Reading Challenge
After the first of the year, I saw a Facebook page where readers talked about taking on a reading challenge. Some determined they could read sixty to one hundred books in 2022. I went, yikes! That’s a whole lotta books to read in one year.
I belong to a book club where we read a book a month. That’s twelve. I read other books, but honestly, I don’t count them. I don’t even keep track of which ones I read. I just read.
I love submerging myself in a book and feeling great when I’m through. I read to discover a great story, a character to fall in love with, a character’s growth. I like happy endings. I like the mystery solved.
Do you keep track and count how many books you read in a year?
Fiction vs. Non-fiction
Do you only read fiction books? I mostly do; however, a few non-fictions find themselves in the book club pile, like biographies. I’ve been diving into World War Two books, a lot of them about female spies. I finished one about Cary Grant (oh, so handsome) and, most recently, another about Bette Davis. They were long and filled with facts. Took me forever, but I finished.
Do you read non-fiction books?
Are Literary Books Your Thing?
I’ll answer this one right away – can be a no. Early in book club, we read the latest and greatest literary books. One was touted on Oprah. We hated that book. All the characters were miserable all the time, and we saw little character growth. Another book I didn’t even finish, and I always finish every book I start, but not that one. Book club set up a third category entitled Classics. For example, we will be reading F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Beautiful and Damned in March. I’ve read The Great Gatsby THREE times and won’t be revisiting it again. Maybe never.
Are classics considered literary books?
Bestsellers and/or the Unknown
Do you only read books written by best-selling authors? I would have said yes a long time ago, especially in mystery and romance. With the advent of self-publishing, many authors publish their books. I have found really great writers who the top publishers would have never published. It’s almost scary to think there are greats out there who might have been missed. And if I have enjoyed the book, I tell friends.
Have you discovered new authors who aren’t on the NYTimes best-selling list?
How about taking a dive into my romantic comedy mysteries for laughs, romance, and full of possibilities:
E-book: https://www.amazon.com/Temporarily-Luck-Hattie-Cooks-Mystery-ebook/dp/B08T7YSSRJ/
Barnes and Noble NOOK eBook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/temporarily-out-of-luck-vicki-batman/1138678100?ean=2940162304227/
Barnes and Noble Paperback: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/temporarily-out-of-luck-vicki-batman/1138678100?ean=9781509233373/
The Book Depository Paperback: https://www.bookdepository.com/Temporarily-Out-Of-Luck-Vicki-Batman/9781509233373/
BAM! Books-A-Million Paperback: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Temporarily-Out-Luck/Vicki-Batman/9781509233373/
Google Play eBook: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Vicki_Batman_Temporarily_Out_Of_Luck?id=7hEeEAAAQBAJ/
Kobo eBook: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/temporarily-out-of-luck/
Waterstones Paperback: https://www.waterstones.com/book/temporarily-out-of-luck/vicki-batman/9781509233373/
Target Print: https://www.target.com/p/temporarily-out-of-luck-a-hattie-cooks-mystery-by-vicki-batman-paperback/-/A-83285527#lnk=sametab
-This story will have you laughing half the time and holding your breath the other half. I wish Hattie Cooks was my best friend. That’s why this book gets five ***** stars.
– I loved this book because the characters are so well written. It’s funny, full of mystery and love.
Word by Word 
Reblogged this on Vicki Batman – sassy writer of funny fiction.
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I read a mixture of fiction and nonfiction, mostly spiritually themed or romance. Great post!
Good luck and God’s blessings
PamT
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Hi, Pam! I read mystery and romance. Joining book club had me reading other kinds of books I wouldn’t ordinarily do. Some I’ve liked. Some not at all. But that’s okay. Getting out of my comfort zone has been good for me.
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Hey, Vicki. What a great post with lots of great questions. I have a bias towards fiction and fiction with an HEA. The world is tough enough, I want to read uplifting stuff. Now I do read what our family calls “real books,” a term my husband coined when I was a young mom reading nothing but Emily Loring romances. LOL So those real books for me are usually current day looks at what’s going on in the world of politics and government. For the HEA books, I prefer older characters and not those in their 20s. I’ve never needed to read NYT best-selling authors. I totally agree with you that indie publishing has allowed books to be born and share with others that the big 5 wouldn’t let in because they never want to take chances. I get it. They are after making money. Thanks for such an intriguing post. I’ve shared. 🙂
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Hi, Marsha! I am THRILLEd to know you read Emilie Loring books. That is what transitioned me from kid to adult reading. I LOVE them and have all in first editions.
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Wow, Vicki. That’s awesome you have all the first additions. I’m blown away by that. I gave my copies (not first additions) several moves ago. But, yeah, they were just great reads.:)
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I admit I read at one author from the NYT list, but I’ve fallen in love with the independent writers. I also prefer fiction, but my love of history and historical events will get me lost in nonfiction.
I don’t really keep track of how many books I’ve read, but, since finding the independent authors,on social media, I’ve been reading more.
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Hi, Charlotte! So loverly to see you here. I read some NYT authors, but have moved to others, too. Just think what the world could have missed if we didn’t have our indies. If you are interested in one of mine, I’d be happy to share. 🙂
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I love people books! In my book club, we take turns choosing books, so that gets me out of my comfort zone. We read everything from literary fiction to mysteries, women’s fiction to science fiction, and the occasional non-fiction. I try to post what I read on Goodreads or Instagram to help me keep track, but I don’t set reading goals. I read and write as much as I can!
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I agree with you, Darlene. And reading to get out of my comfort zone is good for me.
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