2025 Reading Challenge discussion

Really struggled with finding motivation to read and finish my goal for 2024, but this year I want to actually tackle my TBR and get some great recommendations from my fellow book lovers.

Hi ! I recommend reading a very short novel, just to shake off the slump! Like the 150 to 200 pages max. It’s the only way for me to stop from struggling ! Let me know if it helps ! Good luck 👋🏼😊

SaraJeanne wrote: "Hi ! I recommend reading a very short novel, just to shake off the slump! Like the 150 to 200 pages max. It’s the only way for me to stop from struggling ! Let me know if it helps ! Good luck 👋🏼😊"

I will definitely try that. Thank you! Any recommendations?

My first book for 2025 is The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer. It was a book on my TBR for a while, but I never had a chance to get to it. I wanted an easy read to lead me out of my reading slump, however, this was not a good choice for that goal. I think that it was a little too juvenile for my liking, however, the story is intriguing so I think I might continue the series when I find a way to pull myself out of this reading slump.
3.25/5 stars

I'm sorry to hear you've been in a reading slump, Terry. It can be tough - trust me, I know, but hopefully you manage to find that spark for reading again soon.

I tend to advice to lean into the slump, and just take a break from reading to focus on other hobbies. But if you want to try pushing through it, I agree with SaraJeanne's advice about short books. The shorter and lighter - the better. Novellas or short-story collections by authors you're already familiar with, are your friend.

Another recommendation is to re-read something you've enjoyed before. Revisiting an old favorite, is always a good option, in my opinion.

You could also try switching it up, by either exploring other genres, changing formats or finding a new location. Give audiobooks a go, if you haven't already. Try a genre you don't normally dabble in.
Another fantastic way of switching it up, may be by joining buddy reads or group reads. It's one of my favorite tricks to get over a reading slump. Sometimes the social aspect of discussion, plus the accountability. are great motivators to getting back into gear.

Setting small goals also works wonders. It can be to read a page a day, or a chapter or whatever you can manage without losing the momentum. Depending on how long you've been in a slump, don't expect yourself to hit off the fast track from the get-go. The key is to take the time to rediscover the joy of reading.

I hope this helps. I'm certain you'll manage to overcome your slump soon, Terry!

Wishing you the most awesome reading journey in 2025!
Happy reading :)

For short novels to make you feel you have accomplished a read- can't beat the Great Gatsby, The Yellow Wallpaper, Mrs Dalloway, Breakfast at Tiffany's or On Chesil Beach- all classics!
Good luck x

Thank you all so much for your advice! I am trying to read shorter books as a way to lead myself from this slump. I also really loved the idea that Lisa gave me about trying to dedicate more time to a hobby so that I am not stressing myself out. (I will definitely try this!)

Book 2: Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. I enjoyed reading this book, but found myself having to go back and reread because I kept zoning out. I hope to find a book that will fire me up about reading again!

(not rating this book)

Book 3: The Girl Who Reads on the Metro by Christine Feret-Fleury. This story is such a comfy read and brought me such joy to glimpse how magical books can be for someone's life. I definitely enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a very short and sweet read.
4.25/5

Book 4: The Lantern of Lost Memories by Sanaka Hiiragi. It is such an interesting and beautiful short book. It was one of those books that I could curl up by a fire, get comfy, and read. In addition, it brought about a sense of peace and healing to me that I have not found in any of the books I have read recently. I hope to read more of this genre in the future.

4.75/5

Book 5: Caroline by Neil Gaiman. I have been interested in watching this movie for quite some time, but as someone who prefers to read the book before watching the movie, I decided to read the book first. I thought the concept of the other mother was so interesting and enjoyed reading it.

3.75/5

Book 6: The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst. I adored this book. It was so calm, healing, and peaceful, and I just could not put it down! I loved the way the romance played out and how much character development happened. This is definitely my first 5-star read of the year.

5/5

Book 7: Sociopath by Patric Gagne. I thought that this memoir held very many valuable lessons about acceptance and finding understanding in a world that refuses to learn the truth about you. I read it with a Reading Twin and I had so much fun devolving into the book with them. Such an amazing story!

I don't rate memoirs!

Book 8: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. Absolutely incredible tale of finding family, acceptance, and personal growth. I loved the underlying themes of "What is a monster?" and "How bias can create a twisted perception of truth". This is my second 5-star read of the year. Absolutely 100% recommend!

5/5

Book 9: The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin. I loved how Zevin showed how one choice or item can impact the lives of so many people. It was also a truly telling tale of losing one thing that you perceive as important can lead to finding something even more beautiful and wonderful. Also I just love stories about bookstores, booksellers, and small towns.

4.5/5

Book 10: Woman in Me by Britney Spears. This memoir gives insight into the dark side of fame, and what happens when you feel like you have no one to help you or even listen to you. Spears wrote a beautifully truthful memoir about the pain she felt by the betrayal of her family and ex-husband, and the loss of being separated from her children. It also gave me insight into the toxicity of the music industry.

I don't rate memoirs!

Book 11: Alice in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll. Okay I definitely thought that the movie adaptations (live action and Disney animation) would be more closely aligned with the original tale; however, there were more differences btw them than similarities. I also did not really enjoy this story.

2.5/3

Hi Terry! Looks like you're making good progress on your goal. I hope that you've been feeling like you're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with your reading slump. Hope all the great advice that you got helped. I personally like to lean heavy into one of my favorite genres, cozy mysteries. Because they are fluffy, light, easy reads.

I loved The House in the Cerulean Sea, too. Such a sweet book! And thanks for the review on The Girl Who Reads on the Métro. I've had my eye on that book. I think I might bump that up on my TBR.

Hope you get to enjoy many more fantastic books! Happy reading!

JennH wrote: "Hi Terry! Looks like you're making good progress on your goal. I hope that you've been feeling like you're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with your reading slump. Hope all the great advi..."

Hi JennH,
I have finally found that light at the end of the tunnel and have officially ended my reading slump.
I would definitely recommend reading The Girl Who Reads on the Metro. It is such a relaxing book, and I read it all in one sitting. LOL.
If you have any recommendations, I will gladly take them!

Book 12: My Life Among Serial Killers by Helen Morrison, M.D. I realize that the methods the author used are a bit dated, and considering the amount of research that has been conducted around serial killers, sociopaths, and psychopaths since her time, it is more extensive; however, I had some serious concerns about Morrison, her methods, and ideas. I did not like that she treated the serial killers like lab rats. Also, her definition of sociopath and serial killer was just completely outdated and not backed up by any evidence. Overall, I did not really learn anything new and was disappointed.
2/5

Terry wrote: "JennH wrote: "Hi Terry! Looks like you're making good progress on your goal. I hope that you've been feeling like you're seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with your reading slump. Hope all ..."

Yay for kicking the reading slump to the curb!

I've set The Girl Who Reads on the Métro aside as a readathon read, which is perfect as we have a readathon coming up next month. 😁

If you're a fantasy fan and loved The House in the Cerulean Sea, I don't think you can go wrong with the other T.J. Klune books. I just read the sequel, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, which was a little more serious but just as heartwarming. I also enjoyed Under the Whispering Door. Legends & Lattes was an enjoyable read, too.

Book 13: If You Ask Me by Betty White. As a fan of Betty White, when I saw this on the shelf at the library, I thought I would give it a shot, and learning about her through a different format than her on a screen was incredible. I especially loved reading about her love and philanthropy toward animals.

I don't rate memoirs.

Book 14: The Blood of Emmett Till by Timothy B. Tyson. A well-written telling of the murder of Emmett Till, what led up to it, and the impact it had on America. Tyson wrote in such a detailed way that it highlighted the truth of the story, giving the reader a view of the culture and bias of that time.

4/5

Book 15: Fruits Basket Volume 1 by Natsuki Takaya. Not sure if I should count this as a book since technically it's not, but it was a good first volume, and I am convinced to keep reading it. Love the storyline and can't wait to watch the anime/finish the manga.

4.25/5

Book 16: Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu. This book brought up many good topics about feminism and the patriarchy. It shows the truth of how silence and unspoken acceptance can create an ugly and uncontrollable monster.

3.75/5

Book 17: Heartstopper Volume 1 by Alice Oseman. A super sweet, innocent, and cute story about young love. I really like the two male leads and the way that they interact with each other. Super adorable and totally going to continue to the next volume.

4/5

Book 18: The Museum of Ordinary People by Mike Gayle. The idea of a museum of ordinary people is simply fascinating and brilliant. I would love to visit a place like this because it would be so rich with emotion, love, and history. I have to say that the last quote really stays with me, and stands as a reminder of what the museum's true purpose. "And although the objects themselves are no replacement for the people we ache for, they are a reminder of the fact that those people were here, and they mattered and will be missed" (324).

4.25/5

Book 19: Fruits Basket Volume 2 by Natsuki Takaya. I was kinda lost and had to keep rereading to understand. I really liked how the new characters were introduced, and Ayame is a very interesting character that I want to learn more about. It was a very nice continuation, and I have started the anime!

3.75/5

Book 20: Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwand Bo-Reum. I have to say that this book had so many amazing lessons about life and happiness. It really spoke to me about going after things that will bring joy rather than money or glory. It was so gentle and soul-nourishing that at certain parts I found myself gently smiling to myself and feeling at peace. Great healing read!

4.5/5

Book 21: Finding Me: A Decade of Darkness, a Life Reclaimed by Michelle Knight. A truly heartbreaking and vulnerable retelling of an 11-year captivity that involved extreme torture. The author's honesty and vulnerability about what happened to her is so telling about the strength this woman possesses.

I don't rate memoirs.

Book 22: Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon Vol 1 by Fujino Omori. I saw the anime was available and decided to read the manga first. It is an "interesting" story, but to be honest, I was not expecting much.

3/5

Book 23: Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon Vol 2 by Fujino Omori. I liked the progression of the story and that they did not start the main character as OP. He rather builds his strength and ability at a faster rate. I also really like the relationship btw the goddess and Bell. They are so kind and loving towards each other. You can really tell that they think of each other as family (and possibly something more) 🥰

3.25/5

Book 24: Bird Box by Josh Malerman. I really liked the ideas of fear and the representation of madness in this book. It brought some interesting topics to the forefront, such as the nature of fear and the strength of love. It gave a good idea that fear can completely consume and drive people mad. It causes paranoia that can lead to violence.

4/5

Book 25: Twilight: The Graphic Novel Vol 1 by Young Kim. The graphic novel made me interested in reading the actual books. I have been hesitant for some time about reading them because of how long they are, and having seen the movies before, I was not super impressed; however, the graphic novel added a little more depth that made me want to dedicate time to the series.

2.75/5

Book 26: Life After Darkness:Finding Healing and Happiness After The Cleveland Kidnappings by Lily Rose Lee. It was very interesting to see her thought process throughout her healing process. She writes in such a way that you can see she is still in the process of healing, which is really important to note.

I don't rate memoirs

Book 27: Heartstopper by Alice Oseman. I really like the slow and steady way the relationship is forming. Neither boy is pressuring the other in any way, and they seem to be in a healthy relationship, which is really nice.

4/5

Book 28: Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Vol 3 by Fujino Omori. This installment made me really frustrated because of the new character that was introduced, Lily. I really dislike her, and the fact that the waitress character didn't rat her out and tell Bell what she did, angers the heck out of me.

3.25/5

Book 29: Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Vol 4 by Fujino Omori. Bell is a little too kind and naive, and the fact that no one stepped in to stop him from entering a life-threatening situation with someone THEY KNEW WAS GOING TO BETRAY HIM is ridiculous. Anyways.

4/5

Book 30: Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli. Such a novel and unique idea for a young adult book. I really enjoyed how the main character had to hide as the thing she hated the most, and falls in love with the only man who hates everything about her true identity. And don't get me started on THAT TWIST. Totally unexpected. 100% recommend and can't wait to continue the series.

4.25/5

Book 31: The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong. I really enjoyed this novel, which was both fast-paced and cozy. You would think that those two adjectives don't match up, but somehow this book is described perfectly by these words. It had such low stakes that it only took me one day to complete, and I felt at peace while reading it. It also made me ask myself some questions about how I really want to live.

4.75/5

Book 32: The Fury by Alex Michaelides. I really enjoyed the writing of this author. He had the audience thinking that it was going to be a straightforward murder mystery, but then did a total 180. It was amazing. I love the way he had this novel set up with acts and kept teasing the reader about unknowns. And such an amazing commentary on unreliable narration.

4/5

Book 33: Saving Five: A Memoir of Hope by Amanda Nguyen. I loved the way in which this memoir was set up. The way she both described her experience and the way she described all the trauma that happened prior to her sexual assault. I felt like I was reading a memoir that was written like a novel. It was raw, truthful, and full of healing.

I don't rate memoirs.

Book 34: Fruits Basket Volume 3 by Natsuki Takaya. I enjoyed the new characters introduced in this Volume and the insight that is given about Kyo's past with his Master. I also really like Kisa's character because it really goes to show that Tohru is healing the zodiac members.

3.75/5

Book 35: Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Vol 5 by Fujino Omori. I kind of want the MC to do more fighting instead of flirting with women (even though that is a major part of the book). It is funny, however, that he does not even realize that four different women, so far, have a crush on him.

3.5/5

Book 36: Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli. I was not a fan of the progression or ending of this story, which is super disappointing because I liked the first book😢. Also, what was with that reveal about Wisdom, unnecessary FR. There were also so many plot holes. Like Ruin and Gideon's relationship.

2.75/5

Book 37: Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Vol 6 by Fujino Omori. Finally, Bell fought the minotaur and faced his fears. This is what I have been waiting for. Yaaaaay!

4/5

Book 38: Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune. I thought it was a fascinating progression of Arthur as a person and magical being because he felt he had to take everything on by himself, despite having a man who loved him and others who would fight for him. He realized as the story progressed that not only could he trust Linus, but also all his children with his worries about their future. It was beautiful, honestly.
I loved how all the children came together to protect their family and home when someone threatened it.

3.25/5

Book 39: It must be Beautiful to be Finished by Kate Gies. A deep and straight-to-the-point telling of how the medical field can make someone whose body is not considered "normal" feel worthless and damaged. A retelling of healing and understanding of one's body after being told their entire life that they can be made whole only by this next procedure or medical progression.

I don't rate memoirs

Book 40: The Secret Diary of Lydia Bennet by Natasha Farrant. This book was a little strange, but I did like how they gave the young, naive sister of Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice a little more character depth. The depiction of Wickham made him even more deplorable and hateable. However, there were many inconsistencies, and many times I considered DNFing it.

2.75/5

Book 41: But Not Too Bold by Hache Pueyo. What a very interesting short story. I can say for certain that I have never read anything quite like this. I do wish that there was a little more detail included about the brides and the theft that went on. It was just passed over very quickly (which I guess is to be expected with such a short story), but still a fun read.

3.25/5