2025 Reading Challenge discussion

Hi, Eugenia and Corinna! 👋We're super thrilled to welcome you both to our group.

I'd like to encourage you both to take a look around, and join any book discussions or challenges that might pique your interest. There's plenty to choose from, so hopefully you'll find some things to help you reach your reading goals in 2025 😊 .

Wishing you both the best of reading journeys. Hopefully they'll be filled with the best books the year has to offer.
Happy reading!

Alizae wrote: "Hi! Alizae here from Ohio. Im a 23 year old mom to a beautiful 3 year old boy. Im also a full time teacher, but read smut in my downtime😂 Ive recently gotten a kindle and am hoping that helps to in..."

Hi Alizae, 👋
Your name reminded me of a French singer's name (Alizée) which send me down memory lane of my teenage years, so thankyou for that (?) . I think my neighbors might hate me a little bit now, lol. 😁

Anyways! Welcome to our group!

Kindles are the best 😍. Wishing you all the best on your reading journey in the new year, where you'll hopefully regain your reading speed whilst discovering lots of new favorites. 😊
Happy reading!

Kym wrote: "hi! Kym from Indiana, 45, and I love my book fetish! I stick to the fantasy genre almost exclusively. Big fan of Fourth Wing and ACOTAR. I enjoy reading challenges that don't make me read outside m..."

Hi Kym 👋
That's certainly a very interesting take! I think it's the first time I've ever encountered someone who's locked in on a genre and so openly admitting not wanting to explore others. May I ask how that came about?
Have you tried other genres and they just didn't work for you? Or does fantasy just provide the enjoyment and escapism you're looking for? I'm actually genuinely curious.

Because fantasy books often come in multiple-book series, I think you should check out our Serial Reader challenge. I think that might be right up your alley. 😊

Of course, we do offer many other challenges, so feel free to take a look around, and see what else might catch your attention.
I hope you have a fantastical year. 📚
Happy reading!

Maddie wrote: "Hey! My name is Maddie and I’m from the Cincy area. I’ve graduated college recently and finally have time to get back into reading!

I love fantasy / romance stories. The plan for this year is to ..."

Nice to meet you too, Maddie! 👋 And congratulations on graduating.
Let me tell you, rediscovering the love for reading outside of college responsibilities is just ... superb. 🤌

Do you have any new releases lined up that you're excited about? And what non-fiction genres are you interested in?

I hope you're lucky enough to pick up some phenomenal books in 2025. We're currently reading The Spellshop as our group read, this month. Have you read it? If you haven't, and it sounds like something for you, I would like to encourage you to join the discussion.

I hope you have a magnificent reading journey in 2025. May it be filled with the best types of books, no matter what genre they are. 😊
Have fun, and happy reading!

Morgan wrote: "Hello My name is Morgan from Long Beach, California. This year I want to read more so I can be smarter and save money on subscriptions. I tend to make really big challenges for myself without finis..."

Happy New Year, Morgan! 👋
I'm curious, why not, instead of going big from the get-go, start with a smaller challenge? You can always change it later on. 🤔 That's what I used to do because it made me feel accomplished every time I reached it, and gave me that dopamine shot to push harder.
It's a great goal, either way! I was just wondering. 😊

I certainly hope 2025 is the year where you reach your goal, but most importantly a year where you discover lots of fantastic books throughout you reading journey. I really like the idea of reading non-fiction based on the shows and movies you enjoy. I might actually try that next time I'm looking for a non-fiction book to read.

Since you mentioned classics, I can definitely recommend checking out the Buddy Reads section where you can either suggest a classic (or any other type of book), or join other like-minded members who are interested in collectively reading the same books as you.

I hope you have a fantastic year!

Welcome Beth and Mia!
It's funny to me that you're complete opposites. The member who never ever DNFs and the one who shamelessly DNFs. Maybe you two should talk and share tips and tricks. 😁

I completely agree with Mia - life is too short to be reading, or really, doing anything, you don't enjoy in your spare time. That said, I also completely relate to Beth finding it difficult to DNF. It took me aprox. seven years to finally come to terms with the thought that it's okay to DNF, and even now, I'm still not the best at it every time. My issue always comes down to that once I'm past the "okay. I've given this a fair shot (however long into a book that is for you), and it's not getting better"-point, then my completionist personality takes over, and it's an uphill battle. Because say I'm 45% into a book, then my thought is always "well, I've gotten this far - might as well finish it", or if I'm really stubborn and I know I want to write a review, then I do feel like I need to finish it just to be justified in all my reasons as to why I disliked the book.

Interestingly, I have no issues DNF'ing manuscripts and ARCs left and right when I'm working. 😅 But I digress.

I'm rambling now so anyways.
I love how your goals are actually the exact same. Focus on quality over quantity is a must for this year.
My hope is that you both reach your respective goals throughout the amazingly phenomenal year that 2025 will be.

Happy reading! 📚

Annie wrote: "Hi! I'm Annie, currently residing in New York City. My reading goal is (as always) 12 books a year. Somehow before I knew it I have a backlog of books on my shelves and I should really get to that...."

Hi Annie 👋
12 books is a great goal!

I definitely recommend joining the buddy reads .😊 Not only is it a fun way to get through books that you might not have on your own, or discover books you wouldn't normally gravitate towards, but it's also a fantastic way to get to know like-minded readers and make new bookish friends.

Wishing you all the best, Annie.
I hope you have an amazing year, filled with fantastic books.

Happy reading!

C.J. wrote: "Hello, I’m CJ.

I’m primarily live in Key West in the winter and travel via camper van RV around North America. I enjoy crime themed books, murder mysteries, biographies and sometimes romance. My ..."

Welcome to the group, C.J. 👋
That's so cool! I bet you've gotten to see and experience lots of incredible things on your journeys. Do you have a favorite place you've visited? I'm actually kind of envious now. Wish I could do that 😁 .

Good luck with your goals in 2025. I hope you have an amazing year!

Hello everyone, I'm Ilaria from Italy.

I joined the group because recently I've been trying to go back to reading. I used to read a lot as a kid, and then progressively lost it with school and then university, but now I'm ready to be back in the game!
Last year I managed to read 14 books, so for this year I set a goal of 20. My main genres are fantasy, mistery and non-fiction, so being here I'm also hoping to expand my likings a bit. Looking forward to discussions and events in the group!

Hey! I’m Mizz and I’ve always loved books but I really got back into books a few years ago when I started a job where I had the ability to listen to audiobooks all day. My reading log is 3/4 audiobooks and 1/4 physical reading. I’d like to up my physical reads this year and am looking for little challenges for myself to read more physical books. Like always having a book with me.

Lisa wrote: "Porg wrote: "Hello, I am Porg. I've been getting back into reading more during this winter break so I joined because I want somewhere to track what I'm doing this year, basically to use this site a..."

Thank you!! Based on what sections books are located at the bookstore, I think I probably currently read a relatively even split between adult fantasy and YA?? It’s hard to even tell the difference sometimes, I’m convinced some books go to the adult section just so they can be priced higher 💀

@Lisa Grønsund I have read several outside my favorite genre, but few keep my interest. I did enjoy Water For Elephants and The Book Thief, for example. However, the fantasy genre has so many subgenres that I find an endless supply of options. "Romantasy" is a big one, as is reverse harems, fated mates, etc. I love getting lost in the imaginations of what could be (but can't be). It is just my happy place. 😃

Hi everyone! My name is Megan and I'm from the United States. I joined this group to become more motivated to read! I genuinely love reading but need to get back into the groove of it, and I believe reading alongside a big group of other readers would be helpful for me. I'm turning 24 this year and would love to make some 18+ friends on here!!! <3

Hi everyone! I'm Kate in Birmingham, AL. While I have tons of hardcopies and read those, I'm obsessed with audiobooks. Allows me to multi-task ya know?
I love getting any genre book recs from Tiktok and Likewise, but I primarily have been listening to mythology retellings, fantasies, and horror. I can't watch scary movies like a coward, but I love read/listening to them!
I actually found this page after reading Come Closer by Sara Gran after a favorite booktoker of mine, Brandon Baker, recommended it in a video. While I didn't care for the book lol, he's recommended lots of other favoirites! I posted my review, followed his page and saw this group! Boom!
Looking to read 100+ books this year. Only got to 24 last year, but I feel more focused and hopeful. We'll see what happens!

Hello! My name is Aanna and I'm from Eastern Oregon. I mostly like to read thriller and mysteries but I'm open to other genres as well. My favorite authors are Stephen King and Gillian Flynn

Last year I read 66 books (my personal best.) I had a few DNFs in October and it really slowed me down. So, I'm keeping my reading goal low (24) and will increase if I get more motivated. I've already finished two and over half way on my third book. So far, it's looking good!

Hi, Ilaria and M, 👋
Welcome to our fellowship of book lovers!

Wishing you both the best of luck with your respective reading goals. I hope you discover lots of amazing books along the way.
Here's to an incredible 2025! 📚

Megan wrote: "Hi everyone! My name is Megan and I'm from the United States. I joined this group to become more motivated to read! I genuinely love reading but need to get back into the groove of it, and I believ..."

Welcome, Megan! 👋
Happy birthday in advance!

I can recommend checking out the Group Reads and/or the buddy reads for that collective reading experience you're talking about, but also joining any of the challenges, is a phenomenal motivator, in my opinion. Depending on your preference, you can choose monthly ones, or year-long ones, or mix-and-match. You could even do it like I did my first year in the group, and join everything because you can't decide. Although, I will say, I don't recommend that approach unless you read an incredible amount of books 😅. But yeah, definitely have a look around and see what catches your attention 😊.

Wishing you a phenomenal 2025, filled with amazing books and lots of bookish friends.
Happy reading!

Kate wrote: "Hi everyone! I'm Kate in Birmingham, AL. While I have tons of hardcopies and read those, I'm obsessed with audiobooks. Allows me to multi-task ya know?
I love getting any genre book recs from Tikto..."

Welcome to the group, Kate! 👋
I can recommend Stephen Fry's mythology series - Specially the audiobooks which are narrated by himself. So, so good.

That's quite a big jump, but I admire the enthusiasm! I hope you reach your goals and that you discover lots of new favorites along the way 😊.
Wishing you lots of luck. Have fantastic 2025.
Happy reading!

Aanna wrote: "Hello! My name is Aanna and I'm from Eastern Oregon. I mostly like to read thriller and mysteries but I'm open to other genres as well. My favorite authors are Stephen King and Gillian Flynn

Last ..."

Welcome Aanna, 👋
Congratulations on your progress thus far! It sounds like you're off to a promising start. Wishing you all the best in the new year.
I hope 2025 is a year filled with phenomenal books, lots of hidden gems, and many new favorites-of-all-time.

Happy reading! 📚

Hi, my name is Stephanie. I am from Kentucky, USA. I found this group while just perusing general groups to join on GR. I wanted to find a group where I could discuss books and join challenges, which would hopefully push me to read more this year. I used to love reading, and would devour several books per week. Then my life became so busy, and I was suddenly caught up in everything else. My reading suffered. Hopefully, this group will help me come out of that slump. I enjoy mystery, crime, thriller, horror, sci-fi, fantasy… mostly all fiction. I will occasionally read the non-fiction book. Happy reading, all! Nice to meet you! :)

Hi! I'm Michela and I come from Italy...
I like to read a lot and my favorite genre is thriller...
My reading gola is to read is to exit by my comfort zone...

Hi! I'm Sharon, and I'm from Ontario, Canada. I enjoy a wide variety of books but particularly love classics, philosophy, and fantasy! This year, I'm aiming to read at least 1 book a month. I look forward to hearing about what books you'll be reading throughout the year! 😊

Hello to all,

I'm Diana, coming from Germany and joined this group because I'm always searching for new reading challenges.

I read books in German and also a lot in English - I recognized that especially the humour is more present in the language in which a book was written originally...

I hope to get a lot of inspiration here ;)

Hi everyone! I've been following this group for years and I think I'm ready to try it myself. I'm Gabi (short for Gabriela), I'm 31 and I'm from Floripa (Brazil). I enjoy reading mostly non fiction, biographs, mistery and romance. I used to read a lot when I was in my teens, and I think I can read more than what I do today (but I try to not put pressure on it).

This year I invited my grandmother to join me in our personal reading challenge, when both of us read the same book once a month, and I'll try to do it here too. I'll try to match the books when I have a chance, but she only reads in portuguese and likes more lighter reads, so I'll see what I can do.

Nice to meet you all!

Hi! My name is Jocelyn, and I live in California! I honestly love to read poetry, fiction, psychological thrillers, and true crime! I am open to reading any other genre, so send your suggestions over :). I found this group just looking for some reading challenges to join this year since I have been lacking on my reading! My goal this year is to read at least 25 books.

Hi everyone! I'm Ruth, I'm from California :D My favorite books to read are historical novels, marvel and dc comics, and history books! I'm a history major and I'm going into my last semester as an undergrad so I'll be really busy but I hope I still find time to be active in this group. I've never been in one of these before, I'm excited! Expect a lot of monographs from me! My personal reading goal is 35 books this year. If it's anything like last year, it will be a mix of Batman and Robin comics and history books. I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you!

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Hello! My name is Elizabeth, and I live just outside of Philadelphia, PA. I love reading thrillers and romance, though I am open to expanding my horizons into different genres. I wanted to join a Goodreads group in order to connect with other readers and this sounded like a great one to join! My reading goal for this year is AT LEAST 50 books, but I would love to read more than that.

Hi there! My name is Francesca, I’m 26 and from Oregon. I always had a hard time reading when I was in school (perks of adhd) but Booktok and audible really helped me find my niche. I read a lot in 2023, but began to slack last year. Now with 2025 rolling in, I hope to stay consistent and reach my goal of 50 books read by the year’s end. I also hope that this group will encourage me to stick to my goal. Currently I’ve been reading romance/fantasy books and listening to fiction novels (Stephen Fry’s Greek mythology books are the best!) when commuting.
I’m excited to see what everyone is reading and find new stories to fall into 😇

Hey there, I'm Aimee from Texas.
I'm looking for a place to go when I'm so excited while reading a book I just can't wait to talk to someone about it.

Hi! My name is Zoe, and I reside in the east coast of the United States. My favorite genres are fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi, and my reading goal is 100 books by the end of the year. I truthfully haven't been much of a reader since I was 15 years old, but I'm really excited to be doing something to improve myself this year. I'm looking forward to chatting with y'all!

Hi everyone! 👋
It's so great to be able to welcome you all to the group! Can't wait to get to know everyone better !

If you have any questions or need help with anything, please don't hesitate to reach out.

May you all have a phenomenal 2025 that is filled with the best reading experiences where you encounter lots of new favorite books.
Happy reading! 📚

Hi, my name is Tina, I am from Louisiana. I read fiction, romance and fantasy. My goal 1 book a week, hopefully I will read my 52 books this year. Last year was definitely an abysmal failure (16). But I have good vibes only this year!

Hi guys! I am Chloe I am a teenager and read mainly YA romance, and fantasy books. Lately I have read The Prison Healer Series by Lynette Noni, I am currently reading Check & Mate, and it is so good. I am from NSW, Australia! My reading goal for this year is 100, and so far I have read 10 books!

Hi I’m Sara from the Netherlands. I’ve always loved reading but I de used to just lock in this year and I became obsessed with books. I’ve read 4 book so far this year and I started a book journal. I love reading romantasy and I love every single one of Sarah j Maas’ books. I’d love to make more friends in this group that I can talk books with. ⭐️⭐️

Hi! Im Demis, 27 year old programmer. Last year I was reading mostly sci-fi (I know right, cliche) and classics, so I'm looking to read more modern fiction this year!

Welcome Demis! I get stuck in an genre and have to get out and try other things. Good luck with your reading this year.

Hi, I’m Emma from Ottawa Canada, this is my first time trying the reading challenge. My goal is to read 50 books this year. My most recent favourites were the Code Book and Sapiens, I’m mostly interested in non-fiction and technology right now, but I also enjoy fantasy and science fiction🙂

Hello, I'm Mikayla, a mom of 3 (ages 9, 7, and 2) and currently in nursing school! I'm married to a therapist who has always been a book worm, and while I've always liked reading, I've just been too busy to read much. I got back into reading for fun in 2024, and I'm hoping to continue with a challenge of reading 25 books this year. I enjoy cozy, heartwarming, funny books, but also love adventures, mysteries, and thrillers.

Emma wrote: "Hi, I’m Emma from Ottawa Canada, this is my first time trying the reading challenge. My goal is to read 50 books this year. My most recent favourites were the Code Book and Sapiens, I’m mostly inte..."

You make me feel old. I spent four years in Ottawa before I was married but it turns out you're in the same age range as my younger two kids! I have family that have moved there since I left, but haven't been back since I'm from BC so that's where I go when I head to Canada. (I married an American so ended up in the States because he wasn't interested in heading north.)

Hello everyone!
I'm Mehraveh and I'm a 23 year old girl from Iran. I've recently graduated with an English degree, and naturally I'm interested in all kinds of fiction, poetry and drama. From my experience so far with both classics and contemporary literature, I'm mostly interested in the classics.
2025 seemed like a great year to join a reading group and that's the reason I'm here. My reading goal for this year is to finish at least 15 books. Wish me luck ^-^

Welcome everyone so happy to have you all start your reading journey with us.

What’s up my name is Allen, 34, from SoCal. My goal last year was 35 books, my plan for this year is 35 again since I expect to busier this year. I love American history, American crime, books about war, biographies, stock market/investing books, mystery, might fuck around and try a fantasy series this year (not 50 shades of grey elves edition type fantasy) and spy/thriller books.

Greetings!
My name is Karen and I’m from Massachusetts. I have always loved to read from the time I was a little girl. I used to read when I was supposed to be asleep with a flashlight under my blankets. I got away from reading for awhile..life got in the way. Now that my kids are grown and I am retired, I have much more time on my hands! My goal for 2025 is to read 100 books! Look forward to recommendations and challenges to keep me motivated.

Good morning! My name is Amber, and I love reading. My life has been super hectic the last several years and I haven't really had the time for reading. I am starting back with reading as a way of self care which I think moms really neglect. My initial reading challenge is to read 48 books by the end of the year.

I love most genres of books but have really been into historical fiction. I am currently reading The Ludwig Conspiracy and have read many books by Philipa Gregory. I also really love Iris Johansen as an author (specifically the Eve Duncan series), Nora Roberts (The Key Trilogy and Lovers and Dreamers). I love the Harry Potter series, Hunger Games, Game of Thrones. I am currently reading the Percy Jackson series to my son.

Honestly, I just love reading and it has been a while since I have even had time. So, I am excited to slow down and take time for something that I love.

Nice to meet everyone!
Amber

good morning, or whatever other timezone you are in when you're reading this! i'm reverie, 20, and from illinois! i used to be an avid reader as a kid. i was always in the advanced classes, my nose shoved fully deep into a page to the point i could smell the fresh pages. unfortunately due to a lot of life situations, i fell out of love with it. books kept being dropped, every time i try to start one i just never could finish. it was awful.

i finally started gaining back my love this year, right now my goal is for every book finished, i'm allowed to buy one more book of similar price. so if i finish a book that's 18 dollars, i'm allowed to buy a 19 dollar book or a 17 dollar book. i decided not to put any specific hard goals, because i find that to be one way for me to stop wanting to challenge myself to read.

i don't pinpoint myself to specific genres of books yet as i haven't really found genres i fully enjoy yet, but my favorite book series as a child was the warriors series by erin hunter. i adored it, and it may be on my reread list.

nice to meet everyone here, however!! i can't wait to make new friends while i'm on this journey of reloving books.

Hello all! Glad to have found this site/group/discussion. Always wanted to be a voracious reader but have never dedicated myself to it until these past few months. I've started by reading a few classics, moving on to mysteries, and finally now I've moved on to Fantasy series. Looking for recommendations for good books to continue to broaden my horizons.

Goal for the 2025 calendar year is 15 (admittedly not a huge goal) and am already at 2 completed before January is finished.

Happy reading everyone!

Hi everyone! I'm Chloe and I live in Indiana, USA. I mostly read fiction, specifically fantasy, but I'm interested in branching out in 2025! Currently reading through the Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson but excited to jump into the February reading challenge to give myself some variety. I love talking about books and oftentimes need to reflect and chat with others before I decide how I feel about a read. Looking forward to seeing everyone's posts :)

Welcome everyone so happy to have you! please look around and join what looks like fun let us know if you have questions

Hi My name is Barbara and I am an avid reader and I love Goodreads. I have been a member since October 2013.
I have a Challenger question.
I always do the challenge but this year I have to clean up the number posted as there are always books listed that have no bookcover with a statement author not known. I, of course, delete as the number of books read is incorrect. I am wondering why this is happening this year. I cannot remember it happening before.
In deciding what books I want to read I always check if I read anything by the author. If so, I read the review. I sometimes find a typo and make a correction on my old review. I wonder if updating is then listing it as a new book read with my challenger?

I appreciate you reading my concern .and perhaps offering assistance.

Barbara wrote: "Hi My name is Barbara and I am an avid reader and I love Goodreads. I have been a member since October 2013.
I have a Challenger question.
I always do the challenge but this year I have to clean..."

Hi Barbara welcome this is more for the question for the Mod question you can always ask us more post them here and one of us will get to them.

But to answer your question. I have learned that if you add a book and finish it on your kindle it is added.