Want to read more this year? 25 challenges to try
Most of us have a stack of books sitting on a bedside table. You know the one. It stares at you while you scroll through your phone at night. It collects dust while you promise yourself that this weekend, you will finally start that novel your friend recommended three years ago.
We get it. Life is busy. Between work, family, and the endless stream of good TV shows, finding time to read feels like a luxury. But deep down, we know reading is good for us. It helps us relax, teaches us new things, and gives our brains a much-needed break from screens.
In fact, research from the University of Sussex found that reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by up to 68%. That is more effective than listening to music or taking a walk. So, if you are looking for a way to unwind, picking up a book might be the best prescription.
The hard part is not knowing why we should read, but actually doing it. Sometimes, all we need is a little structure to turn a vague wish into a daily habit. That is where reading challenges come in. They turn reading into a game. They give you a goal to aim for and a reason to pick up a book when you might otherwise reach for the remote.
Whether you used to be a bookworm and lost your way, or you are trying to build a reading habit for the first time, these 25 challenges are designed to get you turning pages.
Why use reading challenges?
Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about why reading challenges work. It is not just about ticking boxes. It is about breaking out of your comfort zone.
We all have our favourites. Maybe you only read crime thrillers, or perhaps you stick strictly to biographies. Reading challenges push you to try something new. It might lead you to a genre you never thought you would like, or introduce you to an author who becomes a new favourite.
Reading challenges also help with decision fatigue. One of the biggest reasons people do not read is simply because they do not know what to pick. There are millions of books out there. It can be overwhelming. A prompt like “read a book published the year you were born” narrows down the field and makes choosing your next read much easier.
25 Reading challenges to kickstart your habit
Here is a mix of easy wins and interesting prompts to keep your reading challenges fresh this year. You do not have to do them in order. Pick the ones that sound fun to you.
1. The “screen swap”
This is a simple one to start with. For one week, swap 15 minutes of screen time for reading time. Do you usually scroll through social media with your morning coffee? Read a chapter instead. Do you watch videos before bed? Try a few pages of a book. You will be amazed at how much progress you make with just 15 minutes a day.
2. Read a book published this year
Head to your local bookshop or library and find something brand new. It is exciting to read something that is fresh off the press. Plus, you will be up to date with current conversations in the book world.
3. Re-read a childhood favourite
Nostalgia is powerful. Pick up a book you loved when you were younger. Maybe it is Harry Potter, The Hobbit, or something by Roald Dahl. You might find you interpret the story completely differently as an adult. It is also a great way to ease yourself into reading challenges with familiarity.
4. A book with a blue cover
Don’t judge a book by its cover? Well, just this once, it is allowed. Browse the shelves and pick a book purely because it is blue. This is a great way to stumble upon a genre or author you would normally walk past.
5. Read a biography of someone you admire
Is there a musician, athlete, or historical figure you find interesting? Find a book about their life. It is often inspiring to see the path others took to achieve their goals.
6. A book that became a movie
Read the book, then watch the film. Then, you can enjoy the age-old debate: was the book better? (Spoiler: the answer is almost always yes).
7. Try an audiobook
If you struggle to sit down and read, audiobooks are a game-changer and can count in reading challenges. You can “read” while you drive, wash the dishes, or walk the dog. Apps like BorrowBox and Libby let you borrow them for free from your local library.
8. A book set in a country you want to visit
Travel without leaving your sofa. If you have always wanted to go to Japan, find a novel set in Tokyo. It sets the mood and gives you a taste of the culture.
9. Read a graphic novel
Reading does not always mean walls of text. Graphic novels are incredible pieces of art and storytelling. If you have never tried one, give Persepolis or Maus a go. They count as real reading.
10. A book recommended by a friend
Ask a friend what their favourite book is and promise to read it. It gives you something to talk about together, and it is a nice way to connect. Perhaps you can do reading challenges together?
11. A banned book
Throughout history, many books have been banned or challenged. Find out why. Often, these books deal with important, difficult, or misunderstood topics.
12. A collection of short stories
Short stories are perfect for busy people. You can finish a whole story in one sitting, which gives you a nice sense of accomplishment without the commitment of a 400-page novel.
13. A book with “secret” in the title
This is a fun scavenger hunt. Type “secret” into your library catalogue or Amazon search bar and see what comes up. You might find The Secret Garden or The Secret History.
14. A classic you pretended to have read
We have all done it. Someone mentions 1984 or Pride and Prejudice and you nod along. Make this the year you actually read it because of reading challenges. You might find out why it has stood the test of time.
15. A book by a local author
Support the talent in your own area. Ask your local librarian or bookseller for recommendations on authors from your town or county.
16. A funny book
Life can be serious. Read something that makes you laugh out loud. Comedians often write hilarious memoirs that are easy and enjoyable to read.
17. A book about nature
Reconnect with the world around you. It could be a guide to birds, a book about trees, or a memoir about living in the wild. Reading challenges don’t have to be all about fiction.
18. A mystery or thriller
Nothing keeps you turning pages like a good “whodunnit”. If you are in a reading slump, a fast-paced thriller is often the best cure.
19. A book with more than 500 pages
This is one of the reading challenges for when you have a bit more time. A big book allows you to get truly lost in a world. Just take it one chapter at a time.
20. A debut novel
Read an author’s very first published book. It is exciting to discover a new voice at the start of their career.
21. A non-fiction book about a topic you know nothing about
Always wondered how fungi work? Or the history of salt? There is a book for that. Learning something purely for curiosity’s sake is a great feeling.
22. Read outside
Take your book to the park, the beach, or just your garden. Fresh air and a good story are a perfect combination.
23. A book you bought but never read
Shop your own shelves. Most of us have a “to be read” pile. Pick one up and finally give it a go. It saves money and clears some space.
24. A book published over 100 years ago
Step back in time. The language might be different, but the themes of love, loss, and family often remain the same.
25. Join a library
This is the ultimate of reading challenges. If you are not a member, sign up. It is free, gives you access to thousands of books, and supports a vital community service.
Tips for sticking to your reading habit
Starting reading challenges is easy. Finishing is harder. Here are a few practical tips to help you stay on track.
Start small
Do not aim to read a book a week if you haven’t read in years. Start with 10 minutes a day or one chapter a night. Small steps add up. Reading challenges don’t have to be hard, just fun!
Make it accessible
Keep a book in your bag, your car, or by your bed. If a book is within reach, you are more likely to pick it up than your phone.
Don’t force it
If you are 50 pages in and hate the book, stop. Life is too short for bad books. Put it down and pick up something else. Reading should be a pleasure, not a chore.
Track your progress
It is satisfying to see how much you have read. You can use a journal or notebook, an app like Goodreads, or just a simple list on your phone.
Join a community
Reading can be solitary, but it doesn’t have to be. Join a book club or talk to friends about what you are reading. Sharing your thoughts and reading challenges makes the experience more fun.
The unexpected benefits of reading
We mentioned stress relief earlier, but the benefits go further.
It improves focus
In a world of constant notifications, our attention spans are shrinking. Reading a book requires sustained focus. It trains your brain to concentrate on one thing at a time, which can help in other areas of your life.
It builds empathy
When you read fiction, you step into someone else’s shoes. You see the world through their eyes. This helps you understand different perspectives and makes you more empathetic towards others.
It helps you sleep
Creating a bedtime ritual that involves reading signals to your body that it is time to wind down. The blue light from screens wakes us up, while the pages of a book help us relax.
Making time for yourself
Ultimately, this list of reading challenges is just a tool. The real goal is to make time for yourself. To slow down. To get lost in a story.
You do not have to complete all 25 reading challenges. Even doing five of them is a success. The most important thing is that you are reading.
So, go ahead. Pick a challenge from the list. Go to the library. Open that book on your bedside table. Your brain will thank you for it.
Reading Challenges: Frequently Asked Questions
Do audiobooks count as reading?
Absolutely. Audiobooks are a fantastic way to consume stories. They stimulate your brain and improve your vocabulary just like physical books. They are especially great for people with dyslexia or visual impairments, or simply for anyone who learns better by listening.
What if I don’t like the book I’m reading?
Stop reading it. There is no rule that says you must finish every book you start. If you are not enjoying it, put it down and find something else. Forcing yourself to read a book you dislike is the quickest way to kill your reading habit.
How can I read more cheaply?
Libraries are your best friend. They offer books, ebooks, and audiobooks for free. You can also buy second-hand books from charity shops or online marketplaces. Many classic books are also available for free online because their copyright has expired.
I don’t have time to read. What should I do?
Try “habit stacking.” Read while you eat breakfast, while you wait for the kettle to boil, or listen to an audiobook on your commute. You can also try swapping 15 minutes of TV or scrolling time for reading time.
Let me know what you are reading in the comments below. Are you doing any reading challenges?
