The Intentional Reading Challenge
Reading has become a HUGE part of my life again over the past several years, but that hasn't always been the case. As mentioned in my About Me page, for years prior to the pandemic I barely read a single new book! Somewhere after high school, I lost my love of discovering new books. I re-read the same books over and over again. BORING! Since starting my second-act reading journey I purposefully try to incorporate new authors, new genres, and new cultures into my reading habits. If you're reading this I assume you're trying to do the same. So, to help you in your intentional reading journey, I've created the Intentional Reading Challenge which focuses on diversity and inclusion. I'm sharing in hopes you'll join me in discovering a world of new books! Scroll down to explore the challenge prompts and sign up for a printable journal to capture your experience throughout the challenge.
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What is Intentional Reading?
Reading is a form of learning, and, as argued by this Medium article, learning should be intentional. In today's global world, we should be striving to learn about other cultures, races, and ethnicities, whether through travel, personal connection, or hobbies like reading. Exploring other ways of thinking and believing help enrich our experiences, as well as our understanding of the world around us. With more exposure, we can more easily empathize with the plight of others. For example, reading a Black-authored book that illustrates racial prejudice experienced by Black people can give you greater insight into the ongoing racial struggles experienced by Black people. Reading is a great way of "walking in other people's shoes," giving you a safe place to explore the feelings and thoughts of the fictional characters involved. Hopefully those experiences will result in thoughtful reflection, further reading, and maybe more purposeful research.
Why a Reading Challenge?
Let's face it! Sometimes we need to be challenged to break outside our comfort zone, and a reading challenge is a great way to do just that. It's easy to get stuck in a rut, reading the same genres, authors, and themes. Reading challenges, like The Intentional Reading Challenge, encourage us to expand our horizons and try new things, whether a new author, genre or representation. Reading challenges also provide guidance, giving you a place to start on your intentional reading journey.
The Intentional Reading Challenge Prompts
The goal of this challenge is to expand the normal boundaries of our reading habits. Break out of the rut and read something new to you: a new genre, a new author, a new culture, anything new!
Read One Classic Novel
I used to read a lot of classics but not so much lately. I've added a couple below that offer a different world view. If you want even more, here are a few of my favorite classic novels to help you get started if you're new to classics!
Read the 1st Book of a Series
There's nothing better than a great series of books to keep you engaged in reading. Not sure where to start? Here's a few suggestions below, or you can check out my list of the best historical fiction series for even more suggestions.
Read a Book About a Real Event in History
Historical fiction (my favorite genre) helps us better understand events of the past, as well as the experiences of those who lived through those events. Challenge yourself to reading about a significant event in history and open your mind to what it must have been like to live during those times. Here are a few of my favorites!
Read a Book Set in Your Home State
I'm a Louisiana girl through and through, so I enjoy reading books set back home. It's fun to be transported through books! So why not go home?
Read a book with an LGBTQIA Main Character
While I'm not queer, I do enjoy a book with LGBTQIA representation. Here are a few that blew me away, and if you want more, check out this master list of the best LGBTQIA historical fiction.
Read a Booksta or Booktok Favorite
I'll admit, if it weren't for Booksta I probably wouldn't have started reading again, at least not as much. Here are a few Booksta darlings that you consider if you haven't read them yet!
Read a Debut Novel
Some debut novels can really knock your socks off. Here are a few that took my breath away in the best way.
Read a Book by a BIPOC author
Every year I work hard to incorporate more diversity into my reading. Here are a few books helping me to do just that! Want even more? Check out this list of the best Black-authored historical fiction.
Read a Book Based in Asia or Africa
Again, diversity is key, including diverse settings! To me there's nothing better than a little armchair travel. Here are a few books I recommend set in Asia and Africa to get you started!
Read a Book from Your Least Favorite Genre
I'm pretty much glued to historical fiction, so reading outside my preferred genre doesn't happen much. But this reading challenge is all about mixing it up a bit! Here are some much beloved Sci-Fi books I hope to read soon.
Read a Book by an Indie Author
Indie authors don't get as much hype as they should. Let's make sure we do our part to spread the word about some! Here are a few indie books on my shelves.
Read a Book from a Banned Book List
Last but certainly not least, let's wage war on the war on books! Be sure to add at least one banned book to your reading list this year.
Want a FREE copy of the Intentional Reading Challenge Journal?
If you love to journal your reading experiences then you're in luck! Sign up below for a free copy of The Intentional Reading Challenge Journal. This printer-friendly PDF comes with 18 pages of journal magic to track all your selections for the reading challenge. Each challenge prompt has a fully dedicated journal page to help you capture your thoughts and review. There are even extra pages for you to document your personal goals for the challenge, as well as your thoughts and feelings about the challenge once completed. Enter your email to get instant access to the printable reading journal!
Before You Go
Be sure to sign up for my email newsletter, where I share updates about the latest reading wrap-ups and blog posts, must-see book deals, and behind-the-scenes updates! And for even more fun, head to BookTube, Bookstagram, or Bindery for all things bookish!
Hi, I'm Carlie
I’m a historical fiction fanatic passionate about sharing newly released books, book club picks, and the types of stories that linger long after the last lines. If that sounds like the type of books you love to read, then you’re in the right place!
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