I’ve never been one for New Year’s Resolutions. Why? Well–they never seem to stick. I even went so far as to look up the definition of a “resolution” to see why I have such a problem with them. According to the dictionary, a resolution is “a firm decision to do or not to do something.” I don’t know about you, but not many of my “firm decisions” made at the last second on December 31st seem to last for 365 days.
Instead, I like to set goals. To me, a goal is something that you want to accomplish, but you know you’ll have to work to accomplish it. I think that’s a better use of my time–working towards a goal rather than feeling like a failure if I’ve broken my resolutions by January 3rd.
So, let’s talk about my favorite type of goals: reading goals. A few days ago I shared with you some helpful types of reading goals, and today I want to make a big announcement that I am really, really excited about.
Drumroll, please…
This year, I’m sharing this Book 50 Reading Challenge with you to inspire you and encourage you to read more in 2017. I could talk to you for days about why reading is important, and why we should all read more, but I’ll save that for a later post.
What I really want to share with you today are these cool resources I’ve created for you to track your reading over the course of the year.
As you can tell from the image, I’ve given some thought to the different types of readers out there. I know not all of you want to try and read fifty books in a year, so I’ve given you some options. Here’s the cool part: I’ve created a reading challenge list for 12 books, 24 books, and 50 books.
Why Three Lists?
Well, like I said, not everyone wants to read fifty books. That’s not a good goal for a lot of people. But, I do think everyone could benefit from reading one new book each month. That’s why I created a 12-book list. If you’re feeling ambitious, and you want to push yourself a bit more, try the 24-book list, which will have you reading two books each month. And if you’re ready to jump head first into a fifty book goal, there’s a sheet for that, too!
Why These Lists?
You can find a lot of reading challenges out there–some even with printable checklists just like these. So why would you choose these lists over others? I’ve given a lot of thought to the different categories, and each list expands upon the previous list. So if you choose the 24-book goal, your list will have the original 12 categories and 12 new ones to challenge you.
I also think that choice is really important in reading. You don’t want to feel like you’re reading an assigned list of textbooks for class all year. I’ve kept the categories broad, and every single list includes spots for “your choice-” a book that you choose that doesn’t fall into an assigned category. Actually, about 25% of each list is made up of your choice books. The goal is diversity–aim to read a lot of different things in a year so that you don’t fall into a rut!
What’s the Catch?
There is NO catch! These lists are a free resource that I’m happy to provide. Just click the links below to download your checklist. If you need another copy, you can always find them on the “Resources” page of the blog.
All I ask is that you share this post or this idea with your friends. Let’s see how many people get involved! Tag your photos and posts with #readmore17 and let’s get reading trending across the web!
Don’t forget to follow along on all Book Fifty’s social media:
Facebook: Book Fifty
Twitter: @book50blog
Instagram: @Book_50
Get the Lists:
Let me know in the comments which list you’ll be using, and be sure to follow along next year as I tackle my sixth year of reading 50 books!
Keep Reading,
Sarah
Book Fifty 
Hi There! Happy Thursday! I think these reading challenge lists are Wonderful! I’m planning on doing the 50 book challenge! Excited about 2017!
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I’m so glad you found one that will work! Check back and let me know how the reading goes!
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I have disappointingly not been reading well so I have to start with 12 for this year. If I’m lucky I can get my husband to join me- that’ll be the real challenge!
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I think 12 is an awesome place to start! Let me know how it goes! 😊😊
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[…] So when I decided to read the book that this show is loosely based on, I knew it would probably take me out of my reading comfort zone and into the realm of science fiction. For this reason, I’m using this book to fill out my “Book from an Unfamiliar Genre” category on the 2017 reading list. […]
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[…] books every year. I believe this is her 6th year of doing it. At the end of 2016 she posted a reading challenge for everyone to join her in making 2017 a year of productive reading and accomplishing your goals. […]
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[…] Book 50 Reading Challenge […]
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[…] have that effect. And since “Short Story Collection” is a category on some of the Book Fifty Reading Challenge lists, I’m sharing six of my favorite short story collections with you […]
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I enquired about joining but haven’t seen an answer, nor my inquiry any longer. I wondered if I could creatively mould a few of the categories that are very American (for a non American) or which are completely outside of what I would. I am a rule-follower and for the most part, this is up my alley so if that’s okay, I woud be keen to play along! There don’t appear to be prizes so we probably don’t have to sweat this. Checking out of courtesy. 😉
I don’t use Twitter or facebook, thus seek out blog activities. If there’s some other page or button, let me know that too. Everyone is invited to my four themes as well! If you’d like to have me, Sarah, I would get started and track my progress here or at somewhere blog-related. Carolyn. http://www.CMRiedel.Wordpress.com
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Hi Carolyn! The challenge isn’t meant to be a strict set of rules, just a fun resource for anyone who is looking to read more this year. You are welcome to change or adapt it to fit your reading goals.
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There you are! You may snip the inadvertent double post. Thanks for answering! I could probably finish list #50, with a little maneuvering. Blog-wise, let me know if this is the one place we should hand-in a blog post link, so that you and others read them. Hope to have new people browsing my themes too. 🙂
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This would be the place. However, this isn’t a formal competition, only a resource–so don’t feel any pressure to hand in your completed list. Thanks for stopping by!
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[…] a huge surprise for you–two huge surprises, actually! I had such an amazing response to the free printable reading challenges I provided back in January, that I figured it was time to create some more printables to share with […]
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