Let’s talk about reading challenges, Part 1.
For someone who considers themselves to be an avid reader, before 2023 I had never considered opting in to a yearly reading challenge.
Then on January 1st 2023 I remember doing some self reflection on what I had read that previous year. The amount of new books that I had actually completed was surprisingly low.
So I logged into the Goodreads account I had long since abandoned, and set myself an easy challenge. Just 20 books for the entire year.
The first book I finished was on January 6th 2023, the 20th book I finished was on December 12th 2023. Surprising no-one, they were both Terry Pratchett books. But my hunger for reading was back, I wanted more.
And so began 2024. This year I was going to try and double the challenge, 40 books for the year. Now, for people like my Sister-In-Law “R” that was an absolute breeze (the woman practically inhales books), but for me? Last year I only just made the deadline for 20, was 40 realistic?
The first book I finished was Scythe by Neal Shusterman (Magnificent by the way, the Arc Of The Scythe has become my latest comfort series) on January 7th 2024.
The last book I finished was Klaus by Grant Morrison (Definitely worth picking up for the holidays) on December 26th 2024. That book was the 45th book I had read that year. Target smashed.
And now we are firmly in 2025. This year I am taking a different tact. I found that in 2024, whilst it was wonderful to read so many different books, I didn’t feel like I had the time to re-read some of the old favorites. So this year I am taking the challenge back down to 20 books to allow myself the space to indulge.
At current standing I have read six new books this year and re-read several firm favorites.