Reading Challenges: What They Are and How to Find the Right One for You
If you love books but find yourself stuck in a reading rut—or just want a fun way to push your literary limits—a reading challenge might be exactly what you need. These challenges come in all shapes and sizes, from structured year-long plans to flexible, themed lists that encourage you to explore new genres, authors, or formats.
But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? Before committing, let’s explore what a reading challenge is, why people take them on, and how to find the best fit for your reading style.
What Is a Reading Challenge?
A reading challenge is a structured goal or set of guidelines designed to help you read more books, read more intentionally, or discover new perspectives. Some challenges focus on quantity—like reading a certain number of books in a year—while others emphasize diversity, pushing you to read outside your comfort zone.
Common Types of Reading Challenges
- Number-based challenges – Set a goal to read a specific number of books (e.g., 12 books in 12 months or 52 books in a year).
- Genre or theme-based challenges – Read books from different genres, such as sci-fi, historical fiction, or memoirs. Some challenges focus on themes, like books set in different countries or stories featuring strong female leads.
- Diversity-focused challenges – Prioritize books by authors from underrepresented backgrounds or featuring diverse characters and perspectives.
- Checklist challenges – Follow a list of prompts, such as “a book set in a country you’ve never visited” or “a book published the year you were born.”
- Re-read challenges – Revisit favorites from your past with a fresh perspective.
- Time-based challenges – Short-term challenges, such as a “readathon,” encourage you to read a certain amount within a set time (e.g., a book a day for a week).
Why Do People Take on Reading Challenges?
Readers participate in challenges for many reasons, including:
- Building a consistent reading habit – A challenge keeps you accountable and motivated, helping you make reading a priority.
- Breaking out of a reading slump – Themed challenges introduce fresh perspectives and excitement, making it easier to rekindle your love for books.
- Expanding literary horizons – Many challenges encourage exploration of new genres, authors, or perspectives you might not have picked up otherwise.
- Joining a community – Many reading challenges come with built-in communities, where readers share recommendations, discuss books, and celebrate progress.
- Simply for fun – There’s something satisfying about checking books off a list, and challenges can turn reading into an engaging, game-like experience.
Are Reading Challenges Right for You?
A reading challenge can be a great way to keep your reading life exciting, but it’s not for everyone. If structure and goals motivate you, you might thrive with a challenge that keeps you on track. However, if strict guidelines feel restrictive, you might prefer a more flexible approach—such as picking a challenge that allows you to swap books freely or one that simply encourages more reading without a rigid list.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Reading Challenge
- Do I like structure or flexibility? If you prefer a plan, a checklist or genre-based challenge may be ideal. If you like more freedom, look for open-ended challenges.
- What do I want to get out of it? Are you trying to read more books, explore new genres, or diversify your bookshelf? Your goal will help determine the best challenge for you.
- How much time do I realistically have? If you’re a busy reader, a challenge that requires reading 100 books in a year may feel stressful rather than enjoyable. Choose something that fits your lifestyle.
- Do I want to read solo or engage with a community? Some challenges come with online discussions, while others are more self-guided. Decide if you want to connect with fellow readers or go at your own pace.
How to Choose the Right Reading Challenge
With so many reading challenges out there, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
We’ve created a Reading Challenge Quiz to help you discover the perfect challenge for your reading style and goals. Whether you want to read more, diversify your bookshelf, or just have fun with a themed challenge, we’ll match you with an option that fits.
A reading challenge should enhance your reading life, not feel like a chore. Find one that excites you, and let the books take you somewhere new.
