Happy 2020!

Hello Fellow Bookworms,

Can you believe we have reached another new year, another new decade? There were so many good books this past decade, and there are so many good books still to come!

Have you heard of Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge? The original post, posted in 2015, is continuing into its sixth year in 2020, with a list intended to challenge the way you read and guide you to read outside of your norm. As an added bonus, if you are able to complete the list before next December 31st, you can snag a 30% coupon off an order at Out of Print!

Want to try out the challenge with me? Here is the list:

1. Read a YA nonfiction book
2. Read a retelling of a classic of the canon, fairytale, or myth by an author of color
3. Read a mystery where the victim(s) is not a woman
4. Read a graphic memoir
5. Read a book about a natural disaster
6. Read a play by an author of color and/or queer author
7. Read a historical fiction novel not set in WWII
8. Read an audiobook of poetry
9. Read the LAST book in a series
10. Read a book that takes place in a rural setting
11. Read a debut novel by a queer author
12. Read a memoir by someone from a religious tradition (or lack of religious tradition) that is not your own
13. Read a food book about a cuisine you’ve never tried before
14. Read a romance starring a single parent
15. Read a book about climate change
16. Read a doorstopper (over 500 pages) published after 1950, written by a woman
17. Read a sci-fi/fantasy novella (under 120 pages)
18. Read a picture book with a human main character from a marginalized community
19. Read a book by or about a refugee
20. Read a middle grade book that doesn’t take place in the U.S. or the UK
21. Read a book with a main character or protagonist with a disability (fiction or non)
22. Read a horror book published by an indie press
23. Read an edition of a literary magazine (digital or physical)
24. Read a book in any genre by a Native, First Nations, or Indigenous author

(c) Once Upon A Book Blog(ger) 2019

Did you end up completing any resolutions? I find it is really hard for me to continuously complete a task and must shake things up every now and again to keep the task interesting (i.e. workout more --> go outside, hike, bike, parkour, etc.). Thinking it over, while not keeping to what I originally wanted for myself in the beginning of this year, I think this year has brought much perspective that I can use in 2020.

Thank you all for staying with me and this blog, which was once a resolution of mine! I wish you all the very best for the upcoming year and upcoming decade! May you stay curious, stay kind, love yourself, love others, travel, and experience the world - whether it be in book form or not. As Walt Disney once said, "Keep moving forward."

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P.S. I am currently in between a middle school/young adult fantasy book and do not want to rush a review post, so look out for another book review soon! :)

Book Lists

Hello All!

I am in between reading books and writing reviews at the moment, but I thought I would share something with you in the meantime.

Do you ever give yourself a book goal beyond the number of books you would like to read in a year? Such as reading a certain classic book that you would like to dedicate time to read or read a certain genre you typically avoid, but want to try again? Or maybe it is trying out those new audiobooks on vinyl (how cools is that?!). I know I do. I have a list of classic books, this one was received in the mail as part of junk mail, but it had potential! This list of classics would be my inspiration to read not only modern works, but also those from generations past. See below for the list and my, albeit slow, progress:

As you can tell, it is not a full list of classic books, but it is a good starting point and goal. There are a few other websites and blogs out there that can help you find a goal list of your own. For example, the book recommendation website This Is Writing boasts a website to share stories for all to read and pass on. It caters not only to big name authors and novels, but also to those who are starting out and need a voice. If you favor lists and categorization when choosing a book/genre, you should check this website out - it may help you during a book slump! Most recently, they have compiled a list of fiction books that you should read at least once, termed "The Ultimate List of Fiction Books You Should Read At Least Once In Your Life" (of which you can find out which books make the list by clicking the link).

Do you have a book goal that is beyond a number? Let me know in the comments below. Happy Monday and happy reading! :)