top of page
Search

12 Books I Want To Read This Year

  • Writer: Chantelle Roe
    Chantelle Roe
  • Jan 19
  • 6 min read

I have never been one for reading. As a child, I absolutely hated reading; in fact, I feared it deeply. The mere thought of being called on in class to read aloud from our textbook in front of the entire class filled me with such overwhelming anxiety that it often resulted in debilitating headaches. My heart would race, my palms would sweat, and I would struggle to form coherent thoughts as the teacher's gaze bore down on me, waiting for me to stumble through the words on the page. It wasn't until I reached my early 20s that I discovered the root of my struggles: I was dyslexic. This revelation was both a relief and a frustration, as it explained the difficulties I had faced throughout my education, but it also highlighted the lack of understanding and support I had received during my formative years.

As an adult, I took it upon myself to improve my reading skills. I began to teach myself how to read better by incorporating subtitles into my favourite movies and TV shows. This simple yet effective strategy allowed me to read along with the dialogue, helping me to associate the spoken words with their written counterparts. The combination of visual and auditory stimuli made a significant difference in my comprehension and confidence. I found that as I engaged with the stories I loved, I began to enjoy the process of reading in a way I had never experienced before. It was a gradual journey, but each film and series I watched with subtitles became a stepping stone toward mastering this challenging skill.

Unfortunately, during my school years, my teachers did not provide the support I desperately needed. Instead of recognizing my struggles as a learning difference, they labeled me as lazy and a daydreamer. This lack of understanding only exacerbated my feelings of inadequacy and frustration. I often felt isolated and misunderstood, believing that my challenges were a reflection of my character rather than a neurological condition. The stigma surrounding dyslexia and the absence of proper educational resources left me feeling defeated and discouraged. It was disheartening to see my peers advance while I lagged behind, grappling with the very act of reading itself.

This year, however, I have set myself a personal goal to turn my reading journey around. I have committed to reading at least one book a month. This objective, while challenging, is also incredibly empowering. I am excited to explore new genres and immerse myself in different narratives, allowing myself to discover the joy of reading that had eluded me for so long. Each book represents not just a story to be consumed but also an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. I am determined to push through the discomfort and embrace the challenge, knowing that with each page I turn, I am reclaiming a part of myself that I once thought was lost. This journey is not just about reading; it is about overcoming obstacles, building resilience, and ultimately redefining my relationship with literature.


Now lets get into my list of 12 bookd i plan on reading. Like i said earlier i have dyslexica and i'm thinking that reading a book series ive already read and enjoyed emenstly will help me achieve this goal. Now you could say this is cheating however if this gets me to read more improving both my mind and my reading still as well as helping me at night to wind down instead of looking at my phone till the last second of my night then this is what im going to do.


Books 1 - 7 will be the Harry Potter series, a collection that has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers and viewers alike. Growing up, I was enchanted by the magical world depicted in the films, and my experience with the books proved to be equally delightful. Despite my previous reluctance towards reading, the last time I delved into this extraordinary series, I found myself utterly captivated; I simply could not put these books down. The intricate plots, well-developed characters, and the richly woven tapestry of the wizarding world pulled me in so deeply that I lost track of time. Each page turned was like stepping further into a realm of wonder and adventure. In fact, I became so engrossed in the narrative that if I finished the series more quickly than I anticipated, I would eagerly seek out additional titles to explore, adding a couple of extra books to my reading list to prolong the enchantment. The themes of friendship, bravery, and the battle between good and evil resonate with me, making this series a timeless favourite.

Books 8 - 11 will be dedicated to The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, two monumental works in the fantasy genre that have also been adapted into highly acclaimed films. Although I have yet to read these particular books, my familiarity with the cinematic adaptations has sparked a strong desire to experience the original narratives in their written form. The rich lore, complex characters, and epic quests that define these stories are elements I find particularly appealing. From my selection of books thus far, it is evident that I have a profound love for anything that falls within the realms of fantasy and make-believe, where the impossible becomes possible and the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary. I look forward to immersing myself in the adventures of Bilbo Baggins and the Fellowship of the Ring, and I anticipate the emotional depth and intricate world-building that J.R.R. Tolkien is renowned for.

Book 12 will be The Diary of a Young Girl, a poignant and powerful work that I have always wanted to read. This book offers a unique perspective on history, providing insight into the life of Anne Frank, a young girl whose experiences during a tumultuous time in history resonate with readers across generations. The diary format allows for an intimate glimpse into her thoughts, dreams, and fears, making it a deeply personal narrative that transcends time. I am eager to explore Anne’s reflections on her life in hiding and her unwavering hope for a better future, as it serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. This book not only holds historical significance but also offers profound lessons on empathy, courage, and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs. Reading it will be an enriching experience that I have long anticipated.


Now, if I do manage to finish these books before the year's end, I have a strong intention to immerse myself in reading "We Were the Lucky Ones" by Georgia Hunter. My interest in this particular narrative was sparked after I watched the Hulu series, which captivated me with its powerful storytelling and emotional depth. The series presented a compelling glimpse into the lives of its characters, and I found myself so intrigued by the story that I felt compelled to delve deeper into its origins.

After conducting some research, I discovered that "We Were the Lucky Ones" is not just a fictional tale but rather a poignant true story. It chronicles the actual life events of Georgia Hunter's family during a tumultuous time in history. The narrative is rooted in the experiences of her relatives who faced incredible challenges and hardships, particularly during World War II. The resilience and strength they displayed in the face of adversity is both inspiring and heartbreaking.

Furthermore, I learned about Georgia Hunter's journey in tracing her family's history and the lengths she went to in order to reconnect with her relatives scattered across the globe. Her dedication to uncovering the past, piecing together the fragmented stories of her ancestors, and sharing their experiences with the world adds a layer of richness to the narrative that I find incredibly compelling. I feel an overwhelming sense of anticipation to read the book and immerse myself in the beautifully crafted words of this remarkable woman.

Through her writing, I hope to gain insight into the memories and stories that shaped her family’s legacy, as well as the broader historical context that influenced their lives. The idea of exploring the emotional landscape of her family’s experiences during such a pivotal moment in history resonates deeply with me, and I am eager to understand the complexities of their journey. Overall, I am truly compelled to read "We Were the Lucky Ones" and to experience the profound narrative that Georgia Hunter has so passionately crafted.



Comments


bottom of page