I vowed to read 50 books and watch 50 movies in 2012 as part of the international Fifty Fifty Me Challenge.
Last year I read a book a week, which forced me to read at a quicker pace, but I prefer having several books going at once. Without a doubt, the “fifty” goal has been more enjoyable for me despite the slower pace it allows.
STATS AS OF JUNE 6th
People often ask me how I find the time for the Fifty Fifty Me Challenge. Let me finally put that question to rest.
HOW I FIND THE TIME TO READ
I read before I go to bed. No matter how exhausted I am, I simply cannot fall asleep without reading. I don’t say this with any pride. I wish I could fall asleep easily, but since I can’t, I make use of the time. Also, my husband and I don’t have a television in our bedroom so when I’m wide awake, I read. There’s no magic here. I don’t sleep enough, that’s all. I wouldn’t exactly recommend this regimen, especially if you have a 7-month old baby who still wakes up once a night.
HOW I FIND THE TIME TO WATCH MOVIES
Of the 20 movies I’ve watched, I saw only 3 in the theater. The rest were movies I recorded on TiVo, which I watched in small sections while I cooked, cleaned the kitchen, or exercised on my recumbent bike in the basement. I also eliminated a good chunk of the season passes on my TiVo, finally walking away from Gossip Girl, 90210, and a few other shows. Unfortunately, with my Downton Abbey obsession a few months ago and the new season of Mad Men, I haven’t seen any movies lately.
I think I’ll meet my reading goal because I have so many books on my to-be-read list. The only way to relieve the anxiety I feel when I see that list of samples on my Kindle or the stack next to my bed is to keep reading. The movie goal, however, I can’t imagine reaching. I’m okay with that. In fact, if I DO watch 50 movies this year I might need to reevaluate how I’m spending my precious spare time.
BOOK HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR
Wild by Cheryl Strayed. (For the record, I read it months before Oprah’s Bookclub 2.0)
Some Assembly Required by Anne Lamott
For my brief reviews of all 19 books, look here.
MOVIE HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR
Hunger Games (Duh)
Groundhog Day (Yes, I really had not seen it before.)
For my brief reviews of the 20 movies, look here.
What are the rest of you reading and watching? Anything I must add before the end of the year?
Photo by Daniel Y. Go via Flickr
Nina (@NinaBadzin)
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Welcome! I am a freelance writer living in Minneapolis with my husband and four children. My essays on parenting, social media etiquette, improving my habits, Jewish life and more appear in the Huffington Post, Kveller.com, The Jewish Daily Forward and elsewhere. I'm glad you found your way here!
Good habit… i wish i could have that much discipline to read before i go to bed, even when I’m tired.
Hey Jeyna,
It really isn’t discipline in my case. It’s either read or stare at the ceiling!
I don’t maintain a goal of 50 books per year but I do try to read a book per week. Of course I’m way behind but I have managed to finish 17 books so far, most of which have languished on my TBR pile for ages. I’ve posted a review of the book I read most recently (Room by Emma Donoghue) on my blog.
I know everyone loved ROOM. I think I’m too scared to even “go there.”
Well done, it’s really good going! I tend to be too cowardly to set myself up for such challenges.
Go, go, go! You could try these: Article 5 by Kristen Simmons (YA Dystopian) – very fast paced. I read it over the course of 36 hours; Movie: Love Actually – I watch it every year the day after Thanksgiving.
Are you kidding? I LOVE Love Actually! I also watch every year when it’s on tv. But I remember seeing it in the theater too and feeling blown away by the script.
Go you! I read a lot but my TV/movie time is low. Love that you’re keeping track of everything! Kind of fun to see it all in one place!
Nina, I must say this is an excellent personal challenge and a good distration from the chaos of four children
I tend to read one hard copy in the kitchen and one on my Kindle PC on my computer. I’d say I do about 100 or more a year of both books and movies. Please remember I am a retired grandmother and write full time. I NEVER watch any TV in real time because I only watch movies and series after eleven at night when I’m done working. See, I don’t need to sleep that much anymore either 
The reason you “don’t get” The Big Chill is your age my dear
Boomer movies usually leave GenX yawning. My kids didn’t get that movie either. But they still insisted I sit through five reruns of Desperately Seeking Susan, The Breakfast Club and both S. E. Hinton’s movies! My daughter had a mad crush on Madonna and Mat Dillon 
:)
I of course loved Desperately Seeking Susan, though I’m not sure I got it either. Just loved Madonna.
I’m reading WILD right now. I’m not too far along, but wow, wow, wow is all I can say so far. (Not exactly the most eloquent review, I know!)
Have you read The Fault in Our Stars by John Green? It tackles a very difficult subject with grace and aplomb.
Staying on the YA theme, I also really enjoyed Between Shades of Gray (not to be confused with 50 Shades of Grey, I remember your review on that one!) This is by Ruta Sepetys and tells the story of a Lithuanian teen whose family was forced into one of Stalin’s labor camps in Siberia. A side of WWII that has rarely been discussed. If you get to read any of these I look forward to hearing your take on them.
Everybody is talking about The Fault in our Stars. It IS on the list! The last one sounds good too. Looking forward to your thoughts on WILD when you finish.
I am so excited to read WILD, sounds amazing. And I am way impressed with 19 books so far this year — with four kids? Very impressed. I don’t keep track, but I know I haven’t read 19. My favorite this year was NIGHT SWIM by Jessica Keener. As for movies. I love Groundhog Day! Other good ones I’ve watched this year are Half Nelson and Manhattan Murder Mystery.
I enjoyed NIGHT SWIM too.
I just put Wild on my summer list! Currently I am reading Juliet, Immortal. It is a spin off of Romeo and Juliet. I am not sure what I think of it yet, but I will let you know. I finally watched The King’s Speech. It was excellent. One of my favorite movies to watch around Christmas is The Family Stone. So good! Keep up the great work!
I love The Family Stone too! SJP’s character is so painfully awkward in it, but she plays that role well. I love Diane Keaton. Rachel McAdam’s character is so nasty. It’s just a great family drama.
Right now, I am looking at textbooks for next year. Guaranteed to put you to sleep in 15 minutes of less. *snoresville* Good for you for having goals.
Yup, that would probably do it.
*or* less
That’s an interesting challenge! I used to read before going to bed, but ever since I put my computer in my room, I watch more than I read these days. It’s a shame, really. I think my goal should be to shut off electronics for a while.
I, too, must read every single night and never watch TV in the bedroom. But thanks to your recommendation, I’m finally watching Downton Abbey so I’ll probably be doing less reading this summer than I’d expected – ha!
Our book club just picked “Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern and I just finished “The Ruins of Us” by Keija Parssinen – very good.
On my nightstand right now is “Imperfect Birds” by Anne Lamott. I began it last night so I can’t say much but I am certain it will be wonderful. I mean, it’s Anne Lamott. So.
(Also, now I’m going to read Wild, although I hadn’t heard of it until now. I’m always under a rock. Apparently.)
I’ll be curious to hear what you think of Imperfect Birds. I have not been able to get into Lamott’s fiction even though I LOVE all of her non-fiction. Interesting, right?
‘Life As We Knew It’ by Susan Beth Pfeffer. It’s a powerful young adult novel; had a hard time getting past the opening scenes because I thought it was going to be a shalloow ‘teenager’ book, but it was far from that and by the end you know why the beginning started the way it did. Warning though, the book will make you go out for a huge stocking up grocery shopping trip.
Just discovered Elly Griffiths, starting with ‘The Crossing Places’. I love how the setting is so important that it becomes a character, and influences the protagonist until her personality reflects the imagery.
Oh, and thinking of “Wild”, have you read ‘A Walk in the Woods’ by Bill Bryson?
No, I haven’t nor have I read the others you mentioned. Thanks for good suggestions!
Last week I read A LAND MORE KIND THAN HOME by Wiley Cash. Truly disturbing and wonderfully riveting. It was on the Indie Pick List for June. Put this one on the TBR list.
Pamela, I will! Right now I’m reading Nichole Bernier’s debut in anticipation of her summer visit here. I think Joshua Henkin’s book comes out right as he arrives here. If I can get it earlier I’d like to read that one too before he comes.
Adding Wild to my list
Just finished Cutting for Stone (by: Verghese) and its definitely my top of 2012 so far! Amazing stories, deep characters, betrayal & redemption, discussion of maternal care in developing countries and all set in the midst of political unrest in Ethiopia. There are some graphic medical scenes but you’ve had 4 kids!
so you should be ok.
On a much lighter note, my most recent favorite movies have been: Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris & The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (yay for Maggie Smith!)
Can’t wait to see Marigold . . . I will follow Maggie Smith ANYWHERE.
I LOVE Anne Lamott. I’m currently reading “Bird by Bird.” I give you props, Nina! I don’t think I could pull off the 50-50 challenge. LOL! Although, I don’t have cable, and only receive a few sporadic T.V. channels, so every time I flip on the screen, I’m almost ALWAYS watching a movie (while cleaning, cooking, etc.). I need a good, new novel on my nighstand, however, so I’ll look to you for a solid recommendation!
Right now I’m reading Nichole Bernier’s debut. I’m trying a novel again after a long run of nonfiction.
So impressive, Nina. I have found a new way to get more reading in as well (like you, I read before bed. UNlike you, about four pages in – no matter HOW good the book is – I fall asleep. NOT good for the number of pages read)… My new method, thanks to Kelly Hitchcock’s suggestion, is using the e-reader while I am on the treadmill. DUH. I always hated running indoors, but while it’s hotter than hell in the desert, I have little choice. Amazing, this “kill two birds with one stone” concept… I don’t even THINK about the running because I’m reading (cue the sounds of angels singing). If I could find a local outdoor track, I could apply this same concept, using earbuds and audio books. Can’t run outdoors with earbuds; I want to know WHAT is going to eat me before it happens.
Books you should consider: The Baker’s Daughter by Sarah McCoy, The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon, Lamb by Bonnie Nadzam (a difficult read due to subject matter, but quick as well), The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield, and The Schooling of Claybird Catts by Janis Owens…. Like you needed MORE books. ha ha. My problem is now I’m not sure what FORMAT to buy my books; I love pen/ink, but I think I will get MORE read on the Kindle due to its tie to daily exercise. Ho hum.
I love that you found a way to read on the treadmill. I SHOULD read on the recumbent bike, but that’s my movie/twitter time!!
Go you, Nina! It really is impressive, and I’m glad you explained just how you do it (though sorry you’re not getting enough sleep)! Oh, I have to tell you – on 90210, Max (Naomi’s geeky ex-boyfriend) CAME BACK! Guess who loved this? THIS GIRL. LOL
I recently finished The Bloggess’ memoir (awesome), and I’ve actually been going to the movies much more lately because of the dine-in theater nearby. It’s awesome (serving me BEER while I don my 3D glasses? Yes please!). “Hunger Games” was definitely the best recent movie [that I've seen], so you’re covered there! The hub and I just watched one at home called “Chronicle” (about high school kids who get super powers), and I thought it was GREAT. I think it’s indy, but REALLY good effects and acting.
Oh shoot- I missed Max??? I loved him. I’m for sure reading The Bloggess’s memoir by the end of the year. Glad it doesn’t disappoint.
The problem is I have lofty reading aspirations, but end up falling asleep reading in bed every night. So I don’t seem to get very far. Still, I did inhale Anne Lamott’s most recent. Now I’m reading “Catherine the Great” by Robert Massey which is SO not the kind of book that I ever read. My husband was raving about it constantly when he was reading. So far, it is really engaging, I must say. Plus the big historical big gives me a real brainy look.
I love a book that makes me look brainy
Just went and saw Hunger Games last week with a friend. I loved it. Especially the first half. I’ve still gotta read the books. I enjoyed how the movie ended with a cliff-hanger as to how the organizer will get back at the kids for thwarting him.
Wild sounds like one I will definitely read. I AM the out-doorsy type, and in my younger days I backpacked all over Yellowstone and Northern California, (although not alone…not that brave) so that book really interests me!
Meant to say Yosemite, not Yellowstone. Never even been to Yellowstone> LOL
Oh, you will love Wild. I’m so jealous that you still get to experience Hunger Games. Interesting to see the movie first . . . I think in a way you might have enjoyed the movie MORE because you could feel suspense that the rest of us couldn’t!
So cool, Nina! I think no tv in the bedroom is the key to a healthy marriage!! XO
ME TOO!
Just finished and enjoyed THE KITCHEN HOUSE by Kathleen Grissom, and re-read and once again enjoyed Steve Martin’s BORN STANDING UP (but I’m a sucker for all of his work.) Thanks for your sharing your list, Nina.
I love Steve Martin and have not read that one!
You walked away from Gossip Girl??? Tragedy!
I really want to read Double Time, Jane Roper’s new memoir but I literally do not have money for new books right now, but that’s at the top of my list. Otherwise, this hasn’t really been a phenomenal book year for me yet. Maybe it’s all that Gossip Girl I’ve been watching
I want to read Jane’s memoir too. I think you were the one who sold me on Eden Lake.
Thank you for your list Nina! I always love your recos so I am nearly finished with my current read and onto the next. I think I am going to read “A Year of Magical Thinking.” Since I set my clock and blog posts to numbers including the number 6, I am pretty sure I will enjoy it:)! Hope all is well with you and the minis. You continue to amaze me with all you do and your 4 minis under 7. I just wanted to say hi and as always love your posts:)
Thank you! Totally thought of you a few weeks ago when my cousin led a zumba session during a family reunion weekend. Guess what? These hips do NOT shake.
I have an ever growing pile of books I’ve not yet read, and an even longer list on Goodreads that I want to get eventually. I used to read before bed, but now I play Words with Friends for five minutes and pass out from exhaustion. I figure when my youngest is around four years old I might have more time. So I am very impressed you do it with a baby!
I’m reading Bossypants right now. Hysterical. Will keep you awake for sure.
Hi Nina! Love your blog.
I have a few suggestions for you based on what you’ve liked.
Click: The Forces Behind How We Fully Engage with People, Work, and Everything we do by Ori Brafman and Rom Brafman- This one is super short and easy to read and will be a great way to quickly add one more book to your list (without sacrificing quality)! Really interesting research explained in a very conversational tone about what makes us more likely to “click” with certain people and situations over others.
My Year with Eleanor by Noelle Hancock- a memoir by a young woman who based a year of her life around Eleanor Roosevelt’s challenge to “Do one thing every day that scares you.”
Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven by Susan Gilman- a fascinating travel memoir written by a woman who backpacked through communist China in 1986 and the terrifying situation she found herself in. It starts off a bit slow, but the last half is hard to put down.
I also loved MWF Seeking BFF which I read several months ago after you wrote about it. I just wrote my own reflections on moving/starting over friendless on my blog if you want to check it out:
http://jboriss.blogspot.com/
Julia
Hi Julia! Thanks so much for the recommendations. CLICK and MY YEAR WITH ELEANOR especially sounds exactly up my alley. Going to look into right now! Thanks again for taking the time. Going to head over to the blog. Glad you found me! Are you on Twitter?