2025 Reading Challenge discussion

Update to message #39

9/26 completed

updated message 97

10/13 complete

I would like to join this challenge

Message #156 updated
PROGRESS: 32/40 (books) 13/13 (tasks)

1. African
2. Agnostic, Athiest, or Humanist
3. Asexual or Aromantic
4. Asian - The Poppy War (June)
5. Bisexual or Pansexual - Call Me By Your Name (November)
6. Black
7. Buddhist
8. Christian-minority (i.e., Christian in a country in which it is not the most common religion)
9. Differently-Abled
A. Autistic - The Kiss Quotient (May)
10. Gay Male or Lesbian Female - Love Is Love: A Comic Book Anthology to Benefit the Survivors of the Orlando Pulse Shooting (October)
11. Hindu
12. Immigrant
13. Incarcerated or Institutionalized
14. Indigenous
15. Jewish
16. Latin American
A. Cuban - When We Left Cuba (July)
17. Living with a Mental Health or Cognitive Disability
18. Low-Income or Financially Insecure
19. Middle Eastern
20. Mixed Race or Multi-racial
21. Muslim - A Very Large Expanse of Sea (May)
22. Non-binary or Transgender
23. Oceanic
24. Practitioner of a minor religion or another form of spirituality
25. Refugee, Migrant, or Asylum-Seeker
26. Survivor of Sexual Assault or Domestic Violence

Read: 6/10
Amount may change if I reach goal.

Message #156 updated
PROGRESS: 33/40 (books) 14/14 (tasks)

Just completed #12 (immigrant) - The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Phillipe. I loved the snarky writing and teen observations in this book. And then there was a bit too much teen angst, that then got super real, super fast. I liked that there was a realistic ending. And the characters were written really well! Definitely worth reading! 4 stars

9/20

Message 198 Update:
Progress: 2/10 books (amount may change if I reach the goal)

updated message 97

11/13 complete

Message #156 updated
PROGRESS: 34/40 (books) 15/15 (tasks)

Updated message 67 - Completed 7/12

Updated message 31: 9 complete, Miracle Creek for immigrant

Message #156 updated
PROGRESS: 36/40 (books) 15/15 (tasks)

May update to msg #7

Progress: 16/24 tasks (22/30 books)

Updating 56

10. Gay Male/Lesbian Female- Gaysia: Adventures in the Queer East

10/26 Read

Updated message 41-- 7/13

Updated message 41-- 8/13
Mis(h)adra-- the author is Middle Eastern, Muslim, Epileptic

Message 198 Update:
Progress: 3/10 Books (amount may change if I reach the goal)

Message #156 updated
PROGRESS: 40/40 (books) 16/16 (tasks)

CHALLENGE COMPLETED!!! But I'm not done yet, I have a lot of interesting books waiting to be added to the list, 😉

Message #156 updated
PROGRESS: 41/40 (books) 16/16 (tasks)

Just completed #18 (low income) - Between a Heart and a Rock Place: A Memoir by Pat Benatar. I really enjoyed learning about Pat Benatar, her career, and the rock industry that she helped change forever. I was not a big fan of the writing, but the information included, her views, and the description of her relationship with Neil Giraldo were definitely worth it. Worth reading. 3.5 stars

10/20

Just completed #19 (Middle-eastern) - The Favored Daughter: One Woman's Fight to Lead Afghanistan into the Future by Fawzia Koofi. What an amazing, inspiring woman! The book is written well, and I particularly like the letters to her daughters at the end of each chapter. If she can survive assassins, taliban, tribal fighters, and incredible loss and still strive to fight for her country and her beliefs, then I can do my bit for mine. Definitely worth reading! 4.5 stars

11/20

Message #156 updated
PROGRESS: 44/40 (books) 16/16 (tasks)

Just completed #4 (Asian) - Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan. The thing I most enjoyed about this book was the descriptions of Singapore - it definitely makes me want to visit! The characters were rather annoying to me. Rachel just seemed rather naive, and Nick was cluelessly privileged. Very different from the movie, so I'm actually glad I saw it first. It definitely became more interesting the second half, so I'll still eventually read the second book in the series. Worth reading. 3.5 stars

12/20

Update msg 42

6/12

I have updated message 84.
I have completed 15/29
(some categories have more than one book)

Favorites so far:
Homegoing-African
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing-Humanist
Speak-Survivor of Sexual Assault
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe-Gay or Lesbian
Girl in Translation- Asian
The Kiss Quotient-Differently-Abled
Fruit of the Drunken Tree-Latin America
Salt Houses-Refugee
The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom-Christian-minority

Updated msg 7

Progress: 20/24 tasks (33/30 books)

Message #155 updated (I don't know why I had all my message numbers wrong🤔)
PROGRESS: 45/40 (books) 16/16 (tasks)

Edited post #47.
So far 10/13.

just starting this...

#OwnVoices
Duration January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019



0/X Tasks Complete

Read a book featuring a protagonist who identifies as _____ by an author who is also _____.

1. African (e.g, Ghanian, Nigerian) - (view spoiler)
2. Agnostic, Athiest, or Humanist
3. Asexual or Aromantic
4. Asian (e.g., Hmong, Japanese) - (view spoiler)
5. Bisexual or Pansexual
6. Black (e.g. African-American, Black British)
7. Buddhist
8. Christian-minority (i.e., Christian in a country in which it is not the most common religion)
9. Differently-Abled (e.g., Autistic, Deaf, Paraplegic)
10. Gay Male or Lesbian Female
11. Hindu
12. Immigrant
13. Incarcerated or Institutionalized
14. Indigenous (e.g., Aboriginal, Inuit, Mojave)
15. Jewish
16. Latin American (e.g., Mexican, Colombian-descent) - (view spoiler)
17. Living with a Mental Health or Cognitive Disability
18. Low-Income or Financially Insecure
19. Middle Eastern
20. Mixed Race or Multi-racial
21. Muslim
22. Non-binary or Transgender
23. Oceanic (e.g., Papuan, Samoan) - (view spoiler)
24. Practitioner of a minor religion or another form of spirituality
25. Refugee, Migrant, or Asylum-Seeker
26. Survivor of Sexual Assault or Domestic Violence

Recommendation - Go Deeper: Globally, women and genderqueer members experience more discrimination and disenfranchisement than cis-male members. For example, many religions are experienced differently by male and female members with women often being even more marginalized. We encourage you to read multiple perspectives. Additionally, there are also major differences among different continental regions. Click on the "spoiler" above to expand each continent into smaller regions. Read a book from each region. There are many other individuals who experience discrimination not listed and you are encouraged to read books by these individuals as well.

Just completed #9 (differently-abled) - The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang. I'm thoroughly impressed with this author. She sought to tell her truth and present a character that reflects the struggles of so many women. It's steamy and delightful! Definitely worth reading! 4.5 stars

13/20

Updating Msg. 56

3. Asexual- The Invisible Orientation: An Introduction to Asexuality
16. Latin American- The House of the Spirits
18. Low- Income- At the Bottom: A Woman's Life in Central America
25. Migrant- The Dead Eye and the Deep Blue Sea: The World of Slavery at Sea-A Graphic Memoir

14/26 Read

Updated message 41-- 9/13-- Not Quite Not White: Losing and Finding Race in America-- I used it for the prompt Hindu but it also could be used for immigrant

Message 197 Update:
Progress: 4/10 Books (amount may change if I reach the goal)

Message #155 updated
PROGRESS: 46/40 (books) 16/16 (tasks)

Updated message 41-- 10/13-- living with a mental health or cognitive disability-- Falling with Wings: A Mother's Story. The author has PTSD, Anorexia, and addictions; Two of her daughters also struggle with mental health and addiction issues, as does her ex-husband.

updated #95 - 3/10

6. Black - The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
10. Gay Male or Lesbian Female - We Are Okay by Nina LaCour (the author hasn't stated her sexuality anywhere as far as I know, but since she's married to a woman I'm gonna count it for now)

I've read quite the amount of books recently by straight females writing about gay or lesbian relationships, sigh.

updated message 96 (formerly 97)

13/13 complete

Updated msg 7

23. Oceanic
Maori, New Zealand: Bulibasha: Mahana (Witi Ihimaera)

Progress: 21/24 tasks (39/30 books)

#OwnVoices
Duration January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019

Definitely one of my main goals: to read more diversely is a personal goal that has helped enliven their reading and expand their understanding of different lived experiences and perspectives.

Read a book featuring a protagonist who identifies as _____ by an author who is also _____.

Definitely "late to the game," as they say, but will try to fit as many of the books I have read this year and then see where I am!

I'll try for 10.

9/10 as of October 18

1. African (e.g, Ghanian, Nigerian)
Homegoing

2. Agnostic, Atheist, or Humanist
The Portable Atheist: Essential Readings for the Nonbeliever
I have owned this for awhile but have yet to get to read it!

3. Asexual or Aromantic
??

✔️4. Asian (e.g., Hmong, Japanese)
Pachinko

5. Bisexual or Pansexual
??

✔️6. Black (e.g. African-American, Black British)
When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir

7. Buddhist
The Reluctant Buddhist
I keep thinking I'll read a book about Buddhism...and then don't! Now is my opportunity.

8. Christian-minority (i.e., Christian in a country in which it is not the most common religion)
??

✔️9. Differently-Abled (e.g., Autistic, Deaf, Paraplegic)
The World's Strongest Librarian: A Memoir of Tourette's, Faith, Strength, and the Power of Family
Tourette's and depression
The Kiss Quotient

✔️10. Gay Male or Lesbian Female
The Trouble with Normal: Sex, Politics, and the Ethics of Queer Life

11. Hindu
??

✔️12. Immigrant
The Arrival
One of the best picture books/graphic novel!
And a special gift from my best friend! Bonus!

✔️13. Incarcerated or Institutionalized
Soul on Ice

✔️14. Indigenous (e.g., Aboriginal, Inuit, Mojave)
The Things She's Seen

15. Jewish
God vs. Gay?: The Religious Case for Equality

16. Latin American (e.g., Mexican, Colombian-descent)
Chronicle of a Death Foretold

✔️17. Living with a Mental Health or Cognitive Disability
Beautiful Bad

18. Low-Income or Financially Insecure
Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America

19. Middle Eastern
??

20. Mixed Race or Multi-racial
??

21. Muslim
I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban

✔️22. Non-binary or Transgender
George

23. Oceanic (e.g., Papuan, Samoan)
The Whale Rider-New Zealand

24. Practitioner of a minor religion or another form of spirituality
The Celestine Prophecy
A reread of a favorite!

25. Refugee, Migrant, or Asylum-Seeker
??

26. Survivor of Sexual Assault or Domestic Violence
??

Update: 11/10

5. Bisexual or Pansexual - The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue

19. Middle Eastern - A Thousand Splendid Suns

Updated msg #7

20. Mixed-heritage or multiracial
Afro-Boricua: With the Fire on High (Elizabeth Acevedo)

Progress: 21/24 tasks (40/30 books)

Message #155 updated
PROGRESS: 47/40 (books) 16/16 (tasks)

Updated message 41-- 11/13-- My Sister, the Serial Killer (African-- Nigerian)

Update to message 19

11/12

2019 Reading Challenge
#OwnVoices - 2019
Duration: January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019

Progress: 2 out of 26

For many people, reading more diversely is a personal goal that has helped enliven their reading and expand their understanding of different lived experiences and perspectives.

For this challenge, you will read books written by authors who are members of different marginalized groups that feature one or more prominent characters from the same group. You may read fiction or non-fiction for this challenge, or double the number of tasks by reading one of each.

Many books will fit multiple categories but each book may be used only once. More information about #ownvoices can be found here.

Read a book featuring a protagonist who identifies as _____ by an author who is also _____.

#OwnVoices

1. African (e.g, Ghanian, Nigerian)
- Homegoing-African

2. Agnostic, Athiest, or Humanist
- An Absolutely Remarkable Thing-Humanist

3. Asexual or Aromantic

4. Asian (e.g., Hmong, Japanese)
- Girl in Translation- Asian

5. Bisexual or Pansexual

6. Black (e.g. African-American, Black British)
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas - ***** - 6/21/2019 - 512 Pages

7. Buddhist

8. Christian-minority (i.e., Christian in a country in which it is not the most common religion)
- The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom-Christian-minority

9. Differently-Abled (e.g., Autistic, Deaf, Paraplegic)
- The Kiss Quotient-Differently-Abled

10. Gay Male or Lesbian Female
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe-Gay or Lesbian

11. Hindu
12. Immigrant
13. Incarcerated or Institutionalized
14. Indigenous (e.g., Aboriginal, Inuit, Mojave)
15. Jewish

16. Latin American (e.g., Mexican, Colombian-descent) - (view spoiler)
- Fruit of the Drunken Tree-Latin America

17. Living with a Mental Health or Cognitive Disability
18. Low-Income or Financially Insecure
19. Middle Eastern
20. Mixed Race or Multi-racial
21. Muslim
22. Non-binary or Transgender
23. Oceanic (e.g., Papuan, Samoan) - (view spoiler)
24. Practitioner of a minor religion or another form of spirituality

25. Refugee, Migrant, or Asylum-Seeker
- Salt Houses-Refugee

26. Survivor of Sexual Assault or Domestic Violence:
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky - ***** - 7/11/2019 - 213 Pages

Updated message 41-- Moments in Transition: Stories of Maya and Jeena
12/13
I used it for the Immigrant prompt but it would also fit the Hindu prompt

Updated msg #7

15. Jewish: The Ritual Bath (Faye Kellerman)

Progress: 22/24 tasks (46/30 books)

Update to msg 7

19. Middle Eastern
Iran: The Last Days of Café Leila (Donia Bijan)

Progress: 23/24 books (47/30 books)
Almost finished!

Just completed #23 (oceanic - Australian) - Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty. I love this book! I really enjoyed the vast majority of the characters, particularly the romance writer! And just when I thought about halfway through I knew where this one was going, it took a quick left turn and got even better. Definitely worth reading! 5 stars

14/20