I decided no new projects, but I actually started organizing this one a few years ago, so that doesn’t count, right? I swear having projects isn’t an addiction — I can quit any time I want.
I’d started organizing this one so long ago that I no longer remembered where I got the idea to do it, but a quick google search later I’m pretty sure it was here. I remember little else of the circumstances so I’m just going to make up a semi-plausible story. Ahem:
I read about this while still working at the paper, when life was dark both literally and figuratively*, and I was looking for projects to help me get by. I probably was laid off shortly after I started work on this and forgot all about it. Until I found it in my email yesterday. And realized I was in the first week of the new year. So I downloaded the first book to the Kindle app on my phone and off we go!
I’m taking a more structured approach than the original Book-a-Week blog. I’ve given each month a general topic, and tried to find different types of books in 4 broad categories on that topic. Some are really stretching it (sometimes it’s only a word in the title that fits), others are just perfect for the subject. I’m still filling in a few so let me know if you have recommendations. There are 52 books to be read in total — four for each month and 4 additional books with no particular theme or category for months that have 5 Sundays.
Categories are broad: Children’s (or Young Adult), Fiction, Non-fiction, and Miscellaneous — which I put in there because it allows me to read whatever kind of book I want for the fourth one.
I’m toying with also trying to write a short story or essay linked to the month’s theme too, but we’ll see …
I’m missing a good number of books from my plan yet — take a look and see if you have any suggestions!
*I worked nights (get it?) and found that combining that with other unfortunate circumstances resulted in me also feeling quite depressed. This project stemmed from an effort to alleviate that.
WOW! What a project!!!!
May I suggest Harold and the Purple Crayon (takes all of 5 minutes…) for your Children’s Writing book?
I would also suggest A YEar on Ladybug Farm as your Friendship fiction book.
There are my 2 cents…do with them what you like.
I LOVE Harold and the Purple Crayon. It’s one of the few children’s books I own (that and the Happy Hocky Family). I’m after stuff I haven’t read yet but I might cheat and read that one anyway. I will give A Year On Ladybug Farm a shot! I originally had The Kite Runner in that slot, but between starting my list and starting the project, I read it (excellent — definitely read it).
Also, if I hadn’t already read The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, that would be my choice for Non-fiction in April. It’s really excellent.
Oooo – another suggestions…for your children’s writing – Dear Mr. Henshaw….