The ranks of M&Q booksellers taking on the Book Riot Read Harder challenge are growing! The bookseller pictured here modeling Citizen by Claudia Rankine–one of her favorite titles–is our next Read Harder challenger. Here’s Annie H’s take on tackling the 2017 checklist:

Why are you doing this challenge?

To be part of a large and communal dialogue about books! I love getting recommendations from coworkers, friends, and customers, which I will definitely need to do to complete a couple of the challenge categories, and I am also excited for chatting with fellow challenge-takers about what they’ve chosen to read and how they’re interacting with the texts.

Which of the tasks will be easiest for you?

As a huge fan of indie presses, I already read lots of debut novels and look forward to what this year has in store.

Which assignment will take you the furthest from your usual reading list?

The book about war. I don’t think I’ve ever chosen a book about war as a leisure read, and I’m for sure going to scour some book blogs and figure out the best way to play this one.

Have you already decided which book to read for one (or more) tasks?

Definitely. I’m excited to dip into either James Baldwin or Alice Walker for the classic writer of color, and I’ve been looking for a reason to pick up Miranda July’s short story collection.

Which task are you most excited about?

The book about books! I am fascinated by the publishing industry, grammar- and style- focused craft discussions, and book history.

If you could add one task to the list, what would it be?

Read a book (fiction or nonfiction) that centers around an individual with a physical or mental disability. Or some nature writing! Ah, so many things I’d love to read!

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