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The Happy Hundred: A Year of Reading 100 Books

Updated: Jul 11

I love reading. I don’t think that’s surprising to anyone. I used to sneak away from chores and hide in the bathroom, reading Harry Potter or whatever book I was consumed with. 


In 2014, my decision to reread The Innocent by Harlan Coben reignited my passion for reading. I read it for the first time in high school anywhere I could—between classes, on the bus, and up late at night—but life happened, and I became too tired to read. But the reread reminded me of the joy of being completely lost in a story and the passion I once had.


Over time I not only built up my to-be-read (TBR) list but actively read more in both speed and volume. I was no longer intimidated by big reading goals. My first 35 books were exhilarating. It grew to 40, then 52, and graduated to 100. Reading is a skill and a hobby. Over time that muscle gets worked out and you improve the way you read and how much you can read. 


With that in mind, I want to share what I learned and how I read 100 books in a year. Take what advice makes sense for you, and leave the rest. Feel free to try different methods out and abandon ones that do not work for you. Reading is for you. It’s not a competition. This should be an enjoyable, stress-free endeavor, the fact that you’re reading is most important. Whether it’s one book a year or 100, Siren Books is here to make sure you’re reaching your reading goals. 


Stick around for my favorite books I read in 2023.


Tips for high-volume reading:


  • Do away with the idea of the ‘guilty pleasure.’ Reading can come with complicated feelings for some. I meet people under the impression they have to read to learn or gain something from it. What if you did but it was rooted in pleasure? I’m here to permit you to read what you enjoy. Guilty pleasures do not exist at Siren Books. If you feel good after reading (whatever topic it is) you’re already ahead of the curve. Embrace reading what you want (no matter what people think of you) and just enjoy.

  • Mix formats. Books come in many formats, print (paperback and hardcover), audiobook, and e-book. While pursuing my triple-digit reading goal, what kept me focused was intermixing formats. I would read one to three books at a time: One audio, one e-reader format, and one physical copy. It helped me maintain consistency with each book and accomplish a greater volume. Whether or not you mix it up, this is an effective method. Is purchasing three books in different formats too overwhelming? Worry not–support your local library! Most libraries feature Libby or Hoopla, which offers both audio and e-book formatting, as well, of course, as the physical copies.

  • Track your success. Reflect on what you’ve read by recording your progress with Goodreads, Storygraph, notes app, physical journaling, stickers, or mini books in a jar. Whatever your flavor, be sure to track. Did you like it? Do you like the author? Was it in a series? Celebrate your reads and consider your next one! 


The journey to 100 books was a fabulous time. I read out of my comfort zone, shared with others, and had fun. I discovered the incredible Sarah J. Maas, which also opened doors to new communities (another perk of reading), and found new bookstores, and places to read. R. F Kuang dazzled and excited me, ready for more of her work. 


What goes up, must come down

2024 has been the year of the slump. The burnout of 2023 mixed with the massive upheaval of 2024 has made this year impossible to read. I got laid off, opened Siren Books, and don’t have the same amount of time I did in 2023. I initially had negative feelings about the slump. How can a bookstore owner be so behind on reading? I did 100 last year, why not this year? Well, it happens. Life happens! Being present in your life should always be the priority, the books, relaxation, and time for literature always follow. 


Now what you’ve been waiting for, my top five. You can find all of these in the Siren Books storefront.NOTE: these are the books I read in 2023, regardless of the actual release date. 


  1. Yellowface, R.F. Kuang: I got my copy from the iconic Strand in NYC and devoured the book on the train ride home (and late into the evening). This book felt like a thriller without it being obvious and had me from minute one. 

  2. A Court of Thorns and Roses series, Sarah J. Maas; I know this is technically five books but they delighted the absolute hell out of me and I read them not once, but twice in two different formats. Plus I’m the one making the list. 

  3. Built to Last, Erin Hahn; You have to be kidding me! The nostalgia, love triangle, home improvement sweetness with a touch of spice. It’s the perfect beach read, or anytime read, really. 

  4. A Touch of Jen, Beth Morgan; Did you like Bunny by Mona Awad? Or do you like a weird atmospheric read? It was a hard yes for me on both counts and this book was a banger. Weird books really do it for me and you will never know what happens next. Give it a shot. 

  5. How Do I Un-Remember This? Unfortunately True Stories, Danny Pellegrino; Do you have that one friend who is a hilarious storyteller, so talented that you could listen to them read their shopping list and it would be a riot? That’s Danny Pellegrino. He will touch your heart, and make you laugh, cry, and cringe with his stories. Danny also has a podcast Everything Iconic. I highly recommend the audiobook (especially as a big fan of his podcast). How Do I Un-Remember This (on audio) highlights Danny’s natural talents, giving you a window into his personality and enhancing the reading experience. No matter the format, you won’t lose. 


Check out the full list below for future reading!


Book some time with The Siren to find your next reads through the power of tarot (or not, use SansTarot20, SansTarot30, or SansTarot60 to talk books only [no tarot] for your next read.)


As always, find your favorites in the completely digital storefront (powered by Bookshop.org). 

Follow us on Instagram: @Siren.Books and sign up for our newsletter. 



The 100 List in order read:








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Sammi Caramela
Sammi Caramela
Jul 09

OBSESSED and this inspired me to get out of my reading slump!

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