Reading Challenges to Try This Year
If you’re a book lover who’s ever felt stuck in a reading slump, overwhelmed by your TBR pile, or simply want to read more mindfully, reading challenges might be just what you need.
More than just trendy lists, reading challenges help add structure, creativity, and excitement to your reading life. They encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and explore genres, authors, or themes you might not pick up on your own.
So, whether you’re a casual reader or a full-blown bookworm, here are fun and meaningful reading challenges to try this year.
1. The 12-Month Reading Challenge
Pick one book each month based on a unique prompt. Some example prompts:
A book by an author you’ve never read
A book with a one-word title
A book that was banned or challenged
A translated work
A book you own but haven’t read yet
It’s flexible, simple, and perfect for readers who want steady progress throughout the year.
2. Read Around the World Challenge
Choose books set in (or written by authors from) different countries and cultures. The goal is to broaden your perspective and experience the world through stories. Try for one new country each month, or go continent by continent.
This challenge makes your reading list more diverse—and your understanding of the world richer.
3. Genre Switch-Up Challenge
Tend to stick with the same genre? This is the perfect way to shake things up. Each month (or every few books), read a different genre—fantasy, memoir, poetry, historical fiction, sci-fi, romance, etc.
You might be surprised which genre becomes your new favorite.
4. The Big Ideas Challenge (Non-Fiction Focus)
Challenge yourself to read books that expand your thinking and teach you something valuable. Try categories like:
Psychology
Science or technology
Self-development
Philosophy
History or politics
This challenge boosts not just your reading habit, but your knowledge too.
5. The “Reread Your Favorites” Challenge
This one is often overlooked. Go back to books that shaped you, comforted you, or changed your life. Rereading as an adult can reveal new meanings and feelings—and help you reconnect with your reading journey.
It’s not about speed or numbers—it’s about depth.
Tips for Success:
Use a reading journal, Goodreads, Notion, or a checklist to track progress.
Don’t be afraid to DNF a book if it doesn’t fit or bring joy.
Invite a friend or join an online reading community for motivation and ideas.
Customize your own challenge based on your personal goals and interests
Reading challenges are more than goals—they’re invitations to grow. They help you read with purpose, discover new voices, and make reading a regular part of your life again. Whether you commit to one book a month or 50 a year, the point is to keep exploring.
So choose a challenge, set your intention, and dive into a year of meaningful reading.
Your next favorite book might be waiting just outside your comfort zone
Reference
Goodreads Reading Challenge
https://www.goodreads.com/challenges
A popular annual challenge where you set your own reading goal and track progress.Pew Research Center – “Who Doesn’t Read Books in America?” (2021)
Offers data on American reading habits and how challenges help increase engagement.
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/01/25/who-doesnt-read-books-in-america/Book Riot – Reading Challenge Guide
https://bookriot.com/read-harder-2024/
Offers a diverse challenge each year focused on reading outside the norm.National Literacy Trust – “Benefits of Reading for Pleasure”
Highlights how structured reading (like challenges) improves mental health and empathy.
https://literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports/benefits-reading-pleasure/Medium – “Why Reading Challenges Work” by Anne Bogel (Modern Mrs. Darcy)
A reflection on how challenges help people read more intentionally.
https://modernmrsdarcy.com/reading-challenge/
