Reading | Out of My Comfort Zone

 I've always been an avid reader. Some of my fondest memories from childhood are focused around books and reading, and it's something I do to relax and escape. During university I found myself getting drawn to the same type of book over and over again. Despite there being nothing wrong with doing this, I wanted to challenge myself and read some books which were a little different to the chick-lit I usually favour. I wanted to broaden the type of books I am reading, and discover some new favourites which I certainly have done already.

Part of reading for me is being able to escape into someone else's story; you learn so much through reading, and that is why I love it. Also, I'm pretty nosy so being able to learn about someone else's life really appeals to me; regardless of whether the person actually exists or not. As much as I love reading chick-lit, 2016 definitely seemed like a good year to start branching out and reading a wide range of genres: especially as my days are not focused around university reading, or essays! As I reflect back on the range of different books I have read this year, I am so pleased I set myself the challenge. I would have never even considered some of the books I have read this year in the past and it's made me realise how much there really is out there to get stuck into!

I certainly didn't think I'd find myself half way through the year having read more than one crime book, and actually have enjoyed both despite being the sensitive soul that I am. I have read books that have deepened my knowledge and passion for Religious Studies, and I have read books that have inspired me more than I ever thought a book would inspire me (I'm looking at you The Alchemist, what a book!). I also dipped back into the realm of one of my favourite books ever - Eat Pray Love - when I read the "sequel" Eat Pray Love made me do it. This was another inspiring book, and took me back to the original book which I adore.

2016 has definitely been a year of reading books so different to the usual style that I read, and I'm so pleased I made that promise to myself! There's still 5 months left which gives me a lot of time to delve into even more challenging books which excites me too. Who knows what I will have read by December - War and Peace perhaps? Maybe not...

Have you set yourself reading challenges? What is your favourite genre of books?