Everyone loves a challenge. Because when you meet that challenge, or at least attempt to meet it, you often end up with a feeling of accomplishment. You also almost always end up learning something in the end.
Reading challenges are very popular. Facebook, Buzzfeed, and the internet as a whole are filled with them. Most of them are just lists asking “how many of these 100 or 1000 books have you read?” But, that can get kind of boring. I’ve read a lot of those books — the classics — and I’ve enjoyed some and hated others. Half the time, though, I think some of the fun gets taken out of the challenge because they’re telling you exactly what to read. There isn’t a lot of choice. So, my reading challenge to you incorporates choice.
The 2014 Spring Reading Challenge:
Between now and the first day of Summer (Saturday, June 21) challenge yourself to read at least 8 books. The books don’t have to be read in any particular order.
1. Re-read a book that you were assigned to read in high school or college and that you thought was boring. If it’s still so boring that you can’t get into it or through it, try another.
If you read the book on the first attempt: 20 points.
If you quit the first book and successfully read the second: 15 points.
If you attempt both books but finish neither: 10 points.
If you only attempt one book: 5 points.
2. Read one book exclusively on an electronic device or on your computer. (Most local libraries have e-book catalogs, so don’t buy an e-book unnecessarily.)
If you successfully read the entire book on the e-device: 15 points.
3. Read a book that you swore you would never, ever read.
If you successfully finish the book: 15 points.
If you read part of it and realize there was a reason you swore you’d never read it: 5 points.
4. Re-read one of your favorite books from when you were young. Condition: The book must be more than 100 pages.
If you successfully read the book: 10 points.
5. Read a book, either fiction or non-fiction that is about events or people at least 100 years in the past.
If you read a fictional book: 20 points.
If you read a non-fiction book: 30 points.
6. Read a book that is at least 500 pages in length.
If you successfully read the book: 20 points.
7. Read a book that belongs to a series of at least 3 books.
If you read the book: 20 points.
If you end up reading all the books in the series in a row: 35 points. Add another 10 points if there’s more than 4 books in the series.
8. Read one book within the same 24 hour period. The book must be at least 200 pages.
If you read the book: 40 points.
Maximum Score: 170.
Think you’re up for the challenge?
Let me know what you read and how you’re doing!
