She chose to read 19 books since she was 19 and encouraged me to read 40 books since I would be 40 a few months from then.
It seemed like a daunting challenge so I had the nerve to plead to read 39 books. I figured I would be 39 for most of the year since I had an October birthday. She told me that I must read 40 books! With a full time job and a household that included a husband, 2 kids, and my teenage sister, Would it even be possible?
Alas, I agreed to do the challenge. I started it in July after having read only 6 books at the time. I needed books and I needed them fast. I had books at home and on my kindle that hadn't read yet. I also perused the New York City and Brooklyn public libraries. There were also tons of books at second hand stores for about $1-$2.
But in the end, I did most of my reading on my iphone 6 plus. I spend a lot of my time on the NY city trains where I do the majority of my reading. So here is how I attain my wonderful reading material for free!!
1. Amazon http://www.amazon.com/
Amazon has a load of free books down-loadable on kindle. The books that are typically available are from lesser known writers but provide a quick, light read. I have been reading them lately for quick holiday books. I try to choose books with high ratings. After you get the books from Amazon, they must be read on your kindle or kindle app.
Amazon prime members get a greater selection of free books with better known authors.
My kwanzaa book The Talking Kinara is currently available for free on Amazon prime.
Pro: Free books, Quick reads.
Con: Lesser known writers, limited to kindle users
2. 3M Cloud Library http://www.3m.com/us/library/eBook/
This is a down-loadable app available on Google Play and Apple. Within the app you sign in with your library card and 4 digit pin. Once you are in the system you have access to tons of books. 3M has books from NY Times best sellers. Once you get the book it is available to read in the app.
Pro: NY Times best sellers, book available in app (one stop shop), 21 days to borrow the book
Con: The selection is slightly limited, well-known books may have long wait times.
3. Overdrive https://www.overdrive.com/
This is my FAVORITE discovery! Overdrive is a website and down-loadable app.
Overdrive has many of the latest books from high profile authors and it even has audio-books!
I recently finish Career of Evil, by Robert Gilbrath (J.K. Rowling) with the book accompanied by the audio book, both from Overdrive.
For overdrive you have to create an account and then add which library card you want to use to find books. I included both by NY and Brooklyn public library cards.
When I chose the books I want, I then download them onto my kindle app to read. You can not read directly from the app.
When I chose an audio book, I download it but if the file is too big you could listen to it in the web browser.
Pro: Audio books, Top selling authors, many available titles
Con: can borrow for only 14 days, must use other apps to read material
Bonus:
Youtube has tons of available audio-books, mainly classics but some contemporary books are available.
They have classic books and audio books available.
I was able to complete the 40 book challenge by November since I had nonstop books available that I wanted to read. I put books on hold that were not available and as I completed a book, there was always a new one available.
Also, intermittently using audio books allowed me to "read" while doing other things.
I loved the challenge and as of today, December 14, 2015, I have read 54 books!
I loved most of the books I've read and have learned so many things on so many levels.
My top 5 books from this year were:
The Giver by Lois Lowry is about a boy who lives in a seemingly ideal community but learns more about his community.
Everything I Never Told You, by Celeste Ng was both beautiful and haunting. A story of loss.
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates. A look into the complex life of being an American male of African-American ancestry.
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was a look into being "Black" from an outside "Black" community. It was also a love story.
You by Caroline Kepnes was a scary and creepy page turner. When the guy of your dreams becomes a nightmare.
Here is a link to my complete list.
