I have always loved reading – my mum taught me before I went to school, and I’ll read the cereal packet for something to do. So when I realised I was getting through barely a book a month, it was as though I’d given up on an old friend.
The 52 book challenge was a way of getting back into the habit of reading – for pleasure, and for research. My aim was to read, on average, one book a week, from any genre and which came into my life from any route – I am always happy to receive recommendations.
I started the challenge early in 2014 and enjoyed getting back to books for pleasure, interest and research so much that I decided to keep it up through 2015.
In 2016 I started the challenge but fell short of the target.
2017 is a new year and a new start: the project is changing, with a focus on reading to enhance my writing – at least for now. Who knows where the year will take me!
To see what I read through 2014 check out this link, for 2015 this one and for 2016, it’s here! 🙂
Becoming a writer 
I have the same as you about the small number of books I have read in recent years. Though my list does not contain as many great titles as yours does, I have challenged myself to read 25 books this year, which is far less than what I used to read. But you have to start somewhere I guess. I can’t believe I let myself stop reading! There are so many great books out there. If I can get through the 25 this year, I will try this 52 book challenge next year!
25 is great; I started quickly this year but have slowed down a lot and think 52 was a push with everything else going on in my life. Still, a challenge is good for me! It was good to have to 100 books list running at the same time as it gave me a lot of ideas about what I could attempt!
Good luck with your challenge, I will check in and see what you’ve been reading, perhaps we’ll both end up reviewing the same work! 🙂
Love the idea of the 52 book challenge. I had not realized how much I had slowed down in my reading until I saw your post. Where I used to “eat” a book every day or two, I am lucky now if I can get through a book every MONTH or two. Going to have to figure out how to include something like this into my routine in the future. I’m missing my old friends.
That’s exactly how I felt – like I was missing my friends. Books have been bedtime stories and morning coffee, and everything in between!