Like singer Jimmy Buffett who “took off for a weekend last month, just to try and recall the whole year,” I spent some time this week reflecting on books and reading. I had decided this year not to get so wrapped up in Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) that I felt limited in my reading choices. To start this process I began requesting fewer ARCs thus limiting the self-imposed pressure of commitments to authors and publishers. Initially difficult to do, I can now visually see in my book lists that I have requested about half of the number of books I normally applied for in the past from ARC sources. The result is that I am enjoying my book club reads more, occasionally reading library books and books that have been waiting patiently on my physical bookshelves, and reprioritizing my non-reading time.

“To everything there is a season.” I enjoy reading as much as ever, but I am happy with the gradual rebalancing of my time as I make these subtle changes.

HAPPY READING TO ALL! 📚💜📚