2016 Reading Challenges Update #1

I mentioned at the end of 2015 that I was going to use the PopSugar reading challenge to guide some of my reading decisions this year. Since then, I've also taken on a GoodReads reading goal and I'm now aiming to complete 20 books in 2016 - something that will definitely be a challenge but also something that I definitely think I can accomplish. I thought I'd share with you all some periodic updates on how these challenges are going to keep myself accountable! Here's how I've done so far this year:

GoodReads Yearly Reading Goal: 4/20

PopSugar 2016 Reading Challenge: 4/40

"Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert
PopSugar Category: A self-improvement book
Hard copy, 5/5

This is definitely my favorite book that I've read so far this year. It's a non-fiction book that talks about the creative process, inspiration, and really gives a unique perspective into living a creative life. I flagged so many pages in this book and I felt so motivated while reading this to do something creative. I really hope that there are more books related to this topic somewhere out there because I would love to read them!

"Party Girl" by Rachel Hollis
PopSugar Category: A book with a protagonist who has your occupation
Kindle eBook, 3.5/5

I chose this title when I was trying to fulfill the PopSugar category. I went more of the Event Planner route over the HigherEd professional route and this was really the only novel that I could find (everything else was a how-to book of planning events). I really didn't have high hopes for this book but it actually wasn't that bad. The story was your typical small-town-girl-attempts-to-make-it-in-a-big-city stories so the plot line was often predictable and some lines were extremely cheesy and cringe-worthy, but it's a fun, lighthearted read so I didn't hate it!

"Binge" by Tyler Oakley
PopSugar: A book written by a celebrity
Audiobook, 4/5

I'm a big fan of Tyler Oakley's podcasts and videos (as I am with many YouTubers) and when he came out with his book I knew it would be the perfect thing to listen to on audioook. The author's personality shines right through his writing and of course even more so through his reading of the book itself. I bought this to listen to while passing the time on my long runs, but it also carried over into my commutes and it had me giggling the whole way through! I definitely enjoyed this fun and goofy title.

"Tales of Beedle the Bard" by J.K.Rowling
PopSugar Category Category: A book garunteed to bring you joy
Hard copy, 5/5

I found this book while I was house/cat sitting for my friends and read it all in an hour. For those of you unfamiliar, this is a book of fables from the Wizarding World and it is so creative and unique. I half forgot just how elaborate the world that J.K. Rowling created is but this book is a definite reminder to how much has gone into this franchise. I am so pumped for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them when it releases at the end of 2016, and I would love to see an adaptation to this book as well!