If you are unfamiliar with the term, no worries: the quick definition is that a challenge focuses your reading toward a particular set of books. Similar in a sense to our Book Bingo prompts, but ... not. They are usually much bigger in terms of books involved, and can be quite specific.
As someone who has dabbled, trying several reading challenges over the years, I am always curious what will pop up next. This year there are quite a few catching my attention ... I'll link and blurb them here, in case you'd like to stretch your reading in 2021.
The Alphabet Challenge
I first saw this on Little Inklings Design's instagram last year, but I'm sure it has been around for awhile. This is one of the simplest challenges, I think, in that you match the titles you read to the letters of the alphabet (Little Inklings allows for any title including an "X" or "Q" to count, huzzah!).
Last year, I came so close to making it - I was 4 letters short by the time the clock struck midnight. {For the curious, I missed out on: U, V, Y and Z}.
Maybe this year I can knock out all 26 letters - care to join me?
Last year, I came so close to making it - I was 4 letters short by the time the clock struck midnight. {For the curious, I missed out on: U, V, Y and Z}.
Maybe this year I can knock out all 26 letters - care to join me?
Book Riot: Read Harder
Book Riot (an excellent source for booklists and bookish news) has an annual Read Harder challenge. With a list of 24 challenge-prompts, they've designed a list that will expand your reading horizons - this is a good challenge if you're wanting to really think about what you're selecting/reading, and want to read more diversely. Individual books can count for multiple prompts, and if you feel stumped, just search the Book Riot blog for "Read Harder" to find suggested booklists. They've also created a nifty tracker, so you can easily keep up your progress.
Book Riot (an excellent source for booklists and bookish news) has an annual Read Harder challenge. With a list of 24 challenge-prompts, they've designed a list that will expand your reading horizons - this is a good challenge if you're wanting to really think about what you're selecting/reading, and want to read more diversely. Individual books can count for multiple prompts, and if you feel stumped, just search the Book Riot blog for "Read Harder" to find suggested booklists. They've also created a nifty tracker, so you can easily keep up your progress.
Modern Mrs. Darcy
Anne Bogel, commonly known as the "Modern Mrs. Darcy" in the bookish world, has an annual reading challenge. This year, that challenge is a bit different than you might expect (if you've seen previous years), but is designed to help you get the most out of your reading.
I love the idea of stopping and assessing what I want to get out of my reading time - and there are so many great prompts and lists and mini exercises to help you get started.
Anne Bogel, commonly known as the "Modern Mrs. Darcy" in the bookish world, has an annual reading challenge. This year, that challenge is a bit different than you might expect (if you've seen previous years), but is designed to help you get the most out of your reading.
I love the idea of stopping and assessing what I want to get out of my reading time - and there are so many great prompts and lists and mini exercises to help you get started.
PopSugar
I have seen the PopSugar Reading Challenge on #bookstagram quite a bit lately, so I tracked it down ... with 50 prompts, it will definitely provide some reading inspiration. Again, there's a checklist you can print and use to track your progress, and there's a variety of online outlets to find suggested titles.
I have seen the PopSugar Reading Challenge on #bookstagram quite a bit lately, so I tracked it down ... with 50 prompts, it will definitely provide some reading inspiration. Again, there's a checklist you can print and use to track your progress, and there's a variety of online outlets to find suggested titles.
Read Christie 2021
The Read Christie challenge is one I stumbled upon, quite by accident, but I am intrigued. Having recently discovered the genius of Ms. Christie (thanks to the glorious audiobook narration of Dan Stevens for Murder on the Orient Express and And Then There Were None), the idea of having a monthly prompt/focus for reading more of these novels is helpful.
I'm not sure how I'll do following along, (I completely missed January, and February looks doubtful), but this is definitely something I will consult during the year.
The Read Christie challenge is one I stumbled upon, quite by accident, but I am intrigued. Having recently discovered the genius of Ms. Christie (thanks to the glorious audiobook narration of Dan Stevens for Murder on the Orient Express and And Then There Were None), the idea of having a monthly prompt/focus for reading more of these novels is helpful.
I'm not sure how I'll do following along, (I completely missed January, and February looks doubtful), but this is definitely something I will consult during the year.
This is only a sampling of the reading challenges available for you to pick from - is there one you love that I've missed? Share the love!
