Do reading challenges change our way of reading?

Among New Year's resolutions, one of the most common is the classic “read more”. Some keep it general, while others set a specific number of books to achieve, quantifying what could otherwise be a hobby free from metrics. This is often thanks to—or because of—Goodreads, a platform that allows users to track their reading progress and see if the number of books finished aligns with the goals set at the start of the year. Some decide that one book a month is enough, while others aim to read at least 100. Personally, I belong to the latter group; every year, I strive to read as much as possible because I enjoy it and because setting goals is always a great motivator. However, I’ve wondered if focusing solely on the number of books read might impact the quality of the reading experience and what potential downsides might arise.

Reading is good; competition, maybe not so much

So far, I haven’t come across any studies showing that reading too much has caused any harm. On the contrary, reading improves language skills, logical thinking, and text comprehension. It increases knowledge of the world as well as self-awareness and understanding of others, while keeping cognitive functions like memory, attention, concentration, reasoning, and critical thinking active. Mental health also benefits: recreational reading, in addition to relaxing us, promotes self-care. Studies conducted between 2019 and 2022 showed that reading reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, decreases feelings of loneliness, improves mood, and fosters a sense of trust and hope.

The Goodreads challenge and others

Perhaps it’s the race to read the most books that can create a sense of negative competition in some people, detracting from what should be a moment of total relaxation. Focusing only on this aspect and using the number of books read as a comparison metric with others is certainly not a constructive way to improve oneself. However, reading challenges can serve as personal goals, encouraging us to broaden the variety of books we read without necessarily relying solely on quantity. An example is the reading challenge launched by Popsugar for the eleventh year in a row. This challenge offers 50 prompts for inspiration, such as: read a book where the protagonist is an immigrant or refugee, read a book featuring LGBTQ+ characters without focusing on coming out, or read a book about a character experiencing menopause. These initiatives encourage us to seek out new titles, push us out of our comfort zone, and invite us to expand our perspective in an enjoyable way. Moreover, they provide an opportunity to spend time with ourselves through an activity that entertains, offers an escape, and helps us navigate difficult moments.

The 52 Book Club

With a total of 52 books to read over the course of the year, another reading challenge is The 52 Book Club. This list, which can be printed and displayed on your desk, includes suggestions such as reading a retelling of a fairy tale, a book set in the 1940s, and a book written in verse. Another challenge we can set for ourselves is to read a different genre each month, allowing us to better understand our tastes without being limited by preconceived notions. Among the genres and broad categories to consider are mysteries, horror, romance, thrillers, classics, fantasy, historical fiction, essays, dystopian novels, poetry, plays, and short stories.

DIY reading challenges and book clubs

Choosing to read with the aim of delving into a specific theme or author can also be a worthwhile goal. For instance, reading all of Alberto Moravia’s works to grasp the nuances across his books. Or selecting books that address climate change from different perspectives to explore various ways of discussing the topic and developing a personal understanding. Another idea could be to travel through diverse cultures via literature, with a challenge to read a book by an author from every country in the world. Such initiatives are often found within coordinated book clubs, which take away the pressure of choosing what to read and provide post-reading discussions that can be the most enriching part of the experience.

In any case, reading based on instinct and desire, without any list to follow, is just as valid. Let’s also remember that reading is one of the most accessible hobbies, thanks to audiobooks and e-books, which increase its availability. Economically, it’s one of the most feasible pastimes, with relatively low costs, and libraries make it possible to enjoy reading for free. No more excuses: “read more” should definitely make it onto your list of resolutions for next year. Just remember to make this goal more engaging and personal to further ignite your desire to dive into a good book.