i have failed one of my new years resolutions already. it was a resolution i hadn't told you about. because it was entirely too dull. and as anyone would have predicted, i grew weary. and forgot about it. i think i probably lasted until the last week of january.

so i am setting myself new and achievable goals. like to increase my reading. this year i have read not much at all so far. but i have started HEAPS of books. my goal is to finish all the books i've started before i go to vietnam.

this is what that means:


there was one more: a spot of bother. but i finished that yesterday in a flurry of determination. i think i like the author. but i wasn't so keen on the book. i don't know if, in my super introverted state, i should be reading books about depression. plus i love movies with ensemble casts, but in books i find the similar devise passe.

anyway, of the four books i have already started and need to finish i have already read two: judy blume's just as long as we're together. i remember being a bit indifferent to this book as a tweenager. and i am this time around too. but i can't remember the plot and i'm expecting it to get good any moment. finishing it will take me approximately 45 minutes.

the other book i've already read is midnight. i decided to re-read it after my visit to savannah. because when i was standing in the mercer house in savannah i realised that i could barely remember any of it. except that lady chablis liked peach scnapps. this will take me a solid weekend of reading. if not longer.

the hollow men i've already written about. it is taking so long because i find it a bit full on. i read a chapter and need a week to recover. i just finished the orewa speech chapter. i will take a few weeks to recover this time round i think. this will be the hardest to finish. but probably most rewarding.

the final book is the blind assassin. my first margaret atwood. and probably my last to be honest with you. the book is fine. looooong, but fine. but i find it hard to motivate myself to read it. basically i can't see where it is going yet. and i started about six months ago, so i can't remember too well what has happened. though the thought of starting again leaves me cold. so i shall soldier on. and every so often, like earlier this morning, i get a bit wrapped up in it and enjoy it. maybe i will read it in dorkland later this week. it will take a dozen or so sessions to finish.

and then i can get some books that will be perfect for travel and reading on planes. suggestions welcomed. but anyone who recommends maeve binchy *will be blocked from this site.**

* someone bought me a maeve binchy book once because they thought it would be a great plane read. they were sweet. but ever so wrong.
** somehow