As a writer, you would THINK that I read constantly. And I do. My own words. Over and over and over again. But that’s really not the same thing as reading. That’s critiquing.
Even before I started writing, I was never an avid reader. Sure, I read books, but I didn’t devour them one after the other. I’d maybe read a couple of books in a year. *gasp. I know. I know. Then, when I started writing, the reading, ironically picked up. I was introduced to more authors, saw more covers, etc. but still, I wasn’t what I’d call a rapid reader.
Every year, around this time, I see people posting their reading challenges, that are often in the HUNDREDS! Knowing I couldn’t pull off a goal that lofty, I started to wonder if maybe a smaller challenge might more my speed. Then I saw this challenge posted on Facebook.
Twelve books in one year? That felt achievable. And probably the most books I’ve read in a year in a long while. So, I sat down with my TBR pile and I made a list of not only 12 books I want to read, but also 12 books on the craft of writing that I want to read, so that’s really 24 books in a year… That might be a little harder. But I’m up for it! (This is my January optimism talking.)
So, what are the 12 books I want to read?
January: You Love Me. This was a book I started back in August, and well, life got in the way of reading. So I decided this was the month to finish it out. I’d already read books 1 and 2 (which are really different from the Netflix series if you haven’t read them.) Book 2 in the series was pretty weak if I’m being honest. The Netflix series did a better job because they changed a LOT of the book, so I was worried Book 3 would be more of the same, but she shook off the cobwebs of that second book slump and really came through with another winner. I have NO idea how the TV series will tackle this as they have spun off in a whole new direction, but I’m here for it.
February and March: Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I’m counting this as two months because there are technically 2 books and the things are MASSIVE. It’s also non-fiction, so it will be a little slower to read, me thinks. But I’m excited for it. I’ve already started book 1!
April: Alien’s Captive by Tina Moss. This is an author friend and it will be my first alien book! I know it’s a super hot trend now so totally curious to see what the hype is about!
May: The Damage by Caitlin Wahrer. I got this book from the author herself when we were both at a book signing in Boothbay earlier this summer. We were sat next to each other and spent the afternoon talking shop and swapping books. I gave her a copy of Girl on Fire. 🙂
June: Her Captive Dragon by Marianne Morea. Another author pal and another first for me. I’ve never done this sort of a shifter book either. Whole new worlds are about to be opened to me!
July: On Harbor’s Edge by Kate Hotchkiss. I got this book in another author signing swap! I get a lot of books this way actually. When two authors sit next to each other at a signing, it is inevitable that the conversation goes to books, writing, craft, and ultimately a swap is in order! She got a copy of Girl on Fire too!
August: Wait with Me by Amy Daws. This one has been on my Kindle for YEARS. Literal YEARS because, well, I suck. I have bumped it up the list though because when this book came out there was a LOT of talk about it. I’m excited to dive in.
September: Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan. I think this is the only John Green novel I haven’t read yet. I got this book for myself as a Christmas gift and I know I’ll love it. Because, well, it’s John Green.
October: Burning for her Kiss by Sherri Hayes. Another author friend and only my second book of hers. Now, I’ll point out that yes, there are four man-chest covers on this list, but each book is a different genre, so I’m broadening my horizons. 😉
November: A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 1) by Sarah J. Maas. I have succumbed to BookTok pressure and will read book 1 to see what the hype is all about.
December: Verity by Colleen Hoover. I have heard this book is messed up, so why not finish out the year with something twisted?
That’s it. That’s my pleasure reading challenge for the year. I won’t bore you with the craft list. Do YOU do a reading challenge? If so, how many books are you attempting? I’ll keep you updated over the next year to let you know if I’m meeting my goals or not!
Until next week, happy reading!
Danielle Bannister, Author 
Hey Danielle! What a great eclectic reading list! I’ll have to ‘steal’ some of your ideas here.
I’d like to say I have a reading/book plan, but I don’t. I get books on Kindle and read the ones I don’t have to pay more for. I read ‘potato chip’ stories in romance and cozy mysteries because reading is my addiction. I also read YA and juvenile books because I want to keep up my education in that field. I am embarrassed to say that Kindle tells me I’ve read at least 175 Kindle books a year for the past 4 years… but then again, I do work in a library so I kinda have to be avid…
Thanks for your blogging. I don’t often comment, but I read you!!
~smiles,
Shari
I love ‘potato chip’ stories! There is NOTHING wrong with a little escapism, and romance, well, that is RIGHT up my alley! I love anything that has some swoon moments in it! Thanks for reading the blog!!! 🙂