Has anyone had a bad experience with the Goodreads reading challenge? I’ve been doing it for the past 8 years but I think it’s time to call it quits. I know it’s totally inconsequential and no one cares if you succeed or not, but the constant reminder of “You’re X books behind schedule” is starting to feel tiring. Lately I’ve been reading short books instead of the big bricks I really want to read, just to complete the challenge. Makes me feel dumb.
I wish they would bring more diversity to the challenge instead of just a number. Read books from 5 different genres, read a book on astrophysics, read X books written by women authors, write 1 review, start a new series, read a book that my wife rated 5 stars, etc.
Anyone has thoughts or suggestions on a reading challenge that would be more engaging?
Yes! I join a few every year for the prompts like the 52 Book Club and Book Riot Read Harder (the 2024 list will be out on 1 Dec).
Instead of goodreads, join Storygraph. They have a section for just challenges including the two I mentioned above and you can even make some yourself. There are also more stats and you can add page goals.
Do you know if StoryGraph can import from GoodReads?
I second the Read Harder Challenge. I use that to push my reading even though I never do the whole list.