I have followed NovelKnight for years now, and I have always wanted to participate in the Beat the Backlist Reading Challenge, but it always felt too intimidating for me as a mood reader. I have decided that 2021 is the year! I want to get through some of the books that have been on my TBR for way too long and that I am really excited to read.
The Beat the Backlist reading challenge is designed to help you tackle all the books you keep meaning to read and still haven’t. The guidelines are simple:
- The book must be published in the previous year or earlier (for the 2021 challenge, anything published in 2020 or earlier counts).
- You have to start and finish the book in 2021.
- And that’s it!
Click the link at the top of this post if you want to learn more about how to participate in the Beat the Backlist Reading Challenge. There are two prompts list, one with 52 prompts and the other with 24. I thought I might as well go in and I am going to see how many of the 52 prompts I can complete.
Some of these I cannot plan in advance, but I thought it could be fun to share some of the books that I have in mind for a few of the prompts.
more than one author
I adored My Lady Jane, so I cannot believe that I haven’t continued on with the series, which is written by three authors. I know they have a new series coming out in 2021, so I need to get caught up!
it’s on a ship!
The Devil and the Dark Water was one of my most anticipated novels of 2020, but I just don’t think I am going to get to it this year. Pretty much all I know about it is that it takes place on a ship, so it is perfect for this prompt!
purple cover
You Should See Me In a Crown received a lot of buzz this year and I kept meaning to pick it up. Also, look at all that purple on the cover!
non-human character
2021 is the year that I will continue on with The Murderbot Diaries. I adored the first two books and wanted to catch up with the series this year but you know how I am with series!
cover with your country’s flag colors
I am Canadian, so my flag colours are red and white. Monday’s Not Coming could not be a better pick for this prompt, and it is also the last of Tiffany D. Jackson’s books that I have to read.
features a carnival or circus
Akemi Dawn Bowman wrote one of my favourite books, Starfish, and I keep meaning to pick up more from her. I know that the main character in Harley in the Sky is a trapeze artist, so it is perfect!
snake on the cover
I am the last person to read Ninth House? I have had mixed feelings about Bardugo’s books, but I love dark academia, so I want to give this a chance in 2021.
second book in a duology
I read the first book in this duology earlier this year and was surprised by much I enjoyed it. I am curious to see what Hank Green does with this story!
book about bones OR “bone” in the title
Bone Gap has been sitting on my shelves unread for years! I am so intrigued by the premise, so it is about time that I prioritize it.
As I complete these challenges throughout the year, I will also be sharing my recommendations for each of the prompts. I would also love any recommendations that you may have, especially books with lost royalty and that mention pineapples!
Will you be participating is the 2021 Beat the Backlist Reading Challenge? Are there any other reading challenges that you will be attempting?
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