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!
Thank you, Michelle! I was already fretting over what to read in January. I rely on my youngest sis for inspiration. 2020 goals were almost completed. Just didn’t make November’s challenge. New goal for 2021- all 12 months!
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Excellent goal!
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Fabulous – considering my list now. But first I have to finish The Goldfinch. It is wonderful – but very LONG !!!
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Can’t wait to see your choices!
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Sounds like some great choices! I’m in!
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Great! So for January – The Stepford Wives? 😉
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Fun list! I’ll do my best to participate more in 2021. This last year has certainly been a stinker!
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You always pick such interesting books and I’m looking forward to hearing about them!
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What fun categories!
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I’m in! I almost changed my mind when I saw January’s category (since there were not many appealing choices for me!), but I read “A Morbid Taste for Bones” by Ellis Peters. It was much better than I expected. Thanks for the challenge! It’s all uphill from here!! Let me know if I should be posting this somewhere else!
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Hi! Thanks for joining the reading challenge! It’s been years since I’ve read an Ellis Peters book but I remember enjoying the Brother Cadfael series. Thanks for bringing back some good memories!
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I finished the challenge yesterday!! Thank you so much for hosting this. I read several books this year that I never would have read otherwise.
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I’m so glad you joined us for the challenge and found some new books to read! I’ll post next year’s challenge soon.
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