The Reading Challenge That Made Me Read More Books (+ Free Printable)
Have you ever looked at your towering TBR pile and thought, I really want to read more, but I never know what to pick next?
I’ve been there.
For years, I set reading goals at the beginning of the year. I’d promise myself I was finally going to make a dent in my TBR, read more widely, and discover new favorite authors.
Then life would happen.
I’d get busy, fall into the same reading habits, and spend more time deciding what to read than actually reading.
What finally helped wasn’t setting a bigger reading goal.
It was starting a reading challenge.
Instead of focusing on the number of books I finished, I focused on finding books that fit fun prompts. Reading immediately felt less like a task and more like an adventure.
If you’re looking for a simple way to read more books, discover new authors, and finally tackle those books collecting dust on your shelves, this challenge is for you.
Free Printable Reading Challenge
Want to save this challenge for later?
Download and print the free Reading Challenge checklist below, then keep it in your reading journal, planner, book cart, or favorite reading nook.
Free Printable Download Here
25 Reading Prompts for a More Fun Reading Year
- Read a book with flowers on the cover
- Read a book that has been on your TBR for over a year
- Read a book in a single weekend
- Read a book recommended by a friend
- Read a book with a one-word title
- Read a book set somewhere you’ve never visited
- Read a book by an author new to you
- Read a book with a color in the title
- Read a book over 400 pages long
- Read a book under 250 pages long
- Read a book that made you cry
- Read a book that made you laugh out loud
- Read a book with a beautiful cover you couldn’t resist
- Read a book outside your usual genre
- Read a book featuring a strong female lead
- Read a book that became a movie or TV show
- Read a book published this year
- Read a backlist book everyone seems to love
- Read a book set during summer
- Read a book set during winter
- Read a book from your local bookstore’s staff picks
- Read a book with a map inside
- Read a book you can finish in one day
- Read a five-star recommendation from someone you follow
- Read a book that reminds you why you love reading
Why Reading Challenges Work
One of the biggest obstacles readers face isn’t a lack of books, it’s choosing what to read next.
With thousands of incredible books available, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and end up reading nothing at all.
Reading challenges remove that pressure.
Instead of endlessly scrolling through recommendations, you simply choose a prompt and find a book that fits.
Reading challenges can help you:
- Read more consistently
- Explore new genres
- Discover new authors
- Clear out your TBR pile
- Make reading feel exciting again
- Find unexpected favorites
The best part? There’s no deadline.
Complete this challenge in a month, a season, or over the course of a year. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s enjoying your reading life.
Tips for Completing the Challenge
1. Keep a Running TBR List
Whenever you hear about a book that sounds interesting, save it somewhere. Having a list ready makes it much easier to match books to prompts.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to DNF
Life is too short to spend weeks reading a book you’re not enjoying. If a book isn’t working for you, move on and find one that does.
3. Visit Your Local Bookstore
Browsing shelves in person is one of the best ways to discover books you might never find online. Ask booksellers for recommendations that fit challenge prompts.
4. Read What Sounds Fun
The goal isn’t to complete the challenge perfectly. The goal is to enjoy reading more than you did before.
5. Share Your Progress
Invite a friend, your book club, or your online reading community to complete the challenge with you. Everything is more fun with fellow readers cheering you on.
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