It may be hard to believe but we are already starting October. It is now spooky season and time for mysteries everywhere. And I have to say, the library has been coming through for me constantly. In the last 2 months, I’ve never gone more than a day without having an audiobook or ebook come through on Libby. (Yes, I’ve had to “Deliver Later” constantly!) Overall, I am pretty happy with my book goals. I’m reading with them in mind, and it’s feeling like a big achievement. Let’s get into Book Goals- Update 3!
Use Library and NetGalley for 60%+ of Books- 82% ( 29/35 books this quarter)
I have to say, I’m incredibly proud that I am instinctively checking the library if there is a book that I want to read rather than buying it. There are still some books here and there that I am looking forward to and will either use an audiobook credit for or purchase the ebook. However, I’m much better about waiting for something to come through from the library rather than immediately buying it. (My wallet is much happier.)
I’ve also been working on keeping a tighter rein on my NetGalley usage. As much as I want to read some books, I’ve been limiting myself on requests. There seems to be some 2-4 week stretches where I’ve got 5+ books releasing at that time, and it just does not make sense to add yet another into the mix. (Though I am adding them to my TBR list for the future!)
Read 10 New to Me Authors- 16/35 books this quarter
I am continuing on with reading many new-to-me authors. Of course there is nothing wrong with reading authors you know and love, but I have discovered some fantastic authors that I would not have otherwise. I read 8 Rick Riordan books in this quarter, so this number was not quite as high as I would like but I loved his books and that is also important! Again, I’m sharing some of my highlights from my new authors that I would recommend:
-Carol Ann Lloyd (History)- I was thrilled to read Carol Ann Lloyd’s first book!
-T.L. Huchu (Fantasy)
-Jessa Maxwell (Mystery)
-Rick Riordan (Fantasy)- Yes, I know I’m ages behind- this summer I’ve read the Percy Jackson and Magnus Chase series and loved both of them! (I would highly recommend the Magnus Chase series- it is based on Norse mythology, which I find far fewer people are familiar with)
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BookTok
You can find me on TikTok at @AnHistorianAboutTown , and I have finally started sharing #BookTok posts! If you are newer to TikTok, “BookTok” simply means a TikTok post about books. I’ve been sharing book reviews there- my reviews are more unfiltered there, if you want more “of the moment” reviews.
I’ve also been sharing more book recommendations there (with more videos scheduled). I tend to stick to history book recommendations around a theme on TikTok, but I do have some historical fiction recommendations scheduled.
More Genres on the Blog- 2 posts published, 1 more scheduled
I’ve continued to share contemporary mystery books on the blog, and I’ve also shared one fantasy novel/series. Whenever I branch out with a recommendation, I do try to make sure that it is something that my readers would enjoy. (Either based on topic, setting, or a theme.)
I will say, you can expect some contemporary fiction during the holiday season. Holiday fiction simply hits the spot for me, and it is a part of my holiday experience! (It will most likely be in one blog post, though, so you will be able to skip it if it is not your thing.)
I should say, if you would like me to stick to history, biography, and historical fiction book recommendations on the blog, please let me know!
I hope you’ve enjoyed Book Goals 2023- Update 3! What has been your favourite book of 2023?
Cheers,
The Historian
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