I've never been interested in any formal reading challenge, at least ones developed by other people. I read a ton, so I don't feel like I need a challenge to motivate me to read more, though I absolutely see the value in terms of broadening one's diversity of titles, authors, and genres.
I have, however, done what you're doing -- pulled a stack of books I own that I haven't gotten around to for whatever reason and tried to work through them in a given year. (To be clear, I only do this when I feel like it, so it's not an every-year thing.) It has been a fun way to remember what I own (somehow I forget even though I can see the spines there on the shelf?) and work through them. I keep it casual -- I don't write anything down, I just put the stack somewhere where the titles will stay together and I know what they are, and then when I am looking for my next read, I consult that pile and read one of those books if I feel like it. I've never had a year where I finished the whole stack but that's okay -- I've discovered some gems right beneath my nose (and discarded ones that didn't do it for me that have been on my shelves for years).
I wasn't planning on doing my own little made-up challenge for 2022 but you've inspired me!
I'm glad I inspired you. I've only been successful that very first reading challenge that I did. I let bright, shiny new covers get in my way most of the time. I'm going to try to be a little more diligent in my reading for 2022 to meet some goals that I have set for myself. That's a good idea to keep the physical stack of books in your sight. I do so much reading on my kindle, that is why I created a GR shelf. Happy New Year!
Ah, I never thought of how challenging (no pun intended) something like this would be if you use a Kindle. (I am not a fan of e-readers for myself at all; they are just not for my brain.) If you end up making a list, I’d love to see it!
An ever growing column of new/old/borrowed/fostered-upon books tilting on a dresser greets me every morning and already burdening the day with unachieved accomplishments. But I think the beat the backlist challenge may just be the kick in the pants. A wonderful of the year gift!
I love backlist challenges. I'm attaching a link to Whitney Conard's 2022 Unread Shelf Project. She hadn't released it when I wrote this newsletter, but it's available now and it might go along with what you want to do with your backlist challenge. I'm spending some time with it this weekend myself.
I reserve the first week of the new year for "resolutions" to become a plan. Somewhere deep inside that will include a reading and media goal. I am thankful for this Newsletter to give some inspiration to that plan. I thank you for that.
What a great way to start 2022--with a reading challenge! My challenge would be to simply read more for leisure as I spend too much time reading scary news stories or poring through recipes and food columns for my next post. The Reading Women Challenge is the one that stands out for me. I like the idea of reading authors whose life experience, subject and point of view is different than my own. Thanks for this excellent compendium and for all your columns!
I was sad to see The Reading Women Podcast end, that was one of my favorites, but the reading challenges live on. Glad you found one that might work for you. I agree, I don't like the scary news stories, that's why I read more books than news. Happy New Year!
I love the variety of so many different reading challenges. For all the romance book readers out there, check out the She Reads Romance Books Romance Book Reading Challenge that is hosted every year: https://www.shereadsromancebooks.com/reading-challenge-2022/
Interesting.
I've never been interested in any formal reading challenge, at least ones developed by other people. I read a ton, so I don't feel like I need a challenge to motivate me to read more, though I absolutely see the value in terms of broadening one's diversity of titles, authors, and genres.
I have, however, done what you're doing -- pulled a stack of books I own that I haven't gotten around to for whatever reason and tried to work through them in a given year. (To be clear, I only do this when I feel like it, so it's not an every-year thing.) It has been a fun way to remember what I own (somehow I forget even though I can see the spines there on the shelf?) and work through them. I keep it casual -- I don't write anything down, I just put the stack somewhere where the titles will stay together and I know what they are, and then when I am looking for my next read, I consult that pile and read one of those books if I feel like it. I've never had a year where I finished the whole stack but that's okay -- I've discovered some gems right beneath my nose (and discarded ones that didn't do it for me that have been on my shelves for years).
I wasn't planning on doing my own little made-up challenge for 2022 but you've inspired me!
I'm glad I inspired you. I've only been successful that very first reading challenge that I did. I let bright, shiny new covers get in my way most of the time. I'm going to try to be a little more diligent in my reading for 2022 to meet some goals that I have set for myself. That's a good idea to keep the physical stack of books in your sight. I do so much reading on my kindle, that is why I created a GR shelf. Happy New Year!
Ah, I never thought of how challenging (no pun intended) something like this would be if you use a Kindle. (I am not a fan of e-readers for myself at all; they are just not for my brain.) If you end up making a list, I’d love to see it!
An ever growing column of new/old/borrowed/fostered-upon books tilting on a dresser greets me every morning and already burdening the day with unachieved accomplishments. But I think the beat the backlist challenge may just be the kick in the pants. A wonderful of the year gift!
I love backlist challenges. I'm attaching a link to Whitney Conard's 2022 Unread Shelf Project. She hadn't released it when I wrote this newsletter, but it's available now and it might go along with what you want to do with your backlist challenge. I'm spending some time with it this weekend myself.
https://www.theunreadshelf.com/email-list-signup
I'll never clear my backlist! 😂 My challenge is just to read more!
I will never clear my backlist either, but it is fun trying to. Thanks for being here. :)
I reserve the first week of the new year for "resolutions" to become a plan. Somewhere deep inside that will include a reading and media goal. I am thankful for this Newsletter to give some inspiration to that plan. I thank you for that.
Thanks Mark. I hope next year proves to be a great reading year for you. Happy New Year!
Thanks as always. I need all the help I can get
You're welcome Pat. Happy New Year!
What a great way to start 2022--with a reading challenge! My challenge would be to simply read more for leisure as I spend too much time reading scary news stories or poring through recipes and food columns for my next post. The Reading Women Challenge is the one that stands out for me. I like the idea of reading authors whose life experience, subject and point of view is different than my own. Thanks for this excellent compendium and for all your columns!
I was sad to see The Reading Women Podcast end, that was one of my favorites, but the reading challenges live on. Glad you found one that might work for you. I agree, I don't like the scary news stories, that's why I read more books than news. Happy New Year!
You too?
I meant !
I love the variety of so many different reading challenges. For all the romance book readers out there, check out the She Reads Romance Books Romance Book Reading Challenge that is hosted every year: https://www.shereadsromancebooks.com/reading-challenge-2022/