How are those reading goals coming along?

 So, It's already Mid-November, and I am sitting here, bewildered at how it seems like it was just August. How are your reading goals going?  Did you want to read more books in translation? Dip in poetry?  Read a little more non-fiction? Are you short the number of books on your goal?  No worries! I've got help for you! Many of my recommendations are parts of series of short novels, so if you find something you like- there's likely more where that came from! 

But first, let me digress- and explain - if you've fallen behind on a reading goal- I ENTIRELY UNDERSTAND!

For me, this year has been a whirlwind. 

Earlier this year, my company was bought out by another, and while they assured me my job was "safe" I noted that there were some definite changes, and some very smart people, moving strategically elsewhere. Other changes in benefits, and a new very top down management style just weren't my thing.  So, I started looking. I didn't intend to be looking for another job, but the world is a changing place, and we do sometimes need to reinvent ourselves. 

I will say the job market currently is not a kind place, and especially for those like myself- with a very niche skill set and above the age of 30. While employers want decades of experience, they seem to still want someone who is too young to have those decades of experience!  So, most of this year was spent doing loads of interviews. With the help of strong references from former employers,  I finally was offered - strangely- a pretty ideal position, with improved pay and benefits, what appears to be a great leadership team  and  a 15 minute commute-- doing exactly what I'm trained to do. 

After that process, I will freely say, I  AM TIRED.  Until that offer became super solid, I had NO IDEA the amount of stress my body was holding.  So I wish anyone searching for employment, the best of luck and connections. I start that job next week and I will have to be "On" all the time so who knows what will happen! 

   That said, some weeks, I barely read at all because I was pre-occupied. If you have had a few weeks like that- maybe you're behind on your reading goals? 

Here are some great short options that check a lot of boxes! 

Georges Simenon is a master at creating immersive novels with short prose. 

I recommend any of his Maigret novels. For me, I was introduced to these by my Dad and devoured the entire series while in-between work assignments one summer. 

Read these if you want:

-a shorter novel

-Mystery genre

-books in translation

-Novels from the 1930's-1940's (and more) decade

Going WAAAY Back- I recommend Basho. 

Basho- born Matsuo Kinsaku is well know as a Haiku Master from the 17th century. 

One of my favorite editions of his work is The Narrow road to the Deep North and Other Travel Sketches 

  

Read this if you want:

-a short book (176 pages) 

-Book from a different century

-Book in translation

-Poetry 

Looking for Non-Fiction?  Look no further than the Object Lessons series! 

I read metronome earlier this year and it was a fascinating read about how the metronome, a seemingly bland tool in a musicians box shaped the way music was performed! 

Read this for: 

- A brief Non-fiction read (184 pages) 

-Non-fiction! 

-If the metronome isn't for you- the Object lessons series is a delightful series which includes other unassuming objects like lipstick, Taco, Snack, and Concrete, you'll be sure to find something to pique your interest. They are all a similar length and so interesting. 

If you just want something to make you forget the world we are currently living in- I really recommend Ruby Dixon. She has multiple Novellas most featuring space aliens or  various other out of this world characters.  There's nothing too serious, it all takes place in an unknown jungle planet, with no dire parallels to real life. 

 

Read this if you are:

 -Looking for escapism

-short novel (77 pages) 

-Looking for vampires

-Looking for romance

-Looking for some "spice" 

-Looking for a Happy ending! 

If you'd like something more serious- perhaps a classic? maybe a classic that isn't one that you were supposed to read in high school? 

Passing by Nella Larsen is a semi-autobiographical novella,  coming in at about 141 pages.  A mixed race woman decides to live her adult life as a white person. This novella looks at race and culture from several perspectives. 

Read this for:

 A book from decades past (1920's)

A short classic (141 pages) 

Diverse author and topic. 

  I've got a few more recommendations-  but I think these 5 are great to start.  All of these authors have other works of a Short nature, so if you find one you like, you know there's more where that one came from. 

 Happy Reading!