Reading challenges work because they add a little structure and a lot of variety. Instead of staring at your shelves wondering what to read next, you have a prompt: "a book set on an island", "a debut novel", "a book a friend loves". Suddenly the choice is easier and more fun.
Want a list made for you? The reading challenge generator draws 12, 24 or 52 random prompts from 80+ ideas, and you can print the result.
Prompts to stretch your reading
- A debut novel
- A book in translation
- A book by an author from a country you've never visited
- A genre you've never tried
- A classic you've always meant to read
- A book of poetry
- A graphic novel
- A memoir
- A book with fewer than 1,000 ratings online
- A book recommended by a librarian or bookseller
Prompts for cozy readers
- A book set in a bookshop, library or café
- A book with a found family
- A book set in a small town
- A book set in winter
- A cozy mystery
- A book with a garden or plants
- A book with an animal companion
- A comfort reread
- A book set during a holiday
- A book you'd read in one sitting with a pot of tea
Prompts for romance and romantasy lovers
- An enemies-to-lovers romance
- A slow burn
- A second-chance romance
- Fake dating
- A marriage of convenience
- A book with a dragon in it
- A fae romance
- A romance set at a wedding
- A romantic comedy set somewhere you'd love to travel
- A love story told in letters
Prompts about the book itself
- A book with a one-word title
- A book with a number in the title
- A book with a color in the title
- A book over 500 pages
- A book under 200 pages
- A book with a map inside
- A book with a gorgeous cover
- A book you bought for its title
- A book from the year you were born
- A book released this year
Prompts for clearing your TBR
- The book that's been on your shelf the longest
- A book you were gifted
- The last book in a series you started
- A book from the bottom of your TBR pile
- A book you bought on impulse
- A book you started and never finished
- A book picked at random from your shelves
- A book a friend lent you
Social prompts
- A book everyone is talking about
- A buddy read with a friend
- A book your mom (or grandma) loves
- A book chosen by your book club
- A book a coworker recommends
- A book you'd gift to your best friend
- A book adapted into a movie or show (then watch it together)
8 themed challenge styles
- Reading bingo. A 5×5 grid of prompts. Get five in a row for a "bingo". Perfect for a year, or a summer. Our 2027 Reading Journal includes a printable bingo card.
- Around the world. Read a book set in (or written by an author from) a different country each month.
- Alphabet challenge. One book for each letter of the alphabet, by title or author.
- Seasonal reading. Cozy mysteries in autumn, wintry books in December, beach reads in summer.
- TBR jar. Write your unread books on slips of paper and draw one each time you need a new read.
- Classics and retellings. Pair a classic with a modern retelling, like Pride and Prejudice and Eligible. See our books like Pride and Prejudice.
- Genre sampler. Try one book from twelve different genres.
- Page count challenge. Instead of counting books, aim for a total number of pages. The reading goal calculator helps you find a daily target.
A sample 12-month challenge
Want something ready to go? Here's a balanced one-book-a-month challenge that mixes comfort and stretch:
- January: a book set in winter
- February: a love story told in letters
- March: a debut novel
- April: a book with a garden or plants
- May: a book your mom (or grandma) loves
- June: a book set by the sea
- July: a book over 500 pages
- August: a book you can finish in one day
- September: a book set in a school or academy
- October: a cozy mystery
- November: the book that's been on your shelf the longest
- December: a comfort reread
How to keep a reading challenge fun
- Let books count twice. A cozy mystery set in winter can tick two boxes. Your challenge, your rules.
- Choose a realistic size. Twelve prompts is one a month. If you read a book a week, try 52.
- Mix easy and hard prompts. Early wins build momentum.
- Track it visibly. A printed list or bingo card on the fridge is surprisingly motivating.
- Swap prompts freely. If one feels like a chore, replace it.
- Celebrate small milestones. A new bookmark after ten prompts, a special edition after a bingo.
Plan it in your reading journal
Write your prompts down and add the book you chose next to each one. At the end of the year you'll have a record of a reading life that went far beyond your usual shelf. Our guide on starting a reading journal has more ideas.
Track every book of 2027.
Our printable 2027 Reading Journal has goals, a 52-book bookshelf, monthly logs, reviews, a TBR list and a reading challenge. 26 pages, print at home.
Random prompts for a 12, 24 or 52-book challenge. Print it.
Our free reading challenge generator tool works it out in seconds. No sign-up.
Open the reading challenge generator toolQuestions people ask
What is a reading challenge?
A reading challenge is a set of prompts or goals, like 'a book set on an island' or 'a debut novel', that you work through over a set time, often a year. It adds variety and helps you discover new books.
How many books should be in a reading challenge?
Pick a number that fits your pace: 12 prompts for one book a month, 24 for two a month, or 52 for a book a week.
Can I make my own reading challenge?
Yes, and it's often more fun. Choose prompts from lists like this one, or use a random generator and swap out anything you don't like.
