It's that time of year again! I created a reading challenge last year, and I'm doing it again this year. (To view last year's challenge, go here [link]. Or just jump in with this year's challenge.)
Every book lover looks forward to summer for one reason: time to read.
Reading by the pool.
Reading on the plane.
Reading on a beach.
Reading in a hammock.
Wherever you choose to read, I want to give you a list to work through this summer.
So, without further ado . . . THE CHALLENGE:
1. A book with an underwater scene on the cover
2. A book with thorns on the cover
3. A book with a sword on the cover
4. A fad book you missed in its time
5. A book your friends have been trying to get you to read for years
6. A comic book, graphic novel, or Manga
7. A trend-setter book
8. A classic you didn't read in high school
9. Reread a classic you did read in high school
10. A book whose protagonist is extremely different than you
Most of these are self explanatory, but just in case, I wanted to explain numbers 4, 7, and 10.
4. A fad book you missed in its time.
That's right. If you missed reading The Hunger Games when they were really big way back in my middle school years, now is your chance to read them without dealing with the guilt of missing the train! Why won't there be any guilt? Because I provided a way for this in the challenge. Blame me if you must.
7. A trend-setter book.
Again, this is your chance to read a book that drastically changed the tide of literature. In much the same way that The Hunger Games started a trend of dystopian YA, find another book that did that and took over the market. While I don't recommend reading Twilight, you could do that since it did set a trend toward vampire and werewolf stories. On the other hand, you could go invest your time in something much more well-written, such as Percy Jackson and the Olympians and be reading one of the first books to successfully modernize mythology. That counts as a trend, too.
And 10. A book whose protagonist is extremely different than you.
This is your chance to get out of your comfort zone. If you're a member of the majority, read a book from the perspective of the minority. If you're mentally healthy, read a book about someone who struggles with mental health. Find a book about someone in another country. The possibilities are endless. Expand your horizons!
This year, I have a few graphics for you:
1. A pinnable Pinterest graphic of the challenge. Feel free to share this on other social media, as well:
Next, I have photos I'd love you to share as you post, if you post about what books you read on social media. I'll be posting these as I go through the challenge as well, so you can join me in this endeavor!
Happy reading everyone!
Until next time,
I'll see you then. ;)
J. J. Hanna graduated from Taylor University with a degree in Professional Writing. She's currently working with literary agent Cyle Young, learning to be a literary agent, and working as a freelance writer and editor. To hire her for editing, writing, speaking, or consulting, see the services tab. In her free time, she can be found cuddling with a cat, reading the latest suspense novel, or filming YouTube videos about the publishing industry.