Ok – I’m an idiot. Blogging has been a struggle for me of late, and I’m completely out of the habit of posting regularly. The obvious thing to do? Sign up for 20 15 Books of Summer! I like this challenge, and it’s something that I actually find motivational – I don’t like to fail at things. I have, however, opted for 15 books this year rather than the full 20. I’ll see how it goes, but I feel that this is a realistic target for me right now.
So, what’s the challenge all about? Started by Cathy at 746books, it’s now being hosted by Annabel at AnnaBookBel and Emma at Words and Peace. It’s a challenge that I’ve taken part in previously and one that I enjoy – at least partly as it’s a challenge that I SHOULD be able to achieve simply by reading and reviewing, although it’s very much the second part that poses the challenge for me. I also like the “rules” are simple and allow for a great deal of flexibility:
- The challenge runs from Sunday June 1st to Sunday August 31st
- Pick your list in advance, or nominate a bookcase to read from, or pick at whim from your TBR
- If you do pick a list, you can change it at any time, swapping books in and out as the mood takes you
- Don’t get panicked at not reaching your target
- Enjoy a summer of great reading and make a bit of space on your shelves
I am very much a mood reader, and while I usually have a vague plan for the month ahead, there are inevitability books swapped in and out. Here’s my current list for the coming months, all taken from my current TBR and including a mix of backlist and newer acquisitions:
- Voyage of the Damned by Frances White
- The Illusions by Liz Hyder
- The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff
- All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
- The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins
- The Mercy Chair by M. W. Craven
- Good Girl Bad Girl by Michael Robotham
- The Stranger Times by C. K. McDonnell
- In the Blink of an Eye by Jo Callaghan
- The Names by Florence Knapp
- Death Takes Me by Cristina Rivera Garza, translated by Sarah Booker and Robin Myers
- Prima Facie by Suzie Miller
- The House of Water by Fflur Dafydd
- Death at the Sanitorium by Ragnar Jónasson, translated by Victoria Cribb
- The Book of Records by Madeleine Thien
Are you taking part in the challenge this year, and if so, what are you reading?! Let me know in the comments!
Jo's Book Blog 
I really enjoyed Voyage of the Damned. You have some excellent choices on that list. Good luck!
I’m doing the smart thing and sitting this one out. I doubt I’d even make it to 10 😄.
I think I have an excellent summer of reading ahead of me! I may regret the challenge, but we’ll see how it goes. I’m committed now! 😂
A good selection. I’ve read All the Colours of the Dark which is very good. Happy Summer Reading 😎📚☀️
Thanks, Joanne! I’m excited about my summer’s reading if still somewhat dreading the reviewing 😂
That looks like a great selection of books – good luck!
Thanks, Cathy! I have absolutely no doubt that some of those titles will change! x
Great list! Good luck for the challenge and happy reading.
Thank you, Yesha! x
I spy with my little eye quite a few excellent reads! Happy reading and good luck xx
It’s a strong list isn’t it, if I do say so myself! I’ve no doubt that some titles will get swapped, but I have some excellent books to look forward to! x
Happy reading, Jo… and good luck!
Thank you, Cathy x
I a rebel even where I’m involved with MYSELF! I’ve tried this challenge before, committed to 20 books, then read 20 different books! It’s like I can’t even do what I tell myself to do! So,, I’m sort of going to do it, in that I’ll REVIEW 20 books over the summer. I just can’t be promising which 20 they are! 🤣 Honestly, I have self-sabotage down to a fine art! 🤣🤣
Excuse typos- I even checked before I posted. I’m sure my phone hates me 🙃
No judgement here!
I always end up swapping some books, I’m too much a mood reader not to. That flexibility is one of the reasons I enjoy the challenge so much!
Happy reading!
I thought of trying to read 20 and review 30, but not necessarily the same 20. Particularly as I’m lagging in my reviewing.
It’s so hard to keep up, isn’t it?
It is. And picking up the next book to read is easier than writing even the shortest of reviews.
I loved In the Blink of an Eye. The Jonasson, I felt mixed about. Great choices
Thank you! I’ve heard nothing but good things about Jo Callaghan. As to Jonasson – I’ll see. I don’t always love cosy crime, but he was discussing it at this year’s Hay Festival, and I couldn’t resist!
I have read two by Jo C and bought the third one recently.
The Jonasson wasn’t exactly cozy in my estimation. It was a bit depressing to me. Can’t wait to see what you think.
I did like the book that he co wrote with the PM.
Reykjavik was the one that he wrote with the PM of Iceland
I’m keen to get that one, as well as The Girl Who Died which, from the sound of it, strays a little into more supernatural territory.
I don’t know that one.
The Names is amazing, and quite a surprise for me. I hope you get around to reading it. One of my favorites of the year (despite some of the unpleasant bits).
I’m really intrigued by The Names – I love the idea behind it. Definitely trying to keep that one of the list!