The 2023 Thoughtful Reading Challenge

 Ok, here's another that's new to me, at Book Thoughts From Bed.

January – Read a novel that takes place in the future

According to almanac.com, “January was named for the Roman god Janus, known as the protector of gates and doorways who symbolize beginnings and endings. Janus is depicted with two faces, one looking into the past, the other with the ability to see into the future.” Instead of looking back at the past, let’s read a book about the future!: Parable of the Talents--Octavia E. Butler

February – Read a collection of short stories

Since February is the shortest month, let’s honor that by reading a collection of short stories. Bonus: February is also Canned Food Month, so bring some canned goods to your local food pantry:  Her Body and Other Parties--Carmen Maria Machado

March – Read a book about or set in Ancient Rome

“Beware the ides of March” is a well-known line from Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar.’ Let’s walk a few miles in Caesar’s sandals by reading about Ancient Rome: Warriors in Winter--Mary Pope Osborne

April – Read a funny book

The fun isn’t just limited to April Fool’s Day – April is National Humor Month. Here are a couple of suggestions: I Need a Lifeguard Everywhere But the Pool--Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella

May – Read a book published in the year you graduated from high school or college.

May is full of graduations, so take a walk down memory lane this month and rediscover a book that was published in the year you received your diploma. Wikipedia is a great source for this category: What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day--Pearl Cleage (1997--the year I graduated from college)

June – Read a biography or memoir of a famous father

June 18 is Father’s Day, so let’s celebrate dads by reading about one: Famous Father Daughter--Jamie Bernstein

July – Read a book about or set in Scotland

Did you know July 27 is National Scotch Day? Put your feet up, pour a glass (or not!), and learn more about this spirit’s country of origin: Kidnapped--Robert Louis Stevenson

August – Read a book that involves camping

August 10 is National S’mores Day, so burn some marshmallows and celebrate this campfire treat by reading about camping: Lumberjanes Vol 3: A Terrible Plan--Noelle Stevenson

September – Read a book by J. R. R. Tolkien

September 2 is the 50th anniversary of Tolkien’s death, so let’s pay tribute to one of the greatest fantasy writers by reading one of his books: The Silmarillion

October – Read a book about or set in the Deep South of the United States

Why? October 11 is Southern Food Heritage Day, so pass the biscuits and gravy and immerse yourself in some Southern culture: Savannah Breeze--Mary Kay Andrews (re-read)

November – Read a book with a US President (real or fictional) as a central character

November 22, 2023, marks the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy: Peril--Bob Woodward

December – Read a book that takes place during Christmas or Hanukkah: The Christmas Box--Richard Paul Evans

Challenge completed on December 3