19 Years!

Here we are again, after another year that has flown by.  In general, it has been a very good year.  Specifically reading-wise, it's been a decent year.  I'm still trying to read off my shelves, but still manage to veer in other directions.  I've picked up numerous ebooks, but still listening to audiobooks has been my preference.  Although, the routine of having three books (audiobook, ebook & physical) going at the same time still holds true.  So, not much has changed on the reading front.  Even my average remains close to last year.  It currently is 3.25/5, which indicates better than "just okay".  The hunt continues for those elusive 4 and 5 star reads. 

I hope your search for those Best Reads has been fruitful.

Thoughts of Joy 

  

18 Years and Counting

Another year has zoomed by, and while I've enjoyed my reading, I'm still not averaging higher than 3.3 in my ratings.  I haven't been too disappointed in my book choices, but I definitely haven't been able to rave about them either.  Hence, the "just okay" average.

The good news is that I have been reading so many of MY books.  At the beginning of the year, I made 3 stacks of 12 books each and one list of 12 books (total of 48 books).  The 3 stacks were made up of books from my shelves.  I categorized them as TBR Shelves (general picks), BOTM (from past years) and Buzzword Challenge.  The list was my NetGalley books.  I have read over half of the collective books!  This is the first year I have made such a dent in my actual shelves.  It's been great.  I imagine I will continue this personal challenge next year, as well.

I haven't made as many purchases this year, and I have continued to cull my unwanted books.  I still have a long way to go, but it's been good to remove some here and there.  Those unwanted books are the ones that continually get overlooked, because there is always something more enticing to pick up.

My hope for you is that whatever you pick up brings you much happiness!  😃

Thoughts of Joy

      

It's Been 17 Years!

 

Once again, here we are ... Blogiversary time!  While I don't spend a lot of time or energy here, I still value this space.  I enjoy keeping this log of books even though my thoughts are sparse.

Not much has changed in my reading life.  I'm reading via all the avenues and listening, as well.  My favorite genre is still thrillers, but I have added a little romance (blaming influencers for that), and I'm still not into any fantasy (yet).  

I have been content with the number of books I have been reading, but not with my enjoyment level.  Most books have registered around the 3/5 range, which make them "just okay".  I would really like to get more 4 and the elusive 5 star ratings, but it's just not happening.  Although, I am thankful to have books to read (oodles and oodles!) and at least they are not ending up as DNFs.  The hunt continues.  :)

May your hunt for 5 star books be successful!

   Thoughts of Joy    

SWEET 16!

Well, I didn't realize that I totally missed my 15th year Blogiversary until a few days ago.  Oops!  No matter, I'm 16 now and feeling happy.  (Surprised that it actually has been 16 years, though!!!)

What to say ... 

I've continued to read, as always, but this year my preference has gone back to reading more physical books.  I'm still reading via an iPad (ebooks) and iPod/iPhone (audiobooks), but have thoroughly enjoyed the simple, handheld version the best.

Over the last few months, I have culled my bookshelves to make room for so many new books.  It has been so much fun - out with the old, in with the new!  My taste in genres hasn't changed too much (still a mystery/thriller reader), but I have now included a very little sci-fi/fantasy.  Both of those have to be rooted in modern times or grounded in something close to reality.  Reading sci-fi or fantasy that have new world systems is still not for me.  I don't rule it out, but for now, I'm good without it.  :)  My shelves are overflowing again, which is delightful to peruse.  My TBR shelves are very enticing and my Favorites shelves hold wonderful memories. 

I started this current calendar year out strong and hope to keep it up.  I had to change my Goodreads goal, already, due to surpassing the previous one I set for myself.  :)

May your reading bring you much enjoyment, as it has me.  

Thoughts of Joy

Blurred Year (14)

 

Well, this was the first time I missed my Blogiversary!  (It is August 18, 2020 now, and it was on July 16.)  The year has been such a blur that it slipped right past me.  I wondered if the pandemic would affect my reading habits, but it has not.  I continue to listen to audiobooks while doing other activities and usually only read an ebook at bedtime.  Sitting on the deck (vitamin D bath) with a hardcover book has been my only real book time, which has been enjoyed (the book, not the sun - 😰).  Although, I haven't had any audiobook time on my commute, because there hasn't been a commute and that isn't planned to happen any time soon (well, it sorta has been planned, but I don't think it's going to happen).  As the year progresses, I hope our lives revert back to wondering about what book we are going to read next, instead of the constant laser focus on our health and world affairs*.  

Stay safe, everyone.

*Of course, we should always be concerned about our health and world affairs.  I think (and hope) you know what I mean.

The Teen Years Begin

Thoughts of Joy is 13 today!

While this space hasn't received much love and/or attention, I still plan to continue keeping a record of my reading/listening.

I decided to put my goal for the 2019 Goodreads Reading Challenge really low so I wouldn't feel any pressure to read.  That was all fine and dandy as I was naturally reading at a decent pace.  Well, I was going to exceed the goal quickly, so I changed it.  Now . . . I'm 3 behind.  Go figure!  It's not a big deal, just a mental space I wanted free.  Not sure if I'm going to do something about it or not.  We'll see.

Last summer I did cull many books, but there are many more lingering on shelves and in closets.  I will continue my quest for culling as the mood strikes.

So, my teen years begin with the hope of keeping up with my posting a bit better.  For some reason, I don't receive notification of comments anymore.  I have to go into my blog and look for them!  Sorry to those I haven't responded to in a timely manner.  I have found some more that I will address soon.  Thanks for reading, commenting and celebrating 13 years of blogging with me!

Happy Reading to All!

Thoughts of Joy

Blogiversary

Sad, not sad.  Reading has been lower on the To Do List this past year, and I'm currently behind on my weekly goal of a book a week; however, it has been fabulous for other hobbies.  I still absolutely love to read and listening to books.  They continue to be part of my every day life, but it doesn't monopolize most of my free time anymore.

To cull or not to cull.  Last summer I culled some of my bookshelves, and this summer I plan to delve into the hiding places (closets and boxes).  I've decided to keep only the books that are true favorites or memorable reads . . . brilliant concept, I know!  😝  The most difficult culling project is addressing the TBR piles of books.  I suppose the first glance through will be easy enough (automatically know that I will not read it), but after that . . . eek!  The amount that gets bagged up is to be determined, but a donation of a couple bags to my local library will be a great start.

Thank you to those that continue to comment.  With life constantly changing, 12 years of consistent blogging seems quite incredible, and I truly appreciate your continual support.  

May all your reading goals be met with pleasure. 

Thoughts of Joy

TIME FLIES WHEN YOU'RE HAVING FUN!

Eleven years!  Eleven!!  My oh my, the years have just flown by!  Although, all the while, I've been having fun!  :) 

Not much has changed since last year; however, I have felt the desire to read actual books lately.  I have read some (read:  not very many, but more than before) and have really enjoyed the old-fashioned method.

Listening to audiobooks remains the priority due to the ability to multi-task, but reading an ebook or picking up an actual book is still a favorite past-time.  I'm very happy to continue keeping track of my reads (in any form) here on Thoughts of Joy.  I hope you'll continue to join me.

Happy Reading!

Thoughts of Joy

(11 years old today!)   

A Decade of Blogging!

Amazing.  10 years ago today, I began Thoughts of Joy.  Like life, change in the book-blogging community has been inevitable, but for the most part my blog has maintained its initial intent . . . a record of my reading.  I'm content with that.

Over the past 10 years, my literal reading has had its own ebbs and flows.  I've reached record highs in my "Yearly Count" of books read, but during the last 2-3 years, I've backed down on reading paper books or even eBooks.  Reading has become scarce due to my hobby of crocheting.  I do continue to read everyday; it's just in very small bites.  I'm happy with that.

The ability to listen to audiobooks (hence, multitask) makes me gleeful, and if I choose to pick up a book or an eBook -- my house and iPad are still overflowing with them.  That has not changed. 

Happy Reading to one and all!  :)

Thoughts of Joy

           

Today Marks 9 Years!

I have spent 9 years of my life blogging about the books I listen to or read.  It's been the perfect place, as I have met numerous like-minded people and have broadened my reading scope.  Thanks for making my 9 years so special.

Happy Reading to all of you!

Can you say 8? Whoa.

Thoughts of Joy is 8 years old today!!!

I can't believe another year has flown by.  My reading habits have changed over the year by becoming more audiobook-based.  There are too many other things to do (fun and not-so-fun) to just sit and read.  Audiobooks give me the option to listen to a book and do something else at the same time.  Audiobooks have been a part of my life since before blogging, but this year they have taken over.  I barely read books anymore.  I miss it, but love the fact that I get more in a day with audios. 

My blog will continue on as is.  I still enjoy reading other blogs and keeping mine as a reading journal.  I miss the camaraderie of bloggers that once was, but nothing stays the same.  Such is life.  Thanks to those that haven't given up on me and continue to stop by.  You make my day with every comment.  

Happy Reading and/or Listening!

7 Years!!! Yep! 7 Years!!! WOW!

Happy Blogiversary to ME!  :)

I'm really surprised that I have been blogging for 7 years.  When I began Thoughts of Joy, I never thought how long I would continue posting my bookish thoughts, but 7 years sure seems like a long time.  Interestingly enough, I've been blogging long enough to say that I miss the old days.  I miss the book banter through blogs.  A lot of the communication has shifted to twitter, and I'm just not into that, so I miss a lot.  My choice, but still sad.  My thanks and deepest gratitude go to those who still comment here (you know who you are!).  It means the world to me, and I appreciate every one of you!

Reading-wise, I haven't had a lot of great reading.  There have been books that I've really enjoyed, but I just haven't been mesmerized or gobbled up by the words as I like to be.  I'll keep trying.  I know that book is just around the corner!

Thanks for stopping by and being a part of my world! 

      

6th Year Blogiversary!

Interestingly enough, I have some friends and family that are literally just finding out about my blog (more friends, than family); therefore, I have been saying "6 years this summer" for quite some time now.  This actual day of celebration feels a little late to the party!  :)  

I don't have any new plans for the upcoming year.  I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing.  It seems that I'm one of the few book bloggers that doesn't include personal blog posts or connect through Facebook or Twitter, but I'm okay with that.  I enjoy reading fellow bloggers' miscellaneous posts, but it's just not for me.  My purpose for blogging remains the same as when I started 6 years ago -- post about the books I read.  It's unfortunate to have lost readers (and comments), but I'm still content.  It takes all kinds to make the blogosphere a special place, and I think there's room for all of us.  :)

Thanks for the years of recommendations, comments and encouragement.  It's been an absolute pleasure.

A HANDFUL OF YEARS

Boy oh boy, the years sure fly by when you're having fun!  Today makes 5 years of blogging fun for me.

Looking over the past year:

I've noticed that I have continued to shift my reading back to my favorite genres:  mysteries and suspense/thrillers.  This is after years of broadening my horizons with other genres.  I still have to throw in those less than preferred genres in my reading, so that I don't get confused with the characters and plot from the book, ebook and audiobook that I am simultaneously reading or listening to.  It's working, so I'll be continuing with that practice.

Looking forward: 

I don't have any specific plans for this coming year. However, one change I've been working on this calendar year has been to lighten up on my ratings. Has there truly been a change so far?  Well, yes and no. Yes, I have chosen to go with the benefit of the doubt when on the fence (in other words, no over-thinking).  And no, my thoughts and feelings are still my thoughts and feelings of my experience with the books I read.  It wouldn't be a fair assessment if I randomly gave higher ratings.  So the mind game continues.

I still want to change my header/template, but haven't had time to focus on it.  I guess when it becomes a problem for me, I'll change it.  For now - I've got others things that are keeping me busy.

Other little tidbits:

My Best Reads list has increased by 5 in comparison to last year at this time (yay!), and my total reads is almost the same, so I'm on track to my very loose goal of 104 books for the calendar year.  

Final blogiversary thoughts:

I love having Thoughts of Joy as a home base for my reading thoughts.  It has been a wonderful hobby, and I've met some great people along the way.  I did not create this blog to be a place of creative reviews or spectacular writing.  It's my place to keep memories of my initial thoughts of the books I read.  More often than not, directly after I finish the last page, I quickly make my way to a computer and type out my reaction.  There is hardly any editing (usually after I post it, I realize something's amiss - grrr), and it usually reflects a frank tone.  Despite all that, I hope you will continue to stop by and comment when you are prompted to do so.  I love to read your thoughts, and I always respond.


Thank you for being a part of my life!

Today Celebrates Year #4!

Another year of blogging has zoomed by and with it - a lot of changes in my life. Those changes (not just work) have dramatically affected my reading and blogging life. But one must adjust to the needs of the family first, so that's what I did.

Now that school is out for the summer (Hooray!), I am swamped with all the other duties/chores/projects that I have neglected all year (Boo!). I have made room for more reading, though - a must for my sanity. As for all those other duties - they are being addressed, slowly but surely (well, maybe not surely). Even though I have boosted my effort to increase my visits to fellow bloggers, I'm still not making much headway. I begin to catch up on a couple, then ten times that have already been added on by the time I'm finished. Frankly, I just can't keep up.

Plans for Year #5? Well, there are no definitive plans, just hopes and dreams. I'm not sure as to my working status come September, so specific plans are out the window. However, for the remaining part of the summer and until change deems it necessary, I will continue to read, blog and visit others as best I can. I miss the connection with other bloggers, but understand the unwritten law of posting and receiving comments in the blogosphere. To those that have not followed that law to a T - my deepest gratitude. It has been an odd year for me in many ways and little things like that have been welcomed, bright spots in my days.

Thank you!

Other than that, my reading choices will be like this past year - whatever strikes my fancy. They will come from many different sources: TBR Shelves, the mail (ARCs and newly purchased), friends and family, bookstores, and the library ("new shelf", old shelves and book sales). I will continue to soak up recommendations from a variety of people and places, and choose what fits the mood. I'm excited and look forward to reading some fantastic books.

Speaking of "fantastic books," my average rating thus far in 2010 is 3.5/5 (good). And, I have only added two to my Best Reads category. That's just wrong. I don't think the books I've read got a fair shake in ratings this year, especially in comparison to past years. I suppose all the changes and working has caused me to be stingy with the numbers. I don't know. Hopefully that will change soon. The authors and publishers will appreciate it, I'm sure. :) In the long run, though, a "good" rating for 61 books isn't that bad. Is it?

Happy Reading to everyone!

*Side Note: The not-so-pretty "4" above represents my life this year. Messed up, but still keeping it together. :)

BLOG ANNIVERSARY!

Yep! Today is my 3rd year of blogging!

(and I almost forgot to post about it)

I have no new revelations or plans to announce this year. The only thing I hope to do is get back on track with my original goal for 2009 - read from my shelves! I've been so swept up in ARCs (for the most part I've enjoyed it) that I haven't made much of a dent. Therefore, I have promised myself to read two books from my TBR Shelves by the end of August: Tilt-A-Whirl (Grabenstein) and Pope Joan (Cross). After that, I will continue to choose at least one book a month (whether I read it or listen to it) from the densely packed stacks on my shelving units. That way I will at least make a little headway. I feel such a deep yearning when I look at the unread books in my library. Most of them have been purposefully chosen, so hopefully, the monthly plan will satisfy some of that desire. Anybody else feel that book draw?

Thanks for stopping by throughout the year. Things have changed since I haven't been hosting or participating in challenges, but I'm truly grateful to those that still visit and leave a comment. It's much appreciated!

Wow! 2 Years Blogging!

Woo Hoo! Today I celebrate the 2nd year of "Thoughts of Joy...". The vision I had for this blog and the path that it has taken has been nothing but exciting. I have gone from just posting my thoughts about the books I have read to commenting on other blogs to joining challenges to hosting my own challenges, to the present. The entire ride has been so much fun. Thanks to all of you in the blogosphere for creating such a warm and welcoming place to visit. However, the near future will bring some change.

~ host one more challenge this year - the second 2nds Challenge

(Mister Linky will be up soon with the details.)

~ not host any challenges in the year 2009

(I'm not sure how to handle this, but whoever wants to host any of the challenges I have hosted - they are available. They include the following: 1st in a Series, Young Adult, Reading Full Circle, Anything Agatha, A ~ Z Reading, Non-Fiction Five, and 2nds Challenge. Of course, if you choose to host any challenge, you can do whatever you want with it - change the rules, the timeframe, the button, etc. It'll be yours, do as you please!)

~ not participate in any challenges in the year 2009

(I really want to focus on reading from past challenge lists, my TBR list, my list of series, and whatever catches my eye.)

~ continue posting my thoughts on the books I read

(This was the only purpose for my blog. I just wanted to keep a record of what I read with a little blurb about the book as a memory jogger. I NEVER intended or plan to write "reviews" or lengthy commentaries regarding any book I read. I am not doing this for a writing contest. I'm simply writing my first thoughts after closing a book - errors in grammar included; however, I fix them if I notice them at a later date.)

~ continue to respond to all comments

(I have enjoyed reading and appreciate the comments of visitors. It has been fun getting to know many of you fellow bloggers and look forward to another year of book talk.)

I think that covers most of what I've been thinkin'. Many changes, but many of which will bring me peace. Thanks go to all of you that have contributed to my 2 great years of blogging! Now, stay tuned for The Great Giveaway. It'll be revealed in a couple of days. Meanwhile . . .

Happy Reading!

This has been such a fun, productive book year for me and I wouldn't be where I am today without all of you! I have read so many books, been introduced to fabulous new-to-me authors, met so many interesting people, learned loads of important (and some not-so-important) stuff and in general, just have had a fabulous time blog-hopping in this blogworld of ours.

The following are a few stats that I gathered for this special occasion:

STATS: July 1, 2006 thru July 16, 2007
My 1st posting date was July 16th, but I included books that I read from July 1st. This post is my 160th.

Total Books: 114

I am elated with this total, yet I will wait for December 31 for my accurate calendar yearly count.

Rating 5 (Absolutely Excellent) ~ 2

I'm really disappointed in this total, but this year has been quite unique due to the fact that I have participated in challenges to stretch my reading habits. Stretching has most definitely been accomplished.

Rating 4 (Very Good) ~ 45

I'm happy with this. I actually think it's very good considering the challenges.

Rating 3 (Just Okay) ~ 43

Books that I rate as 'just okay' are just that ... just okay. They aren't bad, but they aren't good either. I'd really like to see this diminish.

Rating 2 (Not Enjoyable) ~ 17

Blah. Seventeen books that weren't enjoyable.

Rating 1 (Don't Bother) ~ 7

If you have browsed through my blog, I bet you can guess what genre of books fall into this category!

BOiPod (Books on iPod) ~ 38

This has increased dramatically over the last couple of months. School's out and so am I. Walking outdoors as I listen to a book is pure joy!

Book Give-Aways (Actual Books Received) ~ 3
Wonderful blog owners have blessed me with books. What a terrific way to brighten my day! Thanks again!

Challenges ~ 12

This is the major culprit of my stats. Participating in the challenges has been a great way for me to branch out and explore new territories. I found so many great new authors this way and also found my disdain for classics. Hey ... at least I gave it a try and a good try at that! Seriously, I am very pleased with all my choices for all the challenges. I chose them all for specific reasons and I'm good with that. The challenges have been a lot of fun and I'm glad I participated; however, I do not plan on joining anymore for a while. I really want to concentrate on doing some spontaneous reading and boosting my "Absolutely Excellent" ratings.

New-to-Me Authors ~ 90

This is one of the best parts of the year. I loved reading new authors and discovering new styles and techniques of writing. This was the impetus to start the 2nds Challenge.

My thanks go to all of you bloggers out there for contributing to my spectacular blogging year!