Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Reading Statistics for 2009

Well, it seems to be the thing to do...post the statistics for a year's worth of reading. This is the first year that I have even attempted to keep any records of my reading, and I must say that I rather enjoy looking at my progress. I think it is wonderful that I now have a record of not only the books I have read, but my initial reactions. This will be invaluable as I attempt to look back at my literary life (my memory is already starting to fade --- I simply cannot imagine what it will be like in 20 years).

While my stats are not at all impressive - especially compared to several veteran book bloggers - I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they have greatly improved over previous years due to this marvelous book blog community. Not only did I come in contact with more titles and authors that I knew I "had" to read, but I was actually motivated to go out and read them --- with the help of the 24 hour Read-athon, book challenges, and encouraging readers. Starting this blog was definitely a highlight of the year.

I obviously need to do a better job of keeping statistical records. I was lucky to remember to write down the title and the author, but at least I have a start, and I know how to improve in 2010.

Number of books read: 72 + 3 audio
Number of pages read: approx. 21,300 (+ 25 audio CDs)
This does not include books read and re-read for the classes that I teach.

Number of book reviews written: 51

Number of library books read: 42
Number of personal books read: 33
Number of books read from those purchased prior to 2009: 6
This number is bound to improve in 2010 since I purchased many more books this year than I ever have in the past. I will make it a priority to read some of those that have been patiently waiting on the shelves.

Number of fictional titles read: 57
Number of non-fiction titles read: 17 (mostly books on writing or memoirs)
Number of audio books: 3
Number of manga: 1

Number of books purchased: 149 (thanks to all of your tempting suggestions!!!)
Total money spent on purchased books: $360
However, if you "dollar cost average" --- that is only $2.41 per book. The vast majority of my books are purchased in the clearance section of the used bookstore, and I have also taken books in to recycle -- which gave me store credit.

Number of books won through blogger contests: 18
I hesitated to enter contests when I first started blogging, but then I realized I had nothing to lose. I am so excited to have added these wonderful books to my shelves because of your generosity. THANK YOU!

Number of books received from author: 4

Number of ARCs received: 8
I have learned that I just do not have the time to really review ARCs as I had hoped. Perhaps when I retire this will be a viable option for me.

Number of challenges joined: 12
Number of challenges completed: 5
Number of challenges failed completely (did not read a single book): 3
I have tried to do a better job of signing up for challenges that I truly think I can complete in 2010. The ones that I totally failed, I WILL complete at some point (Everything Jane Austen, Harry Potter, and Women Writers of 18th and 19th Century), but this phase of my life is just not the right time.

Value of first blogging year: Priceless!!

18 comments:

  1. Congrats on a wonderful year of reading. I am truly impressed by your stats. I look forward to doing the same thing myself next year.
    Beth

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  2. I started keeping records of what I read (very informally...I have a little journal I write titles in) four years ago. It is so interesting to see what I read when. And, when a friend asks, "What have you been reading?" I have something to say!

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  3. Looks like you had a great year! I hope you have another wonderful reading year in 2010 :)

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  4. Wow, now that is nice list of stats! I wouldn't have a clue on some of those numbers. I'm lucky to know how many books I've read! you had an awesome year!

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  5. Wow, you are totally organized. I just kept a running list of books read in 2009. I could never figure out all that other stuff. You're certainly right about the blogging year being priceless. Discovering so many wonderful bloggers and reading all their reviews has been one of the highlights of my year.

    Heres wishing you much success, joy, health and happiness in the new year

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  6. I love stats. I just love numbers! And you've added a couple things for me to start counting for my stats next year!

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  7. Year end wrap ups are fun to read through. I love looking for patterns in my own reading.

    It sounds like you had a very good reading year, Molly. And look how brave you are for posting your number of books purchased! I can't do that, I'm afraid. I keep track, but it would give my husband a heart attack. He sees the books, but as long as a number isn't attached to them, he's okay. LOL

    I'm so glad you decided to start your blog. It's been great getting to know you. Here's to many more years of reading and blogging together!

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  8. Great stats! I don't even want to think about how many books I bought during the year and even worse how much I spent on them!

    --Anna
    Diary of an Eccentric

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  9. Before I started blogging I read about a book a week and was happy if I managed 50 in a year! Now I read between 75-80 and don't think I can fit in any more--I'm amazed how many others can read, but there are some fast readers out there! I'm impressed by how many library books you read--I borrowed quite a few and read not many--must work on that next year. I would be afraid to keep track of how many books I buy in a year, but less than $400 seems quite respectable to me! :) Happy reading in 2010!

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  10. You tracked some fun things ... isn't it fun to see what you accomplished (even if it wasn't challenges!!).

    I like doing it too -- and like you, the number of books read increased dramatically (though nowhwere near Super Blogger levels).

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  11. I love your wrap-up! I should keep track of some of those things this year - like the number of books I buy.

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  12. Holy moly, are you organized! You're my new role model!

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  13. Now if I could get my books at $2 apiece I might have bought more. As it is I feel I'm doing my bit towards keeping the libraries open for everyone by popping in almost every day.

    Happy New Year Molly

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  14. Congratulations on a fabulous year! "Number of books purchased" and "Total money spent on purchased books" are two statistics I dare not track!!

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  15. I love your stats! This is great motivation for me to start keeping track this year :)

    I can't beleive ave book price... I don't want to know mine :o

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  16. I think I will have to keep some statistics on my reading for next year. I haven't a clue this year. I am not sure I want to know how much I have spent on books though, as I may find that a little upsetting.LOL.

    Happy New Year.

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  17. Wow - you've had a wonderful reading year! Good for you because I know you work, are studying for your masters and have a family. Way to go Molly. Your stats are very interesting and very detailed. I hope to do better on the details this next year.

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  18. I do keep track of what I read, but I have not broken it down into categories.
    And you would think that someone who is "retired" would read more. Well, no. Just can't seem to sit down to read--oh well.

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