When a challenge is accepted, a person tries to finish it with 100% dedication but most time we need 30% smartness with 70% dedication. Yes, you need to be smart to complete the challenge and look for all the guidelines of the challenge carefully so that you enjoy the challenge than feeling pressurized with it.
When we started with The Blogchatter Reading Challenge aka #TBR Challenge, we set a target of 52 books for a year for both of us. To date, we have completed 38 books in 3 quarters smoothly, and soon we shall complete the challenge too. We stick to the plan of how to choose the book if you are still thinking about what to read next, here are few pointers to select your next book.
How to select a book to read
Book Recommendations:
Always consider the book recommendations of friends and family and beyond that, you can always look up to the book communities or book bloggers for their recommendations.
Book Reviews:
Book Reviews are a great help that can help you decide whether you can pick this book or not. The analytical book reviews shares insights about the book yet are not a spoiler of the book.
Long pending TBR:
Check your bookshelf, there must be surely 2-3 books that are lying unread, or maybe you have read them a decade ago. It is the time you puck the book and start reading. Also, check your e-commerce websites where you have saved books in your cart, this is the time to check out for the delivery.
Support friends who turned author:
You can also support your author friends who have published their books in recent years. Reading a book by a person known to you is a different feeling, and in turn, you are supporting the author by making a purchase.
Read what interests you:
Finally and most vitally important, read what interests you. Yes, this is the mantra to be followed. It is possible that you do not like bestseller books but liked a book by an upcoming author a book that is underrated or not discovered by many people. Read mythology books if that is your interest area, read thrillers if you like it because your interest will keep you hooked to the book.
We selected many genres to read and tried new genres too. Here we are sharing few best picks of varied genre
Children Books
Children's books though the target audience is children, adults can always learn a point or two from the book.
Breaking Stereotypes
One of the books that strike a chord with new-age parenting and breaking stereotypes is Pinkoo Shergill by Vibha Patra.
Learning History in an Engaging way
History is not boring now when it is presented in a storytelling manner, the book And That Is Why – Manipuri Myths Retold, by L. Somi Roy shares facts about Manipur in an engaging manner.
Topi Rockets from Tumba from Menaka Raman, the author puts across an incident that marked the beginning of space explorations which is a valuable asset to the children.
Crime Thrillers
We were not very much into a reading thriller, but we broke inhibitions towards this genre and picked ‘Club you to Death’ by Anuja Chauhan & ‘Faith and the Beloved’ by Kochery C. Shibu.
Fantasy Fiction
Yes, in these genres one has to leave all preset notions and mind too so that you can adapt the characters and story very well.
Ferryman by Clarie McFall was the soul’s desire after death. And Rituals by Ryan Hastings was another fantasy fiction that will be with us forever.
Self-help books
Self-help books in a storytelling manner, rated our interest and Sum of our choices by Chaitanya Salvi and Life Unknown by Kartikeya Ladha. These books not only help us to understand life in a more crystal manner but also paves way for the novel horizon to grow.
Women based books
Women-oriented books sharing perspectives of women in the modern world are a must-read for all. These are few picks for you.
Omana by Vanaja Pillai
The Bluest Eye by Tom Morrisson
Humor addition books
Humor can make your exhausting day a cheerful one, if you don’t believe it then check these book recommendations.
Excess Baggage by Rich S Mukherjee
The Adventures of JP Family by Radhika Acharya
Written in the Stars by Divya Anand
Poetry books
Poetry books fill your heart with rhythm and connect you to the soul. 52 pips by Rekha Bhagtani , She by Huma Sood
If you are looking for book recommendations, then these are a few must-pick books and if you want to ace the reading challenge then read the post What and how to read in the Reading Challenge.
This post is a part of #MyFriendAlexa Challenge of Blogchatter, where we are taking our blog to the next level.
@MeenalSonal
Thnx for sharing this. I am just completing #myfriendalexa reading list noe 😃
ReplyDeleteWonderful pointers. 38 books in 3 quarters - thats great going. To me my interest matters the most. Otherwise it wont be a reading from heart. I like to enjoy the book that I am reading.
ReplyDeleteThat's a huge number of books! I feel ashamed to say that I barely read any books now. But you girls motivate me to atleast read a few. All the best for your reading challenge.
ReplyDeleteWow target of 52 books in a year..this target sounds super impressive and inspiring too. and thank you so much for sharing great book recommendations from different genre. I will surly go through your post again when start reading a new book.
ReplyDeleteNow those are wondering suggestions and thought starters to help people start to inculcate reading habits. Love the book suggestions too
ReplyDeleteEven between the two of you , it is not easy covering 38 books in 9 months, that is some goal oriented and intense reading. That said, even though I am an avid reader and would love to try a challenge, this would rob me off the pleasure of reading a classic.
ReplyDeleteMuch needed post Meenal and Sonal, I am literally struggling in finishing my reading challenge. Your pointers have really boosted my morale. I too have to check the count of unfinished books.
ReplyDeleteArchana Srivastava
archusblog
These are some great recommendations. I have read much more than I took challenge for. I have underestimated myself. Next time will surely go for more.
ReplyDeleteI am a book worm but Netflix ate away at most of my reading time. You have rekindled my love for reading and books. I must also compliment you in having such a variable taste in books
ReplyDeleteMotivated me to complete my list of reads.i am unable to complete my goal of weekly reads.it has motived me to be consistent.
ReplyDeleteI am super impressed ...that's a good number of books you have covered in 3 quarters. I have read your few reviews too and that helps a lot in selecting books for myself and kids!!
ReplyDeleteA helpful suggestion list. I prefer to read fiction when I wish to complete a challenge as I truly love that genre. There is a new genre where history is steeped in fiction and I have been experimenting with that as well.i also love to read graphic novel.s
ReplyDeleteThese are great ways to complete the challenge. I love ghe genres listed as well. But fellow book reviews from bloggers gave me lot of option to add to tbr.
ReplyDeleteSindhu
This is really very helpful. i love reading but taking it as a challenge seems tough to me.. I m surely gonna start again with tips from your post
ReplyDeleteVery interesting points and good suggestions. I have never taken on a reading challenge but nevertheless love reading books. Was great to see Radhika's book on your list!
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