2025 Reading Challenge discussion

If a second April challenge hasn't been decided yet, what about poetry? It is National Poetry Month in the US. I have 3-4 books of poetry on my list for the month, and would love company!

I like the book to film idea. You could also include TV adaptations.

How about a Count the Sunrises challenge? Every time you read a book in May, keep track of every time a new day starts in the story. And to link it to the yearly theme, crossing over time zones in one day could count too. For example, a character may wake up in one country, get on a plane and when they arrive later on it's sunrise there too.
EDIT: I've realised it could be complicated to set a target for this challenge as you won't necessarily know how many days the action takes place over until you read the book(s). So you could modify it to a mini-challenge called One Day (or One week), Many Sunrises where you count the number of sunrises you read about in a set time, if that makes sense.

An idea you can use for any monthly challenge is to read books where the first letter of the title (it's up to readers whether they count 'the' or 'a') spells out the monthly theme.

For example, using May's theme, which is quite apt considering sunrises are associated with beginnings:
Read a book beginning with S, U, N, R, I, S, E and S, which is 8 books in total.
Group members don't have to spell the whole word with their books read in a month. In fact it might be fun to see what other words we can spell.

I had two ideas during this weekend:
The first, was "books to love and hate" about polarizing/divisive books. A challenge about the books that people tend to either really love or hate.
- Choose a book you haven't read that's often referred to as polarizing.
- Reread your favorite # of polarizing books.

The second idea might be a bit restrictive but I had it because I really enjoy the "If you liked XX you might also like YY" and the "You'll like XX if you like YY" type blogposts and youtube-videos.
So I was thinking if it was possible doing a books recommendation based on movies or tv-series. For example, "If you like Game of Thrones (tv-series), you'll like The Name of the Wind" or "If you enjoyed Sherlock, you should read The Cuckoo’s Calling."

Like both these ideas-starting to feel a bit ADHD with all the options being presented,though :-) :-)

Kristin and Rachael, your ideas for April are great and I will submit them to the group.

The others, I don't quite understand. I'm not quite sure how we could make them monthly challenges, but I would be happy to look at re-writes.

This could be a 3rd or 4th Quarter Challenge for 2017, or it could be a Yearly Challenge for 2018. It could be modified easily either way. :)

(Also, I realize there's a Genre Bingo Challenge, but this one is geared specifically towards broadening ones horizons by setting goals to read genres one normally doesn't read.)

I came up with this challenge because I feel I don't broaden my horizons enough with the genres I read. I tend to stick to a couple of genres (and sometimes very specific authors within those genres!), but I'd like to branch out and try more books outside of what I normally read. And thus was born the OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE CHALLENGE.

The concept is pretty simple.

1) List X amount of genres that you don't normally read or don't read enough of.

2) Choose X amount of books to read from each genre.



Ex.
1) I choose 3 genres I don't normally read: Non-fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror.

2) I decide to read 2 books from each genre:
-Non-fiction #1: Life's That Way: A Memoir by Jim Beaver
-Non-fiction #2: The Book of Extraordinary Facts
-Historical Fiction #1: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Emmuska Orczy
-Historical Fiction #2: Taking the Titanic by James Patterson
-Horror #1: The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
-Horror #2: In the Shadows by Rebecca A. Rogers



~You may choose the novels you want to read at the start of the challenge or as you go along.

~The number of books per genre can vary however you prefer.

~Genres can be as specific or broad as you like (i.e. one person may choose "Sci-Fi" while another may choose the more specific "Space Opera").

Kristin wrote: "I looked up Summer Celebrations Around the World and found this list of summer festivals from the travel channel (http://www.travelchannel.com/interest......"

I really like your idea, Kristin!

Suggestion for July summer celebrations: Tender Is The Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

If anyone is looking for ideas for titles & themes for the reading challenge here's a great post. https://theculturetrip.com/europe/uni...

This is a continuation to my earlier suggestion for the theme of war.
earlier suggestion

- Read a book set in the years leading up to a war, during the war, or in the few years after that particular war.
- Read a book published between 1914-1918
- Read a book published between 1939-1945
- A nonfiction book about World War I or a fiction book set during World War I
- A nonfiction book about World War II or a fiction book set during World War II
- A book that focuses on "the home front" during a war.

Also since this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Russian Revolution, I was thinking if it was possible to do a challenge based on reading Russian literature?

It would (in my opinion) tie in well with the Q2 classics challenge aswell as with the theme of war.

About Me Challenge
1. A book with the same pet as you.
2. A book with a character or author that has the same name as you.
3. A book about a hobby or craft you do.
4. A book with the same type of place you live. (small town, big city, same state, apartment...)
5. A book with an aspect of your family in it. (big family, small family, divorced parents, only child, brother or sister...)
6. A book with your job in it.
7. A book with your favorite color on the cover.
8. A book that takes place somewhere you want to visit.
9. A book with something on your bucket list in it.
10. A book that somehow relates to your favorite song.
11. A book with something you own on the cover.
12. A book that was written the year you were born.
13. A book with your favorite holiday in it.
14. A book with something you use every day on the cover.
15. Your favorite childhood book.
16. A book with something your bad at in it.
17. A book about or by a celebrity you like.
18. A book with your favorite food in it.
19. A book with the name of a beauty product you own in the title. (name of makeup, perfume, nail polish...)
20. A book with something from nature you like on the cover.

3rd Quarter Challenge ideas:
1. Read books that have been/will be adapted into film/TV/radio shows or vice versa (e.g. movie novelisations) (I know this has been mentioned before by a few members)
2. Recommended Reading: all books read for this challenge must have been recommended by someone else

ambiekraftsreads wrote: "About Me Challenge
1. A book with the same pet as you.
2. A book with a character or author that has the same name as you.
3. A book about a hobby or craft you do.
4. A book with the same type of p..."

I like this one as it's more specific to each reader, personally, than most other challenges with "Read a book that..." lists. :D

Lisa wrote: "This is a continuation to my earlier suggestion for the theme of war.
earlier suggestion

- Read a book set in the years leading up to a war, during the war, or in the few years after that particu..."

I would definitely be up for this Challenge, Lisa (three ticked already), but I'm very new to all this. Are you putting forward an actual Challenge or is this a suggestion to be discussed? Sorry to be so dense!

Paula wrote: Are you putting forward an actual Challenge or is this a suggestion to be discussed? "

Hi Paula, I'm glad you liked the idea :) This is simply a suggestion for a challenge based on the themes for each month . So it's not an actual challenge. The challenges for next month will be announced around the 25th July.
Hope that answered your question!

"Lisa wrote: "
Hi Paula, I'm glad you liked the idea :) This is simply a suggestion..."

Thank you, Lisa. I'll look out for the next challenge around that date.

Here's an idea for the August neighbors challenge. Famous TV neighbors:

1. Mr. Feeny from Boy Meets World. Not just a neighbor but also the principal at the local school - talk about a teenager's nightmare! Choose a book about a teacher's or principal's life outside of school.

2. Wilson Wilson from Home Improvement. The neighbor who only ever revealed his eyes, but always gave sage advice. Choose a book with either a wise character or a character who hides from others.

3. Cosmo Kramer from Seinfeld. The crazy neighbor with the awesome entrance. Choose a book about a unique character or a character who makes an unusual interest into a story.

4. Steve Urkel from Family Matters. Did I do that? Choose a book about a nerdy character.

5. Winnie Cooper from The Wonder Years. The proverbial girl next door. Choose a book about a teen romance or a love story involving the girl next door.

6. Ethel Mertz from I Love Lucy. Lucy's partner in crime. Choose a book about a friend who joins in on adventures.

7. Friends. The group of young adults who inexplicably rented expensive apartments next to each other without doing anything to afford said apartments. Choose a book about a group of young adults trying to find themselves.

8. Mr. Rogers. This man taught millions of children to be good neighbors. Choose a book about a caring neighbor.

9. Desperate Housewives. The fictional housewives who behaved badly and sought to find happiness in their seemingly perfect suburban neighborhood. Choose a book where reality is very different from the image portrayed.

10. Ned Flanders from The Simpsons. The well-meaning neighbor of whom everyone makes fun. Choose a book about a well-meaning character.

So, I was looking through my shelves today and found The World's Greatest Book of Useless Information: An Official Useless Information Society Publication which after reading things like:
- "In New Jersey, you may not slurp your soup"
- "In Indiana, drinks on the house are illegal"
- "The sale of chewing gum is outlawed in Singapore because it is a means of 'tainting an environment free of dirt' "

got me thinking if perhaps it would be possible to do a challenge with weird laws around the world.
And then I found this: http://nordic.businessinsider.com/14-...

And in a similar tangent another idea could be: customs and/or traditions from around the world.

Hello,

Nik kindly redirected me here. Maybe this is the right place for my idea for a TBR-related challenge, possibly the closest relation would be to the October theme...

A Three Wizard Tournament, loosely based on you know what. The idea would be to read three books in the three coming months which star wizards, and, of course, a fourth one (which will pass all the challenges and face You Know Who). The choice of books would be free to each participant, apart from the wizards to be in them.

I've no idea whether this is any good or interesting or can fit anywhere. But I just wanted to share it nonetheless. :)

Auntie Terror wrote: "Hello,

Nik kindly redirected me here. Maybe this is the right place for my idea for a TBR-related challenge, possibly the closest relation would be to the October theme...

A Three Wizard Tourname..."

Hi Auntie, this is indeed the right place to post challenge ideas. Thank you for sharing your suggestion. :)

Just an idea for the august monthly challenge, it obviously supposed to be a bit tongue in cheek.

NEIGHBOURS - BOUNDRY ISSUES.

This challenge is based around The Good Neighbour Survey conducted by neighbourly.com.

The Survey found that almost half of respondents think friendliness is the top attribute of a good neighbour, with 'keeps an eye on my property while I'm away", "always stops for a chat", "happy to lend a hand", and "takes care of their property" rounding up the top five.

However the survey also identified a number of unneighbourly behaviours....

1. LATE NIGHT PARTIES
Neighbourly says noisy parties are the number one issue for members. And while most of us will tolerate the occasional party, so long as it doesn't go into the wee hours, regular noisy weekend parties are another thing altogether. Read a book about a hedonistic extrovert or an introverted shut-in.

2. UNFRIENDLY AND UNSOCIABLE
We don't like neighbours who prefer to turn away rather than wave a friendly hello. We're not suggesting you stop for a chat, but at the very least perhaps you could acknowledge we are neighbours – would a smile hurt? Read a book with a disagreeable, reserved or cantankerous character.

3. DODGY ACTIVITIES
Neighbours engaging in suspicious and illegal activities are right up there on the Neighbourly list. Strange people coming and going at all hours of the night are a red flag. And yes, we do notice. Read a book about crime, criminals or the men and women who catch them.

4. INCONSIDERATE PARKING
Double parking and blocking the neighbour's driveway are other no-nos, as well as the mean-spirited neighbour who regularly parks his car in front of your house while leaving the spaces in front of his own house empty. Read a book about a small and innocuous event which snowballs into something much larger.

5. FANATICAL FIREWORKS
Fireworks are used to celebrate the new year and important events but neighbours who let off loud fireworks on any old night of the year are a right pain in the ear. Read a book about revolution, rebirth or celebration.

6. BOUNDARY FENCES
"quid enim sanctius, quid omni religione munitius, quam domus unusquisque civium?" said Cicero. A persons home may well be their castle but there is little more annoying when a neighbour's newly erected battlement blocks out the view. Read a book about the defence or tearing down of something beloved.

8. THE RACKETEERS
And then there are the "noisy" neighbours who love to shout and scream and encourage their children to do the same. Some people just live loud. Read a book about living life to its full or attaining peace and tranquility.

9. THE BUDDING MUSICIAN
They think they are going to be the next big thing but the singing sounds like a baby seal in a cement mixer and their attempts with stringed instruments terrorise the local feline population. Read a book about creativity or unfulfilled dreams.

10. PET HATES
Dogs that bark all day, cats that terrorise your cat, and cats that dig up your garden are all pet hates. Add to that the dog walkers who let their dog poop on the concrete or verge outside your house, and then walk off and leave it there. Read a book about pets or other animals.

11. EARLY STARTER
Mowing lawns at 8.30 on a Sunday morning is anti-social by anyone's standards. So, too is starting up the electric saw at an ungodly hour, and children bouncing basketballs over and over and over... Read a book about events which (mostly) take place while the rest of the world is sleeping or in secret.

12. PERMANENT DIY
When a DIY job never seems to get finished, and junk just keeps gathering around the house, you know there's a problem. Is it a hoarding problem escalating; are they waiting to win The lottery? We all wish they'd just accept the house as it is. Read a book about obsession or attaining acceptance.

I really like your idea, Ash! :)

Just seen that August's challenges have been posted so this is my idea for a September challenge, based on the theme of education.


Mathematics: Read a book with a number in the title
English: Reread a book that you had to study at school
Science: Read a book with a green cover
Religious Studies: Read a book about a different religion to your own
Geography: Read a book with a place name (fictional or real) in the title
History: Read a book by an author who was born before 1900
Languages: Read a book originally published in a different language or read a translation
Art: Read a book with four or more colours on the cover
Sports: Read a book which you can also count towards your goal for another group challenge
Music: Read an audiobook

For September's education theme, I thought about:

BACK TO SCHOOL!

Studying. Read a book where one of the characters is in school or is trying to learn a new skill.

First day of classes. Read a book where someone is starting something new or otherwise involves a new beginning.

Exams. Read a book where a character has to prove themself in some way.

Go team! Read a book where there's a sporting event or cheerleading.

Passing notes in class. Read a book that involves secrets or subterfuge.

Favorite subject. Read a book (fiction or nonfiction) that relates to your favorite subject in school.

Parent teacher conferences. Read a book with a character who is a teacher or a parent.

Marching band. Read a book where music or musicians are involved.

New notebooks. Read a book that involves writing or publishing in some form (character writing poems or a novel, tips for writers, character writes a letter, etc.).

Summer vacation. Remember those "how I spent my summer vacation" essays? Read a book that takes place during the summer.

Recess. Read a book where characters spend time in the outdoors, have a party, or play games for enjoyment.

Detention. Read a book where someone is detained (in prison, kidnapped, delayed for any reason, etc.).

PTA. Read a book where someone is actively involved in community affairs or other volunteer work.

School cafeteria. Read a book that has food as a theme or a character works with food.

Easy A. Read a book just because you want to!

Cheri, I like this idea a lot! :D

Cheri, that's a great idea

If it hasn't been decided yet, I have an idea for October's theme.

Famous Pairs

Read an original fairy tale/folklore and than follow with a retelling of that same fairy tale/folklore.

For instance: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Dorothy Must Die

Hi everyone, we are taking ideas for the monthly challenges for November (theme= togetherness) and December (theme = long nights) now!

Suggestion for November
Spell out the main food served in November
T- Read a book from a author born in Turkey, or book based in Turkey, or a title of a book that starts with T.
U- title starts with U, author from United Kingdom or book setting in the UK.
R- title starts with R, author is Russian, or book takes place in Russia
K- title of book starts with K, author or book setting in Kenya
E- title of book starts with E, author or book setting in Egypt
Y- title of book that begins with Y or author or book setting in Yemen.

We could also go with:
T- Read a book from a author born in Turkey, or book based in Turkey, or a title of a book that starts with T.
O- title starts with O, author from Ontario, or set in Ontario.
G- title starts with G or author or book setting in Germany.
E- title of book starts with E, author or book setting in Egypt
T- Title starts with T author and or book setting in Tibet.
H- title starts with H or book setting in Hungary
E- title starts with E or author or book setting El Salvador.
R- Title starts with R or author or book setting takes place Russia.

Like your idea, Debra! I will pass it along

November Holidays other than American Thanksgiving:
In America, November to us means Thanksgiving. However, there are many countries that celebrate other important holidays during this month. Find and read a book that meets each of the categories below:

1. All Saints Day, November 1 - Mostly associated with Christian belief, this holiday celebrates the lives of those who died for the faith. Each Christian denomination defines saint a bit differently. Read a book that features a saint or disputes among different faiths. Bonus points if you finish it on November 1!

2. Culture Day of Bunka no Hi, Japan, November 3 - This event celebrates the Japanese Constitution and Culture. It is a day to celebrate peace, freedom, and prosperity. Read a book that is set in Japan or has something to do with Japanese culture. Bonus points if you finish it on November 3!

3. Guy Fawkes Day, United Kingdom, November 5 - This is a holiday to celebrate the botched assassination of King James I by, you guessed it, Guy Fawkes. Bonfires are routinely part of the celebration. Read a book that is set in the United Kingdom or features fire. Bonus points if you finish it on November 5!

4. Melbourne Cup Day, Australia, November 7 - This holiday celebrates the famed horse race, the Melbourne Cup. It's been dubbed "the race that stops a nation". Read a book set in Australia or one that features horses. Bonus points if you finish it on November 7!

5. Martinmas, St. Martin and Germany, November 11 - This holiday is named for St. Martin of Tours. The celebration includes many ancient pagan customs that celebrated the harvest, such as the slaughtering of cattle and the harvesting of the crops. Read a book set in either St. Martin or in Germany or a book set during the harvest. Bonus points if you finish on November 11!

6. Revolution Day, Mexico, November 20 - This holiday celebrates the beginning of Mexico's decade-long struggle for independence. There are numerous parades throughout Mexico on their Dia de la Revolucion. Read a book set in Mexico or featuring a struggle for independence. Bonus points if you finish on November 20!

7. Teacher's Day, Costa Rica, November 22 - This holiday celebrates teachers and the education system in Costa Rica. Students often stage plays to celebrate their studies. Read a book set in Costa Rica or featuring a teacher. Bonus points if you finish on November 22!

8. Guru Tegh Bahadur's Martyrdom Day, Sikh and India, November 24 - This day of remembrance celebrates the life and death of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru of the Sikh religion. He was beheaded in 1675 when he refused to convert. Read a book featuring a Sikh or about someone who stands for their faith. Bonus points if you finish it on November 24!

9. International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, November 25 - Declared by the UN, this day begins a 16 day campaign to bring awareness to and end gender-based violence. Read a book featuring someone fighting to end violence. Bonus points if you finish it on November 25!

10. The Prophet's Birthday, aka Mouloud or Maulidur Rasul, November 30. This holiday celebrates the birth of the prophet Muhammad. Many countries call it different names, and some Muslims celebrate it on different dates. Read a book featuring Islam or about a birthday. Bonus points if you finish it on November 30!

Thanks Megan!

I have two ideas.
November - as the theme is togetherness, read paired books i.e. books that are connected in some way. It could be the same author, same series, a common word, a common theme, same setting etc - anything really as long as there's a link. You could be really creative and pick books you wouldn't normally think of together.
Some examples: You could read Wuthering Heights and Agnes Grey because they are both written by a Bronte; Catching Fire and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire because they both have fire in the title; or The Great Gatsby and The Princess Diaries because they are both set in New York.
I think there have been similar challenges before but you could bring it back if you wanted to?

December means long nights which gives us plenty of time to snuggle up and read! So how about a Challenge to read as many books over 500 pages that you can?

An idea for December.

Read books with a long title(6 or more words)

If you need ideas for books: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/2...

I'd be happy to do another round of Advent Calendar this year!