New year, new start to your reading goals
Every January I begin the year by starting an ambitious new reading goal on Goodreads and I'd love for you to join me! This year I've set a 52-week reading goal to shake up your reading list. But, before we get to the list, let's look back at the past few years' challenges for a moment:
2017 Goodreads Reading Challenge 50 books
- Books actually completed: 40 (I'll take it).
2018 Goodreads Reading Challenge 50 books + atleast 50% by female authors
- Books actually completed: 21 🤷
2019 Goodreads Reading Challenge 52 books + atleast 50% by female authors
- Books actually completed: 12 🙄
Yes, you read that right. Despite a productive start each year, I've yet to complete one of my lofty challenges all the way through because life + work has kept me busy. However, I am pleased to say that I've kept to my goal of making sure atleast 50% of my chosen reads are by female authors. <<--- a goal I plan to repeat each year.
So you must be wondering why on earth I would set a challenge this big when I just can't seem to reach the finish line each year?
Because it's fun! And it's ok if I don't make it through this list. It's ok if you don't make it through. If you told me you "only" end up reading 20 books, or 10, or even 5, I'd high-five you because that is pretty awesome, regardless of what your goal is. Let's do this!
What are you in for?
52 weeks. 52 books. Tracked on Goodreads.com. Don't worry about checking these off in order (because I'm definitely not going to). Instead, check these off each week in order of your own preference, choosing reads that challenge you or simply shake up your interests. It's a great way to get through that ever-growing TBR pile that I know you all have stacked on your bookshelves, nightstands, coffee tables, Kindle, and even in your Audible account -- audiobooks totally count! Just as I did in previous years, I'll be aiming to make sure that atleast 50% of the books I read + listen to are by female authors.
I'll be checking in every now and then to update you on what reads I've accomplished and, as always, give you a candid review of what I thought of each book. Have any favorite reads you'd like to suggest? I'm all ears! Send me your recommendations and share your thoughts in the comments.
Whip & Wander Goodreads Reading Challenge
Click here for a printable version
Leslie says
As I read the goal list, I could think of a book in almost every category that I'd like to read. Now, to get down to doing it!
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
I haven't read a book in a long time. I think this year is a great time to start reading again.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
A great way to inspire some interesting reads!
Jordan | Read. Eat. Repeat. says
Pinning to save for sure! I love all the categories in this challenge and I love your ambition in pushing yourself to read more books than ever before. How many are you up to so far this year?
Amber says
This is a great goal! I already know there is no way I could complete it but maybe one a month and love the challenge ideas.
Kristin B Cook says
Wow! That's a pretty intense reading challenge, but I definitely appreciate a good reading challenge since I am trying to read more. Right now I am reading The Gospel Comes with a Housekey! It's so good!
Cammeo Murray says
I love this challenge!! It makes it so easy how you broke it down by categories 👍
Lorilea says
What a super fun challenge!! Great ideas in looking for new books to keep your mind set! Thank you for the great insight and read!
Autumn (Biscotti and a Ph.D.) says
Yay, I love a reading challenge. I'm an English teacher and it's horrible how bad I am at reading in my spare time. I love how that list makes it a challenge in a fun way!
Whip & Wander says
I can totally understand how it would be hard to make time for leisure reading when you're constantly reading for work. I hope you give this challenge a try!
Julie says
Love this reading challenge. I've challenged myself to read 40 business/self-development books this year. Three down, many more to fo! 🙂
Whip & Wander says
That is a fantastic goal! Do you have any plans to break those reads up with a novel or two along the way?
Becca Wilson says
I did not hardly read as much as I wanted to last year. i have not read a single book yet this year either.
Whip & Wander says
I am already behind on my goal, but that's ok. It's for fun! I hope you are able to read a few fun ones this year too!
Marina says
I want to read 15/20 books this year. I've just finisehd the first one.
Hope to reach my goal, will let you know! x
Whip & Wander says
That's an awesome goal and a nice start for the year!
Shannah says
I love that challenge list it is a great variety! Although I can only do about 1 book maybe 2 a month. Thanks for sharing!
Whip & Wander says
1-2 a month is nothing to scoff at - nice job! I hope you enjoy your reading this year!
Erin @ Platings and Pairings says
What a fun reading challenge!!! I love this motivation to pick up a good book!
Amber Battishill says
This is such perfect timing as I'm looking to read more and find some more books to read this year! Such a fun challenge!
Marta Rivera says
I LOVE that you've created a list that's not necessarily titles, but gives you suggestions on what titles to check.
Whip & Wander says
I chose to organize it that way so that people had some flexibility with their reading, but were also encouraged to pick up something they may not usually consider.
Sheila Rhodes says
I love this idea and printed off your printable, I'm not sure how well I will do, but I am going to give it a valiant try!
Whip & Wander says
I'm so glad to hear that you're giving it a go! Good luck with your goals and I hope you have a blast with it!
Holly Davis says
How fun! I love a good reading challenge! Can't wait to see what you accomplish!
Maggie Unzueta says
Wow..reading is really fun! I can't wait to see you complete our challenge. Good luck!
Jackie says
This is a great idea and would get my hands off my phone!!!