My reading this spring was sporadic interrupted inconsistent, to say the least. I had weeks when I was a diligent reader, diving into one or two books every day. But then there were weeks when life was just crazy and I barely read a couple pages. Those weeks are not very helpful when it comes to completing one’s Spring Reading Thing list.
In the end, however, I’m pleased to say that I completed all the fiction books I set out to read. You may remember that I decided to read all kid-lit type books this spring — trying to stay a bit ahead of my 11-year-old and make sure the books he might be drawn to are appropriate. I’m glad I did it, but I also have to admit that I’m looking forward to getting back to some “grown-up fiction.” The kids’ books were good (and I didn’t have any major issues with any of them), but I’ve just about reached my limit for exclusive kid-lit reading. Starting today, I plan to return to some women’s fiction, finishing The Mailbox, and then reading Life in Defiance and maybe Burn next.
Of the kids’ books I read, my favorite was Gregor the Overlander. I really shouldn’t be surprised, since I am loving Suzanne Collins’ YA Hunger Games series. Gregor the Overlander was engaging and full of adventure, and I happily passed it on to my son, C., who now owns the first four books in the series. He’s enthusiastically dubbed the Gregor books one of his very favorite series ever.
I also really enjoyed 100 Cupboards. It took a little while to get into (C. tried it and stalled), but in the end, it was worth it. I also found out that I was right — the Missing series by Margaret Peterson Haddix is one I would have devoured as a young teen. Suspenseful, action-packed, and mysterious all at once.
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In the realm of nonfiction, I think I fared well. I read 3.5 of the 4 books I had chosen. Admittedly, that’s not much nonfiction reading, but if I’m honest, I’d have to admit that I dabbled and dipped into at least five other nonfiction books over the course of this spring — never reading more than a chapter or two, but still. I’m so very distractable when it comes to nonfiction.
Overall, I know I didn’t have a high volume of reading going on this spring. But I enjoyed the books I did read, and I enjoyed reading with all the other Spring Reading Thing 2010 participants. I accomplished most of my reading goals, I felt confident introducing C. to several new-to-us kid-lit authors, and I learned that I should probably intersperse some grown-up books next time I decide to tackle a pile of kid-lit books. So my verdict? A successful Spring Reading Thing 2010.
Be sure to stop by the Official Wrap-Up Post to see how other participants did this spring!
Sounds like you did great with your list! I did a similar thing with my reading this spring too. However, there were days in row when I don’t think I read a single page!
The Missing series by Haddix hooked one of my non-readers this year. I taught Remedial reading classes. This kid went on to read 28 books this year. Last year he read 1. He is off to high school this next year but I have already pre-ordered the next book for him.
I think 3.5 out of 4 non-fiction is awesome. But then I’m just like you too. I dabble in the non-fiction and have a hard time finishing them. :v)
Thanks again for hosting Katrina.
I have a hard time with non-fiction, too, except biographies.
I enjoyed reading kid’s lit when mine were younger, too — my oldest eventually got to where I could not keep up with his reading. But I don’t think I could read it exclusively for a season with no grown-up fiction. Good work!
Congratulations!! Good job.
Thanks for heading up the challenge.
I used to read lots of kid-lit books, too, trying to stay ahead of my girls. It was fun, but also fun to read my own books.
Good job being a great mom!
Good for you! I was the same with my inconsistency! More books showed up that weren’t on my list. That means I didn’t get my reading list done! I need to get a follow up post together.
Oh, you read some great kid-lit. I too read a lot of MG/YA, and I’m always on the lookout for books my soon-to-be 8 year old will love. He’s an avid reader (thank goodness!) and a lot of what I read is for him as well. I will look into all the books you mentioned (esp. Gregor) to see if/when he would be ready.
Thank you for hosting such a wonderful challenge – see you in a few months for Fall Into Reading 2010!!
Congratulations on doing so well on the challenge. Thanks again for hosting this. I love the sound of the Missing series. Putting that on my to read list.
You did great with your list. At least you got through all of your fiction. I would definitely recommend reading Burn. It was a great book.
You did great! Gregor was a big hit with my Sam a couple of years ago. He devoured those books. I didn’t do as well as I originally planned when I signed up for the challenge, but ended up doing better than I thought I would 1/2 way through as our family’s Spring activities got into full gear.
Thanks for such a great challenge!
*smiles*