Summer Reading Goals!

I know I touched on this already in my giddiness about it finally being summer break, but this post will be specifically about my goals this summer and how I plan to achieve them, book-related activities, and what Nora and I will be doing together.

First, a big shout-out to both of our amazing library systems (we are lucky to have two, because we don't actually live in Omaha. So, we get access to TWO collections, albeit the Omaha one is naturally larger with multiple branches). Our libraries have tons of great programming year-round, but extra special events throughout June and July. And it never hurts that the kids get a few free books to get them started. There are escape rooms, art classes, crafting classes, and so much more.

Side note: A few years ago there was a Titanic escape room for teens. Eleanor was eight, so she could not participate. I explained that a bunch of teenagers did not want to be upstaged by an eight-year-old, which annoyed her to no end because, as she told me, "It's not my fault they are dumb and don't know anything". She was salty about this for YEARS, especially when she found out none of the groups solved the riddles before the thirty minutes was up. She was SO salty, in fact, that when she was ten the childrens' librarian assembled the game just for her and she solved it with minimal technical help in 34 minutes.

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This summer I am keeping my goals modest. We will be pretty busy so I want my expectations to be realistic. Nora also has a goal for the summer, plus our joint-goal of reading together.

Sarah's Goals:

1. Read at least ten books from my TBR

This should be the easiest one. I started focusing on getting more TBR books from the library in the last month-ish, so I have plenty of material.

2. Review at least twenty ARCs

I already started on this one as well, with my most recent review post that you can find HERE. I am feeling pretty motivated about writing reviews again. I will write them when Nora is at one of her summer camps or at her father's house, as they're time-consuming and I'd rather hang out with her than do literally anything else in the world.

3. Review at least ten non-ARCs

I also started this one, as you can see in the SAME POST as mentioned above. It's been ages since I have reviewed anything solely because I want to - I review ARCs to keep my percentage up so I can get more books. Because obviously the thing I need most in life is more books.

Nora's Goal:

1. Read at least ten books - six new books and four rereads

This kiddo of mine LOVES to reread. But like her momma, she also loves acquiring new treasures that sit in piles for her to maneuver around, stack, and re-stack whenever she wants. I am also more likely to buy her books, as she typically gets them from the library first, but when she finds one she loves, I know the cost is worth it because she will read it over and over and over. I have a feeling she will read the six new ones, but that her reread total will be much, much higher than four.

Together:

1. Read at least thirty minutes per day

I am suuuuuper excited about this one for a couple reasons. First, there is something so peaceful about just sitting with someone and reading, each enjoying their own book, in comfortable silence. Secondly, Nora is currently obsessed with SIX, which means I can FINALLY share my love and hate of all things Tudor. Last night we started this one

and I think it will give a decent overview of the women who deserved so much better than what they were given (except Anna of Cleves, she made bank on the annulment AND outlived Henry. Good for her!) I already have tons of books in mind on each individual queen when Nora is ready for that, because those books are absolute tomes.

Side note: We are also planning to see SIX next year when it comes to town and we are SO FREAKING EXCITED. We just saw Hamilton two weeks ago and she loved it so much she is currently seeking all things Hamlton-related, including a YA series called Alex and Eliza by Melissa de la Cruz. I love when history comes to life for her like this.

Do you have any speficic summer reading plans? Let us know!

Happy Reading!
Sarah and Nora