I’m a Books, Reading & Engagement Librarian based in the Horsham, Crawley and Mid Sussex areas, and I’m usually a firm crime and horror reader. However, two things enabled and encouraged me to read beyond my usual comfort zone this year – lockdown and the Mid Sussex Reading Challenge.
By following the themes, I’ve been able to tick off a few books from my ever-growing to-read list, and I’ve found my reading taste developing with each new book! Read on to find out what I’ve been reading for the challenge so far…
January – a book that has been adapted into a film
A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
I decided to read A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy as my first book, as it’s sat on my to-read shelf for an incredibly long time! I’ve tried and failed to read it several times in the past, and at less than 200 pages long, I decided to give it a good go this time. I’d still say it’s not really my cup of tea, but you can’t deny Adams is an incredibly creative, intelligent and comic writer, and I’m not surprised this book has turned into a cult classic.
February – a collection of short stories
I Know You Want This by Kristen Roupenian
I spotted this collection of short stories on display and thought it looked like my sort of book – dark, unsettling and a little twisted! One story in and I realised this book is very twisted – it takes “normal” situations and finds a way to make them uncomfortable or otherworldly, such as a children’s party that ends in the guests merging into one gruesome monster, or a woman with a skin condition that turns out to be worms living under her skin. Not a pleasant read, but definitely thought provoking.
March – a book set in another country
The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood
I am a huge Margaret Atwood fan, but it’s been a while since I read any of her books and, seeing that The Blind Assassin is set in Canada, jumped on the chance to read her again. However, I got one chapter into this book and just couldn’t get along with it. So I swapped to:
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Set in Ireland and winner of multiple literary awards, I felt like the only person in the world who hadn’t read this book, so I was keen to give it a go. It took me a few chapters to settle into Sally Rooney’s writing style, but once I was in, I became really invested in the lives of Marianne and Connell – who are wonderfully human and likeable – and devoured the book in a couple of days.
April – a children’s classic
Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
I fell into a bit of a reading rut in April and struggled to get into the right mindset to read, so I downloaded the first Harry Potter eAudiobook from the West Sussex eLibrary and let Stephen Fry read to me! Working from home full-time in April meant that the days often felt very quiet, so it was lovely to pop an audiobook on in the background. Find out more about how to download eAudiobooks for free here.
May – a non-fiction book
How to Tell Depression to Piss Off by James Withey
Editor of The Recovery Letters and a trained counsellor, James’ new book How to Tell Depression to Piss Off came out in May, and I grabbed a copy pretty much straight away! James now works for West Sussex Libraries, so his book came highly recommended from colleagues, and reading his book was like having a coffee and a chat with a friend. His writing is friendly, informal and reassuring, and this is easily the most relatable book on mental health I’ve ever read.
June – a book (not) under 200 pages
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
This month, I deviated from the set reading challenge theme and skipped ahead to October – a book recommended by someone else – as both my Mum & Grandma loved this book and suggested I read it too. It took me a couple of chapters to warm to Eleanor – which in hindsight, I think is kind of the point – but the book is funny, quirky and charming, and preaches the importance of kindness, which is a particularly prevalent message right now.
July – a debut novel
You by Caroline Kepnes
After watching and loving the Netflix series of the same name, this book has been on my to-read pile for a while. It’s a psychological thriller that follows the story of Joe Goldberg, a serial killer in New York. It’s quite a meaty read for me, but I wasn’t disappointed – it’s written from the killer’s perspective, so it’s a fascinating insight into why he feels justified in committing his despicable crimes. I loved it so much I moved straight onto the sequel, Hidden Bodies, which is even better.
Now, I’m taking a little breather before August to read The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary, which has been on my to-read pile for a long time.
If I’ve learnt anything from the challenge so far, it’s that I actually enjoy more than just crime novels (which are absolutely great – but they’re not the only thing I love to read now!) I’m also finding I feel more inspired to read when I alternate grisly, psychological thrillers like You & Hidden Bodies with lighter, friendlier books like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, rather than reading thrillers in an endless stream.
What have you read this year? We’d love to hear from you!
Stay connected with us by posting in our Facebook group or tweeting us @WSCCLibraries using the hashtag #MidSussexReadingChallenge. You can also find out how West Sussex Libraries can support you at home by visiting our current offer page.
The views expressed in this review are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of West Sussex Libraries.
Mid Sussex Reading Challenge 2020 