For the last few years, I’ve set the goal of reading 40 books. This is the first year since 2019 that I’ve achieved that goal.
I’m happy with that, yes, but the real reason I’m happy is because I’ve finally found what I love to read. I love realistic fiction that offers me a peek into another lived experience. Another reality. When I lean into those stories, I almost never walk away unsatisfied.
In previous years, trying to reach the goal of 40 books felt like a chore, because I kept finding books that… well… made reading feel like a chore. Out of the 41 books I read in 2022, I can honestly say that I’ve loved most of them. Really, truly, loved.
(Of course, some are duds, but that’s the gamble of reading.)
I’ve included some simple tips to help you increase your reading in 2023 at the bottom of this post. Try them out. Or don’t. Do you, boo.
Without further ado!
Here are my very niche, specific, silly awards!
Winner of “YOU-MUST-READ-THIS-BUT-SORRY-YOU-CAN’T-HAVE-MY-COPY-BECAUSE-I’M-AFRAID-YOU-WON’T-GIVE-IT-BACK” goes to…
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Winner of “CANCEL-ALL-MY-PLANS-I’M-STAYING-IN-BED-TIL-I-FINISH-THIS-BOOK” goes to…
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Winner of “THIS-PUSHED-CREATIVITY-TO-ITS-LIMITS-AND-I-CAN’T-EVEN-COMPREHEND-THE-STORY-FULLY-BUT-I’M-IN-LOVE-I’M-IN-LOVE-I’M-IN-LOVE” goes to…
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
Winner of “THIS EDUCATED-ENGAGED-AND-ENTERTAINED-ME-ALL-AT-THE-SAME-TIME-WOW” goes to…
True Biz by Sara Nović
Winner of “I-MAY-OR-MAY-NOT-HAVE-HAD-TO-STOP-AND-LET-THE-BEAUTY-OF-THE-WORDS-WASH-OVER-ME-A-FEW-TIMES-(IT-IS-PROSE-YET-POETRY)” goes to…
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin
Winner of “UNCONVENTIONAL-STORYTELLING-YET-IT-REALLY-WORKED-FOR-ME-AND-I-APPRECIATE-THE-ARTISTIC-RISKS-BRAVO“
Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu
The Candy House by Jennifer Egan
And lastly,
Winner of “I-AM-BIASED-BUT-I’VE-READ-EACH-OF-THESE-STORIES-OVER-20-TIMES-AND-THERE-IS-ALWAYS-SOMETHING-NEW-TO-DISCOVER-AND-LOVE“
Every Breath Alight by Dandelion Revolution Press
—
So! For those who may be trying to increase your reading but find that you’re hitting a slump, I have 3 simple pieces of advice:
1. Get the books that call out to you. Nevermind if it isn’t popular or if it has low ratings online. If you feel drawn to it, try it.
2. If you have a few books that you’ve been meaning to read for a while now (if you’re anything like me, maybe even years now), go onto your local library website and request it. If they’re all lent out, put a hold on them. Whenever they’re returned, you’ll get a text message or email from the library to come pick it up, and I swear, you will feel like a kid on Christmas morning!
3. Try the 50 page rule: If you’re not feeling it by page 50, time to put it down and move on. There’s a quote I found on Pinterest once that reads: “If you’re going to bail, bail early. This applies to relationships, college classes, and sledding.” This ALSO applies to books. There’s plenty of fish in the sea! Or rather… there’s plenty of books of the shelf, baby!
Happy reading! 🙂
Paige Gardner 
Hi Paige,
Every time I read one of your posts you inspire me. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Karen! That is so sweet. Did you read any interesting books this year?
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing your award winning reads, Paige. Great categories, haha. I have only seen the Hitchcock film “Rebecca” but now I have to get the book. My last read was very good. “Two Street” by Chris Bauer. I just started “Gilt” by Jamie Brenner who had a table at The Doylestown Bookshop earlier this month.
LikeLike
I would love to hear your thoughts on “Rebecca” after you read, although I went in without knowing any of the story which made it that much more addicting. It’ll be a different experience for you but I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
I haven’t heard of “Two Street” but I’ll have to add it to my list. I don’t read many crimes novels but should expand my tastes! Hope you enjoy “Gilt”!
LikeLike