Do You Reading Challenge?
I’ve set the goal of 60 books to read this year, which, I feel is manageable without having to actively think about it. I’ve seen on Tik Tok people finishing 100’s of books in a year and I have no interest in competing or choosing books that don’t challenge me. If I don’t reach 60 then that’s no bother, I’d rather read 30 books that leave a lasting impact on my journey than 60 substandard.
For as long as I can remember I have set myself reading goals, some specific and some much broader. I’ve always found that having some structure to my reading helps me to move at a steady pace. It also stops me from falling into a no read spiral. I read an article recently about Goodreads and their reading challenge, it spoke about how some might not approve of doing a reading challenge. Because, you know, everyone has an opinion on everything you do these days. But if it suits you then do it, if it gives encouragement crack on. If however it makes you feel anxious and stressed then it’s clearly not for you.
Here are some things that I’ve enjoyed about my reading challenge or challenges that I’ve set myself.
As I previously said I always set myself the goal of around 60 books, I find this is an easy do-able number if I always have a book on the go, most of my reads are between 300-400 pages. But if I pick up much heftier reads then I know my book count will be less. I’m not an overly competitive person so it doesn’t bother me if I don’t hit the goal, it’s personal anyway. Pretty sure no one on Decemeber the 31st is going to check whether or not I read how much I wanted to! It’s quality books rather than quantity after all.
I love story graph for making it super clear to me what I have been reading, for example if I have read 3 slow paced books in a row i’ll choose something much faster for my next read, similarly if it’s an emotional, dark or centred around a particular theme then I’ll avoid that for the next few. I hate repetition and when reading the same genres then cliches can arise.
This year I would like to read more male authors, I read a substack by Emma Gannon about her quest to read more male authors and I looked back at my reading list and I don’t think I’ve read more than 3 male authors this year! I plan on reading 5/6 more male authors this year. Let me know if you have any suggestions!
Finally I always have a small plan of my next read, so I know when I finish one book 2 others that are available to me to start choosing whichever takes my fancy. I hate having the gap between books, it makes me feel like i’m wasting time and then I can easily feel too much pressure on what to read next. I know it sounds silly, but that is just the way my mind works!
I think the biggest take out is to challenge yourself but don’t put pressure to read everything. Only read what you will enjoy, not books that will help you reach a bigger number. Any top tips you have?