Caroline feels stuck because setting a numerical reading goal has shifted her focus from enjoying heftier, more meaningful books to reading quick, fast-paced thrillers to meet her goal. She wants to return to the joy of falling headfirst into books she loves.
Caroline started using Goodreads to track her reading and participate in reading challenges. However, it has made her feel competitive and sometimes leads her to read books that are not as fulfilling just to meet her numerical goals.
Caroline wants to read for quality over quantity to ensure she reads books that bring her joy, happiness, and meaning, rather than just filling her reading list with books that are quick to finish but not necessarily enriching.
Caroline enjoyed 'Hello Beautiful' because it was a quiet, family drama that felt real and well-written. The characters were deeply developed, and the family issues, while extreme, felt authentic and relatable.
Caroline did not enjoy 'The Paper Palace' because it contained gratuitous and excessive child sexual abuse, which she found disturbing and unnecessary. Despite the high expectations, it failed to give her the cozy feelings she seeks in her reading.
Caroline values unique and well-crafted writing styles in her entertainment reading. She wants to be transported by the story and enjoy the language, finding it as important as the plot itself.
Anne suggested 'Let Your Life Speak' because it is a contemplative book that explores themes of calling and vocation, which might help Caroline reflect on her life and reading goals. The book is known for its profound and insightful writing.
Caroline chose 'Missing Christmas' because it aligns with her current mood for a cozy, Christmassy read. The short story promises a sweet and romantic plot, perfect for her post-Christmas tree selling relaxation by the fire.
Today's guest is feeling stuck between quality and quantity in her reading life. With all of the end-of-year reading reflections happening lately, Anne is here to help if you're also facing this situation.
Caroline Hines lives on a Christmas tree farm, which is not really related to today's book-talk, but feels like the perfect setting for our final episode of the year. When she wrote in to get Anne's help, Caroline mentioned that since she started tracking her reading against a numerical goal, she's felt an unwelcome shift in her reading life. Rather than reaching for the heftier reads she suspects she'll love, even though they take her longer to finish, she finds herself dashing through fast-paced thrillers because she knows she'll read them quickly, not because she thinks they're perfect for her.
Today she and Anne discuss the pros and cons of using a numerical reading goal, and how Caroline might enjoy that glorious feeling of falling headfirst into a book more often.
Find the full list of titles mentioned and share your suggestions for Caroline by leaving a comment on our show notes page, at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/459).
A quick note: our team will be taking the next two weeks off to enjoy good books and good times with our loved ones. We'll be back in January with a brand new episode—Anne's Best Books of 2024! In the meantime, enjoy our archives), or explore all of our bonus episodes, author chats, and more in our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club) and our Patreon community).
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