2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge discussion

I know you aren't taking suggestions yet for the 4th quarter at this time.
But I just want to go on record to say that I really love the "And the Winner Is..." challenge this year.
If lithub posts a similar article next year, I hope to read from their list again! It seems like the perfect (repeat) challenge for the 4th quarter, considering the theme.

For the 2nd quarterly challenge this year, I would love to see a "Read Globally" challenge that encourages us to read authors of different cultures as well as books set in various locales.
Such a challenge would not only celebrate the diverse backgrounds of this group's members but would also work with existing yearly challenges.

Suggestion for a "Read Globally" quarterly challenge

Besides the usual prompts of reading works by authors of various ethnicities and works set in different locations, here are a few other

Possible prompts:
*Travel: read a travelogue
*Diaspora: read a book where the protagonist is the child of immigrant parents
*Exophony: read a book by an author writing in a language other than their native language
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
*Race: read a book that features interracial relations
*Memoir: read a memoir by an author whose ethnicity differs from your own
*Global capitalism: read a book about a multinational business enterprise, NGO, or other project
*Other worlds: read a translated work of literary or genre fiction
*Fictionalized history: read a historical fiction about a culture you're unfamiliar with
*When the fat lady sings: read a book later adapted into an opera or somehow related to opera (a prompt for a monthly challenge?)
*Borderlines: read a book about social, cultural, geopolitical, or other boundaries
*Transnational adoption
*Ethnic legacy: Read a book with a multi-heritage protagonist

I have a lot of suggestions for the Books to Movies as well as at least one that has also made it to the stage (I think). I can suggest books that have been adapted to movies dating from the 1950's (classic and non-classic -Think "Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade"!) (https://www.amazon.com/Auntie-Mame-Ro... the 2000's or newer.

'Stage' is going to be a bit hard for me to do since I don't go to the theater.

Do you want the book/movie/stage suggestions posted here in this thread?

I hope I'm not being weird about making too many suggestions but since there aren't any others...

Since the first 2nd quarter is Book to Stage, maybe one monthly challenge could be related to theater?
The challenge would be somewhat similar to "And the Winner Is..." but with perhaps more freedom for members to fill the prompts.
Eh, I couldn't really come up with any really interesting prompts but I'm throwing them out there just for your reference.

Some sample prompts:
*Read a play.
*Read a book that you could imagine as a musical.
*Read a book that's never been adapted to another media and create your own fancast of real actors for the fictional characters:
-- Book title:
--Leading actress:
--Leading actor:
--Supporting actress/actor:
--Villain:
*"Upstage" refers to the back of a theatrical stage but it can also be used as a verb (as in "upstaging the bride"). Read a book where one character upstages another.
*"Backstage" refers to the area of theater behind the stage which the audience doesn't see. Read a book that features some "backstage" action.
*Read a book featuring dramatic irony.
*Read a book with melodramatic plot elements.
*Read a book featuring a ritual of some form, ritual being one of the earliest forms of performance.
*The "house" is where the audience sits to view a show. Read a book with the word "House" in the title.
*Read a book where the protagonist performs a false identity (that is, acting like someone they aren't).
*Read a book that includes scenes at the theater (dramatic or cinematic).
*Read a book in which the protagonist is a performer of any kind. (Any kind!)
*Read a book that's become a play.
*Read a book that's become a musical or opera.
*Read a book (fiction or non-fiction) about a stage performer, playwright, dancer, choreographer, opera singer, and so forth.

Well, I didn't have as many ideas as I thought I'd had, hehe.
(I'll keep adding ideas as I go.)

For February, inspired by the many definitions of "blue" and helped by dictionary.com...

*Read a book that includes the science of light or has an eye on the cover (the blue wavelength of light)
*Read a book with an article of clothing on the cover (https://www.dictionary.com/browse/bluing)
*Read a book with a (mostly) blue cover
*Read a book that involves a sport (teams are often referred to by the colors they wear)
*Read a book that involves a war (the Union soldiers in the American Civil War were called The Blue)
*Read a book written by a successful woman (https://www.dictionary.com/browse/blu...)
*Read a book that's won any award (blue ribbon)
*Read a book with a butterfly on the cover (blue-winged butterflies are called blues for short)
*Read a book that takes place in the sky or at sea
*Read a book that takes place in a cold climate or contains a death (the blue of skin)
*Read a tearjerker or a book about depression (blue as in depressed)
*Read a book where all seems lost (blue outlook: dismal)
*Read a book that is or has a character that is politically incorrect (blue joke: indecent, risqué)
*Read a book that involves music (the Blues)
*Read a book written by an author from or takes place in a country that has blue on the flag
*Read a book you stumbled on or has an unexpected ending (out of the blue)
*Read a book that's been recommended to you multiple times (until they are blue in the face)

SarahKat wrote: "For February, inspired by the many definitions of "blue" and helped by dictionary.com...

*Read a book that includes the science of light or has an eye on the cover (the blue wavelength of light)
*..."
@SarahKat

I like how well all your prompts are tied to "Blue"!

Kristin wrote: "Dianne wrote: "I have a lot of suggestions for the Books to Movies as well as at least one that has also made it to the stage (I think). I can suggest books that have been adapted to movies dating ..."

Thank you. I am truly excited by this. So many excellent books have made it to movies for good or bad *sigh*.

SarahKat wrote: "For February, inspired by the many definitions of "blue" and helped by dictionary.com...

*Read a book that includes the science of light or has an eye on the cover (the blue wavelength of light)
*..."

Here I kept trying to like of something that was not just not a blue colored cover. Way to go on taking the meaning of blue outside the box.

Being new wondering what kinds of ideas are you looking for. Like for March it says stars. Are you wanting a book such as Stardust by Neil Gaiman or some kind of challenge allows you pick anything you want and maybe Stardust would fall into.

Here's my suggestion for a March monthly challenge, unrelated to its "Stars" theme. Actually, this not-related-to-a-monthly-theme challenge could be a secondary challenge for any month...

Mysterious March
(or some other catchier challenge title. Sorry!)

This challenge would focus on reading books in the mystery genre:

*read a book with a hard-boiled detective as its main character
*read a book with an amateur sleuth as its main character (Thank you, PopSugar)
*read a police procedural
*read a true crime novel
*read a cozy mystery
*read a historical mystery
*read a culinary mystery (the hero, victim, or villain is a professional chef) <-- too specific
*read a mixed-genre mystery
*read a mystery that is a howdunit (focusing on how the crime was committed)
*read a mystery by your favorite mystery writer
*read a techno-thriller (a mystery involving high tech)
*read a medical or legal mystery (the main character is a doctor or lawyer)
*read a mystery in the "child in peril" sub-genre
*read a book about a heist or a caper (a comic crime story)
*read a mystery written by a person of color
*read a mystery written by a woman
*read a mystery translated from another language
*read a mystery that takes place in a country not your own
*read a Goodreads Choice winner or finalist in the Mystery/Thriller category for any year
*read a "locked-room" mystery
*read a mystery that's been adapted to TV, film, or theater

Kristin wrote: "Dianne wrote: "Kristin wrote: "Dianne wrote: "I have a lot of suggestions for the Books to Movies as well as at least one that has also made it to the stage (I think). I can suggest books that have..."

I just noticed this post and I've seen some of the suggestions other'shave posted. I'm afraid mine will be a little too straightforward/non-creative/olde pharte for this group. *sad face*! But I will post some of my suggestions anyway.

Kristin wrote: "Dianne wrote: "Kristin wrote: "Dianne wrote: "I have a lot of suggestions for the Books to Movies as well as at least one that has also made it to the stage (I think). I can suggest books that have..."


Actually, unless I'm mistaken someone else had gotten the credit and responsibility for this topic (but perhaps I am looking at the wrong posts?) And none of this is what I had hoped for/envisioned. (again maybe I'm misunderstanding something or looking at the wrong section?) If so I apologize for jumping the gun.

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Thanks anyway. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Have never suggested a challenge idea before, but my girlfriend has been making fun of me for reading a lot of books with numbers in the title (for some reason?), which sparked this idea. Unrelated to any of the themes.

Counting with books. So, picking a number (say 10 or whatever) and then counting to that number with books that have numbers in their title.

Jakob wrote: "Have never suggested a challenge idea before, but my girlfriend has been making fun of me for reading a lot of books with numbers in the title (for some reason?), which sparked this idea. Unrelated..." Like reading Janet Evanovich's series; all her books have numbers in the titles (I think!)

For the Siblings challenge you could pair books by authors who are siblings e.g. Bronte sisters, David Sedaris and Amy Sedaris,Karen Russell and Kent Russell.

There must be more

I understand now that one of the two monthly challenges would ideally be an open-ended challenge.

So I wish to rescind my overly complicated previous suggestion (https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...) for the simpler one below. Since this challenge syncs with the quarterly Book to Stage theme, it might work for April, May, or June.

All the World's a Stage

Read any book that:
- Has been originally been written for the stage.
- Has been adapted for the stage (drama, musical, or opera).

Possible sources for stage adaptations:
* Novels to plays (various languages)
* Plays based on novels
* Musicals based on novels
* Operas based on novels

Since I think you're still looking for April (with thanks to wikipedia for some of the many forms that siblings have):

Siblings - Read a book whose main characters are siblings or where the plot is driven by the main character's sibling(s).

Rivalry - Read a book where the characters are engaged in a rivalry or are on the opposite sides of war/battle/challenge

In-Law - Read a book where the main character is either an officer of the law OR a criminal (or both!)

Foster - One of the goals of goodreads it to foster a sense of community. Read a book another one of your friends has read so far in OR a book someone else has read/is planning to read in this challenge/other challenges of this group.

Blood - Read a book whose cover is predominately red OR has a medical component to it.

Step - Read a book about exercise or fitness OR go the complete opposite and read a book that makes you feel lazy. Anything from a "best beach reads" or "cozy winter reads" lists.

Oldest - Read the first book in a new-to-you series

Middle - Read a book with "Middle" or "Mid" in the title/subtitle/series title.

Youngest - Also known as the baby of the family. Read a book that is under 250 pages.

Only - Read a stand-alone novel.

(Suggestions or alterations are of course welcome if you do want to go ahead with this.)

Sure, I'll lead a monthly challenge. Am I right in assuming it involves keeping track of the participants and their progress? Or is there more to it?

Jakob wrote: "Have never suggested a challenge idea before, but my girlfriend has been making fun of me for reading a lot of books with numbers in the title (for some reason?), which sparked this idea. Unrelated to any of the themes.

Counting with books. So, picking a number (say 10 or whatever) and then counting to that number with books that have numbers in their title...."

@Jakob
I've been thinking about your challenge suggestion.
Personally, I would no doubt struggle to find books with numbers in them. What would make the challenge easier for someone like me (who doesn't read Evanovich) would involve also allowing:

Reading books with a title including a word that rhymes with a number. For example:
One: Run, Done, Fun, Gun, Nun, Pun, Won, and more
Two: Too, Do/Due, Woo, Coo, Rue, Zoo, Boo, Moo, haha
Three: Free, Tree, Cree, Agree
Four: More, Core, Door, Floor, Roar, Bore/Boar, Lore, Soar/Sore

Hmmm....it might still be a difficult challenge....

For the Fashion month, I would like to suggest a challenge about "style," rather than fashion, to open up more book possibilities.

Reading in Style

Potential prompts:

*Style can refer to a type, quality, or form: Read a book written in epistolary style.

*In or out of vogue. Read a book that involves a fad or trend, or read a book that is itself trending.

*You're cramping my style: Read a book in which a character's freedom of expression or action is restricted.

*Don't malign my mullet! Read a book with an image of hair (a hairstyle) on the cover. A few examples are:


*Oppa, Gangnam style! Read a book about someone you consider stylish or who considers themselves stylish. Alternatively, read a book that includes a scene with a horse.

*A Glamorous Life. Read a book involving a fashion designer, the fashion world, or a fashion-holic.

*Are you objectifying me? Read a book with an image of an item of clothing or an accessory on its cover. (thank you, 2019 PopSugar)

*Just the Way You Are (Sing it, Barry!). But....read a book where someone or something gets a makeover (restyling).

*Read a book with the word "Style" in its title. (Erm, there are many fewer books of this nature than I'd initially hoped.)

*STYL = Speak To You Later (internet slang): Read a book that includes non-standard use of a culture's mainstream language.

Well, I couldn't think up as many examples as I'd expected. I'm surely missing some good ideas! :D

I've been thinking quite often lately about a Q3 challenge.
Due to the rise of cable networks, I'm opting for the term "small screen" which combines both TV and cable offerings.

Q3: BOOKS ON THE LITTLE SCREEN

*read a book that's been adapted to a small-screen series (multiple books in the series count)
*read a book that's been adapted into a made-for-the-small-screen movie
*read a book about the TV/cable industry
*read a book about TV/cable impact on society
*read a book that features televised broadcasts of any kind
*read a book written by small-screen celebrity (Jim Henson,; cooking shows gave birth to the celebrity chef)
*read a book that you think should be adapted for the little screen
*read a book in which the main character who is a newscaster or journalist
*read a translated fiction that's been adapted to the small screen (multiple books count)
*read a book that inspired a small-screen movie or series nominated for an Emmy (USA), BAFTA (UK), or other TV industry award in your own country (multiple books count)
*read a book on a topic featured on a small-screen home improvement reality show (multiple books count; be sure to name the small-screen show. Examples: some book on cooking, gardening, shopping..

Some resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Categor...
https://www.thisisinsider.com/books-b...
Emmy awards (USA): https://www.cbc.ca/books/7-books-that...)
BAFTA awards (UK): http://awards.bafta.org/keyword-searc... (awards database);
://www.thebookseller.com/news/jk-rowling...

Gah, this was an interesting thought process but unfortunately not very productive. :(

What’s with the “Gah”? How you, the mods and the other members here can keep coming up with great challenge prompts and ideas, I’ll never know... Amazing 🤩

Every time we get near the end of the month, I eagerly check for the next challenge just to see, what has been chosen 😉 So keep’em coming 👏👏👏

Mie wrote: "What’s with the “Gah”? How you, the mods and the other members here can keep coming up with great challenge prompts and ideas, I’ll never know... Amazing 🤩

Every time we get near the end of the mo..."

Mie, I totally agree! So much creativity from the challenge creators and great organizing from the mods.

For July, one of the challenges could be to just read a certain number of books "independent" of prompts or other criteria. Completely up to the reader. Sort of like a mid-year marathon

Also, for Q3 and/or Q4, a mixed-media challenge could be fun. Read books based on or the inspiration of tv shows/movies. THEN, watch a certain number of episodes or movies based on books.

This prompt is completely self-serving as I am really far behind on all my shows, but might watch them if it was part of a book challenge ;)

I've been pondering for a while the July's INDEPENDENCE theme.
Probably, I'm taking too narrow a view of the topic because the word itself doesn't trigger many prompts in my mind.

But I believe lots of the group members read historical fiction, so what about a challenge a bit wider in scope, such as....

HERSTORY/HISTORY: Whose Narrative?

A book may only count toward one task, but each of the tasks may be repeated.

Read:
1. A work of fiction or non-fiction that portrays an individual seeking, gaining, or losing their independence. This can be emotional, financial, residential, etc. in nature.
2. A work of fiction or non-fiction that portrays a society in a struggle for independence.
3. A work of fiction or non-fiction that features a community's effort toward self-sufficiency and/or self-improvement, such as environmental improvement, better overall health, poverty alleviation, higher literacy, and so forth. (I have trouble wording this prompt but I have in mind activities that include--but aren't limited to--community gardens, community beautification projects, and volunteer-operated soup kitchens.)
4. Any work of historical non-fiction.
5. Any work of historical fiction.

Can you think of any other prompts related to "independence" in its various forms?

SarahKat wrote: "For July, one of the challenges could be to just read a certain number of books "independent" of prompts or other criteria. Completely up to the reader. Sort of like a mid-year marathon"

@SarahKat
Selfishly, I love the idea of a mid-year marathon!
It could be a month for catching up with our yearly and quarterly challenges!

For the 3rd quarter, a book to TV, my suggestion is Red Rising.

I also have a few questions about the July and August suggestions. Do you mean Independence Day, the character is being independent, or the theme of the book is independence? The same for the August them Passion.

Also, what do you do as a leader of the book month?

Hi Brielle, for the nomination of the July group read I'd like to redirect you to the right topic: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
You're free to interpret the theme the way you want to as long as you explain the connection.
The same is the case for August, books for that month can be nominated in June.
We don't have a specific book for each quarter.

Regarding your other question, group read discussion leaders read the book and have to be involved on the discussion.

A suggestion for August's monthly challenge.
As August is the hottest month of the year for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, I'd initially considered a challenge revolving around summer vacation. Then, I remembered that August marks the last month of winter in the Southern Hemisphere. So, here's my alternative suggestion.

Karma's a Beach
(Okay, not an appropriate title but a little funny....)

Whether August where you live falls within summer or winter, who can deny the attraction of beaches, islands, the sound of waves, the scent of a salty breeze?
This challenge asks you to read books related to the ocean.

Read a book: (these prompts are in no particular order)
*set on an island.
*set in Oceania.
*that takes place on or near a beach.
*that takes place underwater.
*that includes a character who's a pirate. Yaaarrr!
*that features a maritime sport, such as sailing, snorkeling/scuba diving, water skiing, surfing/wakeboarding, whale watching, parasailing/jet sailing, and what else?
*that features a sea creature on its cover (sea turtle, clam, crab, starfish, pelican, shark, and so forth).
*about a mermaid.
*with a title containing a word included in the name of a sea creature, such as river (dolphin); star (starfish); coconut, hermit, land, or red (crab); or angel, blue, cow, hound, nurse, tiger, zebra (shark); blue, gray, or killer (whale). I'm sure there's more out there!
*with sand on its cover, in its title, or as a significant part of the storyline.
*about marine ecosystem, climate change, marine pollution, underwater robotics, or other ocean-related science/technology theme.
*with the word "Beach," "Ocean," or "Sea" in its title.
*that has been described in a blog, website, magazine or other source as a "good beach read."
*that includes a lifeguard. (Are lifeguards ever female?)

Okay, that's all I can think of for today, but I'll add more if they come to mind. Please feel free to suggest other prompts related to beaches and oceans!!!

oshizu wrote: "A suggestion for August's monthly challenge.
As August is the hottest month of the year for those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, I'd initially considered a challenge revolving around summ..."

Great idea, and I love the title!

Megan wrote: ".Great idea, and I love the title! "

Thank you, Megan! I'm glad you got a kick of the title!

This is the first time coming up with ideas for challenges. Here it goes:

July-Independent
"Stand Alone"- Read books that are not a part of a series and are considered "stand alone" books.

August-Passion
"Passion for Succession"- Complete a book series this month, from the first book to the last and all of those in between.
I'm not crazy about the title for August though.

Aubrey wrote: "This is the first time coming up with ideas for challenges. Here it goes:

July-Independent
"Stand Alone"- Read books that are not a part of a series and are considered "stand alone" books.

August..."

Thank you for your creative suggestion!

I also like the idea of 'independent' reading in July.

Another (not fleshed-out) idea is to read books from indie/small presses or books that became indie movies.

Possible prompts for a monthly challenge for August.

POSITIVELY PASSIONATE

Possible prompts
*What's Love Got to Do with It?: read a book with the word "Love" in the title (Popsugar prompt #29)
*Variations on a Theme: Read a book about one of the many forms of love (familial love, love for a pet, romantic love, and so forth).
*Avid Hobbyist: read a book about a pastime you love.
*Flag Carrier: read a book about a cause you feel strongly about.
*Romantic Reader: read a novel in the romance genre
*Dedicated Romantic: read a novel in a romance subgenre.
*Ardently Religious: read a novel featuring a protagonist with strong religious faith.
*Lust for Life: read a novel featuring a protagonist who is passionate about some activity. This can also be a memoir/biography.
*Ace and Aro: read a book featuring a protagonist who is either asexual or aromantic.
*So Hot in Here: read a book set in a tropical climate.

Hmmm, I couldn't think of many open-ended prompts.
Can you think of any more?

oshizu wrote: "Possible prompts for a possible monthly challenge for August.

POSITIVELY PASSIONATE

Possible prompts
*What's Love Got to Do with It?: read a book with the word "Love" in the title (Popsugar promp..."

Another great suggestion!

September challenge ideas. It's also back to school time so I integrated that into the first one.

HARVESTING KNOWLEDGE
1. Nonfiction
--Read a nonfiction book in multiple subjects (science, history, language, etc.)
2. Set in a school
3. Main character is a student or a teacher
4. Author is a professor
5. Set in a country you know little about
6. Memoir by an author whose way of life differs from yours (gender/social/economic/race/ethnicity)
7. From the point of view of a school-age kid
8. Book you were supposed to read in school and/or ask a kid what they are reading for school

HARVESTING BOOK COVERS
1. A book with a yellow cover
2. Orange cover
3. Red cover
4. Brown cover
5. Plant on the cover
6. Food on the cover
7. Moon on the cover (harvest moon)
8. Money on the cover (cash crop)
9. Farm animal on the cover (cow, chicken, horse, pig, etc.)

For October I think another spell-out challenge would be fun. Spell out words relating to the season or Halloween with book titles.

SarahKat wrote: "September challenge ideas. It's also back to school time so I integrated that into the first one.

HARVESTING KNOWLEDGE
1. Nonfiction
--Read a nonfiction book in multiple subjects (science, history..."

Great ideas! Keep 'em coming!

Yeah, a spell-out! Great idea, SarahKat 👏
I was just about to suggest one, when I saw you already suggested it - but then I will at least second it 😄

For the theme harvest....how about books with “Earth” in the title. I think of harvest being about the bounty of the earth. But the books could be fiction or nonfiction- anything with Earth in the title.
The Good Earth
The Pillars of the Earth
An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth
There are lots of examples!

K was always fascinated by the word cornucopia :) how about books with this word in title or on the cover. Or maybe to expand words in title - cornucopia, horn or plenty

SarahKat wrote: "September challenge ideas. It's also back to school time so I integrated that into the first one.

HARVESTING KNOWLEDGE
1. Nonfiction
--Read a nonfiction book in multiple subjects (science, history..."
love these ideas!

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! I love them all!

Suggestion for an October Challenge:
"Witch book will you choose to read"??
Ok, I know that in this context it should be "Which" but "Witch" ties in so nicely with the monthly theme!
ideas for prompts:
-Novels that feature witches as characters
-Non-fiction books about witches/ witch hunts
-A book about Hallowe'en parties (witches are an annual favourite for costumes
-A book (fiction or non-fiction) that features a "witch-hunt" of any I am sure others can come up with ideas for prompts!

Kelly wrote: "Suggestion for an October Challenge:
"Witch book will you choose to read"??
Ok, I know that in this context it should be "Which" but "Witch" ties in so nicely with the monthly theme!
ideas for pro..."

I love a good witchy theme! I was just in Salem a few weeks ago and devoured witch books! Great idea!

I think, it’s been a couple of years since there was a “My Favorite Things” challenge - that would be fun to do again 👍 Could be any length, I guess, and even linked to a theme.

F.ex. this year of movies/tv:
My favorite movie = Notting Hill = book set in London/UK or on a film set or in a bookshop, character or author called Julia/Hugh, memoir of a blockbuster actor/actress, hills on the cover, any romance, Henry James, etc. 🤗

Another October challenge idea....
“Don’t be frightened....”
We all have books that “scare us” so we bypass reading them. The challenge would be to read books that scare us!
Prompt ideas:
- a novel based on a subject you find scary
- a new genre or format that you have avoided trying
-A big Epic novel whose size has made you scared to tackle it
-a book from a Goodreads list of best scary books
-a nonfiction book about a topic you find scary
-A book about a scary reality in our world

There are a lot of “scary” things in the world. Yes, dark magic and witches and cemeteries can be scary. But so can the ideas of climate change, wars and diseases be scary.

Looking at veterans from the point of view of those who are experienced at something/doing it for a long time, perhaps a challenge for books that have gone down in history as a 'must read' etc. I'm thinking like the classics, Les Miserables, books like that.

Another idea would be books about war/battles/soldiers, etc

- a book set in one of the world wars
- a book about a war veteran/leader (eg. Winston Churchill)
- a book about a fantasy/made up battle

etc