Hello, fellow book lovers! Let me guess: every year, you tell yourself you’re going to read more. You start strong, maybe finish a book or two, and then, well, life happens. Your TBR (to-be-read) pile becomes a TBR mountain, and suddenly, binge-watching the latest Netflix series feels a lot easier than flipping through those pages.
Well, fear not, because I’ve crafted The Ultimate Reading Challenge to help you embrace your inner reader in the most fun, non-intimidating way possible.
Whether you’re a certified book lover or someone who hasn’t picked up a book since high school (no judgment here guys), this 12-month challenge is here to reignite, or maybe even spark, your love for reading. Plus, I promise, it’ll be more entertaining than doom-scrolling Instagram for the 47th time today.
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The Ultimate Reading Challenge:
12 months to embracing your inner reader
How It Works
The idea is simple: one book, one theme, one month. By the end of the year, you’ll have read 12 amazing books across a variety of genres and themes. You might even discover new authors, styles, or topics that light your literary fire.
Don’t worry guys this challenge isn’t about how many pages you can cram into your eyeballs or whether you can keep up with the “booktok”-ers reading five books a week (they impress me too just not realistic for most of us!). It’s about enjoying the journey, finding stories you connect with, and maybe sharing some laughs and tears along the way.
Month 1: January – A Book You’ve Always Meant to Read
New year, new you, right? Let’s kick things off with that one book you’ve been meaning to read forever. You know the one—it’s been sitting on your shelf (or in your Amazon cart) for ages, silently judging you.
Maybe it’s a classic like Pride and Prejudice or a modern hit like Where the Crawdads Sing. Either way, January is the perfect time to finally tackle it. Bonus points if you reward yourself with snacks after each chapter—treats make everything better.
Month 2: February – A Romance Novel
It’s the month of love, so let’s get romantic! Even if you’re not into the mushy stuff, I promise there’s a romance novel out there for you. Try something light and hilarious like The Hating Game or dive into swoony historical romance with Bridgerton.
And hey, if you roll your eyes at love stories, there’s always spicy rom-coms that’ll have you laughing—and maybe blushing. Just don’t blame me if it starts an obsession okay!
Month 3: March – A Memoir or Biography
March is all about learning from someone else’s life story. Pick up a memoir or biography by someone who inspires you. It could be Michelle Obama’s Becoming or Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime.
If you’re into humor, try something from David Sedaris or Mindy Kaling. Trust me, reading about other people’s triumphs and mishaps makes you feel like you’ve got your life way more together (even if you’re reading this while procrastinating laundry).
Month 4: April – A Book That Makes You Laugh
Spring is in the air, and it’s time to lighten up. Choose a book that’ll make you giggle, snort, or even laugh until you cry. Comedy memoirs like Bossypants by Tina Fey or Yes Please by Amy Poehler are solid options.
Not into memoirs? Try funny fiction like Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett or Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine (which is both hilarious and heartwarming). Trust me, your mood will thank you.
Month 5: May – A Book by an Author from Another Country
Expand your horizons by reading a book written by an author from a culture or country different from your own. Dive into Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun or explore Haruki Murakami’s magical realism with Norwegian Wood.
It’s like traveling without having to deal with TSA or jet lag. Plus, you’ll likely gain a whole new perspective on the world. And if you are on your growth journey I recommend continuing to incorporate in books that are out of your comfort zone!
Month 6: June – A Book with a Movie or TV Adaptation
Summer is here, so let’s mix some reading with movie nights. Pick a book that’s been turned into a movie or TV show, and then treat yourself to the adaptation afterward.
Options? The Hunger Games, Crazy Rich Asians, or even The Great Gatsby. Bonus challenge: Try not to say, “The book was better,” after watching the movie. I find that so often it is!
Month 7: July – A Thriller or Mystery
Long summer nights are perfect for a page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Grab a thriller like The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides or a classic mystery like Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None.
I dare you not to stay up past your bedtime with this one. Unless they make you feel anxious, to be honest some years my anxiety can get too strong to read thrillers. So I opt for more light hearted mysteries in the Nancy Drew type world.
Month 8: August – A Nonfiction Book About a Topic That Fascinates You
Let’s use the other half of our brains this month! Pick a nonfiction book on a topic you’ve always wanted to learn more about. Whether it’s astrophysics (Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson) or true crime (I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara), there’s a nonfiction gem out there for everyone.
You’ll not only learn something new but also feel super smart dropping random facts into conversations.
Month 9: September – A Book That Was Banned or Challenged
Back to school season calls for a little rebellion. Choose a book that’s been banned or challenged at some point. Think classics like To Kill a Mockingbird, The Catcher in the Rye, or The Handmaid’s Tale.
Reading banned books isn’t just fun—it’s a reminder of the power of storytelling and the importance of intellectual freedom. By the way- banning education is never something we stand for over here!!
Month 10: October – A Spooky or Supernatural Read
Spooky season is here, and it’s time to get eerie. Pick up a ghost story, horror novel, or anything with a supernatural twist. Stephen King’s The Shining is a classic, but if you’re more into cozy witch vibes, try The Witch’s Daughter by Paula Brackston.
Just maybe don’t read it alone at night… unless you like jumping at every creak in your house.
Month 11: November – A Book That Inspires Gratitude
November is all about giving thanks, so choose a book that warms your heart and inspires gratitude. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom is a classic for this, or go with something uplifting like The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu.
After all, books have a way of reminding us what really matters—family, friendship, and the beauty of life’s small moments.
Month 12: December – A Cozy Comfort Read
End the year with a book that feels like a warm hug. It could be a childhood favorite (Harry Potter, anyone?), a classic romance, or something light and breezy that pairs perfectly with hot cocoa.
The goal here is simple: relax, reflect, and enjoy the magic of curling up with a book during the holiday season. You’ve earned it!
Tips for completing this reading challenge:
- Set Realistic Goals: If you’re new to reading, start with shorter books or audiobooks. No shame in easing into it!
- Create a Reading Routine: Dedicate 20-30 minutes a day to reading. It could be before bed, during lunch, or while waiting for your coffee to brew.
- Get a Reading Buddy: Share the challenge with a friend and hold each other accountable. Plus, you’ll have someone to gush about the books with!
- Use the Library: Save money and support your local library. Many also offer free e-books and audiobooks.
- Mix It Up: Don’t force yourself to finish a book you’re not enjoying. Switch genres, authors, or formats to keep things fresh.
Now let’s wrap it up-
This reading challenge isn’t about being perfect! It’s about rediscovering the joy of reading. Some months you’ll breeze through your book; other months, life might get in the way. And that’s okay! The important thing is to make time for stories that inspire, entertain, and maybe even change you.
So grab your favorite mug, find a cozy spot, and let’s make this year the one where you truly embrace your inner reader. Who knows? By next December, you might even be that person who says, “Let me finish this chapter first” when someone tries to interrupt your reading time. And honestly? That’s a title worth earning. Happy reading, friends!
Korra-Shay
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