Premio Strega 2025: How did I manage to read 12 books in six weeks?

How I Managed to Read 12 Books for the Premio Strega

Reading has always been one of my greatest passions. I read anytime I can on every means of transportation I can, until my e-reader or the physical book falls on my face at night when I’m exhausted. I’ve always read since I can remember, and I grew up watching my whole family constantly immersing itself in stories from other lands and other times.

Reading truly makes you travel on a low budget.

But last March, I was asked by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Los Angeles to be one of the judges abroad for the Premio Strega 2025. Being one of the seven Italians in LA to be selected, I felt very excited and thrilled, so I looked forward to this experience. But, let me tell you, taking on the challenge of reading all 12 books candidates for the Premio Strega in about six weeks was a different adventure altogether. It required dedication, planning, and a love for Italian literature.

Here’s how I made it happen—and what I learned along the way

1. Setting a Realistic Timeline
   The first step was to set a clear (and realistic) timeline. I started as soon as I received the books, giving myself time to choose and study them before diving into the reading. Breaking down the timeline, around forty-two days for the first round of votes, I realized I had less than 4 days per book — what a commitment.

2. Strategic Book Selection and Ordering
   I did my research to read reviews and synopses ahead of time. I prioritized longer or more complex books first, knowing they’d take more time. I also alternated heavier literary works with lighter novels to keep my momentum.

3. Carving Out Daily Reading Sessions
   With a busy schedule, consistency was key; however, I was lucky enough to have the reading coincide with the beginning of the summer break - or would I have succeeded? I set aside a minimum of one hour every evening, and always carried a book with me for downtime during lunch breaks or commutes. On weekends, I aimed for longer sessions on the couch, in planes, or cafés. I abandoned the book club, Lettrici Tempestose, and any personal list until the first round of votes!!

4. Taking Notes and Reflecting
   To avoid letting plots and characters blur together, I kept an open note on my phone with all my thoughts about every single book. After each session, I’d jot down three-sentence summaries or notable quotes in there. These notes became invaluable when revisiting my impressions after finishing the entire list, or when jumping from one book to another.

5. Embracing the Challenge
   There were moments of fatigue, especially with particularly dense novels. When that happened, I reminded myself why I started: to explore the richness of contemporary Italian literature and be part of an exciting cultural event.

So, am I happy with the contest results?

I’m not allowed to say. However, what I can share is that finishing all 12 books was more than a personal achievement—it deepened my already profound appreciation for Italian writing and storytelling. I’ve discovered new authors and also decided on a couple of Christmas gifts. If you’re considering a reading challenge like this, my advice is simple: plan, pace yourself, and savour the journey. Every book taught me something new, and the satisfaction of finishing the Strega dozen was truly unforgettable.

To know about more reading challenges, my Goodreads account is open. It doesn’t have every book I’ve read and loved, but I hope it could be an inspiration.