2025 Reading Challenge discussion

Angela wrote: "Hello!

Thanks for adding me. Though I've been on Goodreads for a while, I used to use it only for logging my reading. Now I'm blown away by how much more fun this platform is when interacting with..."

Hello! Welcome to our group! I'm thrilled to have you join us. It's fantastic that you're discovering the social side of Goodreads – it definitely makes reading even more enjoyable!

I love that you find joy in nature, family, and exploring foreign cities, and that you seek those same experiences in your reading. Your approach to book reviews is refreshing, focusing on your personal experience rather than just summarizing the plot.

Your wide-ranging taste in books is wonderful – book club picks, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery, thrillers, memoirs, poetry, rom-coms, and even organization/management books! You've got it all! 75 books is an ambitious and impressive goal, and I'm excited to see you achieve it.

Living at the foot of the Rockies in Colorado sounds amazing! I'm delighted to have you connect with our community and look forward to your insights and recommendations. Feel free to connect with others who share your diverse reading interests. Happy reading! 📚⛰️

Blagica wrote: "Angela wrote: "Hello!

Thanks for adding me. Though I've been on Goodreads for a while, I used to use it only for logging my reading. Now I'm blown away by how much more fun this platform is when i..."

Hi, Blanca.

Thank you for the warm welcome to the group! I love your icon with the heart and the bookshelves by the way.

I used to read more than a hundred books in a year, but the last handful of years has been so wild and busy that I found myself flopping in front of the TV when I had a moment of downtime. Soon I was reading only a third of the books that I used to read.

A little TV is fine for me, but I prefer to unwind with a good book. Last year, I started reading more again, and I feel so much more refreshed and enlivened. By next year, I hope to be a better pace. Looking forward to participating in some group reads and discussions here!

Heyy! I'm Nethra, an English Literature student from India. I took literature hoping to feed to my obsessive reading and writing but somehow I find myself doing anything but reading books these days.
I missed my 2024 reading goal by just 4 books so 2025 will be my comeback era (hopefully).
I'm hoping to read 50 books this year but classes are hectic so we'll see.
Anyways really excited to join this community!

Nethra wrote: "Heyy! I'm Nethra, an English Literature student from India. I took literature hoping to feed to my obsessive reading and writing but somehow I find myself doing anything but reading books these day..."

Hey Nethra! Welcome! I'm excited to have you join our community. English Literature from India, that's awesome! I totally get the "reading less than planned" struggle. 50 books sounds like a great comeback goal, even with hectic classes. Looking forward to seeing you here! Happy reading! 📚✨

Hello all! I'm Dila, a Turkish engineer doing her master's in the UK. Now that I'm not working full time, I'd like to go back to my university days of reading. So far, it's going well. My goal at the beginning of the year was 2 books a week, 104 total but I think I will surpass it, thanks to my commute, hour-long train journey and back a couple days of the week where I get to read without distractions.

I prefer to have a couple of books on rotation: a non-fiction, a classic or a "more serious" literature and somethig fun & easy to keep me going. Otherwise, I get bored and don't read for days.

Feel free to add me so we can meet and become friends, I like seeing other reviews before I start a new book. Hope you have a good year!

D wrote: "Hello all! I'm Dila, a Turkish engineer doing her master's in the UK. Now that I'm not working full time, I'd like to go back to my university days of reading. So far, it's going well. My goal at t..."

Welcome to the group, Dila! It's great to have you here. It sounds like you're making excellent progress on your reading goals, especially with that commute! I love your approach of having a few books on the go to keep things interesting. I'm sure you'll find some great recommendations and connections here. Feel free to share your thoughts and reviews in our currently reading thread and with me. I love making friends with new members, feel free to add me! Happy reading!

Hello to all other book lovers! I am Julie and live in Minnesota. I love to read and enjoy suspense and murder mysteries. But also enjoy a good love story to mix it up.

I love a good challenge in any part of my life - and reading is no different. I read quite a bit, so do I really need the challenge? Of course, because I get to be part of a group that loves the same things as me.

I usually read about 2 books a month - summer time probably more as we spend alot of time at the lake.

Look forward to reading all the reviews and getting some great ideas from other readers.

Julie wrote: "I love a good challenge in any part of my life - and reading is no different. I read quite a bit, so do I really need the challenge?..."

Hi, Julie, and welcome! You're right. Of course we need reading challenges. My favorite thing about reading challenges, especially those that are prompt-based, is the way they push me to try titles and genres I might not otherwise have discovered. I also like to join in group reads and buddy reads when my library holds work out in my favor, so I can take part in the discussions.

Take a look around. We have a lot of choices to offer. And happy reading!

Hello fellow book lovers!
I'm excited to join this wonderful community of readers. I was born in Kansas but have called Colorado home since first grade. I graduated with a degree in journalism and creative writing. With my time in college I worked on the staff for the Arapahoe Pinnacle, a student ran online newspaper and now I am working at my college with the company Elevate, an inclusive higher education organization that empowers students with intellectual disabilities to attend college, develop independence, and build meaningful careers.
My passion for writing emerged from personal experience. When I was eight years old, I lost my brother who was just four at the time when I was just eight years old. This profound loss later inspired me during high school to write and self-publish my memoir, which went on to win three awards.
Reading has always been my sanctuary and joy. My two giant bookshelves are currently overflowing with books spanning all genres and topics. I'm constantly looking for new recommendations to add to my collection!
I look forward to connecting with you all, sharing book recommendations, and engaging in thoughtful discussions about our shared love of books.

I’m Charlotte, from Southern Los Angeles County, and I’m joining this group bc I need to boost my accountability factor! My goal is again 30 books but I’ve been in the doldrums for the first quarter so I’m behind. I thought belonging here might help inspire me 🤷🏻‍♀️ I most enjoy fiction, and also really like biographies and memoirs. Lately, I’ve been picking up nonfiction to try to better understand American politics. Maybe that’s the reason for the doldrums!?!?
I belong to three book clubs and I’m finding reading others’ choices to begin to feel confining…. Let’s see what this year brings.

Hey everyone! I’ve not been on GR for very long and haven’t been very active until recently. I used to read a lot, but life just got in the way. Now, I’m getting back into it! Fantasy, dark academia, historical fiction, and mysteries are some of my favorite genres. I also enjoy non-fiction, especially self-help and economics/finance, one of my New Year’s resolutions is to read more in these areas, so if you share similar interests, feel free to add me and connect! 😊

Looking forward to having some engaging chats, sharing book recs, and maybe even doing some buddy reads together! Last year I read about 30 books, this year I’m definitely aiming for more. 🤞.

Dalton wrote: "Hello fellow book lovers!
I'm excited to join this wonderful community of readers. I was born in Kansas but have called Colorado home since first grade. I graduated with a degree in journalism and ..."

Hi Dalton! Welcome to the group! I'm so glad you've joined our community. Kansas roots but a long-time Coloradoan – that's cool! Your background in journalism and creative writing is fantastic, and your work with Elevate sounds incredibly meaningful.

I'm truly touched by your story and how your personal experience inspired your writing. Winning three awards for your memoir is a remarkable achievement.

It sounds like reading is a huge part of your life with those overflowing bookshelves – I can definitely relate! I'm always on the lookout for new recommendations too. I look forward to connecting with you, sharing book love, and having some great discussions! Happy reading! 📚🏔️

Char wrote: "I’m Charlotte, from Southern Los Angeles County, and I’m joining this group bc I need to boost my accountability factor! My goal is again 30 books but I’ve been in the doldrums for the first quarte..."

Hi Charlotte! Welcome! I'm excited to have you join. Southern LA County, nice! I totally get the accountability factor – hopefully, this group will give you that boost. 30 books is a great goal, and don't worry about a slow start, we've all been there! Fiction, biographies, and memoirs are fantastic, and diving into American politics... yeah, that could do it! Three book clubs is a lot, so I hope this group offers a bit more freedom. Looking forward to seeing what you read this year! Happy reading! 📚☀️

Keets wrote: "Hey everyone! I’ve not been on GR for very long and haven’t been very active until recently. I used to read a lot, but life just got in the way. Now, I’m getting back into it! Fantasy, dark academi..."

Hey Keets! Welcome to the group! It's great to see you getting back into reading and becoming more active on Goodreads. Life definitely has a way of getting in the way sometimes! Your taste in fantasy, dark academia, historical fiction, and mysteries sounds awesome. It's a cool goal to dive more into self-help and economics/finance this year – I hope you find some great reads! I'm always up for engaging chats and sharing recommendations, and buddy reads can be a lot of fun. Aiming for more than 30 books this year is fantastic! Looking forward to connecting with you! Happy reading! 😊📚

Hell I am new to the group!

I’m living in West Virginia and my favorite author is Colleen Hoover.

Hi! My name is Laura, I live in Rockaway Park, New York. I read mostly Kindle and audiobooks. I enjoy thrillers, mysteries, historical fiction, biographies (mostly from comedians), Medical and health books. I read/ listen to about 120 books a year with about 5 DNF on my shelf.

Lacy wrote: "I’m living in West Virginia and my favorite author is Colleen Hoover."

Welcome, Lacy! You've found a great group! We have a variety of activities to make reading even more fun -- short, medium, and long challenges; a monthly group read; and opportunities to read together with TBR twins and buddies. Take a look around and see what you like.

Hello, Laura, and welcome! I enjoy many of the same genres, but read audio almost exclusively. Your first three are my go-to genres, and also comedy bios like All About Me! My Remarkable Life in Show Business and Your Mom's Gonna Love Me.

Take a peek at our offerings. There are quite a few choices in this group.

Hello- I’m not new to GoodReads, but new to this group. My name is Melanie and I am currently a Texas resident but have lived all over! I mainly love reading fiction but also enjoy some non-fiction, biographies, and self help from time to time! (I don’t think I have ever made a comment in a group before so apologies if I put this in the wrong place. Administrators please feel free to move it where it belongs.) I welcome new friends and look forward to learning what reading you are enjoying. I read pretty fast & my reading goal is 150 books this year. I use to say that I don’t give five stars very often, (last year I only gave 5 stars to 3 or 4 books all year!) However, that might be changing as in 2025, I have already read 5 books I gave a rating of 5 stars- and 4 of those were in April alone! 😳 Anyway- it’s nice to “ meet you” and I looking forward to discovering new things and reading along with you!

Melanie wrote: "Hello- I’m not new to GoodReads, but new to this group. My name is Melanie and I am currently a Texas resident but have lived all over! I mainly love reading fiction but also enjoy some non-fiction..."

Welcome, Melanie! You definitely commented with your introduction in the correct place. 😊 I'm greedy with my 5-star ratings as well and admit that I'm a bit jealous of your luck in finding so many already this year.

Take a look around and jump in wherever you see something that appeals to you. We have challenges of different types and lengths, group reads, and opportunities to read in smaller groups like TBR twins and buddy reads. Something for everyone!

Hey folks alike, name is Jess. Look forward to joining the group and start the yearly challenge . Never too late, am I right? haha!

I'm Kim, and I live in Beaverton, OR. I'm excited about joining a community of readers. I'm also curious to learn about what others are reading. I'm sure I'll find another book or author to love.

Jessica wrote: "Hey folks alike, name is Jess. Look forward to joining the group and start the yearly challenge . Never too late, am I right? haha!"

Welcome to the group, Jess! It's never too late to jump in. We're happy to have you join us for the yearly challenge. Looking forward to seeing what you're reading!

Kim wrote: "I'm Kim, and I live in Beaverton, OR. I'm excited about joining a community of readers. I'm also curious to learn about what others are reading. I'm sure I'll find another book or author to love."

Welcome to the group, Kim! It's wonderful to have you join us. Living in Beaverton, OR! I'm sure you'll find plenty of great recommendations and discover new favorite books and authors here. We're excited to see what you're reading too!

Hello! It's nice to meet you all :) I'm Cealie (Kee-lee), I'm 23 and I live in the South West of the UK! I've loved reading since I was a child and have a goal to read 50 books this year. I had a bad year last year so didn't have much time for reading so I'd really love to meet my goal this year now things are looking up! Always looking for recs so feel free to share them! Looking forward to engaging with you all :)

Cealie wrote: "Hello! It's nice to meet you all :) I'm Cealie (Kee-lee), I'm 23 and I live in the South West of the UK! I've loved reading since I was a child and have a goal to read 50 books this year. I had a b..."

Hi Cealie (Kee-lee)! It's lovely to meet you too! Welcome to the group. That's awesome you've loved reading since childhood. 50 books is a fantastic goal, and I'm really glad things are looking up for you this year so you have more time for it! I'm always on the hunt for good recommendations too, so please share away! Looking forward to chatting with you! Happy reading from the US! 📚

Hello everyone. My name is Elena and I live in Toronto, Canada. I've tried before to participate in groups but found it a bit too much at the time. Hoping I can handle it this time. I love, love to read both in English and my mother tongue: Spanish. My favourite genres are Syfy, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Political and or Police Mysteries and Catholic/Christian books.

My challenge this year is to read 20 books. Currently reading:
Pedro Páramo, Complaints of the Saints and Be Still 365-Day Devotional to Quiet Your Heart I'm way behind my reading challenge but as you all know, life happens. Happy that I can finally read a bit more.

I am retired and enjoying having time to pursue others hobbies aside from reading.

You all have a great day.

Elena wrote: "Hello everyone. My name is Elena and I live in Toronto, Canada. I've tried before to participate in groups but found it a bit too much at the time. Hoping I can handle it this time. I love, love to..."

Welcome to the group, Elena! It's great to have you join us from Toronto. I understand how life can sometimes make it challenging to participate, so I'm glad you're giving it another try. Your diverse taste in books, especially enjoying both English and Spanish literature, is fantastic! Science fiction, fantasy, romance, mysteries, and Christian books – that's quite a mix! Twenty books is a wonderful goal, and it sounds like you have some interesting reads on your plate with Pedro Páramo, Complaints of the Saints, and your devotional. Retirement sounds like a lovely time to delve deeper into hobbies like reading. Happy to have you here!

Hi all! I’m Megan, and I work as a library assistant (my dream job haha.) I read a lot in my spare time, and thrillers and mysteries are my go to! I’d love to make more friends on here, so feel free to add me if you’d like 💜

Megan wrote: "Hi all! I’m Megan, and I work as a library assistant (my dream job haha.) I read a lot in my spare time, and thrillers and mysteries are my go to!"

Welcome, Megan! You have my dream job, too, but the commute across the pond would be rough for me, so I guess you can keep it. 😉

Since mysteries and thrillers are your favorites, you might like to check out one of our yearly challenges, Magical Mystery Tour. If you decide to join, you can backfill the prompts with any appropriate books that you've already read this year.

There are plenty of other challenges of various lengths to peruse, as well as large and small group reading discussions, and more. I hope you'll find something that tickles your fancy.

Hi I'm Simon from Gateshead, which is just over the water from Newcastle upon Tyne, I like Graphic novels, Historical fiction, Humor and Comedy, Mystery, Science fiction, and Thrillers, according to my profile, which sounds about right.

I came back to reading after a 20 year break, and was a voracious reader as a child, but annoyingly cannot really remember many of the books I read, I'm also looking to break out of reading my usual authors which were predominantly white men, which the January through April reading challenges helped with.

I found the group when googling about reading challenges, as I loved the recent challenges, and wondered if there would be some new challenges, for May through August.

My reading goal is to re-read the books on my bookshelf that I vaugely remember reading, so I can remind myself of the story, and give them a review, along with our work bookclub, and any interesting books, that get recommended to me.

Simon wrote: "...and wondered if there would be some new challenges, for May through August."

Welcome, Simon! Yes, we offer two new challenges each month and each quarter, as well as fifteen yearlong challenges and an occasional bonus challenge. This thread offers information on these types of challenges. Also, be sure to watch for the Monthly Message which has links to the new challenges and other group activities.

I'm sure you will find some interesting activities here to help you meet your reading goals. Re-reads are most definitely welcome, unless a challenge prompt specifies otherwise, such as a new release or a new-to-you author.

Hello everyone,
I'm Lisa, an illustrator, storyteller, and part-time library assistant who lives in New Hampshire. My shelves are filled with books, 75% of which are picture books, my first love.
Working as a library assistant, I am surrounded by stories all day, so my TBR pile is growing in leaps and bounds.
My goal: to read 3 books a month and a few ARCs.
It is wonderful to be back on Goodreads and hope that it will help me track my reading, develop my Reader Advisory skills, and connect with other bookworms. Happy Reading!

Lisa wrote: "Hello everyone,
I'm Lisa, an illustrator, storyteller, and part-time library assistant who lives in New Hampshire. My shelves are filled with books, 75% of which are picture books, my first love.
..."

Welcome, Lisa! We're so happy to have you join us.

You library folk are some of my favorite people. You all never let me down when I need a recommendation. 🤗

The group activities, Members' Corner, etc. can certainly help with goals and tracking, so take a look around at what we have to offer. We look forward to being bookworm-y with you.

Hey, I'm Runa from Germany. I love reading fantasy but also like to peak into other genres.

I always had the hobby of reading, but the last couple of years I have gotten distracted with life. Now i wanna get into my passion again. Besides reading, I'm really into D&D and casual Gaming.

I'm excited about entries from other readers and their suggestions!

Runa wrote: "Hey, I'm Runa from Germany. I love reading fantasy but also like to peak into other genres.

I always had the hobby of reading, but the last couple of years I have gotten distracted with life. Now..."

Welcome to the group, Runa! It's great to have you join us from Germany. I totally get how life can sometimes pull us away from our passions, but it's awesome that you're getting back into reading. I'm sure you'll find plenty of fantastic fantasy reads here, and it's always fun to explore other genres too. I'm excited to see what you pick up next!

Hi everyone! I’m Carolina, from Argentina and I’m exciting about joining the group. After a few years where I’d been far away from reading, I delivered to getting close and closer again since last year. I’m a first time mom and reading is like my new bff and the best company this days.
I’m looking forward for your suggestions and seeing your goals and wins for the months ahead :)

Carolina wrote: "Hi everyone! I’m Carolina, from Argentina and I’m exciting about joining the group. After a few years where I’d been far away from reading, I delivered to getting close and closer again since last ..."

Welcome to the group, Carolina! We're happy to have you here. Congratulations on your little one, and on your return to reading. Sometimes we moms need an escape, and being an armchair traveler may be our best getaway choice for a while.

We have different types of reading activities to offer, so take a look around and see which ones you like most! 😊

Hi everyone! My name is Charlotte, and I love reading and challenges. My favorite genres are fantasy and romance, but I'll read anything that is fiction and some non-fiction as well.. My reading goal for 2025 is 60 books, but I'm hoping to go over that. I'm super excited to join your challenges and get to know lots of you!

Charlotte wrote: "Hi everyone! My name is Charlotte, and I love reading and challenges. My favorite genres are fantasy and romance, but I'll read anything that is fiction and some non-fiction as well.. My reading go..."

Welcome to the group, Charlotte! I'm so glad to have you here. It's awesome that you love reading and challenges – you've come to the right place! Fantasy and romance are fantastic genres, and it's great that you're open to all sorts of fiction and even some nonfiction. Sixty books is a solid goal, and I'm sure you'll crush it. I'm excited for you to join our challenges and get to know everyone!

Hi, I am Mackler from the united states! Just trying to find ppl with similar interests also some who can encourage me towards my goal for reading.

I love most genres but my top five are fantasy, sci fi, ya, romance and classics. (in that order). My reading goal is very light this year I think it is 20 but we all have to start somewhere

Mackler wrote: "Hi, I am Mackler from the united states! Just trying to find ppl with similar interests also some who can encourage me towards my goal for reading.

I love most genres but my top five are fantasy,..."

Welcome to the group, Mackler! So glad to have you here. Fantasy, sci fi, ya, romance and classics - what a great mix!

I'm sure you'll have no difficulty meeting other members who share your reading interests. TBR twins and Buddy Reads might be good places to start.

20 is a fantastic goal to start with. I'll be rooting for you! Looking forward to seeing what you read this year! Happy reading!

Hi hi 👋 I'm Arijana , I come from Bosnia but I live in Germany. I've always wanted to be a part of a bookclub and I think I've finally found it. I'm apsolutely stoked about next months chalange because I have little woman on my tbr for so long and I'd just love to discus a book I'm reading with others who are reading it as well. I live to read Romance Novels , YA and historical fiction. From time to time i like to as Spice into my repertoar as well. I'd love to read 52 books this year ( a book a week ). Hope to meet and interact with as many people as possible 🩷

Arijana wrote: "Hi hi 👋 I'm Arijana , I come from Bosnia but I live in Germany. I've always wanted to be a part of a bookclub and I think I've finally found it. I'm apsolutely stoked about next months chalange bec..."

Hi, Arijana! Welcome!! So glad you found us! I love your enthusiasm about our upcoming Group Read, Little Women. Little Women holds a special place in my heart as one of my (many) childhood favorite books. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

52 books is a great goal! We're here to cheer you on as you reach it!

We have various challenges -- monthly, quarterly, and yearly -- and besides the Group Read that you’ve already found, we also offer TBR Twins and Buddy Reads for discussions and interacting with other people. Please take a look around and join what looks like fun. Happy reading!

Hello! My name is Jeanice. I definitely joined the party a little late, but I am new to Goodreads. I am from Missouri (misery).
I have been reading since I was a little kid, from Nancy Drew and The Magic Tree House in elementary school to being in college and enjoying more historical fiction and non-fiction pieces.
However, since I started school, my reading has dropped a bit (I blame the chemistry and physics textbooks), so I want to get back on track this year.
Since I joined halfway through, I have already started.
I am open to most genres, however, I struggled to connect to romance books. It is something I am working on, and I have a few books that are normally not something I would read. Historical fiction and mysteries are some of my favorites.
My goal for this year is twenty, and I believe I have already read six before I joined the group, but I may be wrong about that number.
Once I get through some of my TBR books, I definitely plan to do a buddy read.

Jeanice wrote: "Hello! My name is Jeanice. I definitely joined the party a little late, but I am new to Goodreads. I am from Missouri (misery).
I have been reading since I was a little kid, from Nancy Drew and Th..."

Hi Jeanice. I am new to goodreads as well. I only found it late last year. I am from New South Wales (NSW) Austeralia. I started by thinking I would read 60 books for this year. I just revised that to 100 as I am almost 50 books down for the year so far.

Jeanice wrote: "Hello! My name is Jeanice. I definitely joined the party a little late, but I am new to Goodreads. I am from Missouri (misery).
I have been reading since I was a little kid, from Nancy Drew and Th..."

Welcome to the group, Jeanice! It's never too late to be part of the fun! So glad you found Goodreads and joined our group!

Another childhood reader! I remember the Magic Treehouse books. Those were fun books. Darn school for getting in the way of our reading! lol It's so good to see that you're getting back on track with reading. Sadly, I'm not sure I was able to until I was done with school.

It's great you plan on doing a buddy read but might I suggest to help you with your TBR books, maybe you'd like to do a Buddy Read for your own books.

Twenty is a great goal to have. You can do it! And you can still add the books you've already read to Goodreads and backdate them. Looking forward to seeing what you read! Happy reading!

Carolyn wrote: "Jeanice wrote: "Hello! My name is Jeanice. I definitely joined the party a little late, but I am new to Goodreads. I am from Missouri (misery).
I have been reading since I was a little kid, from N..."

Hi Carolyn! Welcome to Goodreads and to our group! Congratulations on smashing your goal! Moving the goalpost sounds like an excellent idea. Hope that there have been a lot of fabulous books in your reading journey so far this year! Happy reading!

JennH wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "Jeanice wrote: "Hello! My name is Jeanice. I definitely joined the party a little late, but I am new to Goodreads. I am from Missouri (misery).
I have been reading since I was a li..."

I have read a plethora of books from a lot of genres I would never have entertained before joining a book club and finding I need an app to keep track of the books I have and haven't read when I found goodreads. Now I am doing multiple challenges as well as book club, working a part time job and doing a lot of volunteer work in the community.

I just can't seem to function on a daily basis without picking up a book either physical, digital or audio. They all count in my book.