What's up fellow bookworm Homies! In a world full of screens and digital distractions, finding time to read can be a real challenge. But guess what? I managed to devour 22 books in just one year, and it was one hell of an adventure! Join me as I spill the beans on how I did it and how it rocked my world.
Setting the Goal: Okay, so I set this crazy goal of reading 22 books in a year. That's like two books per month, which sounded doable yet exciting. I wanted to push myself but also keep it real, you know?
Creating a Reading Routine: Consistency is the name of the game, my friends. I made reading a daily habit by finding a cozy spot and diving into my book for a set amount of time each day. My cozy spot was my car and it became my little oasis of calm amidst the craziness of life.
Building a Kickass Reading List: To keep things spicy, I handpicked a mix of books from fiction, non-fiction, biographies, self-help, and classics. I asked homies for recommendations, lurked in online bookish communities, and even checked out those fancy bestseller lists. The goal was to keep my literary journey diverse and exciting. Check out my reading list from January 2022 and compare it to my final 2022 reading list below
Embracing All Formats: Who says you have to stick to traditional paperbacks? I embraced all reading formats like e-books and physical books.
Prioritizing Reading: Let's be honest, homies. We all waste time mindlessly scrolling or binge-watching TV shows. So, I trimmed down those hours and made reading a priority. Trust me, it's worth it. Goodbye, Netflix marathons!
Expanding My Universe: Reading 22 books opened up a whole new world of themes, cultures, and perspectives. I traveled to different lands, walked in various shoes, and learned so much. It was like an intellectual rollercoaster that made me grow as a person.
Reading On-the-Go: I made books my trusty sidekick wherever I went. Whether it was a paperback in my bag or reading apps on my phone, I snuck in reading during waiting times, commutes, or any chance I got. Who needs mindless scrolling when you have a captivating story at your fingertips?
Reflecting and Nerding Out: Books have a way of making you think and feel, right? So, I started a reading journal to jot down my thoughts, favorite quotes, and epiphanies from each book. It added an extra layer of connection and made me feel like a literary genius.
Celebrating Like a Book Boss: I threw a mini celebration every time I finished a book! Treat yourself, have a dance party, or simply pat yourself on the back. Celebrating those milestones kept my motivation high and gave me the drive to tackle the next book on the list.
BOOKS I HAVE READ IN 2022
1. American Spy by Lauren Wilkenson
2. Educated by Tara Westover
3. The Yoga Store Murder by Dan Morse
4. Will by Will Smith
5. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
6. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
7. Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
8. One of Us is Dead by Jeneva Rose
9. A Killers Wife by Victor Methos
10. Crying in H-Mart by Michelle Zauner
11. Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton
12. When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton
13. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
14. Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh
15. Twenty Years Later by Charlie Donlea
16. Switchers by Dawn Graham
17. Stop Fear From Stopping You by Helen Odessky
18. Deep Work by Cal Newport
19. Healing Paths of Yoga by Nischala Joy Devi
20. Five Tuesdays In Winter by Lily King
21. Professional Troublemaker by Lluvie Ajayi-Jones
22. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami
MY TOP 5 READS OF 2022
Reading 22 books in a year was an absolute blast. It rekindled my love for books, took me on incredible adventures, and helped me grow as a person. I am keeping this challenge going yearly, so who is down to read #23booksin2023? If you are ready, grab a book, my friend, and let's embark on our reading journey. Happy reading!