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katyrochelle's review against another edition
3.0
As Sara was trying to complete reading a book every week for a year, I thought her project was a nice little fit into my goal this year (to read sixteen or more books). I didn't feel Sara's project had to be very intricate or in-depth to be interesting, nor found her grammar/style to be irritating. Her little anecdotes about how books make her think in a different way and/or escape were lighthearted and relatable observations, or as some has said, book reports. (I'm not a mother or a wife, just a graduated college student but still found her perspectives enjoyable.) I can't put my finger on it, but by the end, I'll admit, the book didn't feel entirely fulfilling but not unsatisfying either. Overall, I thought this was a lovely book about reading. The common love of reading and books between reader and author was enough to keep me interested/entertained.
hoserlauren's review against another edition
2.0
Sara Nelson is a compulsive reader. She has thousands of books at home and can tell you exactly what she has and where it is. She didn't always used to be this way but having a mom and sister who are either published or poets, they nudged her in to obsessive reader territory. In 2002, Sara decides to read a book a week and chronicle her journey. Sara sees connections between what she's reading and what's going on her life, as well as the book choices she makes.
Like Sara, I've married a non-reader which can be frustrating at times. When you really want to share a book you've read and your spouse looks at you like you're crazy, I know that feeling all too well. There were anecdotes that Sara described I'm sure any reader could relate to and this was the one for me.
Despite the few items I could relate to, I otherwise felt like this book was completely unnecessary. A book about books, why? Getting to know Sara and her background, one could be inclined to believe that the only reason she wrote this book was to try and catch up to her sister and mother in their literary pursuits.
The other thing that bothered me about this book, was how much of a book snob Sara was, and not in the usual manner of what you would get from a book snob. Sara doesn't read many classics but one thing she almost refuses to read is anything that's popular. Some books are popular for a good reason though, why miss out on those? Instead, you should think about missing out on this one.
Like Sara, I've married a non-reader which can be frustrating at times. When you really want to share a book you've read and your spouse looks at you like you're crazy, I know that feeling all too well. There were anecdotes that Sara described I'm sure any reader could relate to and this was the one for me.
Despite the few items I could relate to, I otherwise felt like this book was completely unnecessary. A book about books, why? Getting to know Sara and her background, one could be inclined to believe that the only reason she wrote this book was to try and catch up to her sister and mother in their literary pursuits.
The other thing that bothered me about this book, was how much of a book snob Sara was, and not in the usual manner of what you would get from a book snob. Sara doesn't read many classics but one thing she almost refuses to read is anything that's popular. Some books are popular for a good reason though, why miss out on those? Instead, you should think about missing out on this one.
jesassa's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the beginning bit of the book, especially where she discussed reading in general. Some of the more specific book sections dragged a bit and I definitely felt the winter blues (if we follow the months as they are laid out). Its certainly not a new idea, but I like books-as-relationships.
matthewwester's review against another edition
4.0
I'm relieved to say I really enjoyed this book. Because I can't tell you how many times I've been tricked in the past: I picked up books about writing/reading and assumed the authors were kindred minds, and that reading those books was going to be like grabbing brunch with a good reader friend. Then countless times I got those books home and they were something other than what the covers promised. Sometimes the writers were only writing about books from a certain publisher, for example, or other times the chapters were more about summarizing plots of books I haven't read than reflecting upon the experience of reading. Every now and then the authors of those books were only really interested in talking about their own work. Anyway, I was glad this book was something different.
This book is simply the journaling of an author who planned on reading a book a week for a year. In the ups and downs of working towards that goal she comments on many of the peculiar behaviors/mindsets we readers adopt. If that sounds interesting to you then I recommend you give this book a go. I also recommend you check out Nick Hornby's books of articles he wrote where he essentially does the same thing; each month he plans on reading certain books, actually reads other books, and discusses the ways those books intersected with his real life. With both authors the commentary is entertaining and approachable, good stuff.
And I'm especially relieved that I enjoyed this book because I picked it up hoping it would give me a boost of energy as I continue working towards completing a reading plan. I'm counting this as "a book about a hobby" for #vtReadingChallenge
This book is simply the journaling of an author who planned on reading a book a week for a year. In the ups and downs of working towards that goal she comments on many of the peculiar behaviors/mindsets we readers adopt. If that sounds interesting to you then I recommend you give this book a go. I also recommend you check out Nick Hornby's books of articles he wrote where he essentially does the same thing; each month he plans on reading certain books, actually reads other books, and discusses the ways those books intersected with his real life. With both authors the commentary is entertaining and approachable, good stuff.
And I'm especially relieved that I enjoyed this book because I picked it up hoping it would give me a boost of energy as I continue working towards completing a reading plan. I'm counting this as "a book about a hobby" for #vtReadingChallenge
hcgambrell's review against another edition
4.0
Nelson and I don't have the same taste in literature--she prefers contemporary realism, and my tastes range to the dark dystopias--but in spite of that, her chronicle of spending a year attempting to read one book a week is familiar and reassuring. It's fascinating to be inside the mind of another person who also loves books, to figure out how and why they choose a book, and to discover why books become our favorites. I think that, despite differences in reading preferences, this is a book that book-people will appreciate.
magnetgrrl's review against another edition
2.0
I am usually a sucker for books about books and reading, but this was a bit of a disappointment.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
5.0
5 STARS
"Sometimes subtle, sometimes striking, the interplay between our lives and our books is the subject of this unique memoir by well-known publishing correspondent and self-described "readaholic" Sara Nelson. From Solzhenitsyn to Laura Zigman, Catherine M. to Captain Underpants, the result is a personal chronicle of insight, wit, and enough infectious enthusiasm to make a passionate reader out of anybody." (From Amazon)
Great read for avid readers.
"Sometimes subtle, sometimes striking, the interplay between our lives and our books is the subject of this unique memoir by well-known publishing correspondent and self-described "readaholic" Sara Nelson. From Solzhenitsyn to Laura Zigman, Catherine M. to Captain Underpants, the result is a personal chronicle of insight, wit, and enough infectious enthusiasm to make a passionate reader out of anybody." (From Amazon)
Great read for avid readers.
anne_abundantcolors's review against another edition
2.0
It was ok-exactly. Not many insights or surprises.
judyward's review against another edition
3.0
Sara, obviously we need to meet, talk about our favorite books, go out to lunch, continue talking about books, and end the day by walking over to our favorite bookstore or library. Sara, is a "readaholic". Boy, can I relate--books have completely taken over my house. They spill out of the bookcases, they are piled under tables, they sit on top of the tables, they are stored in bags, they are everywhere. Sara decided to tackle this obsession with reading head on and one year her New Year's plan was a to read a book a week for the next year. She made a list, but, as readaholics will do, was constantly attracted to some new book, or decided to read a book she was suppose to read in college and didn't, or become intrigued in a title recommended by a friend. And better yet, she writes about each of the books that she read that year and tried to match "the reading experience with the personal one and watching where they intersect--or don't." And I was delighted to see the lists at the end of the book--books that she intended to read, books that she actually read, and books on her must-read list. I've plucked several titles from each. Recommended for anyone who can't imagine a day without some reading time.
cozylittlebrownhouse's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book-lover's memoir about a year immersed in reading and how her specific reading quirks affect her life. Basing friendships off of bookshelf material? Leaving books all over the house, partway read because you are in the middle of so many? Feeling rejected when people do not read the books you recommend them? Anyone who is book obsessed can relate. I liked that she didn't list the books she was reading, but instead wove them into themed chapters. My only complaint is that I wish she would have made a complete list of ALL titles mentioned in her book. At the end, she makes two lists charting what she had planned on reading and what she had actually read, but in the actual book she mentions and describes SO many other noteworthy titles. Fun for the reading-crazed.