I’m not one of those book bloggers who signs up for a million challenges so if you’re looking for that post, close this now. I get a lot of my books dictated to me by my book club, about 21 of those I read a year come from this. The others are mostly audiobooks and a few from my ever-growing shelf. I do enjoy a challenge of picking those books that are in my control and trying to expand my horizons. Thusly, I’ve chosen two challenges; one to push my reading and one to push my horizons.
Challenge 1: Goodreads reading challenge of 45 books in 2016.
I challenged myself to 50 books in 2015 and came in at 57. Not bad. However, for half of the year, I had 90 minutes of commute daily when I would listen to audiobooks. That has come down to 20 minutes. It makes for a lot happier worker, but a lot less audio listening. I think decreasing my goal number is realistic because of this change. I suspect I’ll still make it, but I don’t want to push myself too hard. I want to be able to enjoy my books in December next year.
Challenge 2: When Are You Reading? Challenge
I host this one because I enjoy it more and more each year. The challenge is to read a book from 12 different time periods. You can find the time periods defined on the linked page. It’s not exactly a historical fiction challenge because reading books published in the time period count toward fulfillment and one of the time periods is ‘the future.’ I’ve enjoyed reading books on my shelf from the 1600s that I probably would have pushed off a bit longer if not for the challenge. I’m excited for year 3 and loving the image my husband created for this year. Isn’t it great? Let me know if you’re interested in participating, I’d love to have more people on the journey with me.
What are your challenges this year? What boundaries are you pushing with your choices? I’d love to discuss this with you in the comments below.
Until next time, write on.
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Taking On a World of Words 
That when are you reading challenge actually sounds interesting! I’m just doing the Classics challenge this year which is when you just read one classic a month. A Goodreads challenge is a little too much pressure for me!
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Thanks! If you’re interested in joining, we’d love to have you. Good luck with your classics challenge!
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I’m doing 3. The #Woolfalong, so I can finally tackle some Virginia Woolf! Then 2 of my own Reading Ireland Month in March and my usual 20 Books of Summer. A lot of what I have to read doesn’t fit with challenges so there are some I just can’t do! Good luck with yours.
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I like reading with my book club so I tend to stay away from a lot of challenges but When Are You Reading is a favorite. Good luck with your challenges, Cathy!
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I’m aiming to read 75 books again this year (admittedly, four or five of the “books” listed on GR for last year are short stories, but at the rate I’m going right now, I think I should be able to reach it again. I’m also doing the Australian Women Writer’s Challenge, with a goal to read and review at least 12 books by Australian women, with an emphasis on Indigenous and LGBTI* writers. I’ve already read two, so I shouldn’t find this one too hard either, hopefully.
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That’s an awesome goal! Good luck. I always try to read books that relate back to my home Michigan USA. It’s fun to read about places you’ve been. Happy reading.
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Last year I challenged myself to read more classics but didn’t do very well so may resurrect that. I also like the New to U challenge where you try authors you’ve never read before. I had a lot more success with that. Hope your challenges go well 🙂
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I love reading new authors so much that I find it hard to read a second book by an author I liked LOL. Best of luck with your challenges!
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