Books: 2017 So Far

I've been meaning to write about books again for a while! Lots of books to talk about - I've been reading more recently. I read 50 books in 2016, the most since starting college, but I wasn't reading steadily; I read a lot over the summer, and only occasionally during the school year. But so far in 2017, I have read a lot. And that's mostly during this semester, which is unexpected and a bit impressive to me, honestly. I set my Goodreads reading goal at the beginning of the year: 60 books, ten more than last year. I'm already at 31. It's April. I kind of can't believe it.

I've gotten out of the reading slump I had for a few years; I would go months and months without being able to read or without reading consistently. But I started out strong this year by reading eleven books over winter break, with nine of those books read in 2017. I expected I wouldn't read for fun very much for the next four months as I went back to school. A few books over spring break was all I could really expect. But then I reading a lot throughout the semester, and I haven't stopped.

Well, I actually started listening to audiobooks; that's how I've read 19 of 24 books this semester (19!). I got addicted to audiobooks very quickly once I got back to school. Because I'm constantly listening to something as I go to class or work, do errands, or otherwise have time to do something but not to sit and read (or do homework), audiobooks are a perfect addition to the rotation of podcasts and music that I put on. Hours and hours of audiobooks are evidence that I now love audiobooks. I had previously only listened to them at home, when my brother was obsessed with the Harry Potter audiobooks when he was younger. I didn't think they would be a good way for me to read a book, but I was wrong. I still prefer reading a physical copy, but I love that audiobooks allow me to read when I otherwise don't have time. Plus, I do love stories told in this way, and listening to a good narrator is wonderful. I'm somewhat picky about which books I'll listen to - there are certain things I just want to read on paper - but getting into audiobooks has been perfect.

So, without further rambling, a reading roundup of the year so far! A slightly narrowed down list and book recommendations:

Kusama - Infinity Mirrors

Hirshhorn Museum's exhibition Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors has become a massive draw in DC. I managed to grab one of the free passes when they were released for the week I would be home for break, but only got one, so I ended up at the museum by myself. This also meant I was always ushered into an infinity room with a couple of strangers, who show up in the back of my pictures... Oh well. The exhibit was absolutely packed and you have very limited time inside the infinity rooms, unfortunately, but I'm still glad I was able to go see Kusama's famous infinity rooms, as well as the Obliteration Room and many of her paintings. Warning: while there, many, many obligatory selfies ensued.