Five Books in March: A Bold (Maybe Foolish?) Reading Challenge After a February Slump

February. A month of short days, long shadows, and, for me, a significant reading slump. As I confessed in my last post, my ambitious four-book goal dwindled to a humble two, thanks to a whirlwind vacation and the subsequent need for some serious post-travel recovery.

But March is here, bringing with it the promise of spring, longer days, and a renewed sense of energy. And with that energy, a renewed ambition: five books.

Yes, you read that right. Five.

After a month of struggling to even pick up a book, I’m throwing down the gauntlet and challenging myself to read five books in March. Some might call it optimistic. Others might call it foolish. I prefer to think of it as a leap of faith.

Why five? Well, why not?

February taught me a valuable lesson: flexibility is key. But it also reignited my passion for reading. I missed the feeling of getting lost in a good book, the thrill of discovering new characters and worlds, the quiet satisfaction of turning the final page.

And now, with a slightly recharged battery and a renewed determination, I’m ready to dive back in.

However, I’m not going to be reckless about this. I’ve learned from my February experience, and I’m going to approach this challenge with a few key strategies in mind:

• Strategic Book Selection: I’m going to choose books that I’m genuinely excited about. A mix of genres, some lighter reads, and a few that have been lingering on my TBR list for too long. I’m also going to prioritize books that I can easily dip in and out of, in case I find myself with limited reading time.
• Dedicated Reading Time: I’m going to schedule dedicated reading time into my day, even if it’s just for 15-20 minutes. Those small chunks of time can add up! I will find times throughout the day where I can put down my phone and pick up a book.
• Audiobooks for On-the-Go: I’m going to leverage the power of audiobooks for those moments when I’m on the go, whether it’s commuting, doing chores, or taking a walk. This will allow me to squeeze in some extra reading time without feeling like I’m sacrificing other activities.
• No Pressure, Just Enjoyment: This is perhaps the most important strategy. I’m not going to beat myself up if I don’t reach my goal. The point of this challenge is to reignite my love for reading, not to create unnecessary stress. If I only manage to read four books, or even three, I’ll still consider it a success.
• Prioritize Rest, Still: Even though I am aiming for more books, I will not forget the lessons of February. If I need a rest, I will take one.

This challenge is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. It’s about rediscovering the joy of reading, pushing myself slightly outside my comfort zone, and seeing what I’m capable of.

I’m excited to see what March brings. I’m excited to discover new stories, to reconnect with old favorites, and to share my reading adventures with you.

Will I succeed in reading five books in March? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: I’m going to have a lot of fun trying.

What are your reading goals for March? Do you have any tips for staying motivated? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And wish me luck! I think I'll need it.