This was the best part of my year, I had so much fun.
For the past few years, I've begun the year with The Brighter Winter challenge. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this reading challenge. I look forward to Christmas so much, that I am really thankful to have something to ease the sadness as the season draws to a close. In years past, I also normally printed Tim Challies' Christian Reading challenge, and off I'd go trying to choose books to fit the categories (that part is always SO much fun!).
The goal for me?
104 books.
I really, really wanted to achieve that. Not for any other reason, than to prove to myself that I could do it.
Until this year I never even got close. Last December Tim Challies was so late posting his challenge that I began to realize he might not and I needed a back-up plan 'just in case'. So I googled 2022 reading challenges and hit the jackpot. I was so overwhelmed I didn't even know there were that many reading challenges out there.
I didn't know where to begin.
In the end I chose the 52 book a week challenge, knowing that all I'd have to strive for was reading two books a week and then I could achieve my goal. I really, really liked having the over-arching plan to guide me, but ultimately the freedom to read from my TBR pile that was growing by leaps and bounds with no distinct idea on how I was planning to tackle it. (although it took an email (maybe two) from the host reassuring me that it was ok to deviate from the plan! Thanks for your encouragement Robin!)
I found some new (to me) authors I really liked : Elizabeth Goudge, Kristin Hannah, Lis Wehl and April Henry, and K.M. Shea
I found that I LOVE cozy mysteries and did NOT love I Was Anastasia. (one of the few books I had to quit and scramble to find a replacement for)
I have thought about Just Mercy, The Autobiography of George Mueller, and The Father's Tale long after I shut their covers. Still find myself quoting from their pages or ushering them into our conversations here at home.
I have read some excellent book reviews - Carol, Mark, Bev, and Gretchen - the last three link to almost every week's challenge and I love to hear what they have to say. My favorite though, is Gretchen. (I have jotted down many titles from her list this year, hoping to read them myself.)
These books became my companions and gave me a moment to escape how difficult some days can be. I've read while attempting to do laundry, cook meals, waiting at stop lights, waiting in doctor office waiting rooms, waiting in line, and in the parking lot of grocery stores after begging my husband to go in and do the shopping so I can steal five more minutes. I stayed up almost all night reading a book and got up waaaay too early LOTS of mornings to read while the house was still quiet.
I loved every moment. (well except the I Was Anastasia moment!)
A list of all that I read this year can be found here. 💖
Congratulations and you're quite welcome. I love the books, the stories that stay with you long after finishing, that prompt conversation, pondering for a while. I have Obrien's Sophie House in my stacks which I plan to read for 2023. Since you've read Henderson's Traces of Guilt, if you haven't read her O'malley series, I highly recommend it. I'll have to check out K.M. Shea as I've never read her books. Glad you had fun! Cheers to a wonderful new reading year in 2023!
ReplyDeleteOH wow - thank you! Cheers to a wonderful new reading year for you too!!!
ReplyDeleteLoved the Autobiography of George Muller. I read it in college (many moons ago), and it inspired me to live a life of faith and trust. Here I am 42 years later, and I still apply his principles!
ReplyDeleteHave you ever read the Insanity of God? By Nik Ripken I think, it is a book like that - it turned my entire world upside down and I still think about that book all of the time. George Mueller and Gladys Aylward are my absolute favorite missionary stories - they lived such an amazing life of faith - I want to live my life like that!
DeleteSunshine - it has been so fun to connect with you! I am glad you found the 52 Books challenge and have found some new authors. I always enjoy reading your thoughts on books and life😊. Here's to another year of great reading!
ReplyDeleteHappiest of New Years!!
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