In 2023, I first took up Blogchatter’s Reading Challenge to read more books and this year too I have urged myself to continue to challenge myself to read more books for #TBR2024. As part of the prompt I will share today my Reading Goals and Resolutions for 2024. BUt let me first answer a very imperative question.
Why take up a Reading Challenge?
Arguably you might ask me why I need to join a Reading Challenge and not just pick any book at my pace and of my liking.Here are some facts that I observed after I took up the 2023 Reading Challenge and these helped me make up my mind to join the Blog wagon for 2024.
Giving the habit of Reading a new lease of life
With the advent of OTT, I had observed that my earlier habit of reading books had taken a back seat. I believe that reading and traveling are two things that enrich us a lot and give us a more wholesome view of the world and its people. The goal for 2023 was a very doable 7 books in a year but given my Father’s terminal illness I was sceptical that I would even be close that small target.Fortunately, I surpassed the reading goal of 7 books and ended up reading more than 25 books.How did that happen, you will learn further into this post.
A big help to my Emotional Health
Luckily books in 2023 became my escape and also many of them helped me get through the tough parts of life, boosting my morale and giving me a more positive outlook.While some of them were detective stories that were highly engrossing others were philosophical and spiritual that dealt with in depth studies of human emotions and misery and how to overcome them.
Exploring New Authors and Genres
After taking up a reading challenge , one is forced to comply with the reading prompts and that included listening to an audio book .The idea of listening to a book in someone else’s voice and at their pace was not something I was open to.To me reading was a very personal experience , where I could read as I wished, sitting in a corner by myself letting my imagination paint pictures. An Audio book challenged those very notions and broke some self imposed barriers.And yetI feel I would prefer this medium only for books that are factual or deal with philosophy. Rest I would still prefer to read only in the kindle or paper format.
Let me know how you feel about Audio books!
Furthermore as part of the #TBRChallenge I was introduced to more authors like Arunoday Singh (poetry),Tashan Mehta (Fantasy Fiction), Annie Ernaux ( Autobiographical Women’s literature ) etc. and I was glad that I read their works.
Improved Writing skills
Understandably , the Reading challenge included writing about the books we read , book discussions and also reading the book reviews of fellow writers.Through reading the works of accomplished writers, I also learnt to write better book reviews and even got inspired to pen a small poem.
This reading exchange also exposed me to different new authors and I discovered some great books that might figure in my #TBRChallenge for 2024. Such a win-win situation!
Reading Goals and Resolutions for 2024
As explained in my previous post , I will not be taking any resolves on 2024 , but I would definitely have some goals that will include reading one book every month so a total of 12 books a year with the #TBRChallenge pushing us to explore different genres, different writing styles and interesting prompts , I look forward to this enriching and exciting journey
(“I’m participating in the #TBRChallenge by Blogchatter)
” This post is also a part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile ”
Books That I read for #TBRChallenge in 2023
1.A Few Right Thinking Men | Sulari Gentill | Book Review
2.Traitors Gate by Jeffrey Archer – The William Warwick series | Book Review
3.Saint Richard Parker by Merlin Franco | Book Review
4. Book review: Mad Sisters of Esi by Tashan Mehta
5.Unbroken:The Untold Story | Indrani Mukerjea | Book Review
6.A Little Life | Book Review | Hanya Yanagihara
7. The Ex Factor |Harini Srinivasan| Book Review
8. The Mysterious affair at Styles | Agatha Christie | Book Review
9. The Psychology of Money : Unraveling the Mystery Behind Our Financial Behaviors
10. Medical Maladies | Haris Qadeer | Book Review
11. The Great Indian Tamasha ; Adventures of A Wedding Planner by Rasika Bhatia
12. Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie
13. The Fire Ants Sting : Desire Diaries
14 Unsung : Poems by Arunoday Singh
15.Happening by Annie Ernaux : Book Review
16. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
Visit my Goodreads profile to check out my ratings and reviews of many other books.
All the best for your goals, Preeti. I surpassed mine last year, I had made plans of 24, ended up with 50 plus. And watched equal number of series and movies on OTT, but then I did little else last year. I plan to do almost the same number of books this year, and perhaps less of OTT and get back to useful work instead.
I have developed a liking for audio books and podcasts, if read out correct, it’s almost like a movie running in your head. I normally listen to them during my park time, when I am not disturbed by bells and kitchen sounds and more.
I absolutely agree with you. Keeping a reading goal has helped me to prioritize my reading too. I hope you read more wonderful books in 2024!
Good luck Priti. I agree reading challenges push you to try new things and most importantly to be consistent with your reading. I was skeptical about audio books like you but now I enjoy them on my walks or when I’m doing mindless chores. I have developed quite a taste for them.
Reading opens up new worlds to us and three cheers to your decision to pursue this hobby with great passion.
Thank you Sir!
Hugs and strength to you for the tough times in your life 💓🫂
I’m glad you found solace in the books and through reading
I too shy away from reading challenges and have taken up four of them this year. Let’s see how it goes. 🤞
Because I found it taxing to finish 100 or 70 or 40 books a year, I reduced my expected number to 25 thinking I can just read 2 books a year. But I’m already on my 5th book. So wondering if 30 would be a better number.
I am just taking it slow Cindy.Last year I read “A little life ” which was more than 700 pages long and took me almost 3 months to complete.
I’m a big fan of discipline and I love that you’re talking about the discipline that can be included in even a hobby especially one that’s this important and involves all the things you mentioned. You’re right, visual content because of OTTs has taken over so much of most of our time. All our screen-times are higher and I think it’s great to have a healthy mindset about working to improve what you consume through the day content wise. Love that you spoke about this!
I initially never liked audiobooks, but now they’re my go to!! I’m listening to something all the time. Often it might not be a new book, it can just be a re-read (or re-listen) I guess of an old favourite!
I reduced my number of books resolution for this year. I’d rather enjoy the books I read than worry about how many I read. Hope you have a great year!
Wishing you all the best, Preeti for your reading goals. Hoping to see you knock it out of the park.
I am really bad at updating lists and I finished my reading Goals but forgot to update the list .That happened two years in a row .But this year I am determined to do that too.I like audiobooks when I have to do housework stuff but other times it’s ebooks and paperback too.I also created my own audiobook and it’s free on YouTube.A kind of experiment you can say.It was fun making it .
Reading is a great habit and for writers, it is something that inspires us. May you reach your reading and writing goals. Wish you a happy New Year 2024.
It’s great that you are keeping up/ running ahead on the reading goals! My best wishes to you for this year!
good luck for your resolutions and i love audiobooks. Narrators make a huge difference while reading audiobooks and thereading experience.
Your commitment to reading challenges and your reflections on the impact of such challenges are inspiring. It’s evident that the reading challenge not only revived your reading habit but also became a source of solace during challenging times. The exploration of new authors and genres, including the acceptance of audiobooks, showcases the versatility and growth in your reading journey. It’s commendable how the challenge not only enriched your emotional health but also contributed to improved writing skills through discussions and book reviews. Wishing you a fulfilling and enriching reading experience in 2024 with the #TBRChallenge!
Thank you Jaideep ji
Good luck with goals. I also enjoy participating in yearly TBR challenge.
Good luck with your reading goals. I liked the books you read in ’23 and found a few books I would like to read too 🙂
I resonated with every word you’ve written. If expectations are handled correctly, reading challenges can be such a help. All the best to you for all your reading challenges!
I am all for reading challenges. They are a great way to explore new genres, and I am often left pleasantly surprised. I took a break from them for a couple of years and realized I ended up reading the same kind of books. As for audiobooks, they have been a lifesaver for me. The only way I read most of 2023. Wishing you an excellent reading year!
Thank you Ritu.I think reading challenges are game changers.