Setting a goal to read more can be exciting.

Sometimes, we find ourselves in a reading rut, reaching for the same author or genres and never branching out.

We may tell ourselves we are going to read more. However, we never seem to find the time to actually do it.

Sometimes, we get to the end of a book, and feel like we’ve gotten nothing out of it.

Why Take on a Reading Challenge?

Reading challenges offer a structured and engaging way to push your reading boundaries and achieve your literary goals. What are some of the key benefits for participating in a reading challenge?

Read More:

The simplest challenge asks us to choose a number of books we’d like to read over a set period of time. This could be a year or a month, or some other set time period.

Goodreads annual Reading Challenge is a great example of this. Readers set a goal for the upcoming year. When you mark books as READ in Goodreads, it goes toward your book count. You can see your progress on your Goodreads homepage. Celebrating meeting your goal is a big deal at the end of the year.

Other reading tracker apps have similar challenges. While Library Thing does not have a Reading Challenge counter, they do have a Reading Challenge group called 75 Books Challenge 2025 that members join in. Storygraph has several challenges members can participate in (look for their Numerical Challenges). I am using the Bookmory app, where I have set an annual goal and track my reading progress throughout the year.

If you only ever read contemporary fiction, but you want to explore other genres or want to include more non-fiction titles, set a reading challenge for yourself. Aim to read a certain number of books from different genres. Choose the genres you want to explore, for example Biography, Current Events, or the Classics. Pick a couple of books in each genre. Work your way through your reading plan. This is actually how I plan my reading list each year. I decide the topics I want to cover. Then, I populate my reading list. You can check out my 2025 reading list (and how I build it) here.

Alternatively, if you want to expand your horizons but still want to stick to fiction, try a reading challenge that has a scavenger hunt feel. Reshelving Alexandria does an annual reading challenge with this set up.

Finding books to fit each category is half the fun! And if you are struggling to find books to read, join a book club for suggestions!

Deeper Engagement:

Reading with others pushes us to engage more with the books we are reading. Book Clubs – online or in person, push us to actively read and engage with the material. Discussions with others help us go deeper, gaining more insight into what we are reading. And book clubs are a great way to get book suggestions to plan out our reading challenges!

Accountability:

Reading challenges provide a framework that encourages you to pick up a book more often and dedicate time to reading. Reading challenges often introduce specific categories or themes, nudging you to explore genres, authors, and perspectives you might not otherwise encounter. Whether it’s a personal goal or a commitment to a group, reading challenges help you stay on track and avoid falling behind on your reading goals. A defined schedule or list provides structure and motivation. Group reading challenges, such as book clubs, offer opportunities for discussion and shared insights. Engaging with others enhances your understanding and appreciation of the material.

Reading challenges are a fantastic way to inject excitement and purpose into your reading life. Whether you’re a seasoned bookworm or just starting your literary journey, consider joining a challenge and reap the rewards of expanded horizons, increased reading volume, and deeper engagement with the world of books. Happy reading!