Reading Update: Horror Reading Challenge

Actually, this is just a general reading update.

First of all, I’m in a funky reading mood. I don’t think it’s a reading slump though. It started with me not knowing what to read next after completing my last book of last year, Very Good Lives by J.K. Rowling. It then progressed to me feeling lethargic whenever I try to read the books I currently have on the go, The Witches by Stacy Schiff and Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed, and now it has made me indecisive about what I should read.

I can’t tell if I’m just not in the mood to read, or if the books I’m reading aren’t very interesting.

I kind of suspect that the book format I’m using may be to blame: e-books. The Witches is a nonfiction book and though it’s easy to read, it requires a lot of focus to keep the facts and people straight, which is difficult for me to do when reading an e-book. I spend so much time staring at screens throughout my day that when I try to read after a long day in the office or working at home, the last thing I want to do is experience a dense read on a device that strains my eyes. I guess that’s why I keep dozing off whenever I attempt to read either The Witches or Tiny Beautiful Things despite my interest in their content.

I’ve decided to rent the physical copies of these books from the library to see if that makes a difference. If it does, then I’m probably not in a funky mood after all. 🙂

The second update is to announce that I’ll be participating in the

2017 Horror Reading Challenge

When I made my 2017 reading plans post, I didn’t know the Horror Reading Challenge would be back for another year. I’m glad it is because it is a challenge for me to read horror books, though I haven’t yet read any that are truly scary.

This year the challenge will be co-hosted by Lilyn and GracieKat at Scifi and Scary. The challenge is from January 1 to December 31, 2017 and badges will be awarded for the number of horror novels readers have read and reviewed (books read and reviewed last week also count).

Like last year, I’ll shoot for a low number of horror novels to read. For the first badge, Neophyte of Coolthulhu’s Temple, readers must read and review 1-7 books this year, so I’ll shoot for 7 books (that’s 2 more than the total horror books I read last year).

As for what I plan to read, I’ll probably dive into these (the first 5 were included in my 2017 reading plans post):

Through the Woods by Emily Carroll (illus.)

A horror graphic novel. Since receiving it, I’ve said every Halloween that I’ll read it, but I have yet to do so.

The Isle of Blood by Rick Yancey

It’s the third book in Yancey’s YA horror series, The Monstrumologist. I loved the first book but the second wasn’t as great. I hope the third is better.

The Shining by Stephen King

I’m reading King’s books in order and this one is next.

Locke & Key, Vol. 2:Head Games by Joe Hill, illus. by Gabriel Rodríguez

I enjoyed the first volume so I’d like to continue with the story.

The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

Loved the TV show and now I want to read the book.

Mr. Splitfoot by Samantha Hunt

The premise sounds interesting and creepy so I’d like to read it.

The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey

I started this last year and stopped reading it for some weird reason. I need to complete it.

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