This is typically the time of month I should be posting an update on the Unread Bookshelf Challenge. I posted Taking the Unread Bookshelf Challenge 2018 in January with two goals. First, read more books in 2018. Second, save money on book purchases. At the time, the Unread Bookshelf Challenge seemed like just what I needed to accomplish these goals for 2018.
THE UNREAD BOOKSHELF CHALLENGE
For the uninitiated, the Unread Bookshelf Challenge motivates readers to tackle books they already have, rather than purchasing or borrowing new books. If you’re a reader, you know what this is about. admit it, there’s a stack of books you have in your home that you keep meaning to read. However, those books haven’t quite made it to the top of the list, or the time hasn’t quite been right just yet. I thought I could tackle that stack with this challenge and end the year with a feeling of great accomplishment. I’ve since decided otherwise, so I’m officially abandoning the challenge.
MY FIVE REASONS
- Writing a summary at the end of the month feels like HOMEWORK! Seriously, I started to dread the listy, book report stuff I produced at the end of the month. Check the dates on the posts, notice the procrastination factor? I kept pushing my homework off.
- I started GETTING ANXIOUS about the pace at which I’m reading, getting “off task” or sidetracked from the work of reading books designated as part of the Unread Bookshelf Challenge. Hang on a second, I’m supposed to be enjoying reading and all of a sudden I’m stressed about it. Well, that ain’t right!
- At some point this spring I discovered a few sites that would provide ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) books in exchange for reviews. GAME CHANGER! All of a sudden I had access to more books than ever! And last time I checked, the books I already own, living comfortably on my shelves, weren’t getting up and walking out….so why again the rush to read them?
- Now, referring back to goal two of the Unread Bookshelf Challenge, save money on book purchases. Well thanks to those ARC books, that is handled. I am spending less on books this year, and I’m getting to read brand new, fresh off the press (or even uncorrected digital copies) of NEW TITLES FOR FREE. How cool is that?
- Lastly, I WASN’T ENJOYING the Unread Bookshelf Challenge! I actually suffered through two books I really didn’t care to finish, all in the name of “the challenge.” The second one I finally gave up on, after realizing that life is too short to read books I’m not enjoying!
SO NOW WHAT?
Well, like I said, the books I own will always be here, unless and until I choose otherwise. They aren’t neglected, I peruse, visit, thumb through….smell….. whenever the mood strikes. Yes, book smelling is a thing y’all. I’ll go into that another time! Anyway, I’m ditching the pressure and the guilt, and reading what I want, when I want. In exchange for the ARCs, I’ll be sharing reviews here. Because I’m a data geek and accountability nerd, I’m still doing the GoodReads 2018 Reading Challenge. This one is a little less pressure, since a reader just sets a goal for total books to read for the year. Log each book and watch the progress chart move toward the goal. Easy cheesy, except I just checked mine, and I’m 3 books behind, DAMMIT!
Back to reading I go. In the meantime, below are a few of my all time favorites.
I also have many unread books in my shelves, but decided to still keep them. Last week I donated my other books to the nearby library . This way, it helps me to declutter 😀
All the best for your unread book shelf challenge . One should read all instead of just stacking them. I am not an avid reader but try to complete whatsoever I have on my shelf.
I did the same but my reasons for this was little different.
Uggghhhh, this is so me!! And I feel guilty purchasing additional books!! Great insight! I’m taking a few vacays this year in order to complete these good reads! Thanks for sharing the pain😖, lol!
Same here. I have lots of unread books. But I don’t want to force mysef to read them. No matter how good they are, i might not enjoy them. It’ll become a chore. I’ve been wanting to signup with ARC. But right now, I don’t have lots of time to read. Plus i have a travel blog, not a book blog.
I love reading books. The smell of new books has always drawn me to buy new books. This challenge sounds cool.
I totally understand you! I’ve been in the same situation!
A really honest post I’ll have to admit. Reading is fun when it’s done for self. I can totally understand why you want to drop the challenge. Its hard to enjoy reading when it feels like a chore.
I believe that you can’t force yourself to do anything. It becomes a job or a chore. Do it when you want and you will enjoy it so much more.
Thanks for sharing your reading challenge Summary..ugh
I love how NECESSARY this article is. It’s pretty reflective of how sometimes we make decisions at one point and later realize that it’s not what we want anymore or that it’s not what we thought it would be and to have the courage to ditch it! Some people think that’s giving up, but I think it’s being honest with yourself.
All the best with your book reading challenge. I also love books and I used to do summary of the book when I was in High school. Enjoy! 😊
I am the same way and enjoy the smell of books as well.
First of all, good luck with your book reading challenge! I agree that its important to read what we like rather than force ourselves to read because we ended up buying it ! There is a time for each book and sometimes, when the timing is perfect , an old book just pops up! Well, if you like to read travelogue and review it, check out Backpacking North East India: A Curious Journey. We would love to feature you on our website with your review! And you can get a free e-book for that! 🙂 What you say about smelling the book, oh yeah, that a thing for sure!
I’d be interested in reviewing your book and posting to my site and yours! Let me know how to get a copy!
Geez, I know how you feel about something you love turned into something you want to hide from even if it’s just to sneak off to check out another book. How sad that it sounds like cheating on your already owned books lol. I get it I totally do! Good read!
That’s how I described it in the January challenge! I was feeling guilty about cheating on the books I owned by bringing more home, but hey, gotta share the love! Just need more shelves 🙂
I love reading books but unfortunately for now I don”t have time to read it because I’m too busy on my work task! but thanks for sharing this!
I am book lover but unfortunately i dont have money to buy them…
There are ways to get free books from sites like Book Bub!
I did the same thing with my “I have to read all if the Barnes and Noble Classics.” I didn’t enjoy any if them. I more of a Grisham and thriller girl.
I’d be lying if I told you that I would even ATTEMPT a project like this! 😆 We have approximately 2,000 books in our basement that may have been carefully curated, but that may not get read all the way through. You see, I have a book fetish, which makes me want to make a home for every worthy book. Over the years, we have realized that I have reasons for keeping them—I have thrown out the ones I couldn’t justify—and have instead turned an entire wall of our basement into a library (where I have room for even more). Bleed you for even attempting it. Thanks for sharing your experience. 📚
LOVE it! I had someone attempt to estimate how many books I have and he gave up when he hit 600 in ONE ROOM. I have reasons to keep as well, although I did a thorough culling about two years ago and donated 150 childrens books to our local schools. They were current Scholastics that I has used in lessons or just accumulated from book fairs!
Oh, I actually see what you imply. I too like reading better when it’s more for pleasure and less of a chore. I really wish to get some motivation towards reading with this busy schedule. I hope you can suggest something.
I know the feeling and completely dread the feeling of doing a summary
I completely understand why you would want to drop your challenge if it became a chore. I have kind of been doing the same but for decluttering. In the past I bought more books than I was reading, so have a good sized collection of to-reads. I want to read, sell and use the public library for future reads. I have a 1:1 thing happening. I read a new book, then a book off my shelf…then a new book. It’s working for me.
Your system is good! I am good for awhile, then the fever strikes! Net Galley is providing lots of good current reads right now too.