With the beginning of a new year comes resolutions to accomplish, and for avid readers, these often include setting ambitious reading goals. If you’re looking for a way to make this year a standout year for your reading habits, why not take on a fun book challenge? Reading challenges for 2025 are a perfect way to stay motivated, explore new genres, and make the most of your literary journey. This challenge will not only help you conquer your ever-growing TBR list but also introduce you to books and genres you may never have considered before. Let’s dive into the details and help you set your reading goals for the new year!
The 25 Books in 2025 Challenge
The goal is to complete 25 books tailored to diverse prompts and expand your literary picks while having fun with a 2025 reading challenge. From revisiting childhood favorites to exploring new genres, this challenge promises a year of discovery.
The Rules
- Read 25 different books.
- No repeats — one book per challenge.
- Be adventurous and try books you haven’t read before (with a few exceptions).
The Challenge List
Here are the 25 prompts for 2025, complete with explanations and examples to help you get started:
A book you bought solely for the cover.
A book about a subject you are passionate about.
A book published the year you were born.
A book by your favorite author you haven’t read yet.
A book you found at a used bookstore.
A book everyone seems to have read but you.
A book published by an anonymous author.
A book that is 500+ pages.
A book from the banned books list.
Reread a book you did not like before.
A book with an alliteration title.
A book by an author with the same initials as your name.
A book with an angel on the cover.
A book with a ridiculously long title.
A Pulitzer Prize-winning book.
A book about a mythology you are unfamiliar with.
A book published in the 1810s.
A book set somewhere you’d like to visit.
A book from a genre you usually avoid.
A book written by a child author.
Reread a chapter book you loved in middle school.
A book with a title that starts with Q, X, or Z.
A movie/TV show you love that was adapted from a book.
A book from the library (bonus points if you read in the library).
A book originally written in another language and translated into English.
Bonus Challenges
For those who finish the main list and want to keep going, here are five extra challenges to test your limits:
A book that is 1,000+ pages long
Tackle an epic like Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.
A cookbook with at least one recipe made
Combine reading and cooking for a delicious twist.
One book from each decade before 1900 (10 books)
Take a literary journey through time.
An entire series in one year
Pick a series like Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings.
One book from each major genre (15 books)
This challenge introduces variety and ensures you read widely. Examples:
- Classic: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- Biography/Autobiography: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
- Graphic Novel: Maus by Art Spiegelman
- Short Story Collection: The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
- Fairy Tale Collection or Retelling: The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter
- Drama: A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
- Mystery: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
- Folklore or Legend: The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
- Western: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
- Humor: Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
- Fantasy or Science Fiction: Dune by Frank Herbert
- History: Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
- Suspense/Thriller or Horror: The Shining by Stephen King
- Romance: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
- Poetry Collection: The Essential Rumi by Rumi
Handpicked Reads to Elevate Your Reading Challenge
This challenge is meant for you to decide what books you would like to read. However, if you are looking for something new or feel a bit stumped on what to read for a particular challenge, here are some personal recommendations that you could use toward a number of the challenges (including the bonus challenges):
📖 Classic & Timeless Reads
- Beowulf – Anonymous
- Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
- Frankenstein – Mary Shelley
🚀 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Adventures
- The Martian Chronicles – Ray Bradbury
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
- The Golem and the Jinni – Helene Wecker
- The Last Wish – Andrzej Sapkowski
🎭 Historical & Literary Fiction
- The Book Thief – Markus Zusak
👻 Thrills, Chills, & Mysteries
- The Shining – Stephen King
🎮 Modern & Pop Culture Favorites
- Ready Player One – Ernest Cline
- The Neverending Story – Michael Ende
I’m all in for this challenge—and I’m not stopping at 25 books! I’m aiming to conquer both the main challenge and all the bonus challenges, bringing my total to a whopping 55+ books in 2025. But whether you stick with the classic 25 or go for the ultimate reading challenge for 2025, the goal remains the same: to push our reading limits and enjoy every moment of it.
As I’ve been told my whole life, challenges aren’t just meant to be accepted—they’re meant to be mastered. We’ve got this! Keep track of your progress, and at the end of the year, let us know how you did. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the journey!
Why Take on a Reading Challenge in 2025?
There are many benefits to participating in reading challenges for 2025. Not only do they encourage you to read more books, but they also help you discover new genres, explore diverse perspectives, and develop a consistent reading habit. Plus, it’s a great way to engage with fellow book lovers and share your progress throughout the year.
How to Track Your Progress
To stay motivated throughout the year, consider keeping a reading journal, using a book-tracking app, or sharing updates on social media. You can even join online book clubs or communities dedicated to reading challenges for 2025 to connect with other participants.
TL; DR
Whether you choose to complete the standard 25-book challenge or go all in with the 55-book goal, reading challenges for 2025 are an incredible way to expand your literary horizons. Remember, this is all about having fun, exploring new stories, and making reading a more intentional part of your year. Happy reading!
Subscribe to the blog for more updates, tips, and book recommendations for reading challenges throughout the year. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember—one page at a time!
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