2015 Book Non-resolutions

Along with my writing and personal resolutions for the year, I’ve thought about what I want to read in 2015. Although, because often I feel guilt or pressure to read certain books, I’m trying to not commit to any book challenges to keep the joy in my reading. Trying.

Still trying.

But there are definitely specific genres, authors, and books I’d like to read this year, and I’m including them below. I’m calling them book non-resolutions, to allow myself slack if I don’t read any of these and instead just read some erotic noir Ghostbusters fanfic or whatever.

Here’s where I’d like my reading to go in 2015:

More Classic Female Authors, More Contemporary Men
Last year 71% of the books I read were penned by women. Though I love supporting women authors, I’d prefer to read closer to a 50/50 author split between genders (or at least 40/60 one way or another). I’ve noticed most of the male authors I read are classic or literary fic guys, and most of the women are contemporary. I’d like to shake that up a bit and read more contemporary male authors, and then more classic female writers. (Edith Wharton, I’m looking at you.)

More Horror and Dark Fantasy
I’ve loved reading supernatural horror from my early teen years when I discovered Stephen King and then mainlined Dean Koontz. I’d love to read more of the scary stuff this year, like King’s Joyland, more Graham Joyce, Kraken, and Horrorstör, because if a ghost story set in an Ikea-like building isn’t the best premise ever, I don’t know what is. I’m set to read House of Leaves and Hell House for book club, too. I’m already on my way here, as right now I’m reading Muriel Gray’s Furnace.

Big Romance Authors I’ve Missed–Especially Historical Romance
I read a lot of romance last year, but it was my first year really binging on it, and I focused mostly on contemporary since this is what I write. I’m embarrassed as a romance author to admit some of the historical romance I haven’t read yet, like Georgette Heyer or Sarah MacLean, who I’ve heard time and time again write fantastic books. I’m at the beginning of a Courtney Milan, and she’s another historical author I’d like to read more. I also need to read contemporary from Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Nora Roberts, and Julie James. I also want to read A Bollywood Affair and a Susan Kearsley novel, because I keep hearing amazing things about both.

Other Books That Bring the Swoon
In 2015 I also want to read more literary and commercial fiction not classified as romance that’s reportedly still romantic, like Lydia Netzer’s How to Tell Toledo from the Night Sky (much recommended by Jenny Vinyl), Rainbow Rowell’s Eleanor and Park (on the nightstand) and her upcoming Carry On, and Crazy Rich Asians.

Parenting Books
I’m quite bad at reading about kids or parenting in my downtime–I’d almost always prefer to read about dragons over babies–but as a special needs parent I recognize I should read a bit more than I do, especially about the experience of people with autism. I’d like to read the ebook of Look Me in the Eye that I bought on sale too many months ago, plus check out Why I Jump and delve into Far From the Tree.

Writing Books
I really enjoy writing craft books, and would like to read a few awesome ones in 2015. I’m tentatively thinking of Syd Field’s Screenplay, K.M. Weiland’s annotated Jane Eyre, and maybe Making a Literary Life, which more than one of the Writers Who Read have enjoyed. Any suggestions from writers out there? I’ve noticed there are a lot of strong opinions on writing books in particular.

What kind of books do you want to read this year?