Reading challenges have become a beloved tradition for book lovers who want to expand their literary horizons. Our 2025 Reading Challenge continues this mission with tasks designed to push you beyond your comfort zone, introduce you to new voices and genres, and ultimately make you a more well-rounded reader. Whether you're a reading challenge veteran or joining for the first time, this guide will help you tackle the year with enthusiasm and intention.
Why do reading challenges matter? In a world of algorithms that feed us more of the same, deliberately choosing to read differently is a meaningful act. These tasks aren't about checking boxes—they're about discovering perspectives you might never have encountered otherwise. Many participants report that their favorite books of the year come from challenge prompts they initially resisted.
Understanding the 2025 Challenge
Our 2025 reading challenge includes 24 tasks, ranging from specific genre requirements to broader thematic prompts. You don't need to complete all 24—the challenge is what you make of it. Some readers aim for the full list, while others pick and choose tasks that appeal to them or address gaps in their reading.
What makes this year's challenge special is its emphasis on global perspectives and underrepresented voices. Several tasks specifically encourage reading authors from different countries or marginalized communities, reflecting the literary world's ongoing efforts toward greater diversity and representation.
Sample Tasks and Recommendations
Read a Book in Translation
Only about 3% of books published in English are translations, which means English-language readers miss the vast majority of world literature. This task invites you to experience storytelling from other cultures in its original linguistic context—or as close as translation allows.
Suggestions: The Vegetarian by Han Kang (Korean), Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk (Polish), The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa (Japanese)
Read a Book by an Indigenous Author
Indigenous authors have always been creating remarkable literature, but mainstream publishing has only recently begun giving them wider platforms. This task connects you with stories that center Indigenous experiences, histories, and futures.
Suggestions: There There by Tommy Orange, Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley, Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Read a Debut Novel
Supporting debut authors helps ensure a diverse and vibrant literary ecosystem. Debut novels often take risks that more established authors avoid, making them sources of fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling.
Suggestions: Watch book blogs and literary magazines for current debut recommendations, as they change each publishing season
Strategies for Success
Start with What Excites You
Don't begin with the tasks that feel like homework. Build momentum by tackling prompts that genuinely interest you. Early successes create motivation for more challenging tasks later.
Let One Book Count for Multiple Tasks
Many books can satisfy multiple challenge tasks. A translated novel by a disabled author set in a tropical location could potentially count for three different prompts. Look for these overlaps to make your reading more efficient.
Use Your Library
Libraries are your reading challenge's best friend. Instead of spending money on books you're trying because of the challenge, borrow them. If they become favorites, you can always buy copies later. Librarians are also excellent resources for finding books that match specific criteria.
Connect with Other Readers
Reading challenges are more fun with community. Join online book clubs, follow reading challenge hashtags on social media, and share your progress with fellow readers. The accountability and recommendations from other participants can keep you motivated throughout the year.
Beyond the Checkbox
The real value of a reading challenge isn't completing a list—it's becoming a more intentional reader. After a few years of reading challenges, participants often find their reading habits permanently changed. They seek out diverse voices automatically, explore unfamiliar genres willingly, and approach reading as an opportunity for growth rather than just entertainment.
This year, challenge yourself not just to complete tasks but to engage deeply with what you read. Discuss the books with others, write reviews, and reflect on how each book expanded your understanding. The reading matters, but what you do with the reading matters more.
Welcome to our 2025 Reading Challenge. May your TBR list grow, your horizons expand, and your love of reading deepen. Happy reading!