By Elizabeth Dubos
The Reading Rush, formerly called the “BookTubeAThon”, was started by BookTuber Ariel Bissett in 2013. The Reading Rush is a weeklong readathon for book lovers around the globe, in which Cohosts Ariel Bissett and Raeleen Lemay create challenges to encourage book lovers to read as much as possible. Every year, thousands of readers join in to see how many challenges they can complete. Additionally, if you go onto the Reading Rush website, readers can earn badges based on completed challenges, attend virtual read ins, and browse literary forums to chat and discuss all things book related. The 2020 Reading Rush is July 20th–26th. If you would like to know more about the 2020 Reading Rush challenges and what books I’m planning to read, please continue reading.
The Reading Rush is one of my favorite readathons because the challenges are innovative and it’s a great way to catch up on my Goodreads Reading Challenge. For the past four years I have participated in the Reading Rush because it’s a great way to expose myself to new books, genres, and authors. In 2019, the Reading Rush helped push me out of my literary comfort zone by introducing me to poetry. Another reason why I love participating in the Reading Rush is because if I don’t have a book that meets the challenge requirements, it gives me the opportunity to buy a book! I don’t have a professional BookTube or Book Instagram page, but I love participating because it gives me the opportunity to discuss books with fellow book lovers. For the 2020 Reading Rush I am going to combine the challenge requirements, so I can complete them in between my busy work schedule. If would you like to know more about the books, I selected I will leave a link to their Goodreads pages.
1/ Read a book with a cover that matches the color of your birth stone. I am born in November, so my birth stone is Topaz or Citrine (yellow). I am going to choose The Unhoneymooners by Lauren Christina because the cover is 80% yellow. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42201431-the-unhoneymooners?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=8odIzC4NSp&rank=1
2/ Read a book that starts with the word “The.” The Hating Game by Sally Thorne. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25883848-the-hating-game?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=LmutRPN5Ib&rank=1
3/ Read a book that inspired a movie you’ve already seen. Recently HBO recommended that I watch The Hate U Give starring Amandla Stenberg. I thought the characters and storyline were phenomenal because it’s realistic, educational, and riveting. This has inspired me to read the book The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32075671-the-hate-u-give?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=R6hma2vjKp&rank=1
4/ Read the first book you touch. For this challenge I covered my eyes, waved my hands over my bookshelves, and selected a book that my hand landed on. I am going to be reading Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31931941-eliza-and-her-monsters
5/ Read a book completely outside of your house. I am planning to read outside by the pool. I am going combine this challenge with reading The Unhoneymooners by Lauren Christina. This is an adult romance and contemporary book, so it will be relaxing to read outside. Plus, it’s 400 pages, so I can devour the book in case the weather is stormy that week.
6/ Read a book in a genre that you’ve always wanted to read more of. Lately, I’ve been in the mood to read more adult romance books, so I am going to combine this challenge with reading The Hating Game by Sally Thorne.
7/ Read a book that takes place on a different continent than where you live. I live in North America, so I am going to choose to read A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab, which is set in London. In the past I’ve been nervous to read this book, because I didn’t want to be disappointed by the hype. I think the Reading Rush will be a great excuse to finally read this book. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22055262-a-darker-shade-of-magic?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=EKVQqfiAgl&rank=1
Reading Rush Website Link: https://www.thereadingrush.com
Edited by Jenna Fults