I think New Year's resolutions are unlikely to be kept very long. But if you've perhaps set an intention to read more in 2023 (or for the rest of your life), I offer this librarian's suggestion.
Read through the Dewey Decimal System. If you’d like to broaden your reading without being obnoxious about it, I recommend this system, which I began using several years ago. I want/need the nudge to read something that doesn’t look like a novel, though I still read novels. Here’s how it works: Every month, select a book from one of Dewey’s ten divisions, 000-999. For the extra two months, I read biography or memoir; public libraries often put these in a separate section, labeled B or BIO, without a call number. This is simple if you still go to physical libraries, where nonfiction books are on the shelves in Dewey order. If all else fails, call a librarian and ask for their recommendation. I think it's a fairly painless way to read 12 books I might not otherwise have found. And there's always something interesting and accessible, even in the science fields in which I generally struggle. I’m a big fan of browsing, so I’d say go to the place your taxes support. I usually choose a branch library to automatically narrow my choices. And just for fun, if you want Dewey explained in rap, go to this YouTube kid-friendly source from Chenoweth Elementary School. In less than four minutes, their puppets will give you confidence to play librarian. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmhD8uemi_A&t=16s
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What I’m ReadingI began working in libraries as a seventh grader, courtesy of scoliosis. My orthopedic surgeon wrote me a pass to miss gym class, so I began working in the school library to feed my love of reading. Even after my surgery to correct the curvature, I kept getting out of gym to work in my high school library and then in my college library (for pay, at last!).
So began my eventual career as a college reference librarian—after a detour into teaching high school English. Later I worked for an educational publisher before going back to libraries.
I have a reading and writing life now. I devour both fiction and nonfiction, and will tell you about some of my favorite reads, both old friends and new discoveries.
Here's some library-themed music to get you in the mood.
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