My Secret to Reading a Lot of Books

Since high school, I’ve considered myself an avid reader of books. Small. Large. Graphic. Zines. You name it – I’m probably going to read it at some point. I studied English – Creative Writing in college in order for me to explore more writing. While I’m not particularly good at writing myself, I’ve come to love all kinds of books. The worst part of reading a lot is trying to keep track of what you’ve read and what you want to read.

I can’t tell you how many times someone tells about a book they’ve read so enthusiastically that I want to read that book too. Then, by the time I get to the book store, I’ve completely forgotten which book.

If your goal is to read a lot–like mine is–there are a few obstacles to overcome:

• Keeping track of the books you want to read
• Refining the list down to ones you’re going to read in the near feature
• Actually reading them
• Retaining the important parts

Keeping Track of What You Want to Read

Goodreads – This is the website I’ve been using for the past six months. I love it. There are three basic lists: to read, currently reading and read. Then there are options to add more lists. Since my goal is to read all the books mentioned in the Gilmore Girls, I have that list ready. I know what I’m going to read next. There is a social networking aspect too and I can recommend books to friends that are also using the service.

LibraryThing – As the website says, LibraryThing is a cataloging and social networking site for book lovers. It allows you to create an online library of the books you’ve read, want to read and also the books you’ve lent out. You are able to group these any way you wish. You can create tags (folksonomy) and ratings for the books too.

Refining the List

What Should I Read Next? – All you have to do is enter a book you like and the site will analyse their database to provide book recommendations and suggestions for what to read next. It’s fairly simple.  If you join, then you can create lists.

YourNextRead –  This one can connect with your Goodreads account.  Then you can import all of your shelves from Goodreads into YourNextRead, and vice versa.

Actually Reading the Books

This is most likely the hardest part of this post. Who has time to read? Commuting has been the biggest hurdle to overcome for me in wanting to read, but I found my solution. Audio. Audiobooks are my savior. I even check them out from my library. I’m saving money.  I can read one-to-two books a week this way.  Get on board, fellow readers.  It’s a revolution.

Retaining Important Parts

Use your Goodreads account to write about your favorite parts of the book once you’ve finished. Not only will you have good notes to refer back to, but you will also be informing potential readers about said book. Oh, the magic of social media.

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Valentino / Persun

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Now I have foxy items on my mind.  The adorable thing about the red fox is that they usually have a mate.  So not only are they cute, they also have monogamous relationships.  Oh, and if you haven’t seen the Fantastic Mr. Fox yet I highly suggest the movie. I was perusing the Persun Mall website and found these four items that fulfill my every fox related need.  I especially love the simple gold fox ring.  It’s on my wishlist for this summer.

red fox ring/ white fox ring / golden fox ring / fox earrings

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Action/Reaction

One of the things I love the most about blogging is that there are both actions and reactions in content. Action: making, creating, styling. Reaction: commentary, reviewing, dissecting. It satisfies both the heady space fashion can sometimes occupy, as well as occupying our two little hands. This week we have a great combination of things you can do and things to think about, and heck a couple of things you can put on your summer wishlist.

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

• Afternoon Social: The 5 Best Sites for Beauty Tutorials
• Attire Club: Dressing Up For Heavy Men
• Buy Any Means Necessary: 7 Jumpsuits To Jump For!
• Carly Tati: Interview with Adriano Goldschmied
• Chic Musings: DIY: Bohemian-inspired Metal Chain Foot Harness
• Christie Moeller: Logo Shirts, Say What?
• Cyeoms: DIY. Leather Hospital Bracelet
• Fashion Is Evolution: My Wedding DIY Party
• Fashion Moriarty: Fashion Journalism: the preserve of the elite?
• Fashion Thrill: Why is Hemp Seed Oil good for your skin
• Fashion Trends & More: 11 Thrifting Tips & Tricks
• Incognito: The State of Street Style Photography
• Kat Skull: The Cutest Bow Sandals Under $50
• Kristina J: How To Make A Tuxedo Skirt
• Last Year Girl: Vintage Tips for Summer City Style
• Olive Brown: Prada kills it again with mens AW13 campaign
• Runway to Style: The Resort 2014 Bestseller Collections
• Some Like It Lovely: Measuring Our Self Worth Through Social Media
• Style Bizarre: Get the Style of: Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones
• Voguette: Marant for H&M

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Shopbop Skirts: Minis, Pencil, Maxis, L’Huillier, Tibi, Milly, A+O Skirts, Anine Bing, Derek Lam, Donna Karan, Paul & Joe Sister, Herve skirts

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Black with white bow // studded bow (DIY here) // t-straps // black with ankle buckle //

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If I had five days to spend in Queensland, Australia, you better believe me when I say I’d see as much as I can in that very short amount of time. Five days will not be enough to explore everything I’d want to, but it is enough time to see some of the big ticket items that make Australia so wonderful. This is my bucket list.

And thanks to a Blogger Contest by Johnny Jet, this is a chance to make my dreams of visiting Australia come true. My compiled list includes a little historical relevance, adventure, sun and lots of fun.

1. Paronella Park

photo via Steel Wool

Paronella Park looks like one of the temples I’ve visited here and here so of course this place would be the number one I want to visit. In the 1930s, José Paronella built a castle in the rainforest and it was one of the first privately-owned hydro-electric plant. This photo makes it look like something straight out of The Jungle Book. Where’s Baloo?

2. Koalas and Kangaroos

photo via To Dai951

At the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary I would have the opportunity to hold a koala and hand feed a kangaroo. Plus, there is much more wildlife to see at the sanctuary. I could spend an entire day ogling the animals.

A second runner-up to the wildlife category would be a whale watching tour for Humpback Whales. Now only if I could swim with them too…

3. State Library

photo via Craig Jewel

Of course I want to visit another foreign library. Like you didn’t know a library was going to be on this list already after this one was posted. I want the list of libraries I’ve visited to be extensive by the time I’m fifty. The State Library of Queensland is located in Brisbane and would be a wonderful addition to my list.

4. Glasshouse Mountains
photo via bert knottenbeld

There is nothing more gorgeous than mountains. This is one of the reasons I go skiing out west every year. The view from atop of the mountains are breathtaking. The view from the basin is just as amazing and makes me feel as small as an ant. The Glasshouse Mountains are very different than what I’m used to seeing. They are some wondrous formations.

5. Townsville
photo via Thomas Klein

The name is so illusive that it sounds like something straight out of a Dr. Seuss book and I’m not sure if I’m visiting a town or a village. I would, however, be visiting a remarkable place that is right on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. After snorkeling in Grand Cayman, there is no chance I would want to miss the underwater sights in another part of the ocean in another part of the world.

6. XXXX Brewery

photo via Drew Douglas

Pronounced fourex, the XXXX Brewery is located in Milton, Brisbane. Being from Wisconsin, I love my beer and my brewery tours. Trying a new beer and visiting the brewery would be a great way to relax and enjoy the afternoon. One would need a little rest and relaxation after all the koala holding.

7. The Millaa Millaa Waterfall Circuit

photo via Andi Ryan

I don’t think I’ve ever visited any waterfalls before, so the Millaa Millaa Waterfall circuit would be beautiful to visit.  I love scenic places that are meant to be painted.  Peaceful.  Tranquil. Do we get to go for a swim too?

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