It all began in 2003 in a small LiveJournal community for book lovers, and those looking to re-awaken their love of reading:
Could you challenge yourself to read 50 books in one year's time?
Since then, the challenge has continued and spread around the internet to many other communities, websites, forums and personal blogs. People around the world are pushing themselves to get back into reading and rediscovering the joys and knowledge that reading books can bring into our lives.
Does the idea of reading 50 books in one year seem impossible to you? Or is it something you already do as an avid book-reader and lover of literature? What are some of the obstacles keeping you from reading books regularly, and how can you tackle them? I have tried to take on the 50 Book Challenge several times before, and always failed in the past - but I'm trying once again in 2015. Want to join me, or simply learn more about the challenge? Then read on as I share information and links about the 50 Book Challenge, as well as continue to update this page as I take on the 50 Book Challenge myself and share book reviews and personal progress along the way.
A Potentially Fatal Accident in the Homeon 11/24/2018
Windsurfing Lessons on Montserrat: One of My Funniest—and Fondest—Travel Memorieson 11/20/2018
Christmas Ornaments Celebrating Rome, Italyon 11/12/2018
Philadelphia-Themed Christmas Ornamentson 11/09/2018
Comments
Yes, setting aside some time for reading every day definitely helps get one into the habit!
I loved your article and reading list! The most I have read in one year was 38. I was surprised how dedicating an hour a day made a difference in my reading habits. It definitely helped me as a writer too!
I think a challenge like this one can make one more aware of how many interesting books there are out there. I've been discovering new genres ever since I got my Kindle, and been reading more, too. At the same time, 50 books a year amounts to a book every 7 days. If you have a job that doesn't involve reading, this may be a difficult target to achieve. I'd say 30 books a year would work better even for people who like to read.
I read books as a child and never stopped. I don't care for challenges, though. I read for pleasure and a challenge (to me) makes it seem like a job and something I "should" do.
I think that it depends upon the size and kind of books that you read. Recently I was reading The Grammar of Assent by Cardinal Newman, not long, but written in ponderous Victorian prose. That was a slow read. I needed to take breaks and read in short doses. Some other books are lighter. There are also weighty tomes that take time because of their length.
It is important, though for writers to be readers. For example, when I was teaching English I could often tell not only whether a particular child read books, but also the kind of reading that they did, as it affected their style. Lads who read only the sports pages were clearly identifiable.
I think it's a good idea to set a high goal, even if chances are you won't make it. If I only set a goal to read 10 books in a year, I'd probably slack off and not get to more than a few. If I set a goal for 50 and then maybe only get through 10-20, I still feel like I was pushing myself to do better than average, you know?
I was a voracious reader but I hardly read now. I think for the beginners, a small goal of reading 25 or even 10 books should suffice. It is amazing that you can read and challenge yourself to reading 50 books in a year.