by January O’Neil
In 2000, writer Bob Hostetler wrote an excellent article that appeared in Poets & Writers magazine called “The Intentional Reader.” In it, he talks about being deliberate about what you read as a way of fueling your writing when you get stuck. And while it’s certainly important for fiction writers, being well versed in all sorts of subjects and forms is central to the work of a poet.
I’ll take the idea one step further: being a deliberate reader is part of a poet’s job description.
Hostetler creates an annual detailed booklist in which he chooses titles to entertain and to further his growth as a writer. His list consists of at least 20 must-read titles, leaving room for picks that he discovers throughout the year.
You can read his article for the full text, but here’s my interpretation of the list:
- one biography
- one memoir
- one nonfiction
- one how-to book
- one book of short stories
- two books on craft
- at least one historical title
- at least two books by authors I’ve never read before
- a minimum of two books in a new discipline or field of interest
- at least two children’s books
- two classics I re-read every few years, something that reminds me why I write in the first place
- two international titles
- at least one book of great heft, something intimidating
- at least 12 poetry books (this goes without saying)
Last year, I read eight books and at least 15 poetry collections — painfully low numbers, in my opinion. I kept a running list in my journal of the book list, but this year I’ll use Goodreads to track my progress. My aim is to improve both the quality and breadth of titles I read. And while it’s not necessarily about the number of books, if I can read at least 20 books annually, I’m doing pretty well.
So, based on this list, what books would you recommend others add to their current reading list? What categories would you add or remove? Does using a book list as a tool take away from the pleasure of reading? Give us a sample of your reading list, and let’s see where the conversation takes us.
January O’Neil’s first poetry collection, Underlife, is available from CavanKerry Press. She is a fellow with Cave Canem poets. January writes at Poet Mom. She was born in February, in case you’re wondering. Her dad just liked the name.
Have you ever participated in the 100 book challenge? http://j-kaye-book-blog.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-2010-reading-challenge-100-reading.html
I like that mix – good ideas, and very “renaissance,” in the sense of well-roundedness. I’m doing “Great Heft” right now with a BIG novel.
I’m a Good Reads fan and did a similar challenge last year with nine categories. This year I’m in a poetry challenge group that asks members to read 20 poetry books and review them. It’s a turn-on, and pocketbook-depleter.
There’s always the library…
I really like the mix. I think I actually do this subconsciously as I try to read across the genres although I really haven’t been good about going back and reading old favorites. That is something I definitely want to do better with!
Very nice list.
I think the list is good but only if it stays at the back of my mind–spontaneity at a bookstore (esp. used and yes in person) or suggestions from friends factor into what I’m reading. As long as I’m constantly reading, and better yet finishing reading books, I’m satisfied. I’ve a stack of various genres at my bedside–I pluck a book from the stack depending on my mood. That way I’m always in the midst of at least 5 or 6 books at a time. Eventually I finish one, shelve it and add a new book to the stack.
Thanks for this! Good stuff.
One of the keys, to me, is this intentionality–or what I’ve heard called “reading like a writer.” In my experience, quality (of attention) trumps quantity when you’re trying to learn how to emulate writers you love.
I am not so organized to have thought to do a purposeful reading list, but it seems like a good idea. I can see how it could improve your writing from the variety alone.
Not sure if I could remember to document my reading list, but it’s a must that I read at least 12 books of poetry this year. That I can do, and should do. Underlife is on that list. *smile*
[...] Personalised Reading Programme, created a year in advance. January O’Neil blogged about it on ReadWritePoem back in January (yes, I’m slow – haven’t we had this discussion before?), and offered her own [...]
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