One of the things I want to take with me from 2020 is how much reading I did. Getting back in to the regular habit of reading before bed every night was such a positive for me, so I’m making a commitment to keeping it up in 2021 too. However, I also want to go further than that and focus on making sure I am reading a diverse range of stories from a broader range of authors. So, here are some of the reading challenges I am setting myself for 2021!
I got the inspiration for this from a few people I follow on Instagram – in particular Michael from Here’s The Veg, Lauren from Lauren Lately and Laura from The Life Of Laura.
This year I traversed a pretty wide array of books, both fiction and non-fiction, and made a conscious effort to broaden my horizons. I know, however, that there is still lots more I can do – so here’s where I want to focus my reading in 2021
More books by indigenous authors
This year some of my favourite books were by indigenous authors – in particular The Yield by Tara June Winch– so it only makes sense that I should seek out more. I read a mix of fiction and non-fiction indigenous authors in 2020, and I want to make sure I read more of both in 2021 too.
More books by women of colour
Thanks to lots of great lists being shared in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests I was able to ensure I added some women of colour authors to my reading list in 2020. I did only read a handful though, so it’s definitely one of the reading challenges I am setting myself for this year.
Genres I don’t usually choose
My go-to genres haven’t changed much over the years – and whilst I clearly know what I like, maybe there is more out there for me to enjoy! I tend to steer clear of anything in the fantasy, science fiction, romance or horror genres, but I bet if I looked harder I would find books and authors that interest me. This year I will expand my horizons and try something new!
Books with protagonists with diverse backgrounds
One of the key reading challenges I am setting myself is to choose books where the protagonist has a different set of life experiences to me. Preferably more fiction than non-fiction stories, but I will be happy with either!
Classics I have missed
We do the quiz at work every day and questions on classic literature are most definitely not my strong point! The list of well regarded and influential books that I haven’t read is pretty long, so this year I intend to shorten it at least a little bit.
I am also going to try and track what I read this year better as well – I feel like a Goodreads account might be in order!
If you have recommendations that fit in any of these categories please let me know! I’m quite clearly always on the lookout for good things to read!
These are the reading challenges I am setting myself, I’d love to hear yours too!
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I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!