Sunday 8 January 2017

2017 Reading Challenge & Goal Progress

Just to remind you quickly of my new year resolutions, because I'm not too sure whether I went too deeply into it, while mentioning it in previous posts on 10 things and even more recently on my year review. Here they are:

1. Pass driving test and get car - If I don't achieve much this year, and only do this I will be happy. I've been trying since October 2014. There are much more job opportunities and extra independence with driving! I have only stopped to concentrate on theory test, and most recently while unemployed I just couldn't. I've already started with a new driving instructor, so confident I can achieve this.

2. Go abroad
3. See at least 3 gigs this year
4. Start yoga again
5. Do a charity challenge
6. Pursue creative hobbies
7. Lose weight
8. See more films from my list - I've bought more DVDs and waiting for them to arrive. For more info, read this post here, need I say more!

9. See friends more
10. Walk dogs more
11. Do more in spare time
12. Keep writing
13. Read more - This will be conquered with the following reading challenge.

I've not included a few more personal ones because I'm trying to limit what I put out there a bit more. This blog is not the Jodie blog despite the name. It is about topics of lifestyle and just general opinions. I do occasionally write about fun things I've done such as a recent subcrawl and reviews on things I love.

With all this in mind, I've taken up the Popsugar Reading Challenge 2017. I struggle to read even a few books in the year, which is disappointing. I used to love reading so much at school. I loved when you dressed up as your favourite character from a book at school, used to read whole book series at a time, and I just can't wait to get going with the challenge. Here is a picture that sums up what is involved:







































































































I'm now a much slower reader, and I think I will struggle to do the advanced ones, but am keen to get started with the rest of the challenge. I'm already reading Audrey Hepburn: An Elegant Spirit by son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer. This covers point 32: a book about an interesting woman. Here are more I think I will achieve:

2. A book that has been on your TBR list for way too long






















I don't really have a TBR list, as I tend to get books as I want them, ask for them for birthdays/Christmasses. However, I always wanted to read more classic books, so picked a classic book at random, which happened to be Jane Eyre. I've already purchased this.

3. A book of letters






















Not sure whether this is an entire book of letters, but the Colour Purple has been suggested to me. I'm keen to hear more suggestions!

4. An audiobook






















My Dad has started listening to audiobook more, and suggested reading Fool me once by Harlan Coben.

6. A book with one of the four seasons in the title






















I've come across the book, Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones.

7. A book that is a story within a story






















This was another recommended book and sounds amazing: Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell.

8. A book with multiple authors


















Being a big fan of Pretty Little Liars, I had to try this book by star, Shay Mitchell; I always find it interesting when celebrities try other things whether it's singing, dancing or just anything - I'm noisy! I can't wait to hear how the book: Bliss by Shay Mitchell and her friend, Michaela Blaney measures up.

10. A book with a cat on the cover





















This one was an easy choice for me as it is one in my recent wishlist. I heard about it recently on the news: A Streetcat named Bob: how one man and his cat found hope on the streets by James Bowen.

11. A book by an author who uses a pseudonym






















I did not know this, but J.K Rowling used the pseudonym of Robert Galbraith for a few books. I've always wanted to read one of her books as she is a writer I greatly admire. Although I've watched many documentaries about how she shot to fame with the Harry Potter series, I never took to reading the first book as a child and haven't tried since (shocker!). Therefore, I'm going to try The Cuckoo's Calling.

12. A bestseller from a genre you don't normally read





















I don't usually take to sci-fi (either in terms of film or books), but the Martian by Andy Weir sounds like a fascinating story. I believe it is also a film too.

13. A book by or about a person has a disability






















The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominique Bauby is an inspiring story which is also a movie. This extract from Amazon made me want to know more: "'Locked-in syndrome: paralysed from head to toe, the patient, his mind intact, is imprisoned inside his on body, unable to speak or move. In my case, blinking my left eyelid is my only means of communication.' In December 1995, Jean-Dominique Bauby, editor-in-chief of French 'Elle' and the father of two young children suffered a massive stroke and found himself paralysed and speechless, but entirely conscious, trapped by what doctors call 'locked-in syndrome'."

14. A book involving travel






















You can probably tell by the title that this one ticks the box: The Vacationers by Emma Straub.

16. A book that's published in 2017






















I found this hard to find out since the new year has just began, but looked up ones due to come out. I'm going to try Never let you go by Chevy Stevens.

19. A book about food

















I've heard so much about Lean in 15 by Joe Wicks. I would love to be able to cook, but don't have the patience or skill, so help with making quick healthy meals  might be what I need. I also like the exercise element of it too.

22. A steampunk novel





















In honesty, I didn't know what steampunk was and had to look it up here for ideas. This is where I chose the classic: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. I've bought this one and just waiting for it to be delivered.

25. A book I loved as a child





















I used to read mostly Jacqueline Wilson books. I can't think of specific favourites, so when repurchasing I chose the cheapest I could find: Girls under pressure. It seems to be sold out from music magpie, where I got it!

26. A book by an author from a country you've never visited





















This was a lot easier than it might have been for most, as I've only seen a few European cities and Tanzania. I  have chosen to buy Nemesis by norwegian writer, Jo Nesbo.

27. A book with a title that's a character's name





















Hausfrau is the main character of Hausfrau by Jill Alexander Essbaum.

33. A book set in two different time periods





















This one was obvious, but I didn't see it (luckily this was recommended to me). I've seen the film (and loved it), but not got to the book yet: The time traveller's wife by Audrey Niffenegger.

36. A book written by someone you admire





















You can't help but admire this lady. I remember hearing about this book, but shameful, I know very little about her journey, and little about her bravery. However I need to read this and share with you: I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai. I can't wait for my book to arrive!

37. A book that's becoming a movie in 2017





















Again I needed to look this up, and there was a great selection. However I felt I'd most enjoy reading: Live by night by Dennis Lehave.

That's 21 ideas out of 40. Not bad for just looking through it properly yesterday. I'd love to hear if you have any ideas for the categories specifically:

  • A book from a non-human perspective
  • A book with a month or day of the week in the title
  • A book with a red spine
  • A book set around a holiday other than Christmas
Hope you enjoyed the post, and it encouraged you to get involved in this reading challenge and goals in the new year. If you have any tips for the book challenge, or help achieving my new year's resolutions, I'd be grateful to hear them!

95 comments:

  1. I'm loving some of your suggestions - especially A Street Cat Named Bob - sounds really intriguing! I hope you manage to fulfil all your New Year's Resolutions!

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    1. Thank you! Hope you have a lovely new year too x

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  2. There are some great suggestions on that list and hitting 21/40 is really good, well done you x

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    1. Not done it yet. Nearly done 1 lol 😂 x

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  3. You've got some wonderful titles there, I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun reading them. What I do as a yearly reading challenge is simply keep a list of the books I read in the year and each year I aim to read at least one more than the year before. And for films I aim for 100 movies a year, which is a challenge but an enjoyable one because I love movies.

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    1. I love movies to as probably guessed by the other posts lol like that idea. Might do that if I manage this challenge lol x

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  4. There are some great goals here. Good luck with your driving test x

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    1. Thank you, I hope I pass but not gonna think it like before x

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  5. Good luck with your goals, I managed to pass both the theory and practical last year and just got a car. I am excited to explore the great outdoors now and some English country sides

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    1. Go you! I've found it way more difficult than I thought x

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  6. I am SO going to try and join in with the reading challenge! I am half way thorugh my first book of the year at the minute and so want to find my love for reading again in 2017. Good luck with your driving! x

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    1. You should! It would be nice to speak to others doing it. Thank you, I really hope I pass 😊 x

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  8. Oh wow the reading challenge sounds great! I set myself the challenge of 12 books in 12 months last year and didnt hit it but I did get close. Loved reading more than I have in years! xxx

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    1. At least I know I will read more than I usually would. Not sure I even read more than 5 last year lol. I hope this will bring back my love of reading. Not loved reading properly since I was a kid x

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  9. There are so many good books in your list there! Good luck with the challenge!

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    1. Thanks, a lot I hadn't heard of before so am excited to get started on them x

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  10. Good luck with your goals and such a great idea for a reading challenge. I used to read loads but have got out of the habit recently so I need to change this x

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    1. Yeah think it will make it more fun to read again! I hope so too and have a lovely new year too 😊 X

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  11. Good luck with your goals - that's a long list of books! I really want to get back into reading this year x

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    1. Not sure if I will get through them all as I'm a really slow reader but think it will at least reignite my passion for reading x

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  12. good luck with it all! ive got all three of joe wicks book and they're all informative. delicious recipes too

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    1. I didn't even know there was more than one! x

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  13. Good luck with your goals for 2017! I'm also taking part in a reading challenge this year (I'd like to read at least 40 books). Great to see "A Street Cat Named Bob" on your list, I read it recently and it's a really good book :)

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    1. Cool :) might be fun to keep in touch during the challenge! Yeah I'm looking forward to reading it x

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  14. Great post and don't give up on your driving. All the best with your reading challenge! You have a lot of good reads here! X

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    1. Glad you enjoyed reading 😊 I won't, taken much longer than I hoped but I'm determined! Yeah I'm positive. Already onto book 2 which is great for me x

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  15. Wow what an amazing array of books! I am a total bibliophile and read for a couple of hours every day. I like a lot of books on your li8st and will be trying some of them out x

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    1. I used to be looking like that and want to get back in the habit. Glad it helped you come up with new ideas x

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  16. I really want to pass my driving too, good luck!

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    1. Thank you 😊 good luck with your lessons too x

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  17. I love doing charity challenges, I am currently looking for this years. I love reading, I am going to make a list of everything I read this year to see just how many I get through in 12 months

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    1. I wrote a post on some potential challenges for my favourite national charities before Christmas if that helps. Being on book 2 already this year is good for me haha. That's cool, love to read it for any recommendations x

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  18. I'm also trying to take on a reading challenge, I'm trying to read 25 books and there's some fab choices here! xo

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    1. Well hope they give you some possible options :) x

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  19. I love the sound of the reading challenge. I love reading Jane Eyre, I want to re-read it this year too!

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    1. I'm onto that now, it's great :) let me know if you wish to take part. Be nice to know more doing it x

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  20. Great goals you have set. The reading challenge sounds like a fun idea!

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    1. Aww thank you 😊 yeah into book 2 already. Good start for me lol x

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  21. These are great goals! I want to pass my test and get a car this year too. Good luck with your goals. Xx

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    1. Hope you do too and have a fab 2017! 😊x

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  22. wow great goals and such a great reading list too. I have read some you have listed there but want to read more in 2017 too.

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    1. Good luck reading more too! Aww thank you, hope I can achieve more this year 😊 x

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  23. I'm doing the goodreads challenge, but just pick the books as I go along - you are so organised.

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    1. Trying to be generally more organised this year so thanks! Good luck with your challenge and have a lovely new year x

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  24. I'm aiming to read 50 books again this year!! I have read 'A street cat named bob' and LOVED it, also loved the other bob books (as I call them, haha. Ahh, I would like to read the Pretty Little Liars book, too. I adore Shay Mitchell! She's fab. xx

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    1. Didn't know there were more. Don't know a lot about it. Heard it on the news and wanted to read it 😊 yeah she's fab so look forward to getting in x

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  25. I've just literally accepted to give money to the Red Cross every month, so I guess it ticks the charity box for me too although I'm not actively helping (it wasn't one of the things I had thought about but I'm happy I have done it!)
    Good luck with all those lovely resolutions. And have a great year.

    Mika

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    1. That is still helping. It is predictable income for them which makes their job a lot easier than someone who they don't know how much they will raise! Hope you have a good year too 😊 x

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  26. Some great goals, good luck with your driving test. I haven't driven since the day I passed my test! I love the idea of the reading challenge I did try one similar a couple of years ago but ended up getting confused and gave up. I might have to give it another go

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    1. It is my main one so hope I pass this year! I can see how that might happen. I might not get 40 books in a year but think it will improve my reading as it is a habit I've stopped and love so much. Good luck with any goals you have 😊 and have a fab year x

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  27. I do like the idea of being creative more, I am a nicer and more relaxed person when I create things. Great goal list.

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    1. I love creative things but have been put off in the past as I'm not very good at crafty things x

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  28. Good luck with your goals! Hope 2017 brings you joy and good times.

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    1. Snap! Have a lovely 2017 and achieve lots 😊 x

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  29. really like the idea of this reading challenge, would push me to read about different topics and find books I would normally never read. Good luck with all of your goals.

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    1. That's the fun part as well as just getting to read more x

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  30. This is such a fantastic list go goals for 2017 and I am sure you are going to pass your driving test this year! Also some fantastic books

    Laura x

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    1. Aww thank you! I certainly hope so. Cheers! Yeah I'm excited to read. 2 books in which is incredible for me x

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  31. What a great idea for a reading prompt and I love the books you've selected. I used to love reading but can't get past the first few pages since having my kids.

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    1. Can imagine! Reading I find difficult to keep up when working full time but good 'me' time x

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  32. Fantastic reading prompt, and great choices. I've heard of quite a few of them.

    I read a book as a child that was written in a cat's perspective! Haha. But it probably was like 10 pages or something.Hahaha

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    1. Still handy. Did think it would need to be a children's book for that! X

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  33. Some great resolutions and a really good reading prompt. I really need to read more and discover some new books!

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    1. Yeah I'm looking forward to reading more 😊 X

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  34. Good luck with passing your driving test! I agree, driving gives you so much freedom and independence :)

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  35. You have some great goals here. I'm going abroad twice this year. I'm going to Dubrovnik in April and then LA in October x

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    1. Thanks! That's so cool 😊 Can't wait to read about it x

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  36. You have some great books on your list. I really need to read more fiction! I'm going abroad twice in the next 6 weeks. i do love to travel!

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    1. Best time to read them on planes/trains etc x

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  37. I wish I had time to read even one book. Good luck with the challenge x

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    1. Yeah I struggle with reading yearly and only manage 2/3 in a year typically so been amazed to be at 2 already x

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  38. Good Luck with your goals - that is some reading challenge and I wish you all the best with it. Kaz x

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    1. Aww thanks? I'm confident I will do it 😊 x

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  39. oh some amazing book choices here some sound right up my street so going to be sure to write some of these down

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    1. Please do and let me know what you think! X

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  40. I really like how this challenge is set up, I know for me it would push me to read outside of the genres I usually read. I think you have made some great picks here. Jane Eyre is fantastic and I think all of Harlan Coben's books are amazing. He is an author that I anxiously wait for new books from. I hope you have wonderful time with the challenge x

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    1. Yeah I think it will expand my taste in books and think that can only be positive 😊 totally loving Jane Eyre so far! Thank you, I will be reviewing books I read x

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  41. What a fun reading challenge. Love the sound of these books.

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    1. Thanks 😊 I'm enjoying the two I've almost read so far x

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  42. Good luck with your goals! I love the idea of a reading challenge, have just joined my local library as my book buying has gotten out of control! Never Let You Go sounds like my kinda read so will definitely go check that out.

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    1. Aww thank you 😊 Good idea! With this challenge, it will be a fab idea to join my local library x

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  43. I didnt learn to drive until i was 30 it was the best thing i ever did, keep going you will get there, loving your other goals as well. Im also setting a challenge to read more this year x

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    1. That's encouraging. Thank you! Keep regretting that I didn't do it sooner! Love to hear from you more as need other readers to motivate me x

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  44. I hope you manage to do as many as possible especially passing you driving test and getting a car as that is a great achievement.

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  45. The reading challenge is impressive! I hope you manage to do complete all your goals :)

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    1. Thank you! Hope this year is a good year for all 😊

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  46. I highly recommend The Martian! The movie is great but, as always, doesn't do the book justice.

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    1. Wow thank you! I have it, it's just in a queue of others right now x

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  47. I think I need to set myself a reading challenge! I've been letting it slip a lot recently.

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  48. I love a good challenge! The Diving Bell is on my list as well!

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