Read What You Own Challenge - 6 Month Check In - 2024

Hi everyone!
I am still working on reading more of my own books and trying hard not to purchase any more books until the challenge is over in Nov 2024.
Just wanted to share my thoughts as I've made it to the halfway point and I've learned a few things about myself as a reader (and book buyer) along the way!
I am very happy to be doing this challenge and finally making a true effort to focus on my own books, but I definitely miss a few things like more impulse reading from the library and perusing through thrift stores for bookish treasures.
I would love to know if any of you are still doing the RWYO challenge and how it's going for you! :)
Challenges:
Read What You Own hosted by ‪@CriminOllyBlog‬ and others
Read What You Own - My Plan: • Read What You Own Chal...
Read What You Own - 3 Month Check In: • Reading What You Own R...
I'm Farrah from bookstalgic and I have rediscovered my love of reading again in my 40s. :)
I try to find any time I can to squeeze in my love of reading into my busy life of work and family. :). I love talking lots of walks in nature to try to appreciate all that I can each day.
Favorite genres: it's mixed bag of Classics, Sci-Fi, Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery/Thriller, Classic Horror (not too scary lol), Nature/Environment, Non-fiction, Health, History and Speculative/Paranormal Romance
On my channel, you'll find cozy/chill reading vlogs that highlight some of the natural beauty I see outside on my daily walks around our farm.
I try to post 2 vlogs per month as well as a reading wrap up at the end of each month (I sometimes get behind, though!) :)
I am working on doing more individual books reviews and tags as well as participating in some reading events as well.
I hope you enjoy my channel and thank you so much for stopping by!
Goodreads: / farrah
Instagram: / _bookstalgic_
#rwyo
#smallbooktuber
#smallbooktube

[@lindaharrison3240]

Congratulations on your success! You are right on schedule! I feel your pain: self-control is a b!tch. One thing that I started doing is, when I get an *impulse* to get my hands on a new book or any book that I get psyched about in a heartbeat, I look at what kind of book it is and find a similar book that I already own. That way, I don't feel deprived, and I read something I already own. Hang in there. Remember--marketing writers are very persuasive. The books are rarely as good as they want you to think they are.

[@bookstalgic]

So true, Linda! That's a great tip about resisting an impulse purchase by looking for something similar that's already on the shelf. I love that! I think that will be really helpful when it comes to nature non-fiction for me. Thank you for the advice and the encouragement! :)

[@novelideea]

I think you are doing amazing. You are nailing your goal! Book buying has never been a prohibition for me. I have had years though where it wasn't practical and so all I did was utilize the library. My limitation (self imposed) is that the books I buy have to either be ones I have read and loved, or ones I really want to read (an author I have previously read or a buddy read or someone I trust their recommendation) and so will get to quickly. It allows me the thrill of the hunt without buying needlessly. I'm also pretty brutal about culling books if I haven't read them and find that I really don't want to. Agreed! Reading shouldn't be torture💕

[@bookstalgic]

Thanks, Deea! It sounds like you have a great balance for reading your own vs buying new books. That's great that you're not afraid to unhaul what you don't really like anymore. Before this challenge, I didn't really do that, so the books were just piling up. I'll admit, it felt really good to clear those 10 books that I wasn't interested in off of my shelf! Thank you for watching and hope you have a wonderful reading month ahead! :)

[@B-RollBooks]

Thanks for the update. You’re doing so well. I bailed on the challenge after 17 books, and now I don’t even remember what book tempted me. Best of luck as you continue the challenge!

[@bookstalgic]

Thanks Ellis! 17 books is great, in my opinion! To be fair, I did give myself a lot of caveats when I started the challenge and I think that's the only reason I'm still able to do it. Thank you for the encouragement! :)

[@RaynorReadsStuff]

I’ve just started again. I finished my challenge in February and a couple of weeks ago discovered that I’ve bought/acquired 81 physical books since then! I’ve read about one quarter of them but would like to get to the stage where I’ve read three quarters of them. You are doing brilliantly. Keep hanging on in there 😊

[@bookstalgic]

Wow, Debs, great job! That's wonderful that you completed yours already and are going to have another go of it. I hope you enjoy everything you read and thank you for the encouraging words! :)

[@katsnoveladventures1863]

You have way more willpower than me, Farrah. 😊 I have been reading more of my own books and utilizing the library, so my buying has decreased in general. I like the freedom to buy a book when I want to but then choose to read off my shelf. Good luck on the next 90 days. 🎉

[@bookstalgic]

That's great that your buying has decreased as well, Kat! I think it's really helping me realize to not just grab anything and everything when I go secondhand book shopping. It sounds like you have a great balance of both worlds. Thanks for the encouragement! :)

[@CliffsDarkGems]

Congratulations Farrah! You have done so well and I admire your willpower. I, unfortunately, went for 100 and stopped at about 50 books.. I am honestly addicted to our little second-hand book shop, and being away so long left me feeling down. If I do this challenge again I will set a far more realistic goal for myself. I agree that reading should not be torture and I found that not being able to browse for more horror was a painful experience for me. I absolutely see the value of the challenge but I do love baying books.

[@bookstalgic]

Thanks, Cliff! I still think it's amazing that you got to 50 books of your own!! I agree, 100 is really tough and wouldnt' be possible for me. I think the only reason I'm still going is that I can still use the library for the rest of the books I want to read once my 3 books "of my own" for the month are done. I agree, secondhand book buying is so much fun and life is too short to not take the time to enjoy the things we really love! As long as I stay out of the thrift stores, I'm ok, but I definitely can't make any promises for the summer! :D I think next year I'll stick with the "read 3 of my own" each month, but also allow myself to book shop whenever I want as well. :)

[@mindysbookjourney]

Good luck getting to 36 books. You are doing great. I love the hunt of book thrfting too. The Read What You Own Challenge helped me be more mindful of the books i choose as well.

[@bookstalgic]

Thanks Mindy! I’m glad you’ve also had the experience of being more mindful of bringing books home. It definitely feels good to finally read some of these books that have been sitting there a while! :)

[@starlasell5698]

I'm still doing your challenge! I have loved it. I'm reading 4-6 physical books off my shelves a month , and the I listen to Libby as well, for those I'm interested in but don't own. I was gifted books in April on my birthday, so that helped. 😉 My library consists of over 400 books so I haven't gotten bored. I literally forget many I own, so it feels like shopping. 😅 Wishing you luck in continuing!

[@bookstalgic]

Starla, that's great! You are rocking this challenge! That's wonderful that you are truly enjoying "shopping your shelves" and I hope you continue to enjoy the ones you have! My birthday haul definitely helped me too :). Thanks for the good luck wishes and same to you! :)

[@starlasell5698]

@@bookstalgic Thank you! 🤗

[@grace_silva]

aww! i love buying books too, i feel you😆 but it is nice to pause and really take in all the books that never got their time to shine haha

[@bookstalgic]

It's definitely been amazing to slow down the buying and focus on the ones I have! I don't think I would've gotten to half of these if I kept up my old habits :D

[@booksimnotreading]

I spent a year just reading only the books I read (I bought one book for a year). But I could never wait until I read 100 books to buy a book. That would take me a couple years. But it is possible to go a year without buying books. Having done that, I probably won’t do it again, but I was able to unhaul some books and it made me realize how my reading tastes have changed over time. You are right though - reading should not be torture. I would maybe avoid watching haul videos if that’s a trigger for you. Good luck! ☘️💛

[@bookstalgic]

Wow, that's amazing, Kelly! I think that's awesome that you had that "no buying" experience. I agree, it makes you take a good luck at what your current reading tastes are and re-evaluate what you still need to hang on too. Luckily, most books hauls don't bother me at all, except the nature non-fiction ones (my weakness) so good tip to avoid watching those for now. Hope you're having a great reading month and thanks for the encouragement! :)

[@bookswithabel]

I can't wait to see more sci-fi content in your videos 🎉🎉🎉

[@bookstalgic]

Yay! I can't wait to start reading more too! Thanks for always supporting the channel even though I haven't been reading a lot of your favorite genre lately! :)

[@bookswithabel]

@@bookstalgic always a pleasure, Farrah! I love hearing your thoughts about but I didn't even know existed, you really pushed me to broaden my taste 😆

[@Man-With-a-Hat-Who-Reads]

I applaud all the people who are able to stop buying books. I know that is something I could never do. lol ;p Secondhand bookshops are a weakness! I was recently out of a town for a convention for work, and ended up stopping at two used bookstores. But I only brought home 14 books, so... 🤣 You are doing great at the challenge!! Keep it up and happy reading!

[@bookstalgic]

Thanks, Matthew! It's definitely a challenge because buying secondhand is a weakness for me too! I've definitely slipped up a little along the way, because I learned early on that if I go into a thrift store, it's almost impossible that I won't come out with at least 1 book. :D. Thanks for the encouragement! I'll be living vicariously through your books hauls :)

[@BeyondBooks-wt5il]

Wow! You make a goal and stick to it! LOL! I'm pretty good at reading what i have before going out and getting more. Then i let them go out into the universe ...whooosh! That to me is part of the fun. I rarely hang on to books!

[@bookstalgic]

Thanks, Reney! That's so nice to hear that you are able to read wheat you have and pass them along. I agree, sending them off to a new reader is so satisfying and I love your minimalist vibes when it comes to not feeling like you need to hang on to each and every book you read. So refreshing! :)

[@scoutdarpy4465]

Glad to see you checking in! I'm a bit over the hill lately, but... lol. In a pretty hopeful mood right now though. I cherish these moments, haha. I find the most clarity with them: like, I have found my answers. Hmm, yes most certainly. Will be trying to learn Latin, so excited for that. Got lotsa good work going into my writing projects, stready-going so far, haha. An essay collection of sorts; it'll be good ground for acquiring style and ideas - though my style may benefit from simplicity, but I'd rather do my own thing than be told how I'm supposed to write, haha. Exaggeration is my name afterall, can't seem to write a single direct quote, lol - but regardless I find it honest. Hmm... yes again.

[@bookstalgic]

Glad to hear you are feeling hopeful and clear - definitely the best space to be in! That's great that you are feeling motivated and creative with your writing and doing it your way. Keep going!

[@heathereads]

Applause! I hope you make it to the end of your challenge. I am at the 7 month mark, and it is challenging, not yet unbearable but I think, like you, I would have a tougher time if I did not have a good stockpile of non-fiction

[@bookstalgic]

That's great that you are still participating, Heather! I did a small non-fiction haul right before I started the challenge, so that definitely helped. I haven't read any of them yet, but I'm excited to get to them eventually and it's nice to look at them to help me resist new books. Best of luck for the rest of your challenge as well! :)

[@gingerbibliophile]

You are rocking it! I’ve got a list too for all the KU books so I can try to finish a series without forgetting all the recommendations I want to get to at some point. But it’s around 100. Way more than I can finish in 3 months 😅 Life is short, do what you enjoy! It feels good to check off a goal, but sometimes you gotta cheat and make yourself happy. I love that you were able to clean off your shelves a bit! It’s so hard to give up books! I gave myself a 3 month book buying ban, and failed after a month 😂 You can always “accidentally” leave a list of books laying around for your husband to find if you have a special occasion coming up or having a bad day… 😈😂

[@bookstalgic]

Haha, Kat, that's a good idea! Those strategically placed lists might not be a bad idea :D I'm glad you do the same for KU in terms of making a list! I think next time, I'm going to try the actual subscription, and I can't wait to dive into some of those gems once the challenge is over. I think you're doing an awesome job with the challenge too and I agree, it's ok to bend the rules a little! I might give myself another secondhand "splurge" this summer as a treat. :) Thank you for the kind words and encouragement- as always!! :)

[@gingerbibliophile]

@@bookstalgic hope the lists make your challenge a bit more fun! If he’s smart enough to marry you, I’m sure your husband is smart enough to pick up the hint in the list 😂 I thought I was the only one who basically made a save for later or I’ll forget KU list 😅 there’s so many amazing sounding options that I would never guess the right keywords to find again if I relied on memory alone! I’ve got 4 series I’m focusing on right now, 2 I really wanted to finish but they got pulled out of KU at some point apparently, and who knows how many on my list. I say definitely treat yourself and enjoy a summer splurge! You deserve it and like you said, reading should be fun! You got this! Can’t wait to see what books you end up with! 😊

[@BookChatWithPat8668]

You’re incredible, Farrah. I’m very impressed that you have continued to make steady progress. I do not think I could even do a 25 book challenge.

[@bookstalgic]

Thanks Pat! I think mixing in the library books along with the 3 of my own each month has really helped. I don't think I could do a 25 books of my own in a row, either!! Part of the joy of BookTube is being inspired by what everyone else is reading and the fun reading events! :)

[@BookChatWithPat8668]

@@bookstalgic Absolutely! I'm impressed by people who are able to do these "read what you own" challenges. And I am trying to make much more use of my library too. Still, I buy A LOT of books. Hope you're doing well.🙂

[@bookstalgic]

@@BookChatWithPat8668 It’s a balance, for sure! Buying books is so much fun ✨📚. I hope you have a nice rest of your week! 💖

[@FacelessBookReviews]

I feel like a challenge like this would just ruin reading for me. I can see this putting one in a reading slump. But I agree it does make one aware of making sure you only get books you truly wanna read. Thanks for the update...

[@bookstalgic]

Yeah, doing the challenge of only reading my own books would be too hard for me. I still use the library for the other books after I do my 3 that I own. I really miss the hunt for new books though. I might allow myself another "spree" this summer to get me through, lol. Thanks for watching!

[@FacelessBookReviews]

@@bookstalgic I wouldn't judge you if you do the summer spree... Well not too bad anyways. 😂

[@awebofstories]

You are doing an amazing job on this challenge! I know I wouldn't be able to go for 180 days!

[@bookstalgic]

Haha, thanks Melinda! I didn't think I would make it this far! Doing only 3 per month is sustainable for me, but I could never do a straight "100 books in a row" like some people have done and are doing! :D

[@LauraR00]

I definitely have become more mindful when thrifting. I used to just pick up anything because it was cheap and I'd heard of it 😂

[@bookstalgic]

Me too, Laura - it's so hard to resist sometimes because used books are such a bargain! :)

[@ReadingIDEAS.-uz9xk]

Sending temptation your way, ha ha. Off to the bookshop to pick up two Alexandre Dumas books today! £2.49 each - such a bargain and the money for charity!

[@bookstalgic]

That sounds wonderful and a fantastic deal, have fun! 😄

[@someothercharacter]

Since my last book haul (March), I haven't bought any books. Before that, it was almost 7 months, but I'm probably gonna buy Swan Song soon, so I'll have to start all over again. But I will also unhaul some too so it evens out (that's how I will rationalize it).

[@bookstalgic]

Yes, unhauling definitely balances it out - at least that's what I've been telling myself :D That's great that you've also been able to resist the "book buying" urge! I would love to read Swan Song too, it's on my list. I hope you enjoy it when you get to it! :)

[@EntertheBook]

Fun update Farrah! I’ve never tried this challenge just because I know retail therapy works for me 😂 maybe you can make it to November and get new nonfiction for nonfiction November:

[@bookstalgic]

This challenge is a tough one for sure! Yes, I'm hoping to make it to November and that's a great idea to have a splurge when I'm done! Hope you're having a great week :)

[@vens_corner]

You are doing amazingly 🤩. I have bought quite a few over the last few months so I think I am going to go into a second one from June until I have cleared another 25,

[@bookstalgic]

Thanks Ven! That's a great idea to do smaller RWYO chunks in-between book buying! You did a great job with the first round!! :)

[@vens_corner]

@@bookstalgic I mean i stuck to reading what I owned at the start, the buying side fell apart quick 😂. I think if I exclude pre-ordered and my book box I should be golden for a few months tbh 🤞

[@TriumphalReads]

Yeah, you have been more disciplined than a lot who started this challenge haha. I still have 3 empty shelves I think so need for me for now lol. I do a big unhaul of books every year so it doesn't seem to be too big of a problem for me. I can see how it would become tedious after half a year though

[@bookstalgic]

Thanks, Justin! That's great that you are good about unhauling and I definitely need to be better about that. I think we enjoy similar non-fiction and your shelves behind you always look so amazing! :)

[@TriumphalReads]

@@bookstalgic Yeah there's not many pf us that do nature nonfiction. Thanks for the shelf compliment as well

[@ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged]

Great job! I really need to do this because I’m out of control 😂.

[@bookstalgic]

That’s exactly why I did this challenge! 😆📚📚📚

[@krisreviews]

I also miss bargain book hunting... I used to go all the time... not so much any more 😶

[@bookstalgic]

I know, it's so fun! I know once this is done, I will truly appreciate it so much more since I haven't done book thrifting in so long. I hope you enjoy bargain book shopping the next time you decide to go! :)

[@books_and_bocadillos]

🙋🏽‍♀️me! I'm still doing the challenge and I think I'm reading at about the same pace as you. I think I've read 20 or 21 books and my goal is 41. I had a birthday in May and I made some post birthday book purchases. 😁

[@bookstalgic]

Yay, thanks great, Mariandrea! Half-way there! :) The birthdays hauls are the best and good luck with the rest of the challenge! I'm with you! :)

[@books_and_bocadillos]

@@bookstalgic 🙌🏽🫶🏽

[@janeaustenliteracyfoundation]

This would be a hard challenge!

[@bookstalgic]

It’s definitely a challenge! 😄

[@clarepotter7584]

I need to be more self disciplined about reading what I own and impulse buying especially if it's a bargain second hand book.

[@bookstalgic]

Me too, Clare. Before, I was just grabbing whatever books looked good since they were so cheap, but I have to be better about only getting the ones that I really want to read! :)

[@thegkbc4510]

youre doing great!! my watered down version is still going on i try to read 2-3 a month ugh, twilight was staring at me

[@bookstalgic]

Thanks Groz! I'm glad to know I'm not the only one that's doing the watered down version! Sorry about Twilight giving you grief. Don't judge, I read and enjoyed them in my 20s! :D

[@thegkbc4510]

@@bookstalgic i read 90% of that series hmmm maybe ill do a short explaining that not judging at all long as you know vampires are not like that