"You read how many books?!" Goodreads - one of my favorite apps that I've ever downloaded - has an annual reading challenge. In the past, I've participated and enjoyed it. Last year, though, it was a bit tougher on me mentally as the months started getting colder and the number of books I'd read was still less than half of what I'd planned. While the Goodreads challenge is something that many people look forward to, I decided to explain in this episode why I'm not participating this year (2022). In addition, I talk about points brought forth by others before me and commentate on their opinions regarding Goodreads' annual reading challenge.

If you want to challenge yourself but don't want to attach a total number, there are other options! In the last half of this episode, I talk about some other the alternatives to a numbered challenge for the year. Whether you're a solo reader or enjoy discussions with others, there are alternate options for everyone!

References

Beck, J. (2019, June 6). The adults who treat reading like homework: No one's making them try to read 100 books a year. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2019/06/do-people-finish-their-goodreads-reading-challenges/591184/

Feathers, K. (2020, October 20). The ultimate problem with reading challenges: And how to make them healthy. Books Are Our Superpower. https://baos.pub/the-ultimate-problem-with-reading-challenges-1ed7663c029b

Kath. (2021, December 29). Why I'm setting a lower reading goal next year. Book(ish) Podcast. https://www.bookishpodcast.co.uk/blog/why-im-setting-a-lower-reading-goal-next-yearnbsp

(Instagram: @wearebookishpod and @bookishkath)

Packer, K. (2019, September 18). Why my Goodreads book challenge makes me sad. Book Riot. https://bookriot.com/why-my-goodreads-book-challenge-makes-me-sad/