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2026 January - Explorations
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Go explore: x /20 1. Wanderlust 🌍
✈️ a. Read a book set in a country you’ve never visited
🧳 b. Read a book that takes you on a journey (road trip, pilgrimage, expedition… anything with blisters and discovery)
2. Deep Sea Dive 🌊
🐚 a. Read a book set on or near the ocean
🔱 b. Read a book that dives into secrets, mysteries, or the things we keep buried
3. Into the Wild 🌲
🦌 a. Read a book set in the wilderness — forest, desert, or snowy nowhere
🔥 b. Read a survival story
4. Mapmakers 🗺️
📜 a. Read a book with a map inside — real or fictional
🏔️ b. Read a story about discovery, exploration, or charting the unknown
5. The Language of the World 💬
🗣️ a. Read a translated book
📖 b. Read a book where communication play a big role (think love letters, journalists, linguists, or very talkative parrots)
6. The Explorer’s Journal ✍️
📓 a. Read a memoir, biography, or travelogue
💌 b. Read a story told through letters, diaries, or other found formats
7. Skyward Bound ☁️
🚀 a. Read a book involving flight or space travel
🌈 b. Read a book that lifts your spirits — something joyful, hopeful, or heartwarming
8. Hidden Cities 🏙️
🏛️ a. Read a book set in a city you’ve never read about before
🌆 b. Read a book that uncovers a city’s secrets — the alleys, the underworld, or the locals-only corners
9. Time Travelers ⏳
⌛ a. Read a book set in another era
🕰️ b. Read a time-travel story — paradoxes and headaches encouraged
10. The Unknown Path 🚶♀️
👀 a. Read a book you know nothing about — no reviews, no blurbs, total mystery
🎯 b. Read a debut novel
11. The Curiosity Cabinet 🧪
🦋 a. Read a book featuring a strange or fascinating object
🧠 b. Read a book that teaches you something new or random (trivia welcome!)
12. The Cartographer’s Compass 🧭
🔄 a. Read a book that changes direction midway (plot twist, genre shift, mood swing)
💫 b. Read a book that helps you find your true north — motivational, reflective, or just grounding
13. Beneath the Stars 🌌
🌙 a. Read a book with stars, moon, or galaxies on the cover
✨ b. Read a story that explores dreams, destiny, or cosmic “what ifs”
14. Crossing Borders 🚢
🌍 a. Read a book by an author from a different continent
🗺️ b. Read a book that blends cultures, languages, or traditions
15. The Lost Civilization 🏛️
🔍 a. Read a historical fiction or archaeological mystery
🪶 b. Read a book inspired by myth, legend, or ancient lore
16. Portals & Passageways 🌀
🚪 a. Read a portal fantasy or a story with hidden worlds
🔄 b. Read a book that symbolizes change, transformation, or second chances
17. The People You Meet 🤝
💬 a. Read a book about friendship, community, or found family
👣 b. Read a book with a character wildly different from you — new perspective, new world
18. The Explorer’s Mistake 🗯️
🧨 a. Read a book where taking a risk backfires (oops)
😳 b. Read a book that pushes you outside your comfort zone — scary genre, dense classic, guilty pleasure, anything
19. Return Home 🏡
🍵 a. Read a book about homecoming, reunion, or rediscovery
🇮🇳 b. Read a book set in your own country or hometown
20. The Next Horizon 🌅
📖 a. Read a book that feels like a “new beginning” — first in a series, debut, or fresh genre
🎇 b. Read a book that makes you excited for the year ahead
Go exploreCompleted: 20/20 COMPLETED 20/01/2026
✅1. Wanderlust 🌍
✈️ a. Read a book set in a country you’ve never visited
Title:
Raven BlackAuthor: Ann Cleeves
Date Completed: 03/01/2025
Task: ✈️ a. Read a book set in a country you’ve never visited
How it fits: Set in the Shetland Islands where I have never visited
🧳 b. Read a book that takes you on a journey (road trip, pilgrimage, expedition… anything with blisters and discovery)
✅2. Deep Sea Dive 🌊
🐚 a. Read a book set on or near the ocean
Title:
Holy IslandAuthor: L.J. Ross
Date Completed: 04/01/2026
Task: 🐚 a. Read a book set on or near the ocean
How it fits:Set on an island
🔱 b. Read a book that dives into secrets, mysteries, or the things we keep buried
✅3. Into the Wild 🌲
🦌 a. Read a book set in the wilderness — forest, desert, or snowy nowhere
🔥 b. Read a survival story
Title:
Haunted HouseAuthor: J.A. Konrath
Date Completed: 05/01/2025
Task: 🔥 b. Read a survival story
How it fits: Characters need to survive a night in a haunted house
✅4. Mapmakers 🗺️
📜 a. Read a book with a map inside — real or fictional
🏔️ b. Read a story about discovery, exploration, or charting the unknown
Title:
Peter PanAuthor: J.M. Barrie
Date Completed: 02/01/2026
Task: 🏔️ b. Read a story about discovery, exploration, or charting the unknown
How it fits: The Darling children explore Neverland
✅5. The Language of the World 💬
🗣️ a. Read a translated book
Title:
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and OrganizingAuthor: Marie Kondō
Date Completed: 11/01/2026
Task: 🗣️ a. Read a translated book
How it fits: Translated from Japanese
📖 b. Read a book where communication play a big role (think love letters, journalists, linguists, or very talkative parrots)
✅6. The Explorer’s Journal ✍️
📓 a. Read a memoir, biography, or travelogue
💌 b. Read a story told through letters, diaries, or other found formats
Title:
The Christmas AppealAuthor: Janice Hallett
Date Completed: 16/01/2026
Task: 💌 b. Read a story told through letters, diaries, or other found formats
How it fits: Told through correspondenses -emails, letters etc.
✅7. Skyward Bound ☁️
🚀 a. Read a book involving flight or space travel
Title:
The Restaurant at the End of the UniverseAuthor: Douglas Adams
Date Completed: 13/01/2026
Task: 🚀 a. Read a book involving flight or space travel
How it fits: Involves space travel
🌈 b. Read a book that lifts your spirits — something joyful, hopeful, or heartwarming
✅8. Hidden Cities 🏙️
🏛️ a. Read a book set in a city you’ve never read about before
🌆 b. Read a book that uncovers a city’s secrets — the alleys, the underworld, or the locals-only corners
Title:
Aunty Lee's DelightsAuthor: Ovidia Yu
Date Completed: 01/01/2025
Task: 🌆 b. Read a book that uncovers a city’s secrets — the alleys, the underworld, or the locals-only corners
How it fits: Aunty Lee's is a locals-only restaurant
✅9. Time Travelers ⏳
⌛ a. Read a book set in another era
🕰️ b. Read a time-travel story — paradoxes and headaches encouraged
Title:
OutlanderAuthor: Diana Gabaldon
Date Completed: 02/01/2025
Task: 🕰️ b. Read a time-travel story — paradoxes and headaches encouraged
How it fits: Claire randall travels back in time
✅10. The Unknown Path 🚶♀️
👀 a. Read a book you know nothing about — no reviews, no blurbs, total mystery
Title:
The Circadian Code: Lose Weight, Supercharge Your Energy, and Transform Your Health from Morning to Midnight: Longevity BookAuthor: Satchin Panda
Date Completed: 06/01/2026
Task: 👀 a. Read a book you know nothing about — no reviews, no blurbs, total mystery
How it fits: Did not know about how the circadian code influences us so much
🎯 b. Read a debut novel
✅11. The Curiosity Cabinet 🧪
🦋 a. Read a book featuring a strange or fascinating object
Title:
Dying to Meet YouAuthor: S.C. Stokes
Date Completed: 07/01/2026
Task: 🦋 a. Read a book featuring a strange or fascinating object
How it fits: Features Odin's sword with magical properties
🧠 b. Read a book that teaches you something new or random (trivia welcome!)
✅12. The Cartographer’s Compass 🧭
🔄 a. Read a book that changes direction midway (plot twist, genre shift, mood swing)
Title:
To Speak for the DeadAuthor: Paul Levine
Date Completed: 14/01/2026
Task: 🔄 a. Read a book that changes direction midway (plot twist, genre shift, mood swing)
How it fits: Originally Dr Roger Stanton is tried for malpractice then it is found that victim was murdered and he is then arrested for murder
💫 b. Read a book that helps you find your true north — motivational, reflective, or just grounding
✅13. Beneath the Stars 🌌
🌙 a. Read a book with stars, moon, or galaxies on the cover
Title:
Space MurderAuthor: N.L. Haverstock
Date Completed: 17/01/2026
Task: 🌙 a. Read a book with stars, moon, or galaxies on the cover
How it fits: Stars on cover
✨ b. Read a story that explores dreams, destiny, or cosmic “what ifs”
✅14. Crossing Borders 🚢
🌍 a. Read a book by an author from a different continent
Title:
Strawberry SinAuthor: Rosie A. Point
Date Completed: 11/01/2026
Task: 🌍 a. Read a book by an author from a different continent
How it fits: Rosie A. Point is from North America, I am in Australia
🗺️ b. Read a book that blends cultures, languages, or traditions
✅15. The Lost Civilization 🏛️
🔍 a. Read a historical fiction or archaeological mystery
Title:
The Frangipani Tree MysteryAuthor: Ovidia Yu
Date Completed: 20/01/2026
Task: 🔍 a. Read a historical fiction or archaeological mystery
How it fits: MPG Historical fiction
🪶 b. Read a book inspired by myth, legend, or ancient lore
✅16. Portals & Passageways 🌀
🚪 a. Read a portal fantasy or a story with hidden worlds
🔄 b. Read a book that symbolizes change, transformation, or second chances
Title:
NemesisAuthor: Agatha Christie
Date Completed: 16/01/2026
Task: 🔄 b. Read a book that symbolizes change, transformation, or second chances
How it fits: Michael Rafiel is exonerated of a previous crime and has a second chance
✅17. The People You Meet 🤝
💬 a. Read a book about friendship, community, or found family
👣 b. Read a book with a character wildly different from you — new perspective, new world
Title:
Of Human BondageAuthor: W. Somerset Maugham
Date Completed: 03/01/2025
Task: 👣 b. Read a book with a character wildly different from you — new perspective, new world
How it fits: MC Philip Carey is an orphan who travels to Paris to try and make it as an artist
✅18. The Explorer’s Mistake 🗯️
🧨 a. Read a book where taking a risk backfires (oops)
Title:
Father's Day MurderAuthor: Leslie Meier
Date Completed: 10/01/2026
Task: 🧨 a. Read a book where taking a risk backfires (oops)
How it fits: Lucy is caught when she is searching Lou's room thinking he is passed out drunk
😳 b. Read a book that pushes you outside your comfort zone — scary genre, dense classic, guilty pleasure, anything
✅19. Return Home 🏡
🍵 a. Read a book about homecoming, reunion, or rediscovery
Title:
Blazing SummerAuthor: Denise Grover Swank
Date Completed: 05/01/2026
Task: 🍵 a. Read a book about homecoming, reunion, or rediscovery
How it fits: Summer Butler returns to her hometown of Sweet Briar and reunites with her family
🇮🇳 b. Read a book set in your own country or hometown
✅20. The Next Horizon 🌅
📖 a. Read a book that feels like a “new beginning” — first in a series, debut, or fresh genre
Title:
Cut & RunAuthor: Madeleine Urban
Date Completed: 01/01/2025
Task: 📖 a. Read a book that feels like a “new beginning” — first in a series, debut, or fresh genre
How it fits: First in series
🎇 b. Read a book that makes you excited for the year ahead
GO EXPLORECompleted 20/20 COMPLETE 1/30/2026
1. Wanderlust 🌍
✈️ a. Read a book set in a country you’ve never visited
Title: AntarcticaAuthor: Kim Stanley Robinson
Date Completed: 1/8/2025
How it fits: I would love to visit there, but that is the one place I can never afford to go.
🧳 b. Read a book that takes you on a journey (road trip, pilgrimage, expedition… anything with blisters and discovery)
2. Deep Sea Dive 🌊
🐚 a. Read a book set on or near the ocean
Title:Grania: She-King of the Irish SeasAuthor: Morgan Llywelyn
Date Completed: 1/16/2026
How it fits: The story of Grace O Malley, a 16th-century female pirate.
🔱 b. Read a book that dives into secrets, mysteries, or the things we keep buried
3. Into the Wild 🌲
🦌 a. Read a book set in the wilderness — forest, desert, or snowy nowhere
Title: Evil Roots: Killer Tales of the Botanical GothicAuthor: Daisy Butcher
Date Completed: 1/27/2026
How it fits: Multiple short stories set in haunted forests or with killer plants.
🔥 b. Read a survival story
4. Mapmakers 🗺️
📜 a. Read a book with a map inside — real or fictional
Title: The Witch at the Edge of the WoodAuthor: Liz Delton
Date Completed: 1/19/2025
How it fits: Map before chapter one.
🏔️ b. Read a story about discovery, exploration, or charting the unknown
5. The Language of the World 💬
🗣️ a. Read a translated book
Title: Last Train to IstanbulAuthor: Ayşe Kulin
Date Completed: 1/18/2026
How it fits: Translated from Turkish
📖 b. Read a book where communication play a big role (think love letters, journalists, linguists, or very talkative parrots)
6. The Explorer’s Journal ✍️
📓 a. Read a memoir, biography, or travelogue
💌 b. Read a story told through letters, diaries, or other found formats
Title: The Journals of Alexander Mackenzie: Exploring Across Canada in 1789 & 1793Author: Alexander Mackenzie
Date Completed: 1/2/2026
Task: 6b.
How it fits: It is a series of journal entries.
7. Skyward Bound ☁️
a. Read a book involving flight or space travel.
Title: GrimspaceAuthor: Ann Aguirre
Date Completed: 1/23/2026
How it fits: MC Sirantha is a pilot and navigator for space ships
🌈 b. Read a book that lifts your spirits — something joyful, hopeful, or heartwarming
8. Hidden Cities 🏙️
🏛️ a. Read a book set in a city you’ve never read about before
🌆 b. Read a book that uncovers a city’s secrets — the alleys, the underworld, or the locals-only corners
Title: Cold Case Vancouver: The City s Most Baffling Unsolved MurdersAuthor: Eve Lazarus
Date Completed: 1/24/2026
How it fits: The book talks about fifty years of some of Vancouver's unsolved murders.
9. Time Travelers ⏳
⌛ a. Read a book set in another era
🕰️ b. Read a time-travel story — paradoxes and headaches encouraged
Title: The Accidental Time Travelers Collective, Volume 1Author: Kiersten Marcil
Date Completed: 1/3/2026
How it fits: A collection of time-travel short stories
10. The Unknown Path 🚶♀️
👀 a. Read a book you know nothing about — no reviews, no blurbs, total mystery
Title: The Tavern Between WorldsAuthor: Sora Pels
Date Completed: 1/4/2026
How it fits: This book was given to me by a friend, and I was told, “You will like it, just read it." Unfortunately, I did not.
🎯 b. Read a debut novel
11. The Curiosity Cabinet 🧪
🦋 a. Read a book featuring a strange or fascinating object
🧠 b. Read a book that teaches you something new or random (trivia welcome!)
Title: Starting Needlepoint Lace: A Course for BeginnersAuthor: Valerie Grimwood
Date Completed: 1/25/2026
How it fits: I am trying to learn a new needlework skill. Fingers crossed.
12. The Cartographer’s Compass 🧭
🔄 a. Read a book that changes direction midway (plot twist, genre shift, mood swing)
💫 b. Read a book that helps you find your true north — motivational, reflective, or just grounding
Title: Book of ShadowsAuthor: Phyllis Curott
Date Completed: 1/26/2026
How it fits: I have reread this often. Every time I do, I find myself inspired and more motivated.
13. Beneath the Stars 🌌
🌙 a. Read a book with stars, moon, or galaxies on the cover
Title: Right AscensionAuthor: David Derrico
Date Completed: 1/14/2026
How it fits: Nebula on the cover
✨ b. Read a story that explores dreams, destiny, or cosmic “what ifs”
14. Crossing Borders 🚢
🌍 a. Read a book by an author from a different continent
Title: The Blanket CatsAuthor: Kiyoshi Shigematsu
Date Completed: 1/1/2026
Task: Read a book by an author from a different continent.
How it fits: The author is Japanese. Japan is part of the Asian continent.
🗺️ b. Read a book that blends cultures, languages, or traditions
15. The Lost Civilization 🏛️
🔍 a. Read a historical fiction or archaeological mystery
Title: Speaks the NightbirdAuthor: Robert McCammon
Date Completed: 1/20/2026
How it fits: MPG Historical Fiction
🪶 b. Read a book inspired by myth, legend, or ancient lore
16. Portals & Passageways 🌀
🚪 a. Read a portal fantasy or a story with hidden worlds
Title: Every Heart a DoorwayAuthor: Seanan McGuire
Date Completed:1/28/2026
How it fits: Portal fantasy
🔄 b. Read a book that symbolizes change, transformation, or second chances
17. The People You Meet 🤝
💬 a. Read a book about friendship, community, or found family
Title: The House in the Cerulean SeaAuthor: T.J. Klune
Date Completed: 1/28/2026
How it fits: Found family
👣 b. Read a book with a character wildly different from you — new perspective, new world
18. The Explorer’s Mistake 🗯️
🧨 a. Read a book where taking a risk backfires (oops)
😳 b. Read a book that pushes you outside your comfort zone — scary genre, dense classic, guilty pleasure, anything
Title: God of MaliceAuthor: Rina Kent
Date Completed: 1/30/2026
How it fits: A guilty pleasure of mine A smutty dark romance while I'm snowed in.
19. Return Home 🏡
🍵 a. Read a book about homecoming, reunion, or rediscovery
🇮🇳 b. Read a book set in your own country or hometown
Title: The DisappearedAuthor: Kim Echlin
Date Completed: 1/26/2026
How it fits: Novel set partially in Canada
20. The Next Horizon 🌅
📖 a. Read a book that feels like a “new beginning” — first in a series, debut, or fresh genre
🎇 b. Read a book that makes you excited for the year ahead
Title: Lily and the OctopusAuthor: Steven Rowley
Date Completed: 1/26/2026
How it fits: Author’s debut novel
20/ 20✔️1. Wanderlust 🌍
✈️ a. Read a book set in a country you’ve never visited
Book:Mijn zusje, de seriemoordenaar
Author: Oyinkan Braithwaite
Read: 11 January
Pages: 230
Nigeria
🧳 b. Read a book that takes you on a journey (road trip, pilgrimage, expedition… anything with blisters and discovery)
✔️2. Deep Sea Dive 🌊
🐚 a. Read a book set on or near the ocean
Book:Isola
Author: Allegra Goodman
Read: 4 January
Pages: 346
Atlantic Ocean
🔱 b. Read a book that dives into secrets, mysteries, or the things we keep buried
✔️3. Into the Wild 🌲
🦌 a. Read a book set in the wilderness — forest, desert, or snowy nowhere
Book: De roep van de wildernis
Author: Jack London
Read: 6 January
Pages: 215
🔥 b. Read a survival story
✔️4. Mapmakers 🗺️
📜 a. Read a book with a map inside — real or fictional
🏔️ b. Read a story about discovery, exploration, or charting the unknown
Book: Naar het middelpunt der aarde
Author: Jules Verne
Read: 23 January
Pages: 348
✔️5. The Language of the World 💬
🗣️ a. Read a translated book
Book:De jachtpartij
Author: Lucy Foley
Read: 12 January
Pages: 349 📖 b. Read a book where communication play a big role (think love letters, journalists, linguists, or very talkative parrots)
✔️6. The Explorer’s Journal ✍️
📓 a. Read a memoir, biography, or travelogue
Book:
De vervlogen tijd: Hoe het vroeger wasAuthor: Wim Daniëls
Read: 18 January
Pages: 184
The book is about the youth of the author, how life was
💌 b. Read a story told through letters, diaries, or other found formats
✔️7. Skyward Bound ☁️
🚀 a. Read a book involving flight or space travel
🌈 b. Read a book that lifts your spirits — something joyful, hopeful, or heartwarming
Book:
Ki: kracht van binnenuitAuthor: Hans Peter Roel
Read: 31 January
Pages: 320
✔️8. Hidden Cities 🏙️
🏛️ a. Read a book set in a city you’ve never read about before
🌆 b. Read a book that uncovers a city’s secrets — the alleys, the underworld, or the locals-only corners
Book: Rome
Author: Kiki van Dijk
Read: 8 January
Pages: 224
✔️9. Time Travelers ⏳
⌛ a. Read a book set in another era
Book:Hart der duisternis
Author: Joseph Conrad
Read: 21 January
Pages:160 p.
🕰️ b. Read a time-travel story — paradoxes and headaches encouraged
✔️10. The Unknown Path 🚶♀️
👀 a. Read a book you know nothing about — no reviews, no blurbs, total mystery
Book: Dead in the Dining Room
Author: Leighann Dobbs
Read: 5 January
Pages: 168 p.
🎯 b. Read a debut novel
✔️11. The Curiosity Cabinet 🧪
🦋 a. Read a book featuring a strange or fascinating object
🧠 b. Read a book that teaches you something new or random (trivia welcome!)
Book:
Over een zee van ijsAuthor: William Sarabande
Read: 28 January
Pages: 420
Learned a lot about how prehistoric humans lived esp. Though winter in Ice age
✔️12. The Cartographer’s Compass 🧭
🔄 a. Read a book that changes direction midway (plot twist, genre shift, mood swing)
Book:De crash
Author: Freida McFadden
Read: 22 january
Pages:336
Swing from an active to a passive setting
💫 b. Read a book that helps you find your true north — motivational, reflective, or just grounding
✔️13. Beneath the Stars 🌌
🌙 a. Read a book with stars, moon, or galaxies on the cover
Book: Veronika Decides to Die
Author: Paulo Coelho
Read: 17 January
Pages: 285 p.
Stars on cover
✨ b. Read a story that explores dreams, destiny, or cosmic “what ifs”
✔️14. Crossing Borders 🚢
🌍 a. Read a book by an author from a different continent
Book: Adem, ogen, herinnering
Author: Edwidge Danticat
Read: 3 January
Pages: 249
Author from Haiti
🗺️ b. Read a book that blends cultures, languages, or traditions
✔️15. The Lost Civilization 🏛️
🔍 a. Read a historical fiction or archaeological mystery
🪶 b. Read a book inspired by myth, legend, or ancient lore
28. Book:Bloed en beenderen
Author: Tomi Adeyemi
Read: 28 January
Pages: 577
Inspired by Nigerian mythology
✔️16. Portals & Passageways 🌀
🚪 a. Read a portal fantasy or a story with hidden worlds
🔄 b. Read a book that symbolizes change, transformation, or second chances
Book:Op een andere planeet kunnen ze me redden
Author: Lieke Marsman
Read: 24 January
Pages: 198
✔️17. The People You Meet 🤝
💬 a. Read a book about friendship, community, or found family
👣 b. Read a book with a character wildly different from you — new perspective, new world
Book: De eerste krokus
Author: Laila Ibrahim
Read: 2 January
Pages: 304 p.
✔️18. The Explorer’s Mistake 🗯️
🧨 a. Read a book where taking a risk backfires (oops)
😳 b. Read a book that pushes you outside your comfort zone — scary genre, dense classic, guilty pleasure, anything
Book: Uitbarsting
Author: Michael Crichton
Read: 20 january
Pages: 432
Not a big fan of the genre esp. Not when it’s a heavy one. I don’t like Patterson.
✔️19. Return Home 🏡
🍵 a. Read a book about homecoming, reunion, or rediscovery
Book: De Woeste Hoogten
Author: Emily Brontë
Read: 24 January
Pages:359
Rereading for the third time gives a whole new perspective
🇮🇳 b. Read a book set in your own country or hometown
✔️20. The Next Horizon 🌅
📖 a. Read a book that feels like a “new beginning” — first in a series, debut, or fresh genre
Book:Vermoord naakt
Author: J.D. Robb
Read: 25 January
Pages:367
First in series
🎇 b. Read a book that makes you excited for the year ahead
Completed🧭 The Exploration Reading Challenge
1/1/26 - open
20/20
1. Wanderlust 🌍
🧳 b. Read a book that takes you on a journey - a road trip from Oklahoma to NY with a pair on a killing spree
Devoted in Death by J.D. Robb 3/1 4★
2. Deep Sea Dive 🌊
🔱 b. Read a book that dives into secrets, mysteries, or the things we keep buried - lots of these
Murder in the Cathedral by Kerry Greenwood 5/1 4.5★
3. Into the Wild 🌲
🦌 🔥 FREE SKIP
Body Language by A.K. Turner 28/1 3★
4. Mapmakers 🗺️
🏔️ b. Read a story about discovery, exploration, or charting the unknown
All the Weyrs of Pern by Anne McCaffrey 9/1 4★
5. The Language of the World 💬
📖 b. Read a book where communication play a big role - cyberstalking via email, a fairly new thing in the 90s
Cyberkiss by Sally Chapman 3/1 2.5★
6. The Explorer’s Journal ✍️
📓 a. Read a memoir, biography, or travelogue
💌 b. Read a story told through letters, diaries, or other found formats
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff 31/1 5★
7. Skyward Bound ☁️
🌈 b. Read a book that lifts your spirits — something joyful, hopeful, or heartwarming
Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot 1/1 5★
8. Hidden Cities 🏙️
🏛️ a. Read a book set in a city you’ve never read about before - Buenos Aires
Death Flight by Sarah Sultoon 4/1 3★
9. Time Travelers ⏳
⌛ a. Read a book set in another era
The Widows of Broome by Arthur W. Upfield 8/1 4★
10. The Unknown Path 🚶♀️
🎯 b. Read a debut novel
Redstone Station by Therese Creed 17/1 4★
11. The Curiosity Cabinet 🧪
🦋 a. Read a book featuring a strange or fascinating object - the King's true crown has some very unusual properties, & weighs very heavy
Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett 2/1 5★
12. The Cartographer’s Compass 🧭
🔄 a. Read a book that changes direction midway (plot twist, genre shift, mood swing) - becomes darker & more dangerous
Whitsunday Dawn by Annie Seaton 15/1 3.5★
13. Beneath the Stars 🌌
🌙 a. Read a book with stars, moon, or galaxies on the cover
by Susanna Clarke 19/1 3.5★14. Crossing Borders 🚢
🗺️ b. Read a book that blends cultures, languages, or traditions
Ming and Flo Fight for the Future by Jackie French 10/1 4★
15. The Lost Civilization 🏛️
🔍 a. Read a historical fiction
Murder at Almack's by Jo Ann Ferguson, Mona Gedney, Valerie King 7/1 2★
16. Portals & Passageways 🌀
🔄 b. Read a book that symbolizes change, transformation
The Shortest History of the Crown by Stephen Bates 17/1 4★
17. The People You Meet 🤝
👣 b. Read a book with a character wildly different from you — new perspective, new world - MC's country, culture, upbringing, life experience is completely different
Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith 23/1 4★
18. The Explorer’s Mistake 🗯️
🧨 a. Read a book where taking a risk backfires (oops) - thief MC risks saving a life but it brings her under police notice
Sanctuary by Garry Disher 22/1 4★
19. Return Home 🏡
🇮🇳 b. Read a book set in your own country or hometown
The Obsession by Nora Roberts 12/1 3.5★
20. The Next Horizon 🌅
📖 a. Read a book that feels like a “new beginning” — first in a series
The Giver by Lois Lowry 10/1 3★
15/20 1. Wanderlust 🌍
✈️ a. Read a book set in a country you’ve never visited The Intruder by Freida McFadden - set in US never visited
🧳 b. Read a book that takes you on a journey (road trip, pilgrimage, expedition… anything with blisters and discovery)
2. Deep Sea Dive 🌊
🐚 a. Read a book set on or near the ocean
🔱 b. Read a book that dives into secrets, mysteries, or the things we keep buried Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë - feelings we keep buried
3. Into the Wild 🌲
🦌 a. Read a book set in the wilderness — forest, desert, or snowy nowhere Sundial by Catriona Ward - set in desert
🔥 b. Read a survival story
4. Mapmakers 🗺️
📜 a. Read a book with a map inside — real or fictional A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas - map inside
🏔️ b. Read a story about discovery, exploration, or charting the unknown
5. The Language of the World 💬
🗣️ a. Read a translated book Mina's Matchbox by Yōko Ogawa - translated from Japanese
📖 b. Read a book where communication play a big role (think love letters, journalists, linguists, or very talkative parrots)
6. The Explorer’s Journal ✍️
📓 a. Read a memoir, biography, or travelogue
💌 b. Read a story told through letters, diaries, or other found formats
7. Skyward Bound ☁️
🚀 a. Read a book involving flight or space travel I, Robotby Isaac Asimov - involves space travel
🌈 b. Read a book that lifts your spirits — something joyful, hopeful, or heartwarming
8. Hidden Cities 🏙️
🏛️ a. Read a book set in a city you’ve never read about before
🌆 b. Read a book that uncovers a city’s secrets — the alleys, the underworld, or the locals-only corners
9. Time Travelers ⏳
⌛ a. Read a book set in another era Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel - set in Old India
🕰️ b. Read a time-travel story — paradoxes and headaches encouraged
10. The Unknown Path 🚶♀️
👀 a. Read a book you know nothing about — no reviews, no blurbs, total mystery
🎯 b. Read a debut novel The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath - debut
11. The Curiosity Cabinet 🧪
🦋 a. Read a book featuring a strange or fascinating object
🧠 b. Read a book that teaches you something new or random (trivia welcome!) Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect: A Novel by Benjamin Stevenson - taught me about the structure of mystery novels that authors usually follow
12. The Cartographer’s Compass 🧭
🔄 a. Read a book that changes direction midway (plot twist, genre shift, mood swing)
💫 b. Read a book that helps you find your true north — motivational, reflective, or just grounding The Bones Beneath My Skin by T.J. Klune - very grounding and to accept different people
13. Beneath the Stars 🌌
🌙 a. Read a book with stars, moon, or galaxies on the cover Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur - stars on cover
✨ b. Read a story that explores dreams, destiny, or cosmic “what ifs”
14. Crossing Borders 🚢
🌍 a. Read a book by an author from a different continent
🗺️ b. Read a book that blends cultures, languages, or traditions
15. The Lost Civilization 🏛️
🔍 a. Read a historical fiction or archaeological mystery
🪶 b. Read a book inspired by myth, legend, or ancient lore
16. Portals & Passageways 🌀
🚪 a. Read a portal fantasy or a story with hidden worlds
🔄 b. Read a book that symbolizes change, transformation, or second chances King of Wrath by Ana Huang - MC goes through a big change / transformation
17. The People You Meet 🤝
💬 a. Read a book about friendship, community, or found family
👣 b. Read a book with a character wildly different from you — new perspective, new world The Last Family in England by Matt Haig - MC is a labrador who just wants to protect humans
18. The Explorer’s Mistake 🗯️
🧨 a. Read a book where taking a risk backfires (oops)
😳 b. Read a book that pushes you outside your comfort zone — scary genre, dense classic, guilty pleasure, anything Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy - very uncomfortable age gap romance
19. Return Home 🏡
🍵 a. Read a book about homecoming, reunion, or rediscovery
🇮🇳 b. Read a book set in your own country or hometown
20. The Next Horizon 🌅
📖 a. Read a book that feels like a “new beginning” — first in a series, debut, or fresh genre
🎇 b. Read a book that makes you excited for the year ahead
Go explore: 13/20✔1. Wanderlust 🌍
✈️ a. Read a book set in a country you’ve never visited
Hell Yeah by Elle Kennedy - 14 Jan 2026 - Set in Canada, which I never visited
✔2. Deep Sea Dive 🌊
🔱 b. Read a book that dives into secrets, mysteries, or the things we keep buried
Spion aan de muur by John le Carré - 24 Jan 2026 - hpg= spionage --> lot's of secrets to be discovered.
3. Into the Wild 🌲
🦌 a. Read a book set in the wilderness — forest, desert, or snowy nowhere
🔥 b. Read a survival story
4. Mapmakers 🗺️
📜 a. Read a book with a map inside — real or fictional
🏔️ b. Read a story about discovery, exploration, or charting the unknown
✔5. The Language of the World 💬
🗣️ a. Read a translated book
Het zesde slachtoffer by James Patterson - 17 Jan 2026 - Translated from English to Dutch
✔6. The Explorer’s Journal ✍️
📓 a. Read a memoir, biography, or travelogue
Radio Cachot - Overleven binnen de muren van een Vlaamse gevangenis by Fred Klee - 17 Jan 2026 - The author tells about his life in prison --> autobiography
✔7. Skyward Bound ☁️
🚀 a. Read a book involving flight or space travel
De vele levens van Heloise Starchild by John Ironmonger - 21 Jan 2026 - involving flying with a hot air balloon ànd space travel
✔8. Hidden Cities 🏙️
🏛️ a. Read a book set in a city you’ve never read about before
54 Minuten by Marieke Nijkamp - 13 Feb 2026 - Set in opportunity - Alabama
9. Time Travelers ⏳
⌛ a. Read a book set in another era
🕰️ b. Read a time-travel story — paradoxes and headaches encouraged
✔10. The Unknown Path 🚶♀️
👀 a. Read a book you know nothing about — no reviews, no blurbs, total mystery
Web van herinneringen by Jane Kirkpatrick - 5 Feb 2026 - dove into this book blind...
✔11. The Curiosity Cabinet 🧪
🦋 a. Read a book featuring a strange or fascinating object
De Donkere Toren by Stephen King - 8 Feb 2026 - The dark tower to whitch the title of the book refers is a mysterious tower at the centre of the universe, of multiple universes even, and is very mysterious.
12. The Cartographer’s Compass 🧭
🔄 a. Read a book that changes direction midway (plot twist, genre shift, mood swing)
💫 b. Read a book that helps you find your true north — motivational, reflective, or just grounding
13. Beneath the Stars 🌌
🌙 a. Read a book with stars, moon, or galaxies on the cover
✨ b. Read a story that explores dreams, destiny, or cosmic “what ifs”
✔14. Crossing Borders 🚢
🌍 a. Read a book by an author from a different continent
Gebroken engelen by Karin Slaughter - 5 Mar 2026 - I'm from Europe, The author is from North-America
✔15. The Lost Civilization 🏛️
🔍 a. Read a historical fiction or archaeological mystery
We Are Not Free by Traci Chee - 9 Feb 2026 - hpg = historical ficiton
✔16. Portals & Passageways 🌀
🚪 a. Read a portal fantasy or a story with hidden worlds
Zilvergaren by Naomi Novik - 7 Jan 2026
How it fits: This story features a hidden world through the magical, icy realm of the 'Staryk', a fey people connected to winter and silver, which literally appears as an ice path to the human world.
17. The People You Meet 🤝
💬 a. Read a book about friendship, community, or found family
👣 b. Read a book with a character wildly different from you — new perspective, new world
18. The Explorer’s Mistake 🗯️
🧨 a. Read a book where taking a risk backfires (oops)
😳 b. Read a book that pushes you outside your comfort zone — scary genre, dense classic, guilty pleasure, anything
✔19. Return Home 🏡
🍵 a. Read a book about homecoming, reunion, or rediscovery
Molly & het kattencafé by Melissa Daley - 13 Feb 2026 - Molly finds a new home
✔20. The Next Horizon 🌅
📖 a. Read a book that feels like a “new beginning” — first in a series, debut, or fresh genre
Anna O. by Matthew Blake - 11 Jan 2026
How it fits: this is the debut novel of this author
Go explore: 12 /20✅✅1. Wanderlust 🌍
✅✅✈️ a. Read a book set in a country you’ve never visited
Read 1/1 -- set in Lebanon
🧳 b. Read a book that takes you on a journey (road trip, pilgrimage, expedition… anything with blisters and discovery)
✅✅2. Deep Sea Dive 🌊
✅✅🐚 a. Read a book set on or near the ocean
Read 1/7
Ocean front wedding and murder!
🔱 b. Read a book that dives into secrets, mysteries, or the things we keep buried
✅✅3. Into the Wild 🌲
🦌 a. Read a book set in the wilderness — forest, desert, or snowy nowhere
✅✅🔥 b. Read a survival storyline
Read 1/5
The narrator survives and earthquake and quest to get home — against all odds
✅✅ 4. Mapmakers 🗺️
📜 a. Read a book with a map inside — real or fictional
✅✅🏔️ b. Read a story about discovery, exploration, or charting the unknown
Read 1/8
When the guards leave and the women escape they find they are the only survivors in this world and they must learn to navigate the planet for their survival.
5. The Language of the World 💬
🗣️ a. Read a translated book
📖 b. Read a book where communication play a big role (think love letters, journalists, linguists, or very talkative parrots)
6. The Explorer’s Journal ✍️
📓 a. Read a memoir, biography, or travelogue
💌 b. Read a story told through letters, diaries, or other found formats
✅✅7. Skyward Bound ☁️
🚀 a. Read a book involving flight or space travel
✅✅🌈 b. Read a book that lifts your spirits — something joyful, hopeful, or heartwarming
Beard Necessities by Penny Reid
Read 1/18
I love this series and it always lifts my spirits.
✅✅ 8. Hidden Cities 🏙️
✅✅🏛️ a. Read a book set in a city you’ve never read about before
Read 1/13 — I never read a book set in or about Hong Kong
🌆 b. Read a book that uncovers a city’s secrets — the alleys, the underworld, or the locals-only corners
✅✅9. Time Travelers ⏳
✅✅⌛ a. Read a book set in another era
Read 1/15 — set in the mid 21st century
🕰️ b. Read a time-travel story — paradoxes and headaches encouraged
10. The Unknown Path 🚶♀️
👀 a. Read a book you know nothing about — no reviews, no blurbs, total mystery
🎯 b. Read a debut novel
✅✅11. The Curiosity Cabinet 🧪
🦋 a. Read a book featuring a strange or fascinating object
✅✅🧠 b. Read a book that teaches you something new or random (trivia welcome!)
Read 1/16 — this book really taught me a lot about Palestine and what is happening there.
12. The Cartographer’s Compass 🧭
🔄 a. Read a book that changes direction midway (plot twist, genre shift, mood swing)
💫 b. Read a book that helps you find your true north — motivational, reflective, or just grounding
13. Beneath the Stars 🌌
🌙 a. Read a book with stars, moon, or galaxies on the cover
✨ b. Read a story that explores dreams, destiny, or cosmic “what ifs”
14. Crossing Borders 🚢
🌍 a. Read a book by an author from a different continent
🗺️ b. Read a book that blends cultures, languages, or traditions
✅✅15. The Lost Civilization 🏛️
🔍 a. Read a historical fiction or archaeological mystery
✅✅🪶 b. Read a book inspired by myth, legend, or ancient lore
read 1/2 much is inspired by mythology especially “The Golem” who is the villain
16. Portals & Passageways 🌀
🚪 a. Read a portal fantasy or a story with hidden worlds
🔄 b. Read a book that symbolizes change, transformation, or second chances
17. The People You Meet 🤝
💬 a. Read a book about friendship, community, or found family
👣 b. Read a book with a character wildly different from you — new perspective, new world
✅✅ 18. The Explorer’s Mistake 🗯️
✅✅🧨 a. Read a book where taking a risk backfires (oops)
Read 1/4 -- Lo's decision to take a risk and help Carrie backfires as she is set up and ends in jail
😳 b. Read a book that pushes you outside your comfort zone — scary genre, dense classic, guilty pleasure, anything
✅✅19. Return Home 🏡
🍵 a. Read a book about homecoming, reunion, or rediscovery
✅✅🇮🇳 b. Read a book set in your own country or hometown
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Read 1/20
Set in USA
✅✅20. The Next Horizon 🌅
✅✅📖 a. Read a book that feels like a “new beginning” — first in a series, debut, or fresh genre
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Read 1/20
1st in series
🎇 b. Read a book that makes you excited for the year ahead
Go explore!Book completed: 20/20 - FINISHED!!
1. Wanderlust 🌍
Book:
BlazeAuthor: Donna Grant
Date completed: 1/16/2026
Task: ✈️ Read a book set in a country you’ve never visited
How it fits: Set in England, where I have never been.
2. Deep Sea Dive 🌊
Book:
He Loves Me KnotAuthor: Annabelle McCormack
Date completed: 1/6/2026
Task: 🐚 Read a book set on or near the ocean
How it fits: Set on a beach resort of Costa Rica.
3. Into the Wild 🌲
Book:
A Study in ScarletAuthor: Arthur Conan Doyle
Date completed: 1/31/2026
Task: 🦌 Read a book set in the wilderness — forest, desert, or snowy nowhere
How it fits: Set in the largely uninhabited Utah desert of the 1800s.
4. Mapmakers 🗺️
Book:
Neon GodsAuthor: Katee Robert
Date completed: 1/2/2026
Task: 📜 Read a book with a map inside — real or fictional
How it fits: Map of Olympus city in front.
5. The Language of the World 💬
Book:
The HistorianAuthor: Elizabeth Kostova
Date completed: 1/11/2026
Task: 📖 b. Read a book where communication play a big role (think love letters, journalists, linguists, or very talkative parrots)
How it fits: Features many letters and journal entries to tell the story.
6. The Explorer’s Journal ✍️
Book:
Gone GirlAuthor: Gillian Flynn
Date completed: 1/4/2026
Task: 💌 Read a story told through letters, diaries, or other found formats
How it fits: Part of the story is told by Amy Elliott's journals.
7. Skyward Bound ☁️
Book:
Bound by the Ice DragonAuthor: Alyx X.
Date completed: 1/17/2026
Task:🚀 Read a book involving flight or space travel
How it fits: Tessa travels from planet Earth to planet Hydronia.
8. Hidden Cities 🏙️
Book:
CalicoAuthor: Callie Hart
Date completed: 2/4/2026
Task: 🏛️ Read a book set in a city you’ve never read about before
How it fits: Set in Port Royal, SC, USA. Never read (or heard of) this city.
9. Time Travelers ⏳
Book:
Secrets of a Scottish IsleAuthor: Erica Ruth Neubauer
Date completed: 1/14/2026
Task: ⌛ Read a book set in another era
How it fits: Set in 1927.
10. The Unknown Path 🚶♀️
Book:
Jonathan Strange & Mr. NorrellAuthor: Susanna Clarke
Date completed: 1/20/2026
Task: 🎯 Read a debut novel
How it fits: Susanna Clarke's debut novel.
11. The Curiosity Cabinet 🧪
Book:
Too Old for ThisAuthor: Samantha Downing
Date completed: 1/7/2026
Task: 🧠 Read a book that teaches you something new or random.
How it fits: Apparently when you stab someone, the sound the skin makes as the knife cuts through it makes a pop. Or at least, you know, thus sayeth the serial killer in this book. Is this macabre AF? Totally. But those are the types of facts that rent space in my brain.
12. The Cartographer’s Compass 🧭
Book:
In Praise of Wasting TimeAuthor: Alan Lightman
Date completed: 1/18/2026
Task: 💫 Read a book that helps you find your true north — motivational, reflective, or just grounding
How it fits: Motivating and encouraging, explaining why leisure is important and leads to higher creativity and productivity overall.
13. Beneath the Stars 🌌
Book:
Slashing Through the SnowAuthor: Jacqueline Frost
Date completed: 1/8/2026
Task: 🌙 Read a book with stars, moon, or galaxies on the cover
How it fits: A sky full of stars on the cover. Stars on top of Christmas trees.
14. Crossing Borders 🚢
Book:
The Girl in the TreeAuthor: Şebnem İşigüzel
Date completed: 1/16/2026
Task: 🌍 Read a book by an author from a different continent
How it fits: Author from the Asian side of Turkey. I'm in North America.
15. The Lost Civilization 🏛️
Book:
The Girl Who Saved ChristmasAuthor: Matt Haig
Date completed: 1/12/2026
Task: 🪶 b. Read a book inspired by myth, legend, or ancient lore
How it fits: Inspired by the myths and legends surrounding Santa Clause / Father Christmas.
16. Portals & Passageways 🌀
Book:
Clean SweepAuthor: Katie Cross
Date completed: 1/27/2026
Task: 🔄 Read a book that symbolizes change, transformation, or second chances
How it fits: Leslie Hill and Tanner Beck are both divorced forty somethings who have a second chance at love.
17. The People You Meet 🤝
Book:
The Princess and the FangirlAuthor: Ashley Poston
Date completed: 1/13/2026
Task: 💬 Read a book about friendship, community, or found family
How it fits: About fandom communities and the people in them and the famous people/characters they are about.
18. The Explorer’s Mistake 🗯️
Book:
My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday StoriesAuthor: Stephanie Perkins
Date completed: 1/1/2026
Task: 😳 Read a book that pushes you outside your comfort zone
How it fits: I don't typically read or even enjoy short stories, so this was a definite shift for me.
19. Return Home 🏡
Book:
How My Neighbor Stole ChristmasAuthor: Meghan Quinn
Date completed: 1/10/2026
Task: 🍵 Read a book about homecoming, reunion, or rediscovery
How it fits: Storee Taylor returns to a town she loved as a child, Kringletown, Colorado, to help take care of her aunt after a hip replacement.
20. The Next Horizon 🌅
Book:
Can't Spell Treason Without TeaAuthor: Rebecca Thorne
Date completed: 1/23/2026
Task: 📖 Read a book that feels like a “new beginning” — first in a series, debut, or fresh genre
How it fits: First book in Tomes & Tea series.
Go explore: 15/20✅ 1. Wanderlust 🌍
Title/Author: Geweldig groots mooi leven by Emily Henry
Date Completed: 6/2
Task: Read a book set in a country you’ve never visited
How it fits: This is set in the US, I've never been there.
✅ 2. Deep Sea Dive 🌊
Title/Author: Cursebreakers by Madeleine Nakamura
Date Completed: 10/1
Task: Read a book that dives into secrets, mysteries, or the things we keep buried
How it fits: Adrien uncovers the mystery of why seemingly random people end up in magical comas.
3. Into the Wild 🌲
🦌 a. Read a book set in the wilderness — forest, desert, or snowy nowhere
🔥 b. Read a survival story
4. Mapmakers 🗺️
📜 a. Read a book with a map inside — real or fictional
🏔️ b. Read a story about discovery, exploration, or charting the unknown
✅ 5. The Language of the World 💬
Title/Author: Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow
Date Completed: 14/1
Task: Read a translated book
How it fits: I read this in Dutch translation (the original is in English)
6. The Explorer’s Journal ✍️
📓 a. Read a memoir, biography, or travelogue
💌 b. Read a story told through letters, diaries, or other found formats
✅ 7. Skyward Bound ☁️
Title/Author: Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales
Date Completed: 21/1
Task: Read a book that lifts your spirits — something joyful, hopeful, or heartwarming
How it fits: This was very joyful, I truly felt a little better after reading it.
8. Hidden Cities 🏙️
🏛️ a. Read a book set in a city you’ve never read about before
🌆 b. Read a book that uncovers a city’s secrets — the alleys, the underworld, or the locals-only corners
✅ 9. Time Travelers ⏳
Title/Author: Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
Date Completed: 14/2
Task: Read a time-travel story — paradoxes and headaches encouraged
How it fits: This is a time travel story.
✅ 10. The Unknown Path 🚶♀️
Title/Author: Starfish by Lisa Fipps
Date Completed: 5/3
Task: Read a debut novel
How it fits: This is Lisa Fipps' debut.
11. The Curiosity Cabinet 🧪
🦋 a. Read a book featuring a strange or fascinating object
🧠 b. Read a book that teaches you something new or random (trivia welcome!)
✅ 12. The Cartographer’s Compass 🧭
Title/Author: Kapot by Louisa Reid
Date Completed: 7/1
Task: Read a book that changes direction midway (plot twist, genre shift, mood swing)
How it fits: You discover something that drastically changes the meaning of the entire story midway.
✅ 13. Beneath the Stars 🌌
Title/Author: De DallerGut Dromenwinkel by Miye Lee
Date Completed: 29/1
Task: Read a story that explores dreams, destiny, or cosmic “what ifs”
How it fits: This book explores dreams.
✅ 14. Crossing Borders 🚢
Title/Author: The Future Widows' Club by Rhonda Russell
Date Completed: 12/1
Task: Read a book by an author from a different continent
How it fits: The author is from North America, I'm in Europe.
✅ 15. The Lost Civilization 🏛️
Title/Author: Wij, twee jongens by Aline Sax
Date Completed: 20/2
Task: Read a historical fiction or archaeological mystery
How it fits: This is historical fiction (set in 1910)
✅ 16. Portals & Passageways 🌀
Title/Author: The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer
Date Completed: 27/1
Task: Read a portal fantasy or a story with hidden worlds
How it fits: This is a portal fantasy.
✅ 17. The People You Meet 🤝
Title/Author: De verzamelde werken van A.J. Fikry, boekhandelaar by Gabrielle Zevin
Date Completed: 1/3
Task: Read a book about friendship, community, or found family
How it fits: Bit by bit, A.J. creates a community of/with the people around him after his wife has died.
✅ 18. The Explorer’s Mistake 🗯️
Title/Author: Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White
Date Completed: 6/1
Task: Read a book that pushes you outside your comfort zone — scary genre, dense classic, guilty pleasure, anything
How it fits: I don't usually read horror, this was definitely a scary genre!
✅ 19. Return Home 🏡
Title/Author: Let Me Protect You: A Granite Falls Romance by Ashlee G. Rosales
Date Completed: 29/1
Task: Read a book about homecoming, reunion, or rediscovery
How it fits: Harmony returns to her hometown of Granite Falls and rediscovers the relationship she left behind.
✅ 20. The Next Horizon 🌅
Title/Author: Deadline by Stephanie Ahn
Date Completed: 20/1
Task: Read a book that feels like a “new beginning” — first in a series, debut, or fresh genre
How it fits: This is the first book in the Harrietta Lee series.
Go explore: x /201. Wanderlust 🌍
✈️ a. Read a book set in a country you’ve never visited
🧳 b. Read a book that takes you on a journey (road trip, pilgrimage, expedition… anything with blisters and discovery)
2. Deep Sea Dive 🌊
🐚 a. Read a book set on or near the ocean
🔱 b. Read a book that dives into secrets, mysteries, or the things we keep buried
3. Into the Wild 🌲
🦌 a. Read a book set in the wilderness — forest, desert, or snowy nowhere
🔥 b. Read a survival story
4. Mapmakers 🗺️
📜 a. Read a book with a map inside — real or fictional
🏔️ b. Read a story about discovery, exploration, or charting the unknown
5. The Language of the World 💬
🗣️ a. Read a translated book
📖 b. Read a book where communication play a big role (think love letters, journalists, linguists, or very talkative parrots)
6. The Explorer’s Journal ✍️
📓 a. Read a memoir, biography, or travelogue
💌 b. Read a story told through letters, diaries, or other found formats
7. Skyward Bound ☁️
🚀 a. Read a book involving flight or space travel
🌈 b. Read a book that lifts your spirits — something joyful, hopeful, or heartwarming
8. Hidden Cities 🏙️
🏛️ a. Read a book set in a city you’ve never read about before
🌆 b. Read a book that uncovers a city’s secrets — the alleys, the underworld, or the locals-only corners
9. Time Travelers ⏳
⌛ a. Read a book set in another era
🕰️ b. Read a time-travel story — paradoxes and headaches encouraged
10. The Unknown Path 🚶♀️
👀 a. Read a book you know nothing about — no reviews, no blurbs, total mystery
🎯 b. Read a debut novel
11. The Curiosity Cabinet 🧪
🦋 a. Read a book featuring a strange or fascinating object
🧠 b. Read a book that teaches you something new or random (trivia welcome!)
12. The Cartographer’s Compass 🧭
🔄 a. Read a book that changes direction midway (plot twist, genre shift, mood swing)
💫 b. Read a book that helps you find your true north — motivational, reflective, or just grounding
13. Beneath the Stars 🌌
🌙 a. Read a book with stars, moon, or galaxies on the cover
✨ b. Read a story that explores dreams, destiny, or cosmic “what ifs”
14. Crossing Borders 🚢
🌍 a. Read a book by an author from a different continent
🗺️ b. Read a book that blends cultures, languages, or traditions
15. The Lost Civilization 🏛️
🔍 a. Read a historical fiction or archaeological mystery
🪶 b. Read a book inspired by myth, legend, or ancient lore
16. Portals & Passageways 🌀
🚪 a. Read a portal fantasy or a story with hidden worlds
🔄 b. Read a book that symbolizes change, transformation, or second chances
17. The People You Meet 🤝
💬 a. Read a book about friendship, community, or found family
👣 b. Read a book with a character wildly different from you — new perspective, new world
18. The Explorer’s Mistake 🗯️
🧨 a. Read a book where taking a risk backfires (oops)
😳 b. Read a book that pushes you outside your comfort zone — scary genre, dense classic, guilty pleasure, anything
19. Return Home 🏡
🍵 a. Read a book about homecoming, reunion, or rediscovery
🇮🇳 b. Read a book set in your own country or hometown
20. The Next Horizon 🌅
📖 a. Read a book that feels like a “new beginning” — first in a series, debut, or fresh genre
🎇 b. Read a book that makes you excited for the year ahead
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Books mentioned in this topic
Gebroken engelen (other topics)Starfish (other topics)
De verzamelde werken van A.J. Fikry, boekhandelaar (other topics)
Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect: A Novel (other topics)
The Bell Jar (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Karin Slaughter (other topics)Lisa Fipps (other topics)
Gabrielle Zevin (other topics)
Benjamin Stevenson (other topics)
Sylvia Plath (other topics)
More...


“Adventure begins at the edge of your comfort zone — or your TBR pile.”
January is all about fresh starts, bold journeys, and getting a little lost (in stories, of course). From hidden cities to starry skies, this challenge takes you across maps, timelines, and ideas — one page at a time.
Each of the 20 prompts has two tasks. Pick your path and explore! 🌍✨
Sign-ups are open until Jan 31st.
The challenge is open-ended.
The Challenge
1. Please copy the list of tasks in the below message and post it in this thread. No new thread will be created.
2. This challenge is for 20 books, one for each place in the list. Each of them has 2 tasks and you need to read for one of the two tasks. You can read in any order. For each completed task, you will receive one point. Additionally, you will receive 5 points for completing 10 books and 10 points for all 20 books.
3. Skips:
You have 1 free skip available - just let me know which task you would like to use it for in the Q&A thread and read a book that meets the general guidelines instead.
For more skips:
Spend 2 points to skip a task and read one of the remaining 38 tasks instead. Example: You want to skip no.1 entirely, so you read for of both tasks of no.5 (one to complete no. 1 , another to complete no. 5).
Spend 5 points to skip a task and read a book that meets the general guidelines instead.
4. Sample completion post below each book completed in your message
Title:
Author:
Date Completed:
Task:
How it fits:
5. If you don't have a personal point account thread yet, request one here.
6. Only books completed from Jan 01, 2026 will be accepted.