It's the time of year when eager readers jump into reading challenges. I've been doing the Goodreads challenge for a few years now. Every year, my goal is to read and review 100 books. (I'm a fast reader!) Before I had my son, it was easy to achieve. Now that I have a kid, I include books I read with him. Children's authors deserve reviews too!
There are all sorts of different challenges. There are genre specific ones, ones that help you read more diversely, ones to read banned books, and ones to re-discover the classics. You can do a little from each one or just try to clear your TBR pile.
Yet there is one challenge I think everyone who loves to read should take on: getting other people to become readers. I see folks all the time just surfing the net on their phones or playing games, and they have not read a novel in their adult lives. 27% of the adult population didn't read a single book last year.
Reading books is much easier these days too. You can get apps for your phone and tablet, or you can listen to audiobooks. Many folks have a commute. What a perfect time to listen to a good story!
If talking excitedly about your favorite books to people doesn't work, tell them that reading helps increase brain function, sharpens focus, expands imagination, and reduces stress. People do sleep better if they read a little every day. Well, if they get hooked on the book and want to keep reading, they do lose sleep!
If we can all convince one non-reader to read a book this year, we all win.
You can tell them they don't even have to pay for a good read!
Thank you for your generosity.
ReplyDeleteI certainly read more than 100 books a year from a variety of genres, but I am lax about reviews. I will try and do better this year.
You're welcome! I try hard to make my reviews longer than a few lines. Sometimes I spend too much time trying to think of the right words to say too.
DeleteHi Christine - I don't read enough books, but I do read other types of material - articles etc. Incredible to think so many don't read. The thing I craved when I was with my mother ... was just brain space - I didn't need a phone, or a screen all the time - and in fact here I don't either ... I need to absorb, but also pay attention to the world around me - nature, preferably.
ReplyDeleteGetting someone to read would be of real benefit to them, and to their future and subsequent friends ... well thought - cheers Hilary
Thank you, Hilary. Oh yes, I just need to think and absorb too. Even after I got a phone, I don't have it in my hands all the time like most people I know.
DeleteI used to read around 60+ books a year, but I've had to cut back due to eye problems. Now I read around 30 or so, and I try to at least read an average of two books a month.
ReplyDeletePlus you stare at a computer a lot! :) 30 is still great.
DeleteI just finished reading Dark Dawning and Loved it!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathrina!
DeleteI'm a slow-slow reader so my Goodreads target is usually around 24 books per year. However, I passed that target in October, and then my disability brought the reading year to an end. When I was younger, I managed to read more.
ReplyDeleteFantastic that you passed your target! Thanks for stopping by, Roland. :)
DeleteI usually work on my TBR pile. Although, it only ever seems to grow, not shrink.
ReplyDeleteMine too!
Delete2016 was a pitiful year reading wise for me. Only 16 books, as opposed to a 52 book average. This year will be different.
ReplyDeleteYou can do it, Ellie! :)
DeleteYes, getting more readers is key! I'm always trying to make students discover a love of books.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful!
DeleteI need stress reduction. I really enjoyed the first in your Totem series. Looking forward to more. I read everyday at bedtime, usually, and try to get a few pages in at lunch.
ReplyDeleteI read at bedtime too. Just let my body relax. And thank you!
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