Because I’ve just gotten through my 2009 backlog, I realize the end-of-the year summary is in order. I’ve been blogging for over a year now, and I can’t believe how fast it’s gone! Blogging been an awesome experience (and I was a finalist for the Philippine Blog Awards, too!) that led to new friends and new discoveries, and I’m sure this year will be even more fun.
Here’s 2009, in figures… and photos!
The FFP Quantity Challenge
244 books read in 2009 (target: 235) — reviews all posted!
The FFP Diversity Challenge
24 out of 24 books read
12 fiction (6 euro/american/commonwealth, 4 asian/latin american/african, 2 local [at least one of these classic lit])
4 European – To be or not to be: Shakespeare’s soliloquies; The Picture of Dorian Gray (CLASSIC title); The Reader; Dracula
2 American – A Long Fatal Love Chase, Heart of Stone
3 Asian – Rashomon and other stories, The girl who played go, Kare Kano
1 Latin American – Like Water for Chocolate
2 Filipino – Para Kay B, Last Order Sa Penguin
6 nonfiction (1 science/math, 1 lifestyle, 1 poli/eco/soc, 1 bio/autobio/memoir, 2 local)
1 science- Surviving Cancer: Stories of Hope
2 local – Lolo Jose, Comfort Food
1 lifestyle – Adobo Book
1 bio – Cory: An Intimate Portrait
1 social science- Directions to Servants
3 reading group
3 February, March, June – Love Story, Out, Pride and Prejudice
1 award-winning
1 National Book Award The Penderwicks
Common Title
Noli Me Tangere + El Filibusterismo (Lacson-Locsin Translation)
Partner Recommended
Mina
Lost in Translation Challenge
JAPANESE Rashomon, Out, Kare Kano, Kitchen Princess
GERMAN The Reader
GREEK The Last Black Cat
SPANISH Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, Fencing Master, The Angel’s Game
DUTCH The Dream Merchant
World War II Challenge
Completed
24 hour readathon
reader, April 2009
reader, October 2009
***
Phew. I wanted to finish reviewing all the books by December but that was an epic fail, with the holiday rush and all, which means I really have to space out reviews more equitably this year.
So far, I’m attempting the A-Z reading challenge, but I might join some more challenges along the way. I also want to finish reading the following series: the Percy Jackson series (done, as of Feb 12!); the Bookman series by John Dunning (1 of 5 done); His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman (2 out of 3 done); the Abhorsen trilogy by Garth Nix (at least one of the books!); and of course, the Hunger Games trilogy (aieee, can’t wait for Mockingjay!).
And 250 books for 2010 maybe? I wish, although at 244 last year I was pushing it pretty darn hard. I’d be happy if I can just hit 200, without the review backlog, this time! I’ve been making good progress, am at 30 so far this year; hopefully I get to even out the to-review list by next month.
Oh, and I’d like to take this moment to thank all the readers and followers of this blog — you make all the late night blogging worth it! — and I hope you join me for another year of book adventures!
[amazonify]::omakase::300:250[/amazonify]
Whew, Blooey! Reading through all your accomplishments just made me dizzy. What a year for you. And it seemed like great fun!
Imagine, your blog is less than a year and you’ve been nominated for an award na! You’re very talented.
Like that picture of you by the Ruins. :D
Hi Jo! Thanks! I really had a lot of fun. I’ve had some blogs before, but this is something I really feel committed to, and passionate about.
When I go back to Bacolod and my schedule’s not so cramped, let’s go bookshopping! :)
Hey, yes! Would love to meet you! About bookshopping, though, there probably won’t be much to interest you here. It’s all in Manila. :( But hey, we can always eat! Ha, ha! Do tell me next time you plan to come here.
Oh, and I actually came in here again to say Happy, Happy 1st Bloggiversary! How could that have slipped my mind?
Thanks for the greeting, Jo :)
I’m trying to clear my sched so I can go back in April (crossing my fingers)… I went on a 5-minute spree at Book Sale in Bacolod last time and found s book on my wishlist :) But ohhh, food trip sounds equally good!
I remember last year, it was inside a RORO, I cant recall where it is… when we talked about blogs… a short description about what is hosting, domain etc…. and tyaraaaan Sumthinblue.com was born.. Im really really that you are enjoying it.. so many things have happened since the last time we met:) Maybe kwentuhan na lang ulet tayo sa RoRo haha:)
Melooo!!! I know. I think it was Montenegro lines because I remember the theme song!!!! Parang di ako makapaniwala, ilang months na one year na yung domain ko (which reminds me I have to renew that hehe) :) I’m glad you convinced me to make the move. Ayan, adik na tuloy ako, hahaha… But seriously, ONE BIG THANK YOU!
I heard RoRo is moved back to the last quarter of the year again (security issues, elections etc)… hope to see you before then, though!
(Everyone, meet Melo, who’s hosting my blog!)
Hay Grabe nga Bloooey, buti ka pa may naachieve ka sa blog mo hahaha … uber dami mong content. I hope you guys will handle the RoRo thing this year para sama ako hehe:)
btw: make sure to renew your domain as early as possible para makaiwas sa domain squatters and dont forget to look for Godaddy coupons to save couple of dollars hehe.
Thanks for the tip, Melo! Will renew soon.
Sana nga we can go island-hopping again this year — had a blast with you guys last year