Reading Rush TBR 2020

It’s time for the 2020 Reading Rush! Earlier this year, I participated in my first Reading Rush-related readathon and had so much fun. So, I decided to make this the first year I participate in the annual Reading Rush. This year, it’s taking place next week from Monday, July 20 – Sunday, July 26. Without further ado, let’s get into my TBR for the readathon.

Book Challenges

I already know I will not read seven books in one week. Never say never, I suppose, but I will say highly improbably and almost certainly unlikely to happen. But I’m still excited to pick a few books and combine prompts. I actually really enjoy trying to combine the prompts to see how many challenges I can complete with one book. It’s like a challenge in itself. Before I give my book choices, here are this year’s reading prompts:

1. Read a book with a cover that matches the color of your birth stone.
2. Read a book that starts with the word “The”.
3. Read a book that inspired a movie you’ve already seen.
4. Read the first book you touch.
5. Read a book completely outside of your house.
6. Read a book in a genre that you’ve always wanted to read more of.
7. Read a book that takes place on a different continent than where you live.

If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin

I’ve wanted to read James Baldwin for a while, but I’ve just never started for some reason and wasn’t required to in school. So, I figured I’d change that with this readathon and pick up If Beale Street Could Talk. I’ve been really wanting to watch the movie that came out in 2018, but I wanted to read the book first. So, here’s my chance! Honestly, I don’t really know what this novel is about. But that’s okay. I can’t wait to read more Baldwin in the future and am excited to start with this classic.

• Read a book completely outside of your house // Outside or by window
• Read a book with a cover that matches the color of your birth stone // White for June pearls
• Read the first book you touch // Check

The Illiad by Homer

I recently read The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, and I can’t stop thinking about it. So, I’ve decided to actually read The Illiad, which is Homer’s epic about the Trojan War. I’m actually going to be listening to the audiobook for this because I learned that Dan Stevens [Downton Abbey and Beauty and the Beast] narrates it. I almost chose The Odyssey, but I just can’t stop thinking about Achilles and Patroclus. This one works for the following challenges:

• Read a book that starts with the word “The” // Check
• Read a book that inspired a movie you’ve already seen // Troy [2004]
• Read a book that takes place on a different continent than where you live // Greece and Anatolia [modern Turkey]
• Read a book in a genre that you’ve always wanted to read more of // Classics and poetry

There you have it! I’m excited to participate in my first annual Reading Rush readathon and can’t wait to dive into these books next week. If I have a surprisingly good reading week, I have a couple extra books I may try to get to listed below. Are you participating? If so, what are your reading plans?

• Circe by Madeline Miller
• Space Struck by Paige Lewis