My year in books

In 2011 I challenged myself on Goodreads to read 40 books. I had read 32 in 2010, so I set a stretch goal. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to achieve it. That was understandable considering that I read The Name of the Wind, Wise Man’s Fear and the first 2 and half books from the Song of Ice and Fire series. I should get bonus points considering for those…

Most of the books I read I actually listen to. Audiobooks have been my main channel of consumption for the past few years (in 2010, 22 of 32 and in 2011, 23 of 30 were audiobooks). One of the previous year’s highlights, Steve Jobs, I read both with my Kindle and with the audiobook to get through it faster.

Last year I subscribed to a substantial number of new podcasts (and even started my own), which has taken from my audiobook listening time. One of those podcasts, the wonderful The Incomparable, was responsible for many of the books I picked up last year. I already have a healthy to-read stack for 2012 thanks to those guys.

In 2011 A Game of Thrones and The Lean Startup were my top books of the year. I was disappointed with The Dervish House. Excellent concept, beautiful writing, but it just lost me about three quarters through — I couldn’t finish it. I read a number of tech books this year. Most were great but I think Kevin Kelly’s What Technology Wants was the the most thought-provoking.

Next year I have set my challenge back down to 30. With a new baby on the way, and with a new company to start, I don’t think I will have as much time for reading. 30 will be a healthy stretch goal.