I intended to do this update midyear…oops it’s mid August. But late is better than not at all.
Of the 24 categories in the challenge I have completed 16. Sound great in theory right? Not done with August and I’ve essential maintained a 2 challenge book per month pace which should put me on track to finish by the end of the year. Unfortunately, I have hard categories left.
To see what categories I’ve finished check out my main Challenge Page.
What’s Left
A collection of short stories
I’ve barely attempted this one, but I didn’t think it would be this hard. I just haven’t seen any options I’m excited about so I would love suggestions.
A book that takes place in Asia
When I started the challenge I thought I’d read And the Mountains Echoed because I’ve loved his other books and already own it, but I just haven’t been in the mood for it. I have The French Connection checked out from the library and I’m hoping to tackle this one over my vacation week from work.
A Book by an Author from Africa
I’ve started 3 books for this category and none have kept my attention. I’m currently, slowly reading The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. I’m enjoying it, but in a different way – I don’t feel COMPELLED to read it, but it’s interesting when I choose to.
A Book that is by or about someone from an indigenous culture
I have Tracks by Louise Aldrich check out from the library right now. Fingers crossed it keeps my attention.
A Book that was originally published in another language
Zero ideas I’m excited about. I have Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier on Kindle so maybe I’ll be feeling that soon. I could also finish The Girl who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Steig Larsson.
Pretty sure I’ll check this one off the list soon. I’m reading and really enjoying All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. It’s beautiful, I just put it down for a little while every time it gets sadder and considering it takes place during WWII there’s plenty of sad. There’s hope too, but I take a break from time to time.
A book published before 1850
I knew I would struggle with this category. I started Jane Eyre at the beginning of the year planning to read it slowly, but I just haven’t gotten back to it. I might give it a shot in audio.
Anyone else doing this challenge? What categories are you struggling with? Any suggestions for me?
I still have not written this post... but I like how you kept it just to those that you HAVEN'T read. Mine was getting so unwieldy trying to put in everything I'd already read (that makes it sound like I've done a ton of these categories, lol). Guess I will copy your idea and try to post an update soon.
ReplyDeleteAs for short stories, I read The Things They Carried and it was really really good, but also heavy subject matter. Umm, let's see, I am also a fan of anything by Sherman Alexie or Shirley Jackson and both have several short story collections. Did you read My True Love Gave to Me (I am thinking yes)? If not, you will like that and get through it quickly. Oh, I know, Jennifer Weiner has a short story collection... I read it years ago, so don't really remember it, but if you want something more in your comfort zone, that might work.
Yep this post was originally quite a bit longer. I wrote out all the already read stuff...and then cut it because you were right WAY TOO LONG. I hope you find time to write a update.
DeleteI had forgotten about The Things They Carried and I bought it for that category. Thanks for the reminder. I'm so tempted by the Weiner, but I really need to have a few of these be actual challenges:)