One thing I’ve learnt about myself over the years is that I’m incredibly motivated by gamification and point-collecting or box-ticking.
Enter Goodreads’ limited-time challenge. Ever since I chanced upon it in the app, I have been trying to get those bookmarks coloured in and revealed.
Rather pleased with my achievements so far!
And it was also a great exercise because I ended up reading many books I wouldn’t have searched out in the first place, especially since many are in genres I tend to avoid (e.g. thrillers). I love me a good cosy mystery, bring a rabid Agatha Christie fan, but Thriller and heart-stopping moments or gory threats are not my thing.
In fact, mid-way through “First Lie Wins” in the Poolside Puzzlers Thriller category, I had to stop for a few days because there was a particularly scary scene. Again, amazing how psychologically intrusive books can be!
But I ended up really enjoying the book, staying up late to finish the most exciting denouement. It was satisfying in a number of ways, and I must say that whilst I do not agree with the moral compass of how the book’s characters concluded in the end, it was a very admirable piece of writing. Deserving of all the accolades it has earned thus far.
I must also commend Goodreads for such a fun Summer Reading “programme”, which incentivises list-loving readers like me to explore new genres. The long list of Qualifying Books for each category with their synopses was also extremely helpful for me in deciding which ones to borrow and read.
These days, I am also much more willing to cut losses and DNF a book if the writing style of subject matter does not rock my boat. So a wide range of suggestions is great!
How many bookmarks will I be able to uncover by mid-September when the challenge ends? Stay posted! Or better still, go and embark on your own pursuit of the perfect set of bookmarks in their full colour glory!
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