September 27, 2024
Reading has been my passion for as long as I can remember, but challenging myself to read five novels in 30 days was a whole new adventure.I’ve read hundreds of books, but I still wanted to shake things up, so I chose a mix of some new motivational and romantic novels, genres that move both the mind and heart.
I approached this challenge with curiosity and a bit of caution. Initially I questioned myself: Could I manage to fit five novels into an already busy life of blogging, working, and everyday commitments? On top of that, what would I gain from it? I was hoping for more than just crossed off titles on a reading list. I was seeking insights, personal growth, and a rekindling of my love for stories. Blogging has taught me one thing: that the most impactful content is born from genuine experiences.
Little did I know that these five novels would surprise me in ways I hadn’t expected. Whether it was through the tender unfolding of a romantic plot or the deep, introspective reflections found in motivational books, each story offered something unique. They challenged my perceptions, tugged at my emotions, and, at times, forced me to re-evaluate certain aspects of my own life. From the small but life-altering habits in a motivational read to the transformative power of love in a romantic novel, this month-long literary journey was nothing short of eye-opening.
In this post, I’m excited to share the five books I devoured, the surprising takeaways I gained from each, and how these stories wove themselves into my daily thoughts. Whether you’re a romance lover, a fan of motivational reads, or simply someone who loves getting lost in a good story, I hope my reflections inspire you to pick up a new book or maybe even try a reading challenge yourself. Here’s what happened when I took on the challenge of reading five novels in 30 days.
Genre: Motivational, Self-Improvement
Key Quote: “You are not here to shrink down to less, but to blossom into more of who you really are.”
I kicked off the month with The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest, a refreshing new release in the motivational space.
Book at a glance : Wiest dives deep into self-sabotage, showing how we often stand in our own way when it comes to achieving happiness and success. The book is powerful because it doesn’t just tell you to change; it helps you understand why you need to change, and how to go about it.
This book struck a chord with me, especially in its message about overcoming fear and embracing transformation. As a blogger, I sometimes struggle with perfectionism, and Wiest’s approach helped me realise that imperfections are a necessary part of the process. You can’t become the best version of yourself without confronting the mountains within you.
The biggest obstacles in life are often internal. Learning to navigate your own emotional landscapes is essential for personal growth, both in life and in creative endeavours like blogging.
Genre: Romantic, Historical Fiction
Key Quote: “Never let anyone make you feel ordinary.”
For my second week, I turned to the widely acclaimed The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Book at a glance :. This novel takes readers through the life of an enigmatic, ageing Hollywood star, Evelyn Hugo, as she reveals the truth behind her glamorous but tumultuous life and the seven husbands she had along the way.
What I loved about this book is its layered complexity. It’s not just a love story; it’s about ambition, identity, and how society forces women to choose between their desires and the roles assigned to them. The romance in the novel is passionate yet tragic, and it had me hooked from start to finish. There’s something incredibly empowering about Evelyn’s story, despite her mistakes and heartbreaks. It was a reminder that love is not always conventional or tidy, and that life rarely goes according to plan.
The pursuit of personal happiness is often messy, but that’s what makes it real. In my own journey, I realised that authenticity matters more than fitting into society’s boxes, whether that’s in relationships or in my blogging style.
Genre: Motivational, Memoir
Key Quote: “The braver we are, the luckier we get.”
In the third week, I shifted back to motivational reading with Untamed, a bold and fiercely empowering memoir by Glennon Doyle.
Book at a glance :This book is part life story, part self-help guide, and a full-on battle cry for anyone who feels like they’re living a life they weren’t meant to. Doyle shares her journey of breaking free from societal expectations and embracing her true self, urging readers to do the same.
As I read Untamed, I found myself reflecting on how often we conform to what others expect of us—whether in relationships, work, or even creative pursuits like writing. Doyle’s raw, honest writing reminded me that the truest form of freedom comes when you stop trying to please others and start living for yourself.
Being “untamed” means allowing yourself the freedom to evolve and change, even when it’s uncomfortable. This has made me bolder in my writing, pushing me to share stories that feel deeply personal and honest, even if they don’t fit the mould.
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Key Quote: “When I watch you sleep, I feel overwhelmed that you exist.”
After the heavy introspection of Untamed, I switched to something lighter with Emily Henry’s Beach Read.
Book at a glance : This romantic comedy tells the story of two writers—one who pens romance novels and the other, literary fiction—who end up living in neighbouring beach houses. To overcome their writer’s block, they swap genres, sparking a relationship neither of them expected.
What I loved most about Beach Read is its blend of wit, warmth, and emotional depth. While the romance is adorable, the novel also dives into themes of grief, family, and finding yourself through writing. As a blogger, I related deeply to the characters’ struggles with creativity and pressure. Plus, the book offers a humorous but insightful look at the differences between romance and literary fiction, a conversation that often echoes in the blogging world.
Creativity is not linear. Sometimes the best stories—or blogs—come from stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something completely new. The way Emily Henry mixed humour with heart inspired me to embrace both playfulness and depth in my writing.
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Key Quote: “When I watch you sleep, I feel overwhelmed that you exist.”
After the heavy introspection of Untamed, I switched to something lighter with Emily Henry’s Beach Read.
Book at a glance: This romantic comedy tells the story of two writers—one who pens romance novels and the other, literary fiction—who end up living in neighboring beach houses. They swap genres to overcome their writer’s block, sparking a relationship neither of them expected.
What I loved most about Beach Read is its blend of wit, warmth, and emotional depth. While the romance is adorable, the novel also dives into themes of grief, family, and finding yourself through writing. As a blogger, I related deeply to the characters’ struggles with creativity and pressure. Plus, the book offers a humorous but insightful look at the differences between romance and literary fiction, a conversation that often echoes in the blogging world.
Creativity is not linear. Sometimes the best stories—or blogs—come from stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. How Emily Henry mixed humor with heart inspired me to embrace playfulness and depth in my writing.
This challenge turned out to be far more than just a reading experiment. It pushed me to explore new ideas, perspectives, and emotions, all while deepening my understanding of both the motivational and romantic genres. Each book left a lasting impression, and collectively, they inspired me in ways I hadn’t expected.
From The Mountain Is You reminding me to confront my inner obstacles, to Untamed pushing me to break free from conformity, and The Song of Achilles showing me the beauty of timeless love, this month-long challenge was as much about personal growth as it was about reading.
It wasn’t easy to finish five novels in 30 days, especially with a busy life and work schedule, but the commitment was worth it. Setting aside time to read each day not only sharpened my focus, but it also gave me the mental space to reflect deeply on the stories and how they connected with my own life.
If you’re inspired to take on your own reading challenge, here are a few tips to make it meaningful and enjoyable:
After completing this 30-day challenge, I feel more connected to my love for reading than ever before. Each novel taught me something unique, from practical life lessons in The Mountain Is You to timeless romance in The Song of Achilles. They also helped me rediscover the joy of storytelling, both in the books themselves and in my own writing as a blogger.
If you’ve been looking for a way to reignite your passion for reading, I highly recommend trying this challenge. It’s a great way to engage with diverse stories, reflect on personal growth, and maybe even discover something new about yourself along the way.
What are you currently reading? Any favourite books that have surprised you recently? Let me know in the comments below!
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