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Talking Books Talk

Talking Books Talk provides news and updates about the Kansas Talking Books Service (KTBS). Talking Books staff will highlight relevant announcements from KTBS and the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

Questions: KTB@ks.gov or 800-362-0699

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Jan 05

Welcome the New Year with Reading

Posted on January 5, 2021 at 1:40 PM by Maggie Witte

Welcome to 2021. As this new year begins, I’m looking toward a brighter future with hopefully less drama and a lot more books. Last year was hard, but the with the new year comes changes and new delights. To keep my spirits high; to, maybe, get through some of my to-be-read (TBR) list; and to diversify my reading, I’m challenging myself to read 100 books in 2021, no same-year re-reads allowed.

If you’re looking for a way to keep busy this year, looking for a New Year’s resolution, or just wanting a challenge you know you’ll love, why not try your own reading challenge. You can just choose a certain number of books you want to read, just make it realistic. For example, I chose 100 as a step up from the 82 books I read last year.

But, if you’re feeling adventurous, there are a number of websites that offer reading challenges that have monthly themes or prompts, are genre-specific, and so much more. I’ve highlighted just a few of the reading challenges out there.

And, yes, listening to audiobooks is reading.

Happy Reading!

--Maggie Witte

Book Riot’s Read Harder Challenge 2021: has 24 tasks, fun and serious, designed to break you out of your comfort reading zone and discover new settings, characters, voices and more.

2021 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge
: a list of 40 standard book challenge prompts and 10 advanced reading prompts for you to use throughout the year. Accessible list link.

Booklist Queen 2021 Reading Challenge: read a book a week using the categories or prompts provided for each week.

Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge: perfect for those mystery lovers who are interested in meeting other mystery readers across the country.

Goodreads Reading Challenge: pledge to read a certain number of books this year and keep track using Goodreads services.

Find more challenges at 2021 Master List of Reading Challenges.

P.S. Goodreads is a fantastic way to keep track of what you want to read, what you have read, post reviews, and discover new reads.