Embrace the New Year with Exciting Reading Challenges

By Ashley Rands, Marketing

It is a new year and a great time to find some new reading challenges. There is no better way to kick off the year than by participating in reading challenges that promise to broaden your literary horizons and reignite your passion for books. There are many reading challenges out there and one is sure to spark your interest. 

A to Z Reading Challenge: A Literary Scavenger Hunt

literary scavenger hunt

To participate in this challenge you simply find a book that starts with each letter of the alphabet. There are a few websites that host this particular challenge. You can join with others as you search for titles that match the letters of the alphabet. If you want a twist on this particular reading challenge then find authors that start with each letter of the alphabet. First or last name. It is a literary scavenger hunt and we are certain you’ll end up finding more books to read throughout the year.

The 52 Book Club Challenge

52 books in a year

This particular challenge takes place each year. The goal for this challenge is to read 52 books in one year. That is one book a week. There are 52 categories and you must find a book that fits each category, read it, and check it off the list. This challenge is sure to push your literary boundaries!

Color Coded Reading Challenge

Color coded reading challenge

If the 52 books a year seem impossible to reach, you can also participate in the color coded reading challenge. If you haven’t figured out what this particular challenge entails, simply find books that contain a certain color in their title. The basic rules are to read 9 books with various colors in their titles or as a dominant color or image on their covers. There are a few variations of this challenge out there so if 9 is not challenge enough we found some others that include a few more books to add to your TBR pile.

Read Around the USA: The 52 States Reading Challenge

You can tackle this challenge in two ways. You can read a book set in each of the 52 states. Once again, that is, 52 books in one year. The Book Girl Guide has divided the states in 11 regions. You only need to pick one book for each of those regions. Additionally, read a book that has a character that travels to multiple states. By the end of the year you will have read 12 books. 

Agatha Christie Mystery Challenge

Hosted once again by the 52 Book Club Challenge, the goal for this reading challenge is to read all of Agatha Christie’s mysteries. This particular challenge does not need to be completed in a year. There are three ways to work through this challenge. You can read the books in order of publishing date, read the list in whichever order you want, or mystery version. Put all the titles in a hat and draw them out at random.

Friends and Fiction: 12 Books Recommended By 12 Friends

The reading goal for this reading challenge is simple enough. All you need to do is ask 12 friends for a reading recommendation. You can either find close friends or friends from social media. We are certain you will get more than just 12 recommendations which will give you flexibility of books to choose from.

Reading Book Bingo

There are many available BINGO boards to choose from for this particular reading challenge. The reading goal is 24 books, so an average of 2 books a month. Each book you read may only be used to complete one BINGO square. The challenge is meant to be fun and flexible so be creative with your interpretations of this challenge.

Embarking on a reading challenge at the beginning of the year is a wonderful way to set positive intentions and make reading an integral part of your routine. There are countless reading challenges out there. Whether your focus is on a numerical goal, or exploring various genres, these challenges promise a year full of literary exploration and personal growth. If you don’t see a challenge you like here make up your own! Set those reading goals and let the adventures begin! Below are a few more reading graphics we found.

12 months reading challenge
20 book challenge
themed book challenge
fantasy reading challenge
key word reading challenge
2024 reading challenge