1. A Classic You’ve Never Read
Embarking on a reading challenge is always exciting, but there’s something particularly special about tackling a classic you’ve never read. Whether it’s a timeless novel that shaped literary history or a hidden gem you’ve always meant to pick up, classics have a way of broadening our perspectives and connecting us to the past.
“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
A witty, romantic exploration of society, class, and love in Regency England.
“Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky
A psychological masterpiece delving into guilt, morality, and redemption.
“Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville
A thrilling adventure and a deep meditation on obsession and the human condition.
“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë
A story of resilience, independence, and love, told through the life of a remarkable heroine.
2. A Book Published in 2025
There’s nothing like diving into a freshly published books. From anticipated debuts to long-awaited sequels, this is a chance to experience the buzz of discovering a new story along with the world.
“Onyx Storm” by Rebecca Yarros
The third installment of the bestselling Empyrean series, this fantasy novel promises action, romance, and high-stakes adventure.
“Beg, Borrow or Steal” by Sarah Adams
A laugh-out-loud rivals-to-lovers romance about two feuding teachers who discover unexpected chemistry while working together.
3. A Book from Your Childhood
Revisiting a book from your childhood is like opening a time capsule filled with nostalgia and wonder. Whether it’s a beloved story that sparked your love for reading or a tale you’d love to see through adult eyes, this challenge is all about reconnecting with the magic of your early reading adventures.
“Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White
A heartwarming tale of friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a clever spider named Charlotte.
“Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery
The adventures of Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan who brings life and laughter to the quiet town of Avonlea.
4. A Nonfiction Book About a Topic You Want to Learn More About
There’s no better way to deepen your knowledge or spark a new passion than diving into a well-written nonfiction book. Whether it’s history, science, self-improvement, or a niche hobby you’ve always been curious about, this challenge invites you to expand your horizons one page at a time.
“Why We Sleep” by Matthew Walker
An eye-opening look at the science of sleep and its profound impact on our health and productivity.
“How Not to Die” by Michael Greger
A detailed guide to nutrition and lifestyle choices that promote long-term health and prevent disease.
5. A Book Set in a Country You Want to Visit
Travel through the pages of a book to a country you’ve always dreamed of visiting! Stories set in far-off lands can transport you, offering a taste of the culture, history, and landscapes that make a place unique.
“All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr
A beautifully written tale set in World War II-era France, following the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy.
“The Paris Library” by Janet Skeslien Charles
A moving story about the American Library in Paris during the Nazi occupation.
“The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah
A poignant novel of two sisters navigating life and resistance in Nazi-occupied France.
6. A Mystery or Thriller That Keeps You Guessing
Few things are as satisfying as a mystery or thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, turning pages late into the night. This is all about finding a story with twists and turns you never see coming and a resolution that leaves you stunned—or eagerly flipping back to see the clues you missed.
“The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides
A psychological thriller about a woman who stops speaking after a violent crime and the therapist determined to uncover her story.
“The Couple Next Door” by Shari Lapena
A fast-paced thriller about a missing baby and the secrets hiding behind closed doors.
“Verity” by Colleen Hoover
A dark and gripping psychological thriller about a writer uncovering shocking secrets while finishing an unfinished manuscript.
7. A Book by a Debut Author
There’s something magical about reading a debut book—it’s like discovering a fresh voice that’s just beginning to make its mark on the literary world. This celebrates new talent and the thrill of experiencing a story that’s full of originality and promise.
“The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller
A beautifully written retelling of the Iliad, focusing on the love story between Achilles and Patroclus.
“One of Us Is Lying” by Karen M. McManus
A twisty young adult mystery where five students walk into detention, but only four make it out alive.
8. A Poetry Collection
Poetry has the power to distill complex emotions and vivid imagery into just a few lines, making it a unique and transformative reading experience. For this, immerse yourself in a poetry collection that speaks to your soul, whether it’s a contemporary masterpiece or a timeless classic.
“Milk and Honey” by Rupi Kaur
A powerful and accessible collection exploring themes of love, loss, trauma, and healing.
“Citizen: An American Lyric” by Claudia Rankine
A hybrid of poetry, essay, and images addressing race, identity, and systemic injustice.
“The Sun and Her Flowers” by Rupi Kaur
A vibrant collection about growth, healing, and self-discovery.
9. A Banned or Challenged Book
Reading a banned or challenged book is more than just an act of rebellion—it’s a way to engage with powerful stories that have sparked conversations, challenged norms, and even changed the world. Pick a book that has faced censorship and discover why its words matter more than ever.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel addressing racism and injustice in the Deep South.
“1984” by George Orwell
A dystopian classic exploring themes of surveillance, totalitarianism, and free thought.
“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger
A coming-of-age tale often challenged for its candid portrayal of teenage rebellion and identity.
10. A Book Adapted Into a Movie or TV Show in 2025
There’s nothing quite like seeing a favorite book come to life on the screen—or diving into the source material after watching the adaptation. This invites you to read a book that’s been adapted into a movie or TV show this year and experience the story in its original form.
11. A Historical Fiction Novel
Step back in time with a historical fiction novel that brings the past to life. Whether it’s exploring pivotal moments in history, uncovering untold stories, or immersing yourself in richly detailed worlds, this is all about experiencing history through the lens of compelling characters and narratives.
“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
A haunting tale narrated by Death, focusing on a young girl’s life in Nazi Germany and her love for books.
“Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee
A multigenerational family saga set in Korea and Japan, exploring resilience and identity in the face of discrimination.
12. A Book Recommended by a Friend or Family Member
Sometimes the best reads come from the people who know us best. For this challenge, pick a book recommended by a friend or family member—it’s a chance to not only discover a great story but also connect over the shared experience of reading it.
13. A Book That’s Been on Your TBR List Forever
We all have that one book—a title that’s been sitting on our “to be read” list for ages, patiently waiting for its moment. This is your chance to finally dust off that long-anticipated read and dive into a story you’ve been meaning to explore.
14. A Book Under 200 Pages
Short on time but still craving a great story? This is all about finding powerful reads packed into fewer than 200 pages. From novellas and essays to concise nonfiction, these brief books prove that impactful stories don’t have to be long.
“No One Is Talking About This” by Patricia Lockwood
A surreal and deeply emotional novella that blends internet culture with existential questions.
“Ethan Frome” by Edith Wharton
A tragic tale of forbidden love and unfulfilled dreams set in a stark New England town.
15. A Book with a Color in the Title
Add a splash of color to your reading list with this fun challenge! Whether it’s a mystery with “red” in the title, a romance that mentions “blue,” or a fantasy featuring “gold,” this prompt invites you to explore stories with vibrant, colorful names.
“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker
A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about resilience, sisterhood, and self-discovery in the American South.
“The Girl with the Green Eyes” by J.D. Beresford
A suspenseful and emotionally charged story of love and jealousy.
The BFG by Dhal is my vote for books from childhood! The movie doesn’t do it justice. Also, Because of Winn-Dixie. I cry every time I read it.
I’m thinking I’m going to be reading a lot of historical fiction and memoirs! I’m listening to Molly Shannon’s book on Spotify- amazing!
Love Because of Winn-Dixie! I might have to reread that soon. Thanks for the reminder 🙂
I always listen to memoirs on the podcast Celebrity Memoir Book Club! Love their takes and feels like I read the actual book 🙂
Some great choices here. “Jane Eyre” will forever be a favourite and one I’ve been meaning to re-read for a while now! I recently purchased “Verity” by Colleen Hoover but have yet to read it and I love anything by Rupi Kaur – so raw, unapologetic and relatable! Do you have a favourite from this list?
Thank you! Jane Eyre is such a timeless classic—definitely one worth re-reading! Verity is quite a wild ride; I’d love to hear your thoughts once you get to it! And I completely agree about Rupi Kaur—her poetry always hits so deeply. If I had to pick a favorite from this list, I think it would be the Silent Patient or Verity, but it’s so hard to choose! What’s been your favorite read recently?”