2025 Reading Challenge discussion

Welcome to the group Stephanie and Nacho! There are always a lot of different ways to participate in our group. Take a look around and have some fun with us. Ask if you have any questions.

Hi all! I stumbled on this group while I was looking for a reading challenge for 2014! This seems to be exactly what I'm looking for! Can't wait to get started!

Welcome to the group Alissa! Happy planning for this month then! Although I always find that what I've planned has stopped working by February. We'll be here cheering you on in any case!

Hi Everyone. My name is Joyce, and I live in Ontario, Canada. I came across this site while searching for reviews on books I have on my list of "reads". I was also recommended by a friend. Anyhow..I looove to read. I enjoy fiction & thrillers. I admit, I don't always have time to read since I've got a busy life (work, kids, etc), but I read whenever I catch a break. I just finished "The Help" meh..it was good..but I was hoping for more. I love a great story that can capture my attention within the first 2 pages. I'm hoping to get some good recommendations on some great novels here :)

Hi Everyone! Good day!

with regards to books? I'm all-embracing... but Romance will be my forever love... be it Paranormal, YA, Erotic and Classic. I've read some Science Fiction & Fantasy, Thriller and a lil of every genre...

A trilogy/series kind of book is what I love most... always have difficulty of letting go a character/bookboyfriend I love much... #affectedmuch

And right now I'm reading DARK LIGHT #1 by S.L. Jennings!


I join this group to encourage myself in reading as much book as I can, more books than last month or last year, to keep tabs of the books I've read and TBR and hopefully interacting with some people with the same passion.

More power to all!

Hi!

I've always been a voracious and eclectic reader, but this year I discovered that joining a little reading group added so much to my reading experiences this past year, and I'm wanting to extend that a little further.

...my group this year has been a weekly thread on my homeschooling board, which has been a joy, but it isn't designed to facilitate more focused discussions, and I think I would like that opportunity.

Since one of the surprising delights of this year were the challenges I took on (a Continental Challenge, 10+ books written by an author from each of the 6 continents w/ native writers; and A to Z challenge (author's last names), and a Shakespeare challenge (reread all of Shakespeare this year), I am looking for challenges that will give some structure, but a lot of leeway, and room for serendipity.

I have seven children, some grown and out of the house, and limited computer time, but I really want to find a niche in this amazing (and enormous!) community of readers that I have only just begun exploring!

Eliana

Hi ...I am Ruth...and I am a challenge-a-holic!! LOL...Love to read and love challenges! I am retired and keep busy with an aging dad, Hubby, kids, grandkids, travel, gardening and of course reading...I belong to several challenge groups but always looking for more....Love Mystery, YA, Contemporary, some Sci-Fi some Romance and some Non-fiction...in other words a bit of everything!! This looks like a fun group!!

Hi Everyone! I am John from Pennsylvania, USA. My favorite genres are Sci-Fi and Magical Realism...I definitely have some reading goals that I want to accomplish in 2014, so I am looking forward to taking part in this group! :)

Hi all. I am Jannene from Michigan. I love reading mysteries, some young adult, and fantasy books. I am not a fan of romance books.

Hi all, I'm Paul from Alberta, Canada. I love to read a variety of different genres. Looking forward to setting a goal for 2014 and enjoying the journey. Cheers.

Hi Everyone
I'm Julie from Ohio . I like reading many types of books ,lately it seems to be non-fiction ,especially history ,but I like many different types, just depending on my mood at the time .
Excited to meet you all. It sounds like we have members from all over the world, so it should be fun !
Too many people to respond to everyone separately, so I'll just say Good Luck to everyone on their reading in the coming year :)

Welcome to the group, everyone!

Welcome Eliana, Ruth, John, Jannene, and Paul! It's awesome that we're getting so many new members in the past few weeks. I hope you all enjoy the group and its many fun challenges. Feel free to dive into any of the ongoing discussions, and I recommend signing up for January's TBR Twin reads. It's fun to see who you'll get paired with while knocking out another book on your TBR list.

Hello,

I'm a 30 something Elementary school teacher candidate. I hope to start teaching full time next year. I'm trying to read more young adult and professional development books. I enjoy biographies, mystery,science fiction, fantasy, literature, almost anything really. I'm looking forward to taking part in this group.

Hi Megan,

Welcome to the group. I am a teacher too. What grade are you hoping to get?

Hi I'm Stephanie, i live in Australia and I'm 22. I love PNR, Fantasy, Historical Romance and Romance.

First time joining a reading group for anything. Figured I'd give it a try. My personal library is always a work in progress. My fiance is in the process of doubling the size of our current library, so that we should be able to fit a couple thousand books (give or take).

My main reading interests are science, history, archaeology, classics, ecology/biology, and lots of randoms from any genre that I pick up for $1-2 at half price books. I'm a skeptic in all things, and proud of that.

I also listen to many audiobooks. Genres that I have no interest in reading (fantasy, sci-fi, and popular modern lit) I find that I enjoy listening to while I am at work.

Look forward to exploring what joining a book group actually involves.

Okay, I've done this before, back in May, but the level at which I slacked off was simply AMAZING. So I'm here to start fresh, even if a lot of my goals are the same, and so I feel that another introduction is in order.

My name is Erin. I am recently 29, married for a bit over a year, stepmom to two pretty great kids and harried wrangler of five dogs and a cat (not to mention 38 tortoise hatchlings and two mercifully self-sufficient guinea pigs).

Just over one month ago, my husband surprised me with a Kindle for my birthday. I had never had a desire for one, honestly. I was satisfied with my free Kindle apps and quite happy to stick to ink-and-paper books 97% of the time. But when I opened that package and saw this Kindle staring me in the face, some switch flipped deep in my brain and all I've wanted to do since then is read. And I have. In the past month, I've finished seven books (six of them were started within that period, also, though one was a carryover from a month or two prior).

I am very confident in meeting my reading goal for 2014 (26 books, 10400 pages), and I look forward to being part of this group as I go along.

Back in May, I mentioned wanting to commit myself to my stay-at-home wife / stepmom gig, and, well, I kind of failed pretty spectacularly at that. So here it is again. I'll sum it up in two words: Do better. Do more, be lazy less. Maybe if I leave it at that, the simplicity of it will work its way into my brain and actually take root.

Sometimes, I feel a very strong urge to be part of a community, to feel connected to other people. As I find myself rather shy and reclusive in real life, I turn to the online world. For some reason, being active here on Goodreads has never occurred to me. Don't ask me why, because there's truly no reason. I find that it's easy to forget about discussions when there are multiple groups and tons of threads and it's not all packaged neatly onto one dash like Tumblr, but I am going to be better about being here more. Back-and-forth with you guys will definitely help that!

So, there you have it. A long -- but, believe it or not, incredibly condensed -- introduction. I look forward to getting to know you all, and I can't wait for all of your fantastic reading habits to rub off on me so that I can get back to where I used to be!

Erin

Hi everyone :-)

I am new to the group as well.

My name is Katie, and I am almost 29 (this coming Saturday will be my 29th birthday). I am from Minnesota, USA and enjoy reading all kinds of books.

I already completed my goal for 2013, and that was to read 30 books. I did that back in August, and that felt awesome to do that!

My goal for 2014 is around 35 books, I believe. I will make that goal number for definite when it comes closer.

I'm Lori and I live in London. I'm a very eclectic reader and read most genres. However, my most read genre is mysteries and I'm not a fan of romances/erotica. Since joining Goodreads I've become a reading challenge addict.

@Stephanie Welcome! I have some family and friends in Australia but have never been - dying to go. I also love fantasy, romance, and historical fiction. Interested to see your favorites and hope you have a good time with our group!

@Daphne I am envious of you and your fiancé's library! I noticed most of your favorite genres are nonfiction and was about to recommend you check out the Dewey Decimal Challenge for 2014, but I see you already found it. I hope you have fun here!

@Erin What a marvelous introduction! I love animals and would take care of more if I felt I adequately could, but for now it's just the kitteh. I am jealous of all of your pets. I hope you find some new refreshing reads and discussions with us as we head into the new year!

@Katie Sounds like a manageable goal! I only started tracking around July or August of this year and went for 27, but I haven't reached the goal yet so still figuring out what my 2014 goal should be. I hope you surpass your goal again in the new year - I have a feeling you will :]

@Lori So happy to have you! And what a perfect time to join us, as we have set up a lot of 2014 yearly challenges already for all of the challenge addicts out there (not to mention quarterly and monthly challenges that will come later). I hope you enjoy your time with us!

@Erin - welcome back, sort of! You know, I am a lot like you when it comes to desiring a community and feeling connected to others, yet also being reclusive and shy. I'm an introvert to the max and I have made so many terrific friends online. Like you, I also didn't really use GR much as an online community (more like a place to keep track of my books) but that has changed immensely in the past year. I've made some truly great friendships here in different groups that I've participated in. I hope you will keep coming around and make friends, too! Also, I think taking the simple route with your 'sahm/step mom' goal is brilliant. I hope things go the way you want in 2014!

@Stephanie - welcome! Hope you enjoy your stay.

@Megan - Welcome and good luck with your elementary teaching endeavors! I also enjoy mysteries and biographies.

@Katie - Welcome! I recognize you from a couple of other GR groups. Good to see you here. Congratulations on completing your 2013 reading goal, woo!

@Pigletto (Lori) - Welcome! I know you from NBRC! My favorite genre is mysteries, too! Love seeing a fellow sleuth around these parts, hehe. Like you, I am a challenge addict, lol. They're so fun! And motivating.

Hi, I'm Holly from California. I started doing Goodreads challenges in 2012. That year, I failed my goal spectacularly (haha). I was going to school full-time then and living in dorms, so I ended up reading mainly school books and nothing else, I'm afraid. 2013 is different though. I have finally graduated and have had a lot more time to read! I think I'm at 138 books for the year so far - my goal started at 50, then I raised it to 100, so I'm pretty happy :] I've had a lot of fun tracking my books here on Goodreads, so I decided to join a group for 2014!

I mainly read classics, YA, and middle-grade novels, but sometimes I'll read something else. I have big plans for 2014! Hopefully I'll read a good mix of fluff along with some good literature. I think having sort of a plan will help me get over some indecision about "what should I read next."

Hello, I am Duane and I live in Kentucky. I am retired so I have plenty of time to read. I read a mimimum of 100 to 120 books per year. I read from many genres, classic, historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, biographies, poetry; always looking for something new or different.

Love seeing all the new members! Welcome, all. I hope you enjoy our little group. :)

Hi! I'm Lynn and I live in North Carolina. I'm a life-long reader and have become truly voracious since I retired. I'm a big fan of serial mysteries and I'm especially fond of those set somewhere else. I'm trying to expand my taste to include new genres, and have fallen in love with historical fiction, graphic novels this year. Nonfiction is my next hurdle and Mary Roach is going to help. Looking forward to the randomizer challenge and taking part in group discussions.

Jodi wrote: "Hi Megan,

Welcome to the group. I am a teacher too. What grade are you hoping to get?"

I would like to teach Fifth grade but I would be happy teaching 3-5. What grade do you teach?

Hi, my name is Lisa Russo, that last surname important because my dad died of cancer and I wish to carry on his name. I miss him terribly and being a daddy's girl, his death has left me in a fugue with my commitment to reading and finishing some books kicking around that just like never get read. The last favorite came to me through a gr friend, The Cold Mountain. I loved it!!
I generally enjoy books that have been prized or just beloved by a member. I generally eschew books with stron sexual content because after marriage, you pretty much get the idea. Anyway am I seek regain my status as being a person who reads different books and classics and finally getting to Ian's Amsterdam. If anyone wants to be a buddy read and a fine balance I would love it. I also seek 'the English patient as well. My genre of books are literary fiction and like all have novitiates have started with the milky substance of easy reads and then found their nitch. Mine, as stated is literary. I currently am battling cancer of the brain and that is why my goals and accomplishments have been low between treatments. So, I have also found myself delving into historical fiction and will take any great suggestions. My favorite author is Jodi Picoult and have read her stuff numerous times. To break out of serious literature, I'm reading steels France book, my mother had gotten me into her and it's something to discuss with her, so she has influenced the occasional 80's read to me like Eileen goudge and Fannie Flagg. So there you have my reading career in a nutshell. I'm honored to get to work. Lis

Megan wrote: "Jodi wrote: "Hi Megan,

Welcome to the group. I am a teacher too. What grade are you hoping to get?"

I would like to teach Fifth grade but I would be happy teaching 3-5. What grade do you teach?"

For 13 years I taught grade 5, with some grade 4 mixed in and then two years ago, I made the change to grade 1. I absolutely loved grade 5. They are such a neat age but I am loving the change. Grade ones are so much fun.

Hi Lisa,

A Fine Balance is my favourite book. I have read it a couple of times. I hope you enjoy it. If you want to read The English Patient, I would love to read it with you. I have tried to read it a few times but haven't gotten far. If you want to buddy read it, there is a buddy read thread near the bottom of the main page. I don't know how to add a link, sorry. Post buddy read requests there and people will sign up with you.

Jodi wrote: "Megan wrote: "Jodi wrote: "Hi Megan,

Welcome to the group. I am a teacher too. What grade are you hoping to get?"

I would like to teach Fifth grade but I would be happy teaching 3-5. What grade d..."

Jodi,

My stepson (aka the spawn, or stepspawn, which, by the way can both be plural to encompass my stepson and stepdaughter, but which is most often used for my stepson alone; also the demon or the demon child) is in first grade. I chaperoned a field trip a few weeks ago and spent 45 minutes or so in the classroom with the kids and teacher before leaving for the trip, and yowza, man, the patience required is enough to earn you guys sainthoods, bronze statues of you all to be remembered and worshiped for strength and serenity. This is true of all teachers, of course, but that classroom was just…wow.

Coincidentally, I had designs to be an early childhood education teacher, but it didn't, so far, pan out. I haven't ruled it out as an option, but right now I'm taking a break from studentdom and so my degree isn't getting any closer to finishing itself.

Kudos to you guys. My kid would be lost without this particular teacher. The right teacher changes the whole game.

Hi! My name is Ashley. I am 22 years old. I mostly read YA, science fiction/ fantasy and horror, but I am also known for just picking up and reading a book that has an awesome cover. I am a huge book lover and own so many books that they are in piles all over my apartment.

Erin wrote: "Jodi wrote: "Megan wrote: "Jodi wrote: "Hi Megan,

Welcome to the group. I am a teacher too. What grade are you hoping to get?"

I would like to teach Fifth grade but I would be happy teaching 3-5...."

Thanks for that nice message about teachers Erin. I was nervous about switching to grade one but I love it. The kids are so sweet and just want to please the teacher. We have so much fun singing, reading and playing games. Grade ones love everything you do. We did Christmas art stations today. I will say though, I am much more tired at the end of every day with the grade ones than I was with the grade fives.

Really though, every grade has something special about it. The grade 7s (who are my former grade 5s ) come in my class every recess and help out, chit chat or to study for tests. I feel very lucky in my job. I am at a fantastic school, with great kids and supportive parents. Most days it is fun to go to work.

Do you think you will continue to pursue Early Childhood Education?

Hi,
I just came across this group while looking for reading challenges for next year, so looking forward to see what challenges come up for me to participate in throughout the year :)

Mell :)

Welcome Melissa! Take a look around and ask questions if you have any.

Hi everyone, I'm Sara and I'm a new old member :) I actually was one of the mods here when the group first started, but had to step down due to family health issues. Ended up deleting my GR account and haven't been reading a lot this year. But, things are back to normal again (yay!), and it's time for me to get back to my first love, reading :D

I'm a sahm to three kids, live in MI and love pretty much all genres except for chick lit. My favorite authors are Gail Carriger and Ilona Andrews.

Looking forward to 2014 and getting to know everyone (and reconnect with some of the familiar faces that are still here!).

I'm Tyanne. I'm a wife to my husband of 4 years and a stay at home mom to my 2 year old daughter. :-)

Hi I'm Karena. I'm hoping I can use this group to stay on track with book goals. I meet my end goal no problem, but I'm trying to make sure I keep widening my horizons and not get stuck in the same genres. I like urban fantasy, contemporary lit, historical fiction, biographies, histories and classics.

Hi, I'm Madelyn. I grew up in Utah and moved to California about 10 years ago. I've been married for 11.5 years and have 3 children. I am a Hospice nurse and I love to read and do crafts in my spare time. I formed a local book club with a few of my close friends called the MsdFishy Book Club. We meet on a monthly basis to eat good food and discuss good books. I'm joining this group in preparation for 2014. I would like to set new reading goals and I am interested to see what others are reading. I have a wide range of reading interests. As with my book club, we each take turns selecting the monthly books so I never know what I'll be reading next or whether I'll enjoy it or hate it. It's teaching me to be flexible. I have already reserved some of the books I've seen in this group from my library and I look forward to adding my input on them.

Hi, I'm Jennifer from Illinois. I am a wife and mom of 3. I also work full-time and go to school part time. I just took my last final of this semester so I will have some extra time to read!! I am excited to check out some of the challenges and determine which I will partake in for 2014.

Bookalicious wrote: "Hi everyone, I'm Sara and I'm a new old member :) I actually was one of the mods here when the group first started, but had to step down due to family health issues. Ended up deleting my GR account..."

SARA! I'm so, so excited that you're back. Hopefully the place doesn't look too different these days. Glad to hear things are back to normal.

Welcome to all the new members!

Hey guys! I'm Mhairi and I'm honestly not much of a reader. My kindle had a near death experience and I've realized just how much I've neglected it so I'm determined to read regularly. I like working towards goals and targets so I'm hoping a good few reading challenges will keep me going. I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into some challenges and making a dent in all the books I want to read!

Hi I'm Marisa. I'm new to the group and new to goodreads! Very excited to get started. I'm open to reading anything - as long as it captures my interest :)

Welcome everyone! I hope you enjoy the group. We have a lot of fun here.

Mhairi, hope you enjoy the challenges! We have a ton of fun thinking them up.

Marisa, welcome! Let us know if you have any questions.

Kara wrote: "Bookalicious wrote: "Hi everyone, I'm Sara and I'm a new old member :) I actually was one of the mods here when the group first started, but had to step down due to family health issues. Ended up d..."


Seeing lots of familiar faces :) And wow, so many members now-very cool!

Hi there,

My name is Julia and I love to read and follow discussions on books. I like mysteries, old and new literature, sci-fi (a little). I like romance in any genre, but not as a genre by itself. My thoughts are often interrupted by my kids which makes contributing to discussions a little tricky - so if I write anything that doesn't make sense be sure you ask :) .
P.S. Teresa if you are reading this my family just adopted two black kittens - love those little black cuties!

Welcome to everyone who joined this past week!

Hi,

My name is Liz and I will be joining your group for 2014. I've been on Goodreads since 2008. I read a lot, but lately, my progress has been slow because I'm in school. However, I managed 78 books so far this year, so I think I'm doing OK regardless.

Hope to talk to you guys soon.

Liz K.