Hello everyone! Time to make that New Year’s resolution to push the envelope and read some books you normally wouldn’t read. The 2021 Thoughtful Reading Challenge provides monthly book categories that are broad enough to find something good that catches your eye. I blog about my pick each month and ask readers to write about theirs in the comments.

The 2020 challenge introduced me to satisfying books such as:

Dear Committee Members
The Shipping News
Destiny of the Republic
Death on the Nile

I searched high and low for this year’s categories (ok, I just used Google) and I came up with what I think are some excellent categories. September’s challenge is particularly inspired. 🏴‍☠️

Without further ado, here’s the 2021 Thoughtful Reading Challenge.

January – a book that was published the year you started first grade

January is the promising beginning of a new year, just like first grade was the promising beginning of your school years. Wikipedia is a good source of books published by year. For example, here’s a list of books published in the year I started first grade.

February – a book set in the desert

Chase away the cold February temps with a book set in a hot, arid desert.

March – a book that’s a re-imagined version of a Shakespeare play

Why? “Beware the Ides of March” (from Julius Caesar). If you need an idea, check out my review of A Thousand Acres, a modern take on King Lear.

April – a book about or set during the US Civil War

This month marks the 160th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War. It’s been a while since I’ve read anything in this genre, so I’m excited to explore the possibilities!

May – a biography of a famous mother

Seems appropriate since Mothers Day is in May.

June – a book with twins as characters

The predominant zodiac sign during June is Gemini, the twins. (I know it’s a stretch but June just wasn’t inspiring me!)

July – a book by a French author

Bastille Day is July 14th. Fun fact – I was born in France in July, so there’s also that.

August – a book with a sun on the cover

If you can’t beat the hot, sunny August weather, revel in it. Travels with Charley is an example that fits the bill.

September – a book with pirates in it

September 19th is Talk Like a Pirate Day. Arrgh, mateys!

October – a paranormal or horror book

Not my normal genres, but I enjoyed this category when I included it in the challenge two years ago. Happy Halloween!

November – a book with “saint” in the title

November 1st is All Saints Day. This doesn’t need to be a book about saints, although that would definitely work. It just has to have saint in the title.

December – a book set in Hawaii

December 7, 2021 is the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Read more about the island paradise where it happened.

So, what do you think? Sound like something you want to do? I hope many of you join me as we wash away the stench of 2020 with some good books.

Wishing everyone a merry Christmas and a peaceful, healthy new year! Thanks for reading with me!