2016 Reading Challenge

I have an app called Good Reads, which I love.  You can see what friends are reading, look at reviews and ratings of books.  As well as keep track of the books you want to read, are reading and have read.  It is wonderful.

Last year in February, I downloaded this app and decided to create a challenge for myself.  My challenge in 2015 was to read 50 books, I ended up surpassing that.  So, at the beginning of this year, I made another challenge for myself for 75 books to be read in 2016.

I have two other apps that help me tremendously with my reading goals.  Both Overdrive and Hoopla.  These apps are connected to your public library, so if you have a library card, you can use these apps for free.  Overdrive has Ebooks as well as Audiobooks.  Hoopla has audio books, tv shows, movies and music.  Just like the library on Overdrive you check books out for 21 days, or if someone already has a book you want, then you place a hold on an item.  Hoopla you get whatever you want instantly, but in my opinion the selection isn’t as big or new.  However, I use both and they have made it much easier and cheaper for me to put books into the palm of my hand.

I am currently in the middle of reading 2 books.  On my IPad, on Overdrive I have the Ebook “Who Do You Love” by Jennifer Weiner.  I read this while I am at the gym.  This is what I call my “not real” book, Lol.  Fiction that is, something I don’t have to think too much about.  The second book I am reading, in softcover is “I am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai, my “real” book.  I read this only on Wednesdays, while I am sitting at dance class waiting for my daughter.  Non-Fiction takes a lot more energy for me.  I really have to and want to concentrate on them so that I learn something.

Waiting in the wings are 2 non-fiction audio books.  “The long road to Freedom” by Nelson Mandela and “Kicking and Dreaming” by Ann Wilson, a story about rock and roll band Heart.  I am excited to have a minute to listen to these books.

I am also hopeful to be joining another challenge, book club of sorts that a friend of mine posted on Facebook just before the new year.  Just waiting to see if there will be a group of us, or if it will be something to strive for on my own.  That one goes like this…

Challenge yourself to pick up more books then you did in 2015.  Whether to learn new words or new facts.  Happy Reading!