I know that not all of us have been readers since we were tiny humans. Not all of us were lucky enough to have that exposure! I was one of those fortunate enough to start reading very early, as my parents are both big readers. My friend Brooke (who I met on Bookstagram) is also someone who started reading early. To celebrate that, and the books we read as youngsters, she create a rereading challenge for 2023. It is called “23 and Me – The Books That Made Me.” It’s about rereading the books that were super formative for you! The information post from Brooke is below, along with the specific prompts.
I haven’t participated in a reading challenge in a long time but YEAR. OF. THE. ASIAN. How can I not sign up?!
What’s Year of the Asian, Shari?
I’m glad you asked, friend!
Year of the Asian (YARC) is a reading challenge hosted by four amazing book bloggers: CW from The Quiet Pond, Shealea at Shut up, Shealea, Vicky at Vicky Who Reads, and Lily at Sprinkles of Dreams. The goal of this challenge is to read as many books by Asian authors from January 2019 to December 2019. Since Asian lit is near and dear to my heart, I’m going to READ ALL THE BOOKS. From middle grade, YA, to adult fiction/non-fiction across all genres, I want to be intentional about reading them all. :’) *cue Pokémon theme*
If you’re interested in joining this reading challenge, sign up by filling out this form and find all the relevant links for this challenge here. You can join ANY time and it’s never too late to start!
Is it just me or is 2018 going by quickly? I had 3 books I wanted to read for April’s challenge but only managed to finish one 🙈 Did you like the book(s) you picked?
This month, our genres are:
Matron Lit
I was so intrigued by this genre when I first heard of it and I just knew we had to try it for one of our challenges. Books in this genre typically focus on female protagonists between their late 30s to mid 60s. I don’t know about you, but I think these books could be pretty awesome. When was the last time you read a book with a protagonist in this age group?
Matron lit is a very underrated genre, so finding lists and recommendations for this was quite challenging. It’s also sometimes referred to as hen lit (as opposed to chick lit 🐥) or hag lit (rude!) and I’m really looking forward to seeing the books that will be read for this.
Here’s a list I found if you’re looking for ideas: Popular Hen Lit Books on Goodreads. I know it’s not much, but hopefully some of us have read a book that falls under this genre and can recommend it to others! 🤞🏼
Flintlock Fantasy
I know what you’re thinking. From Matron Lit to this? Yes, my randomness amazes me too. This genre is one I’ve wanted to feature for a looooong time so this month is as good an excuse as any. 😜 The term ‘flintlock’ comes from the fact that it’s the typical level of firearms technology the setting has reached. Authors who are well known in this genre include Brian McClellan, Django Wexler, and Brent Weeks. Here’s a handy list of books from Goodreads.
I would love to hear what you’re planning to read for this challenge! I don’t have one for Matron Lit yet but I’m going to tackle the first book in Brian McClellan’s Powder Mage Trilogy for my Flintlock fantasy pick. 😎
Does anyone else feel cheated every time February ends? Like hello, I needed those extra days to finish my current reads. Rude.
But with a new month comes a new challenge so I guess that makes up for it. 😉
For March, our genres are:
Memoir
A non-fiction literary genre focusing on memoirs – collections of memories an individual writes about moments or events that took place in the author’s life.
Since started the CMR Challenge I’ve developed a soft spot for memoirs. This is such an underrated genre and I feel like it deserves more love and attention.
Metafiction
Goodreads defines this genre as ‘self-conscious fiction’ and it’s so on point that I’m using it. Books in this genre are known for stories that examine the elements of fiction itself.
Here’s a quote from Schmoop that might help make it clearer, “…if the story you’re reading is about, well, writing stories, that’s metafiction. If the book you’re reading acknowledges itself as a book, that’s metafiction. If the author jumps into the action and says, ‘Look at me! I’m the author! Watch me write!’ that’s metafiction.”
As always, Goodreads comes through. Here’s their handy lists for these genres:
I’d love to know which books you pick for this challenge! Please feel free to share this post/graphic to spread the word <3
This month’s challenge celebrates Children’s Literature and Romance.
I was looking into literary holidays and February seems to be the perfect month to read some kid lit. I’m a huge fan of this genre myself and I’m stoked for this month’s challenge.
Have any middle grade books? Been wanting to read Harry Potter? Now’s the time!
Feb 1: Harry Potter Book Night
Feb 1-7: Children’s Authors and Illustrator Week
February is known as the month of love and it felt wrong not to pick Romance. I have to admit, this is the most challenging genre for me because I’m so picky about my Romance. If it’s too much I cringe, if it’s unconvincing I roll my eyes. Sooo yeah. Wish me luck!
If you need some inspiration for your picks, here are helpful lists from Goodreads:
Best Children’s Books
Popular Romance Books
I’m probably going to read Beauty by Robin McKinley and continue my Anne of Green Gables journey with Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery.
Which book(s) be reading for this challenge?
