2021 Reading Challenge Complete
As we close out October, I have finished the 2021 Popsugar Reading Challenge. This is my second year participating and my first year completing the “advanced” extra ten books. The advanced list was based entirely on your personal TBR list.
I came across an article from The Atlantic by Julie Beck titled “The Adults Who Treat Reading Like Homework.” She spoke with people who participate in the Goodreads reading challenge. This one is less structured; each individual chooses the number of books they would like to read and tracks their success on the site. However, she noted that some people add extra challenges, such as reading more of a particular genre.
One of the questions Julie had was, “why quantify your reading at all?” Let’s face it, the people participating in reading challenges are likely people who already derive some pleasure from reading. People who spoke with Julie shared that creating some structure and a “plan for future reading” helped prioritize reading more amongst the demands of life. I have found that the Popsugar Challenge allows me to expand my reading to new genres, authors and information. This year was no different. I discovered Emily St. John Mandel, who I can now say I would consider one of my favourite authors (she was 3/50 of my books from the challenge.) I am also learning that I enjoy Magical Realism more than I would have expected.
For me, taking part in a reading challenge has made my favourite pastime develop into so much more. It has created excitement for upcoming books, curiosity about new genres and made me feel like the hours of reading is for something. That last point is a little contentious for me. A part of me loves reading for the love of reading; that’s always who I have been. And a new (probably adult) part of me that thrives on productivity and purpose. With the challenge, I can fulfill both parts of me.
And the Award Goes To…
Favourite
This was a tie; I couldn’t help it! It was hard enough to narrow it down to these two.
The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel. This was my second Emily St. John Mandel book. I initially read Station Eleven for a book club and was instantly hooked by her style. Her beautiful storytelling and development of the characters swept me up into the narrative.
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro. There appears to be a theme here because this was my second Kazuo Ishiguro book as well. This book was eerie yet beautiful. Ishiguro’s talent is in developing an understanding that there is something more going on than meets the eye, maybe a little dystopian or sci-fi, without smacking you in the face with it.
Least Favourite
Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler. I made it through this book because it was fulfilling a prompt on my challenge, but otherwise, I was not reading for enjoyment. I usually like unlikeable characters, but I couldn’t get on board with this cast. And ultimately, I didn’t track any actual plot that was fulfilling to me.
Biggest Letdown.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle. This was for the “a book everyone seems to have read but you,” so I had some high expectations, it has seemed really popular. The problem I had with this book is the problem I always have with self-help (ish) books - after a while, I get tired of the rah-rah, vague, conceptual messages about life that I don’t feel say much.
Honourable Mentions
Milk Blood Heat by Dantiel W. Moniz. A series of short stories about young girls, women and men facing extraordinary moments in their lives. I was impressed by the Moniz’s ability to draw me into the stories and characters so quickly, I wanted more of every story.
Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld. A novel of what-ifs that imagined the life of Hillary Rodham if she had not married Bill Clinton. This book was a bit of a mind trip. I had to constantly remind myself that this was a work of fiction. I absolutely loved Sittenfeld’s imagined rendition of what could have been.
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong. This story is told through the lens of a letter from a son to a mother, bringing to light the family history and opening about his own life. I couldn’t get over the stunningly beautiful writing of this book. On page 11 I had to set it down to just take a breath. I immediately sent it to a good friend and fellow bibliophile.
You can check out the books that made up my reading challenge here.
October 29, 2021