do this. Thanks. . .very inspiring.
January 1st, 2010 at 9:53 pm
Big goals with daily breakdowns are key and awesome. I did 12,000 pushups this last summer. Big goal, but very manageable at 200 per day.
Thanks for the inspiring idea about reading. I’m a slow reader but am considering a variation of the suggestion.
January 1st, 2010 at 11:28 pm
Just in time for the Apple book reading / tea-making device? ;)
I was really interested in doing this last year when you started… Have just been on a trip for two weeks and found my mental state was way better for having not spent ages online etc and instead reading…
Do graphic novels count ? I can eat them for breakfast. Read all of Preacher #1 on the plane between New York and Detroit on my way over to your fine country :)
January 1st, 2010 at 11:35 pm
I will probably be reading more than that! I have a new blog in which I review books. I am VERY eager and am getting a LOT of books lined up. So it will be a matter of survival to read more than one per week! But seriously, it has been a lot of fun so far!
If any of you authors out there would like me to do that, please make contact! I will post on my blog (in which links are sent to my Facebook and Twitter accounts) and will also post on Amazon and Christianbook.com!
Blessings & Happy Twenty Ten –
Andrea Schultz
andrealschultz[at]gmail[dot]com
http://andrealschultz.blogspot.com
January 2nd, 2010 at 12:40 am
Let’s put it this way. There are 34 comments on this post right now. I’m not sure I’ll get through all of them. I CANNOT CONCEIVE of that pace! I could probably tell you I’ve read 52 books in the past 10 years, and the majority of those were the first half of that period. I read to fall asleep now. I read a paragraph about a dozen times, and give up. I think my brain is rotting. I don’t think I’m capable of making that level of commitment to anything, let alone reading.
January 2nd, 2010 at 1:24 am
I enjoyed your comments on the reasons for reading books. I don’t think you’re recommending speed reading. I am a slow reader. Many of my friends are speed readers. I enjoy marking up a book (in pencil) to ‘highlight’ new or foreign words, as well as passages that I may want to return to (for a variety of reasons). A book a week is a little to ambitious for me. Perhaps I should resolve in 2010 to devote a little more time to reading so I can improve my books (read) per year number
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:45 am
This is just the encouragement I needed. Some thought my goal of a book (mostly novels) a week was too ambitious given the amount of reading/research I do for my work in the church. Taking your suggestion of adding 40 pages a day as you did last year makes it seem manageable and not the least bit overwhelming.
Since writing improves with reading, I’m looking forward to writing better sermons, blog posts and letters.
I’ll stop by from time to time and let you know how it’s going. I’m excited!
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:55 am
Love this idea. My dad always challenged me to read a book a week. 40 pages a day is a great benchmark and very doable, the bummer is the Kindle does not count page numbers. I guess you wold have to go by % completed. I figured it out to be around 14% complete daily.
January 2nd, 2010 at 11:40 am
I read about 80 books this year. Not sure exactly how many. I reviewed 75 on my blog.
I am slowing down this year, because I need to retain more. I sacrifice comprehension and retention by reading fast.
That being said, I love to read and appreciate the fact that the information/digital age has not totally removed us from bound, printed matter.
January 2nd, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Thanks for sharing this. I got to 25 last year but am trying Kindle for iPhone now which seems to increase productivity as far as “get your book out and read 2 pages” goes. Question Julien: Do you always read one at a time, one after the other, or several at the same time?
Thanks
January 2nd, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Bam! 50 comments. Thanks guys, glad you liked the post. :)
January 2nd, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Great post. Just finished Trust Agents, so I might as well keep it up and finish 51 more. Does anyone have a good web-based tool for tracking books you’ve read or want to read?
Thanks!
January 2nd, 2010 at 6:07 pm
I’m gonna try 52 books this year, mainly because I don’t read books like I used, and I need spend less time on the Internet. I invite others to keep me in check throughout the year: http://fiftytwobooksnfiftytwoweeks.posterous.com/
January 2nd, 2010 at 6:22 pm
I think I do read 52 books a year. My problem is that the books I read are typically fiction which can have some value but not as much as non-fiction. My goal is to read books which help me grow rather than just entertain. I am digesting Trust Agents (second read).
January 2nd, 2010 at 6:44 pm
WOW. A book a week. I might start small like a book a month for 2010. I read zero books right now so 12 in a year would be a huge accomplishment for me. Thanks for sharing.
January 2nd, 2010 at 9:37 pm
Congrats on making it to 52. Quite impressive. though I’m a die-hard book-lover, I’m a slow reader, and so only get through about 40 books per year – you inspire me to work harder at it. And now that I have an iPhone I think by ALWAYS having a book on me, I might be able to sneak a few more into my reading this year.
BTW, Trust Agents was one of the 43 books I read in 2009 and it was in my top 10 faves for the year – glad to hear you and Brogan are working on a follow up book.
January 3rd, 2010 at 12:56 am
Increasing # of books read has great benefits. I agree we should give ourselves permission to not finish ones that don’t resonate. Reading “The Little Guide to Your Well-Read Life” by Steve Leveen has greatly increased the quality of my reading. Reading “Trust Agents” has greatly increased the quality of my marketing and thinking about online community. Thank you!
January 3rd, 2010 at 7:50 am
After hearing you talk about this on Media Hacks, I’ve wondered how you did it. Thanks for helping me believe that I can do it, too.
January 3rd, 2010 at 12:16 pm
For all readers and book lovers, you might be interested in checking out librarything.com
It’s a social site that allows you to catalogue your own book collections, like a library, but in the process also allows access to other members’ collections. It enables you to share information about books with people of similar interests. You can find reviews, book discussions, author discussions and much more.
January 3rd, 2010 at 5:02 pm
Great post. I had set a goal last year of reading at night rather than watching any TV — but I like the goal of 1 book a week. It’s a great example for my kids, too:)
January 4th, 2010 at 8:14 am
Reading a book a week is a worthy goal and it takes a strong commitment to do that; congratulations.
I made a commitment to walk 3 miles at least 5 days a week starting this past October and I’ve kept that commitment to myself.
So far I’ve lost 20 pounds and about 3 inches off my waist. Feels great.
January 4th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
I saw an earlier post about your reading prowess and was going to send you an email/tweet on how you read so much. You answered my question with this blog post.
It’s something, i think, that we all know but fail to do until someone else suggests it.
I WANT to read more. It’s entertaining ans educational.
So, I’m going to start today by finishing Trust Agents…
Thanks!
KK
January 4th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Congratulations!
I love it! This is one of my goals for 2010. I noted your reminder that Jan. 7 is the first milestone.
Thanks for an excellent idea, process, post. I especially like your description of what meeting this goal did for you.
I’m heading off now to catch up on the pages for the week…many to go…
January 5th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
Count me in for 2010. Fabulous idea and great advice. I always waited to read in bed at nigth but used to fall asleep on my book. To start reading early in the day will be a première for me. Thanks!
January 8th, 2010 at 1:16 am
After seeing your 52 books in a year stuff earlier this year I decided to start doing this myself in 2010. Really, I’ve been doing it for the last two months of 2009, but I’m only actually starting to count now, and posting short reviews of each book at http://www.52books.ca (I’m surprised the domain was still available).
I think this is one of those things that sounds much harder than it actually is. I hope.
January 8th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
I’m doing this with my roommate at http://2in52.wordpress.com we’ll see how it goes!
January 10th, 2010 at 11:58 am
I have two kids and we have a reading routine (we read at least one book before nap and at least one more before bed time). So, I’ve been reading on average between 2-4 PER DAY! Title include Curious George, Where the Wild Things Are and anything from the Charlie and Lola series. Beat that! :)
January 13th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Julien, you helped me get back into the habit of reading. Thank you.
Tracking my progress on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bjmccray/tags/bookaweek/
January 19th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Theres some interesting insights in this that relate well to achieving success in anything not just in how to read a book a week. Here are several things I picked up in your post.
1. By breaking things down into small chunks it doesn’t seem as BIG
2. Make it a routine or ritual. This is very true. I also wrote a post on creating rituals which really are the keys to productivity.
3. PAIN, we initially start something and were all excited but when we get that first taste of discouragement or little pain we give up and try to make things easier.
4. Consistency, don’t fall behind. If someone is trying to read a book a week and they fall behind they may just give it up all together. Instead, if your consistent you feel good about being true to your goal.
Really good post!
Curt
January 21st, 2010 at 7:18 pm
Julien,
So far I have kept up, 4 books so far this calendar year! Just a thought to get more people involved…possibly encourage people to start whenever they can and work towards reading 52 a year from when they chose to begin? I think this is so great. Oh and I was that guy at BEA last year that you and Chris signed your first copy of “Trust Agents” to :)
January 24th, 2010 at 6:54 am
This sounds like an amazing goal. Next year I will make this my goal, I would need it now but, as I’m stil studying at the university I would always choice the “book of the week” before the course literature.
February 1st, 2010 at 11:01 am
Hey Julien,
I made it my goal too for this year. So far so good. January: 4 books!
Thanks for the inspiration!
February 5th, 2010 at 7:26 am
I think you should do something else instead read a book!!
What do you think?? people do not work?? are you crazy??
We SHOULD work and do not waist time…. you should be more usufull for the world…
February 24th, 2010 at 11:19 am
I think what you did is very great :) Keep it up
I made it my goal for this year 2010. I finished 2 books and I am starting a new one.
Thank you for the motivation and good luck.
February 25th, 2010 at 10:39 am
Superbly written!! Although, I believe its not at all required to read books of other topics if you don’t like it, but like you said – It’s ok to cheat.
I, however, have read only few novels in my whole life.. less than 52 lol.. Specifically, less than ten. I guess I have to start reading them, and hey, Can I read regular textbooks? :D
Cheers..
February 25th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Thanks for this post Julien. Although an ambitious goal – this post has inspired me to give it a try. I’m addicted to reading as well, I just do not make enough time for it. No excuses now!
March 3rd, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Hi, I just stumbled upon this web page.
What a great idea. I am a writer and really want to read more in order to help my writing.
I always say that reading a book is much better than watching a film because all the characters are in your head and you also get to see what they are thinking.Also I think it is amazing how you can close a book and all the characters are literally waiting for you to get them going again !
March 3rd, 2010 at 2:14 pm
This is an awesome idea! I am a Math teacher of the 6th grade persuasion and am going to start now on the 40pp per day. I am very excited about the adult ideas and conversations that my mind will be able to have with all of these books. Thank you!
March 18th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
Precisely what I was looking for! Affirmation of do-ability coupled with specific steps to accomplish my desire to stay on task with my to-be-read shelves! ;-)
March 29th, 2010 at 7:13 am
I am so inspired by this post!
I only wish I’d come across it 89 days back, I would’ve completed atleast 12 books by now :)
Nevertheless I will be embarking on my one-book-a-week journey from today. Thanks so much for sharing the idea!
April 5th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
I love this idea… Is it too late to start for 2010?
I’m a slow reader with lots of domestic commitments but this has inspired me.
April 26th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
I’ve read a book a week (plus a couple extra) in 2008 and 2009, and am on track to do it again in 2010. I actually don’t find the pace difficult at all. I have a 1/2 hour subway commute to and from work, so that’s guaranteed reading time every day. I also always read while eating lunch (another 1/2 hour or so.) Add in long lines, the dentist’s office, reading at night to fall asleep, etc., and 50+ books a year is nothing.
I’m moving farther away from work this summer and my commute time will nearly double, so I’m wondering if I might be able to break 100 books in 2011 :)
Happy reading!
May 27th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Ok, I read a decent amount and ike the last 82 replies (Minus asshole carlos @ 73) I found it inspiring. A question I have is about retention. Right off the hop I’ll concede that I’m not the sharpest spoon in the drawer but I read mostly for work and find that I can’t keep it all locked in upstairs. With so many books on the go over a year what kind of things are smart people doing, while you’re reading, or once you’re finished a book?
Should a guy/gal be taking notes or will the cream simply rise to the top and with such a high volume you’re bound to read intertwining ideas that just end up entrenching themselves. I read for work and i don’t think I’m reading shitty books or reading for the wrong reason. Bottom line, I want to get the most out of the investment by doing whats right… any tips?
May 29th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Mitch, I let the stuff naturally rise to the top. It leaves a good impression on you and you remember it, but I also sometimes take notes for the blog, etc. So it’s a combination of the two.
June 5th, 2010 at 11:41 am
I will accept your challenge, err, instructions, umm, idea. Yes!
June 5th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
This was one of my new years resolutions. I got through January doing it, and then I let life happen to me and I fell behind. I’ve been recently inspired by your tweets to pick it up and try again. I think maybe my point of weakness was picking similiar books to read & getting bored. Thanks for the tips!
June 5th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
I did this in 2007 (and every year since) and can safely say it changed my life.
@Mitch and @Julien – I always read with a highlighter and pen on hand. Highlighting key ideas/passages, then scribbling a few notes on them helps me retain the best parts of each book.
I’ve found a ton of value in being an active reader – I try to take one thing from each book and apply it to my life. 52 small attitudinal or behavioral changes over the course of a year can make a big difference in the way you interact with the world.
Different strokes though… I’d encourage you (Mitch) to do it in whatever way makes the most sense to you.
June 5th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Are you joking? One single book every week is not some huge amount, it’s the baseline amount that literate people read in the regular course of their lives while they’re doing a million other things. Talk to a literature or history graduate student preparing for their comprehensive exams if you want to hear strategies for reading *a lot* — but be prepared for their pages/days ratio to fucking crush yours (mine averaged 2-3 fat books per day for one summer). I’m glad you’re finding ways to read more, but presenting this as some kind of ironman challenge is completely recockulous from a *serious* reader’s perspective.
June 10th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Congratulations, however, I couldn’t help but be a little puzzled here. Obviously, you are not a book lover. If you were, you wouldn’t need to set goals, or “get it out of the way”. lol. That simple statement speaks volumes. I read 2-3 books per week in my spare time, but I always carry a book with me wherever I go. Reading at a stoplight, check. Lunch? But, of course. Anytime you need to wait in line? Makes you seem extremely patient!
Every other “book lover” I know does similar things. So, congrats on increasing your reading volume! You’ll probably be a better rounded person for it! But, to simply lose yourself in well written words… ah, now that is better than any movie or TV show or play… To wend your way through the authors world with just your imagination building photos from the words.
Where’s my book?
June 16th, 2010 at 8:08 am
What a rubbish suggestion … what happened to simply reading for the love of reading … getting totally lost in a book and finishing it in a day – because you found it such an enjoyable read … getting to about page 100 of a book and realising that you just can’t continue and putting that book down for good … having 2 or 3 books on the go at the time and reading whichever one you’re in the mood for at the time … not having time to do your 40-50 pages a day because of more pressing matters.
Reading huge stacks of books just so you can say you’ve read them and so you can reel off clever quotes at dinner parties doesn’t make you a better and more rounded person, it makes you sound like a complete tosser. Reading about and being able to talk passionately about something which excites you, now that makes you a more interesting to be around.
Also, what happens if a book you really want to read is 1,000 pages long … would choose not to read that book just because it would mean missing your book a week target?
June 16th, 2010 at 8:29 am
Congratulations!!! i´ve been trying to do so. It´s not easy when you have a 2 year old boy. You are reading and in a second when he notice you are reading, he wants to play with you. And when you have time…. it´s time to do other things while he is sleeping!! It´s great!
I would love to do this, and if i find how to do it, i will tell moms how to do so.
Thank you for your post. Very nice!