Ready to make 2025 the year you finally tackle that TBR pile? A reading challenge is the perfect way to set fun, achievable goals while discovering new authors, genres, and hidden gems along the way. Whether you’re aiming for 12 books or 100, creating your own reading challenge adds a little extra magic to your literary journey.
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into how to craft a reading challenge that’s both exciting and manageable.
Why Start a Reading Challenge in 2025?
Let’s be honest—life is hectic, and finding time to read can sometimes feel like squeezing water from a rock. But creating a reading challenge adds structure, motivation, and a touch of adventure to your downtime. Here’s why 2025 is the year to finally take the plunge:
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Reignite your love of reading. Sometimes, we just need a little nudge to rediscover the joy of curling up with a good book.
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Expand your horizons. A reading challenge encourages you to step outside your comfort zone and try new genres or authors.
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It’s self-care disguised as productivity. Carving out time to read is the perfect excuse for a little “me time.”
Plus, it’s fun to track your progress and see how many literary worlds you can explore in a year.
Step 1: Set Your Goals (and Make Them Fun)
First things first—let’s talk numbers. Are you aiming for 12 books (one a month), or do you want to push yourself for 50? Be realistic but aim high enough to feel challenged.
Ideas for Goal-Setting:
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Beginner: 12-24 books (a book a month or every two weeks)
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Intermediate: 30-50 books
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Advanced: 75-100+ books (go big or go home, right?)
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Wild Card: Read as much as you can without counting—purely for joy
If number goals aren’t your vibe, try setting theme-based goals. You could focus on fantasy, thrillers, or even memoirs for the year.
Step 2: Create Fun Challenge Prompts
The best part about creating your own reading challenge? You can make it as creative as you like. Instead of sticking to generic “Read 50 books,” craft prompts that make choosing your next book an adventure.
Prompt Ideas:
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A book with a one-word title
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A book set in a country you’ve never visited
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A bestseller from the year you were born
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A book-to-screen adaptation
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A book recommended by a friend (or BookTok)
Tip: Keep it balanced with a mix of easy and challenging prompts so it doesn’t start feeling like homework.
Step 3: Build Your TBR List
Now for the fun part—curating your TBR list. You can build your list ahead of time or add books as you go, depending on your mood. Either way, let your challenge inspire you to explore new titles.
Popular Picks for 2025 (based on current trends):
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Fantasy: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
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Romance: Happy Place by Emily Henry
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Thriller: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
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Sci-Fi: The Terraformers by Annalee Newitz
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Memoir: I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Pro Tip: Diversify your list with books across different genres to keep things fresh.
Step 4: Track Your Progress (in a Fun Way)
Tracking your progress makes the challenge more engaging. Use a reading journal, Goodreads, or even a simple notes app to jot down thoughts and ratings. You can also make a visual tracker (think bullet journal style) with checkboxes or doodles for each book you finish.
Ideas for Tracking:
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Digital Tools: Goodreads, StoryGraph, or a spreadsheet
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Physical Journals: Bullet journals, printable reading logs
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Social Media: Post your progress and reviews on Instagram or TikTok
Step 5: Join a Reading Community
Reading challenges are way more fun when shared. Consider starting a book club or joining online groups where people are also participating in reading goals. Platforms like Goodreads, Reddit, or even BookTok offer great communities to engage with.
✨ Bonus: Some reading subscription services, like The Book Alchemist, offer exclusive online communities where subscribers can chat about the monthly picks.
Step 6: Reward Yourself Along the Way
Let’s not forget the best part—celebrating milestones! Treat yourself after every five or ten books. Maybe that means buying a fancy new bookmark, ordering a bookish candle, or indulging in another book box subscription.
Reward Ideas:
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A cozy reading nook upgrade (think fluffy blankets or new pillows)
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A new book splurge
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A treat from The Book Alchemist (yes, you deserve it)
Conclusion: Make 2025 the Year of Epic Reading Adventures
Starting a reading challenge in 2025 isn’t just about finishing books—it’s about creating magical moments for yourself with every turn of the page. Whether you’re reading for relaxation, self-growth, or just pure escapism, this is your chance to make it happen.
And if you need a little help along the way, The Book Alchemist is here to sprinkle in some extra magic with monthly book boxes designed to keep your reading life exciting and indulgent.
Happy reading—and may your 2025 be filled with literary adventures!