And the post you've all been eagerly awaiting since last year's list, the 2012 Reading List is finally here.
Disclaimer: There is a slight chance that my analytical work has bled into my personal life. (And yes I'm aware that this is documented proof that I'm a geeky engineer.)
But first a little buildup:
In 2011 I switched buildings, got a shorter commute, and exchanged my kindle reading on a bus for a steering wheel and daily navigation of Houston traffic. I feared my reading time would be extremely limited and I would have a much shorter list in 2012 than 2011. That is until I got this little beauty (the Bose Bluetooth Series 2 Headset) for Christmas from me . . . and some cash from some of you (did I mention you're great).
Figure 1 Bose Bluetooth Series 2 Headset a.k.a Little Beauty
With this I could and did listen to books a lot. Not only did it cover my commute but suddenly I was listening to the Outsiders while changing poopy diapers (yeah I said poopy), I was swept up in Steve Jobs life as I fixed the kitchen sink for hours, and suddenly I could play tea party at Scarlett's table for a lot longer.
A typical morning: Alarm >> Shower >> Dry ear with a Q-tip >> Insert Bluetooth >> Listen: Conference Talks 15 Min. >> Podcasts 15 min. >> Latest Book variable min.
Alright no more preamble, here it is: Wes's 2012 Reading List and Analysis
Pages read: 11,120; down 865 from 2011.
Books read: 30 books; 2 up from 2011.
I have several books partially read right now so I'd say overall I came out pretty close to last year.
Table 1: The Nitty Gritty Raw Data
Figure 2 Page Count and Format Breakdown
Figure 3 Breakdown by Genre
Bonus Material:
Podcasts of Note:
This is a mind map (iThoughts) of all things Brandon Sanderson (a favorite author and writing instructor). He is prolific and I've captured my progress thus far and some of the material I've yet to consume in the picture below. For a closer look you can download an HTML version at Wes's Brandon Sanderson Consumption a borderline unhealthy pastime.
My Brandon Sanderson mind map in iThoughts.
Figure 4 My Brandon Sanderson Mind Map (in iThoughts)
Podcasts of Note:
General Conference (Great start to the day.)
Writing Excuses (For the fiction writer in you.)
Quick & Dirty Tips (These are awesome and there are a ton of them on multiple topics (e.g. The Tech Talker, Grammar Girl, Math Dude, Everyday Einstein, Money Girl, The Domestic CEO, . . . )
Well, I suppose I've exposed enough of my inner nerd for one night and Jen says she can wait no longer for Wes's 2012 Reading List and I can't bear to let her down. So, there you have it.
4 comments:
From an Engineer, I would have liked to see a Prado Chart and a Regression Analysis to highlight the variables between reading and listening. ... From an interested tax accountant!
Impressive, I opened the charts in "open image in new tab" and saw all the charts well, except the last one. I want to hear about Prince Etcheon and the Secret of the Ancient Mystery before 2014. It will fit under fantasy and religious. It is hard to wait for both of your ideas. E-mail both Nancy and I. She has read the book, also.
I think you have too much time on your hands. You'd better call your sis more often.
When are you going to read some real books, like James Patterson's Alex Cross series or maybe Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. One is pretty graffic and the other is just plain funny. anyway, your charts are awesome. I read a lot but have no idea how many pages, how many books,etc. Probably pretty close. I'll send you a list and you can make some of these nifty charts.
Totally impressive.
Nana
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