2026 Reading Challenge discussion

Hello All,

I've got A LOT going on in 2020, finishing rehabbing a house, moving into said house, planning a wedding, and getting married. And that does not even include my hectic workload! So my goal for this year is simply just to read 20 books - no stipulations (as far as genre, length, authors, or anything else).

Last year I read 16 books (1 book over my goal), but many of these books were over 500 pages). This year, I just want to make it to 20. I think many of these will be books for movies/tv-shows which I would like to see this year or shows I have been watching.; but of course, I will just be seeing where my library card takes me. I would, however, like to reread the Great Gatsby in honor of the roaring '20s!

What goals will you be making this year, old sport?!?!

Gatsby? 😮

Gatsby is a great one! :p Enjoy!
Best of luck with your reading challenge!

Book Number 1 Completed!

Book: The Good Widow
Author: Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke
Rating: 4/5 Hawaiian Vacations

This was a pretty good book. Despite putting it down for the Holidays, I was able to pick it back up and finish 75% of the book within a day. I have read a few books from these ladies, and enjoy the writing style and mystery elements.

Hi Sarah. That is quite the year you've got ahead of you!
You are welcome to hit me up whenever you decide to pick up the Great Gatsby if you're interested in buddy-reading. I might be tempted to a re-read myself :)

Good luck with your challenge :)

Book Number 2 Completed!

Book: Scythe
Author: Neal Shusterman
Rating: 5/5 Splats

For my birthday, my fiance and I decided to buy 3 books, all first books in their retrospective series, to read together. I really liked this book, the idea for the story is unique, the writing flows together nicely. There were some areas where I could guess what was going to happen, but it was still a really enjoyable book. I will be reading the next book in the series hopefully soon.

Book Number 3 Completed

Book: Stalking Jack the Ripper
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Rating: 3 / 5 Cups of Tea

I'm very back and forth on this book. It took me a long time to finish this book, as it is very slow-moving early on. Once things do pick up, it seems clear as to where the plot is going. I give it a 60% as I might read more in the series, but I won't be reaching quickly for the next installement.

Book Number 4 Completed

Book: A Sucky Love Story: Overcoming Unhappily Ever After
Author: Brittani Louise Taylor
Rating: 4 / 5 Youtubers

Quick read, some people complain about the writing style, but it was very true to how Brittani speaks on her youtube page, and as a nonfiction piece, I did not mind it. A very cautionary tale about her experience in love. While I wouldn't say I am a huge fan of hers, I did enjoy the book and am glad she is now out of a toxic relationship -- I hope both she and her son find peace.

I am all about magic this year. I hope that your reading goal is your little touch of magic.

Book number 5 Completed

Book:Dry
Author: Neal Shusterman
Rating: 5 / 5 Glasses of Water

With everything going on, and my anxiety through the roof - this was a really hard book to read. That being said, the pacing, writing, characters, and plotline were very well done. This is the second book I have read now by Shusterman - and I am really enjoying his work. Would reccomend.

Book 6 Completed

Book: Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Rating: 4.5/5 Sassanach's

Good book. I started this book after watching the show on Netflix, and found it to be very similar to the show. It is a good read, but a long one! I will continue reading the series.

Book 7 Completed.

Book: Getting Ready for Marriage: A Practical Road Map for Your Journey Together
etting Ready for Marriage: A Practical Road Map for Your Journey Together
by Jim Burns, Doug Fields
Rating: 4/5

Good Read. Read as part of premarital counseling along with the workbook. We enjoyed it.

Book 8 Completed!

Book The Bookish Life of Nina Hill
Author: Abbi Waxman
Rating: 5/5 Bookstores

Great Book! Easy, Fun, Fast-Paced, Quick Read. The characters were widdy, smart, and well-developed. I would love to have a sequel to this book. Very sad that it is over - but looking forward to reading more from Abbi.

Book 9 Complete

Book: Other People's Houses
Author: Abbi Waxman
Rating: 5/5 Carpools

Another great and quick read from Abbi. I am really enjoying her storytelling; and while some parts are easy to assume what will happen - it is still witty, fun, and lighthearted to read (my favorite kind of pick me up book).

Book 10 Complete

Book: The Two Lives of Lydia Bird
Author: Josie Silver
Rating: 3.5/5 Sleeping Pills

I started this book as a book on tape coming back from the beach and did not finish through. It took me quite some time to get the electronic book copy from the library; and I think that played a major part in not really being wowed by this book. I really enjoyed another book by Josie Silver, but this one just seemed a bit slow-moving to me.

Book 11 Complete.

Book: A Stranger in the House
Author: Shari Lapena
Rating: 3/5 Rubber Gloves

Quick Read - easy to follow along. Not my favorite book, which was a bit disappointing as I was looking forward to this read. Characters did not have depth, the storyline was expected without any twists. Just mediorce.

Book 12 Complete!

Book: The Turn of the Key
Author: Ruth Ware
Rating: 5/5 Nanny Postings

Great Book! Finished in a day! I love Ruth Ware - she just keeps you going until the last minute. This book had me going back to earlier pages as events continued. Love it! Highly Reccomend.

I started and ended the year on a high. I don't think that any of us could have predicted how tumultuous 2020 would have been, or the toll it would take on us. Somewhere between month 3 of lockdown throughout the summer - I just lost my desire to read at all. That said, I still love it - and have developed a love for a few new authors.