Inside: Learn about why I am doing a reading challenge this year and the 12 books I have chosen.
Growing up I was NOT one of those bookworms curled up on a couch or under the covers with a book and a flashlight.
Don’t get me wrong, I liked books and the stories they contained, but I felt like it took me forever to get through a chapter book and I could never keep up with my friends.
In high school and college I gravitated towards the more math and science-based classes and told myself I wasn’t a good reader and didn’t like reading.
Fast forward to a couple of years after my son was born. I decided that I wanted to stop spending my free time scrolling through social media. I don’t remember exactly why, but I decided that I wanted to start reading! So I set a goal to read 10 books that year, and ended up reading 21!
And with a few good books, I realized that I actually liked to read! I am still a slow reader, but I am getting better. 🙂 I also realized when I read books that I pick and enjoy, it’s not about how fast or slow I am. It’s really about enjoying the story and quiet time to myself.
To learn about the reading challenge I am doing this year, keep scrolling!
Why I am doing a reading challenge
To help me broaden my horizons a bit I decided to participate in the Goodreads reading challenge in 2017. You are supposed to read 52 books that fit into different genres and topics they choose. I didn’t make it very far…but I did read several books outside of my comfort zone!
I quickly realized that 52 books was more than I could handle and I frequently wanted to read books outside of the chosen prompts. This particular challenge was too restricting for me.
This year I decided to do a smaller reading challenge over on the Modern Mrs. Darcy blog. This challenge only has 12 prompts! It will still get me to read outside of my normal genres but I won’t feel like all the books I read this year have to fit into the challenge. That is the plan anyways!
How to make a reading challenge work for you
1. Commit to a reading challenge
There are tons of different challenges around the web. If you do a google or Pinterest search you’ll find several that may fit your interests. This article has a ton of options to choose from! Or you can just make up your own!
2. Choose good books
Like I mentioned above, one of the reasons I kept reading was because I actually liked what I was reading. I will often go to the Modern Mrs. Darcy site for recommendations and I don’t think she has steered me wrong yet! The important thing is to find someone with similar taste as you! I also learned that it’s totally ok to give up on a book if you are not into it. There are way too many good books out there to worry about finishing one you don’t like.
2. Make time to read
This will be unique to everyone, but I try to read a little bit each day. I read mostly on my kindle app
Another thing I do to fit in more reading is listen to audio books. You can get two free audiobooks just for trying out Audible
3. Keep track
I use goodreads to track my reading but you could use your bullet journal, Evernote, an Excel sheet or just a piece of paper! I find that it helps me to have a record to look back on and to recommend books to others.
4. Celebrate!
As with any goal it’s important to reward yourself!
12 books I chose for this year’s reading challenge
>> Make sure to bookmark this page because I will update this post as I read the books on this list.
- A classic you’ve been meaning to read:
- The Enchanted April
- Done! I struggle with reading classics. Between the language and style of writing, I am not used to reading classic books! But I am glad I chose to read this book. It was not too long and had an interesting story. I recommend this book if you are looking for a classic.
- The Enchanted April
- Book recommended by someone with great taste:
- Book in translation:
- A book nominated for an award in 2018:
- TBD
- Poetry, a play or essay collection:
- Book you can read in a day:
- Break the Twitch: A Practical Guide to Minimalism, Intentional Living & Doing More of What Matters
- Done! This was a great short read by the popular blogger of the same name, Break the Twitch. I could relate to much of what the author talks about when it comes to the habit of buying stuff I don’t need. Buying stuff we don’t need is becoming easier and easier with the advances in technology and we are developing the habit to impulsively buy instead of actually do.
- My favorite quote:
Your life is yours to edit in a way that reflects what matters most to you. What will your real first step be?
- More than 500 pages:
- The Truth According to Us: A Novel
- Done! I’ll be honest, I was happy when this book was finished! It was a good read, but I also just wanted to get on to the next book on my list and this one seemed to drag on at times. I don’t usally read books this long, so I am glad that this was part of the challenge!
- Book by a favorite author:
- The Love That Split the World
- Done! I loved this book just as much as the first book I read by Emily Henry. If you like magical realism then this is right up your alley!
- Recommendation from a librarian or indie bookseller:
- TBD
- Banned book:
- Memoir, biography, or book of creative nonfiction:
- Soulful Simplicity: How Living With Less Can Lead to So Much More
- Done! I really enjoyed this book! Let’s be real, I enjoy everything from Courtney Carver! Her approach to simplicity is so peaceful, heartfelt and slow. She emphasizes the journey so much more than the end result, which is so powerful. Although we do want things to be perfect right away, Courtney encourages a slow transition for a more sustained change in our life. I love that!
- More from Courtney:
- Book by an author of a different race, ethnicity, or religion than you:
See all the books I read this year on goodreads!
For More Great Books
Read this article: 10+ Popular Books That Will Inspire Simple Living and Minimalism
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Do you plan to read any books this year? Are you doing any kind of reading challenge?
I would love for you to share in the comments below. 🙂
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