2026 Reading Challenge discussion
2026 Monthly Challenges
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September - Take a Hike
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TAKE A HIKEDuration: September 1 - September 30, 2026
When I am reading, I sometimes want a sign above my head saying 'Take a Hike'
Because as we know Take a Hike also means to go away, leave someone alone, or get lost. But in this challenge we are really taking a hike in our books.
📚 To sign up, please post a comment below and include the number of books you plan to read for this challenge! 📚
To have your challenge updated on the participants list, please post an update comment. Be sure to include both your original message number and progress:.
Example: Updated msg #10: 2/8
If you decide to drop out of the challenge, please don’t delete your original sign-up post. Just update and let me know
Thanks and good luck with your challenges
"Take a hike" is an informal (and often rude) idiom that means to go away, leave someone alone, or get lost. We don't need to be rude, but sometimes we sure wanna be left alone to continue reading 😃🥰✨Participantslist
Amy (# 29) - 1/6
Caraina (# 19) - 0/5
Carly (# 16) - 0/5
Carolyn (# 14) - 0/10
Carrie (# 27) - 0/10
Darinda (# 26) - 0/5
Frankie (# 6) - 0/5
Janine (# 12) - 0/3
JennH (# 7) - 0/5
Jill (# 20) - 0/5
Karin (# 21) - 0/3
Kristina (# 24) - 0/5
Laurie (# 17) - 0/3
Lodo (# 5) - 0/2
Marielle (# 4) - 0/5
Melissa (# 8) - 0/10
Odette (# 9) - 0/4
Sarah (# 11) - 0/10
Susan (# 15) - 0/5
Susanna (# 25) - 0/4
Suzanne (# 28) - 0/10
TerryJane (# 13) - 1/10
Whitney (# 18) - 0/4
STATS
Participants: 23
Books Read: 2
Book Goal: 134
Completed: 0
Updated on September 4, 2026 .
I will try for 5Progress 0/5
📚1. Trees: Read a book with trees or leaves on the cover, set in a heavily wooded area, or a book with a dark, mysterious theme.
📚2. Ferns, Mosses, and Fungi: Read a book with a ferns, moss, or mushrooms on the cover, or a book where someone forages for food, herbs or medicines.
3. Vines: Read a book with a vine on the cover, with a character who enjoys climbing or running, or a book about someone who needs something or someone for support.
4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover, or a survival or adventure book.
📚5. Birds: Read a book with a bird on the cover, in the title or author’s name, or about a character who "leaves the nest."
6. Amphibians and Reptiles: Read a book with an amphibian or reptile on the cover, or with a title word that describes their movement, e.g., crawl, slither, hop.
7. Insects and Invertebrates: Read a book with an insect or invertebrate on the cover, or with an associated word in the title, e.g. buzz, wing, web.
📚8. Water source: Read a book with a stream, pond, wetland or similar water source in its cover art, or reflected in the title.
📚9. Global Forests: Large forests are found on all continents except Antarctica. Read a travel book, or a book set in the woods on any other continent besides your homeland.
10. Forest Careers: Read a book about someone whose work involves the forest and its elements, e.g. hiking guide, wildland firefighter, forest ranger.
Sign me up for 2 for the moment! 😊TAKE A HIKE
Duration: September 1 - September 30, 2026
Progress : 0/2
1. Trees: Read a book with trees or leaves on the cover, set in a heavily wooded area, or a book with a dark, mysterious theme.
🕮 The God of the Woods - Liz Moore
2. Ferns, Mosses, and Fungi: Read a book with a ferns, moss, or mushrooms on the cover, or a book where someone forages for food, herbs or medicines.
🕮 The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern - Lynda Cohen Loigman
3. Vines: Read a book with a vine on the cover, with a character who enjoys climbing or running, or a book about someone who needs something or someone for support.
🕮 The Lost Vintage - Ann Mah
4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover, or a survival or adventure book.
🕮 Poor Deer - Claire Oshetsky
5. Birds: Read a book with a bird on the cover, in the title or author’s name, or about a character who "leaves the nest."
🕮 The Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing - Lara Love Hardin
6. Amphibians and Reptiles: Read a book with an amphibian or reptile on the cover, or with a title word that describes their movement, e.g., crawl, slither, hop.
🕮 Eva Luna - Isabel Allende
7. Insects and Invertebrates: Read a book with an insect or invertebrate on the cover, or with an associated word in the title, e.g. buzz, wing, web.
🕮 The Ardent Swarm - Yamen Manai
8. Water source: Read a book with a stream, pond, wetland or similar water source in its cover art, or reflected in the title.
🕮 Flags on the Bayou - James Lee Burke
9. Global Forests: Large forests are found on all continents except Antarctica. Read a travel book, or a book set in the woods on any other continent besides your homeland.
🕮 -
10. Forest Careers: Read a book about someone whose work involves the forest and its elements, e.g. hiking guide, wildland firefighter, forest ranger.
🕮 -
TAKE A HIKEDuration: September 1 - September 30, 2026
0/5 Completed
1. Trees: Read a book with trees or leaves on the cover, set in a heavily wooded area, or a book with a dark, mysterious theme.
2. Ferns, Mosses, and Fungi: Read a book with a ferns, moss, or mushrooms on the cover, or a book where someone forages for food, herbs or medicines.
3. Vines: Read a book with a vine on the cover, with a character who enjoys climbing or running, or a book about someone who needs something or someone for support.
4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover, or a survival or adventure book.
5. Birds: Read a book with a bird on the cover, in the title or author’s name, or about a character who "leaves the nest."
6. Amphibians and Reptiles: Read a book with an amphibian or reptile on the cover, or with a title word that describes their movement, e.g., crawl, slither, hop.
7. Insects and Invertebrates: Read a book with an insect or invertebrate on the cover, or with an associated word in the title, e.g. buzz, wing, web.
8. Water source: Read a book with a stream, pond, wetland or similar water source in its cover art, or reflected in the title.
9. Global Forests: Large forests are found on all continents except Antarctica. Read a travel book, or a book set in the woods on any other continent besides your homeland.
10. Forest Careers: Read a book about someone whose work involves the forest and its elements, e.g. hiking guide, wildland firefighter, forest ranger.
Please sign me up for 5.TAKE A HIKE
Duration: September 1 - September 30, 2026
2/5
1. Trees: Read a book with trees or leaves on the cover, set in a heavily wooded area, or a book with a dark, mysterious theme.
2. Ferns, Mosses, and Fungi: Read a book with a ferns, moss, or mushrooms on the cover, or a book where someone forages for food, herbs or medicines.
Don't Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews 9/9/26
4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover, or a survival or adventure book.
5. Birds: Read a book with a bird on the cover, in the title or author’s name, or about a character who "leaves the nest."
6. Amphibians and Reptiles: Read a book with an amphibian or reptile on the cover, or with a title word that describes their movement, e.g., crawl, slither, hop.
7. Insects and Invertebrates: Read a book with an insect or invertebrate on the cover, or with an associated word in the title, e.g. buzz, wing, web.
Night and Day by Iris Johansen 9/11
9. Global Forests: Large forests are found on all continents except Antarctica. Read a travel book, or a book set in the woods on any other continent besides your homeland.
10. Forest Careers: Read a book about someone whose work involves the forest and its elements, e.g. hiking guide, wildland firefighter, forest ranger.
Please sign me up for 10!1. Trees: Read a book with trees or leaves on the cover, set in a heavily wooded area, or a book with a dark, mysterious theme. maybe Canticle
-- 2. Ferns, Mosses, and Fungi: Read a book with a ferns, moss, or mushrooms on the cover, or a book where someone forages for food, herbs or medicines. Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds, & Shape Our Future
3. Vines: Read a book with a vine on the cover, with a character who enjoys climbing or running, or a book about someone who needs something or someone for support. The Everlasting
-- 4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover, or a survival or adventure book. Sabriel (listening to Tim Curry read it)
5. Birds: Read a book with a bird on the cover, in the title or author’s name, or about a character who "leaves the nest." Six of Crows? Dead Beat? (owl on cover)
6. Amphibians and Reptiles: Read a book with an amphibian or reptile on the cover, or with a title word that describes their movement, e.g., crawl, slither, hop. A Parade of Horribles or Snake-Eater or Canon
7. Insects and Invertebrates: Read a book with an insect or invertebrate on the cover, or with an associated word in the title, e.g. buzz, wing, web. The Ardent Swarm
8. Water source: Read a book with a stream, pond, wetland or similar water source in its cover art, or reflected in the title. Water Baby
9. Global Forests: Large forests are found on all continents except Antarctica. Read a travel book, or a book set in the woods on any other continent besides your homeland. The Missing
10. Forest Careers: Read a book about someone whose work involves the forest and its elements, e.g. hiking guide, wildland firefighter, forest ranger. Smokejumper
Please sigm me up for 4TAKE A HIKE
Duration: September 1 - September 30, 2026
1/4
1. Trees: Read a book with trees or leaves on the cover, set in a heavily wooded area, or with a dark, mysterious theme.
2. Ferns, Mosses, and Fungi: Read a book with a ferns, moss, or mushrooms on the cover, or a book where someone forages for food, herbs or medicines.
Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens by Shankari Chandran
3. Vines: Read a book with a vine on the cover, with a character who enjoys climbing or running, or a book about someone who needs something or someone for support.
The Running Club by Ali Lowe
4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover, or a survival or adventure book.
Wolf Hour by Jo Nesbø
5. Birds: Read a book with a bird on the cover, in the title or author’s name, or about a character who "leaves the nest."
Still Life by Sarah Winman
6. Amphibians and Reptiles: Read a book with an amphibian or reptile on the cover, or with a title word that describes their movement, e.g., crawl, slither, hop.
7. Insects and Invertebrates: Read a book with an insect or invertebrate on the cover, or with an associated word in the title, e.g. buzz, wing, web.
8. Water source: Read a book with a stream, pond, wetland or similar water source in its cover art, or reflected in the title.
9. Global Forests: Large forests are found on all continents except Antarctica. Read a travel book, or a book set in the woods on any other continent besides your homeland.
10. Forest Careers: Read a book about someone whose work involves the forest and its elements, e.g. hiking guide, wildland firefighter, forest ranger.
Great to see the enthousiasm!
Sign me up for 10 books.0/10
1. Trees: Read a book with trees or leaves on the cover, set in a heavily wooded area, or a book with a dark, mysterious theme.
The Romance of the Forest
2. Ferns, Mosses, and Fungi: Read a book with a ferns, moss, or mushrooms on the cover, or a book about someone forages for food, herbs, or medicines.
The Darkest Part of the Forest
3. Vines: Read a book with a vine on the cover, with a character who enjoys climbing or running, or a book where someone who needs something or someone for support.
4. Mammals: Read a book about forest mammals, with a forest mammal on the cover, or a survival or adventure book.
The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng
5. Birds: Read a book with a bird on the cover, in the title or author’s name, or about a character who "leaves the nest."
Normal People
6. Amphibians and Reptiles: Read a book with an amphibian or reptile on the cover, or with a title word that describes their movement, e.g., crawl, slither, hop.
Forest of a Thousand Lanterns
7. Insects and Invertebrates: Read a book with an insect or invertebrate on the cover, or with an associated word in the title, e.g. buzz, wing, web.
The Broken Wings
8. Water source: Read a book with a stream, pond, wetland or similar water source in its cover art, or reflected in the title.
On Duck Pond
9. Global Forests: Large forests are found on all continents except Antarctica. Read a travel book, or a book set in the woods on any other continent besides your homeland.
Have Laptop, Will Travel: Memoirs of a Digital Nomad—12 Cities, 12 Months
10. Forest Careers: Read a book about someone whose work involves the forest and its elements, e.g. hiking guide, wildland firefighter, forest ranger.
Fire Season: Field Notes from a Wilderness Lookout
🌄 TAKE A HIKE - Monthly ChallengeDuration: September 1 - September 30, 2026
Progress: 1/10
1. Trees: Read a book with trees or leaves on the cover, set in a heavily wooded area, or a book with a dark, mysterious theme.
The Return of the Dancing Master
2. Ferns, Mosses, and Fungi: Read a book with a ferns, moss, or mushrooms on the cover, or a book where someone forages for food, herbs or medicines.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
3. Vines: Read a book with a vine on the cover, with a character who enjoys climbing or running, or a book about someone who needs something or someone for support.
Lady Tremaine
4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover, or a survival or adventure book.
The Perfect Murder
5. Birds: Read a book with a bird on the cover, in the title or author’s name, or about a character who "leaves the nest."
The Axeman's Carnival
6. Amphibians and Reptiles: Read a book with an amphibian or reptile on the cover, or with a title word that describes their movement, e.g., crawl, slither, hop.
State of Wonder
7. Insects and Invertebrates: Read a book with an insect or invertebrate on the cover, or with an associated word in the title, e.g. buzz, wing, web.
The Mosquito Coast
🌄 8. Water source: Read a book with a stream, pond, wetland or similar water source in its cover art, or reflected in the title.
Big Little Truths
9. Global Forests: Large forests are found on all continents except Antarctica. Read a travel book, or a book set in the woods on any other continent besides your homeland.
Hungry Ghosts
10. Forest Careers: Read a book about someone whose work involves the forest and its elements, e.g. hiking guide, wildland firefighter, forest ranger.
Those Who Wish Me Dead
TAKE A HIKE1. Trees: Read a book with trees or leaves on the cover, set in a heavily wooded area, or a book with a dark, mysterious theme.
**My Husbands Wife Alice Feeney
2. Ferns, Mosses, and Fungi: Read a book with a ferns, moss, or mushrooms on the cover.
**The Last Pendragon Saga Book 1, Sarah Woodbury
3. Vines: Read a book with a vine on the cover, with a character who enjoys climbing or running, or a book about someone who needs something or someone for support.
**The Inheritance, Simon Tolkien
4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover.
**Dire Bound, Sabel Sorenson
5. Birds: Read a book with a bird on the cover, in the title or author’s name, or about a character who "leaves the nest."
** Sea of Charms Sarah Beth Durst
6. Amphibians and Reptiles: Read a book with an amphibian or reptile on the cover.
**Eragon
7. Insects and Invertebrates: Read a book with an insect or invertebrate on the cover.
**Remarkably Bright Creatures
8. Water source: Read a book with a stream, pond, wetland or similar water source in its cover art, or reflected in the title.
**Shadowing Stella, Elle E. Kay
9. Global Forests: Large forests are found on all continents except Antarctica. Read a travel book, or a book set in the woods on any other continent besides your homeland.
**Wild, Kristin Hannah
10. Forest Careers: Read a book about someone whose work involves the forest and its elements, e.g. hiking guide, wildland firefighter, forest ranger.
** The Two Date Rule
TAKE A HIKEDuration: September 1 - September 30, 2026
Progress: 0/5
1. Trees: Read a book with trees or leaves on the cover, set in a heavily wooded area, or a book with a dark, mysterious theme.
2. Ferns, Mosses, and Fungi: Read a book with a ferns, moss, or mushrooms on the cover, or a book where someone forages for food, herbs or medicines.
3. Vines: Read a book with a vine on the cover, with a character who enjoys climbing or running, or a book about someone who needs something or someone for support.
4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover, or a survival or adventure book.
5. Birds: Read a book with a bird on the cover, in the title or author’s name, or about a character who "leaves the nest."
6. Amphibians and Reptiles: Read a book with an amphibian or reptile on the cover, or with a title word that describes their movement, e.g., crawl, slither, hop.
7. Insects and Invertebrates: Read a book with an insect or invertebrate on the cover, or with an associated word in the title, e.g. buzz, wing, web.
8. Water source: Read a book with a stream, pond, wetland or similar water source in its cover art, or reflected in the title.
9. Global Forests: Large forests are found on all continents except Antarctica. Read a travel book, or a book set in the woods on any other continent besides your homeland.
10. Forest Careers: Read a book about someone whose work involves the forest and its elements, e.g. hiking guide, wildland firefighter, forest ranger.
I have seven possible books but am committing to reading at least five of them. Only books read Sept 1 - 30 count, I assume?1. Trees: Piecing Me Together (Has trees on the cover and is about survival of a sort
2. Ferns, Mosses, and Fungi: Dispersals: On Plants, Borders, and Belonging
3. Vines: Rubyfruit Jungle
5. Birds: Enormous Wings (birds have wings??)
7. Insects and Invertebrates: Fruit Fly
8. Water source: Good People (looks like waves)
9. Global Forests: Days of Sun and Shadow
0/3 progress1. Insects and Invertebrates: Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone
2. Trees: The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate: Discoveries from a Secret World
3. Water Source: The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek
I'm in for 4!Progress: 2/4
Don't Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews
Return to Sender by Stephanie Parente
4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover, or a survival or adventure book.
Brother & Sister Enter the Forest by Richard Mirabella
7. Insects and Invertebrates: Read a book with an insect or invertebrate on the cover, or with an associated word in the title, e.g. buzz, wing, web.
The Winged Game by Sophie Kim
I'm in for 5TAKE A HIKE
Duration: September 1, 2026 - September 30, 2026
Completed: 0/5
1. Trees: Read a book with trees or leaves on the cover, set in a heavily wooded area, or a book with a dark, mysterious theme.
2. Ferns, Mosses, and Fungi: Read a book with a ferns, moss, or mushrooms on the cover, or a book where someone forages for food, herbs or medicines.
3. Vines: Read a book with a vine on the cover, with a character who enjoys climbing or running, or a book about someone who needs something or someone for support.
4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover, or a survival or adventure book.
5. Birds: Read a book with a bird on the cover, in the title or author’s name, or about a character who "leaves the nest."
6. Amphibians and Reptiles: Read a book with an amphibian or reptile on the cover, or with a title word that describes their movement, e.g., crawl, slither, hop.
7. Insects and Invertebrates: Read a book with an insect or invertebrate on the cover, or with an associated word in the title, e.g. buzz, wing, web.
8. Water source: Read a book with a stream, pond, wetland or similar water source in its cover art, or reflected in the title.
9. Global Forests: Large forests are found on all continents except Antarctica. Read a travel book, or a book set in the woods on any other continent besides your homeland.
10. Forest Careers: Read a book about someone whose work involves the forest and its elements, e.g. hiking guide, wildland firefighter, forest ranger.
I'll start with a goal of three :)2/3
🍂1. Trees: Read a book with trees or leaves on the cover, set in a heavily wooded area, or a book with a dark, mysterious theme.
2. Ferns, Mosses, and Fungi: Read a book with a ferns, moss, or mushrooms on the cover, or a book where someone forages for food, herbs or medicines.
3. Vines: Read a book with a vine on the cover, with a character who enjoys climbing or running, or a book about someone who needs something or someone for support.
4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover, or a survival or adventure book.
🍂5. Birds: Read a book with a bird on the cover, in the title or author’s name, or about a character who "leaves the nest."
6. Amphibians and Reptiles: Read a book with an amphibian or reptile on the cover, or with a title word that describes their movement, e.g., crawl, slither, hop.
7. Insects and Invertebrates: Read a book with an insect or invertebrate on the cover, or with an associated word in the title, e.g. buzz, wing, web.
8. Water source: Read a book with a stream, pond, wetland or similar water source in its cover art, or reflected in the title.
9. Global Forests: Large forests are found on all continents except Antarctica. Read a travel book, or a book set in the woods on any other continent besides your homeland.
10. Forest Careers: Read a book about someone whose work involves the forest and its elements, e.g. hiking guide, wildland firefighter, forest ranger
Carly wrote: "I have seven possible books but am committing to reading at least five of them. Only books read Sept 1 - 30 count, I assume?1. Trees: Piecing Me Together (Has trees on the cover a..."
Hi Carly,
Yes, that is correct, only books read in september count.
And you can always adjust your goal or go for exceeding your goal (and earning ✨)
Have fun with this challenge!
🌄🌄🌄Tomorrow starts this challenge, Take a Hike🌄🌄🌄Welcome to you all! Great to see all those books planned.
I wish you all very happy reading.
Stats:
Participants: 17
Book Goal: 94
TAKE A HIKESeptember 1 - September 30, 2026
Progress: 0/5
Sign me up for 5!
1. Trees: Read a book with trees or leaves on the cover, set in a heavily wooded area, or a book with a dark, mysterious theme: Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry
2. Ferns, Mosses, and Fungi: Read a book with a ferns, moss, or mushrooms on the cover, or a book where someone forages for food, herbs or medicines: The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson
3. Vines: Read a book with a vine on the cover, with a character who enjoys climbing or running, or a book about someone who needs something or someone for support: Witchmark by C.L. Polk
4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover, or a survival or adventure book: The Vegetarian by Han Kang
5. Birds: Read a book with a bird on the cover, in the title or author’s name, or about a character who "leaves the nest.": A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James
6. Amphibians and Reptiles: Read a book with an amphibian or reptile on the cover, or with a title word that describes their movement, e.g., crawl, slither, hop: Cannery Row by John Steinbeck
8. Water source: Read a book with a stream, pond, wetland or similar water source in its cover art, or reflected in the title: Whalefall by Daniel Kraus
Please sign me up for 5 books.Completed 4/5
✓1. Trees - How to Survive in the Woods
✓2. Ferns, Mosses, and Fungi - The Forest of Missing Girls
3. Vines - The Vines
4. Mammals - Bearskin
✓5. Birds - The Correspondent
6. Amphibians and Reptiles
7. Insects and Invertebrates - The Mosquito Coast
✓8. Water source - Whisper Creek
9. Global Forests - The Castaways
10. Forest Careers - The Briars
2026 Reading ChallengeSeptember - Take a Hike
Duration: September 1 - September 30, 2026
Progress: 0 out of 10
This month, we will explore forest elements through a variety of books. Walk through the trees, rest in the mossy undergrowth, or enjoy the sounds of cicadas as you sit beside the rushing waters of a river. Take a stroll through your bookshelves as we prepare to Take a Hike together.
To join, post a message telling the challenge leader how many books you plan to read. If you are new to our group and/or our group challenges, take a moment to check out the Yearly, Quarterly, Monthly Challenges - Start Here thread for more information on how our challenges are run.
1. Trees: Read a book with trees or leaves on the cover, set in a heavily wooded area, or a book with a dark, mysterious theme.
2. Ferns, Mosses, and Fungi: Read a book with a ferns, moss, or mushrooms on the cover, or a book where someone forages for food, herbs or medicines.
3. Vines: Read a book with a vine on the cover, with a character who enjoys climbing or running, or a book about someone who needs something or someone for support.
4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover, or a survival or adventure book.
5. Birds: Read a book with a bird on the cover, in the title or author’s name, or about a character who "leaves the nest."
6. Amphibians and Reptiles: Read a book with an amphibian or reptile on the cover, or with a title word that describes their movement, e.g., crawl, slither, hop.
7. Insects and Invertebrates: Read a book with an insect or invertebrate on the cover, or with an associated word in the title, e.g. buzz, wing, web.
8. Water source: Read a book with a stream, pond, wetland or similar water source in its cover art, or reflected in the title.
9. Global Forests: Large forests are found on all continents except Antarctica. Read a travel book, or a book set in the woods on any other continent besides your homeland.
10. Forest Careers: Read a book about someone whose work involves the forest and its elements, e.g. hiking guide, wildland firefighter, forest ranger.
I will attempt 6!1/6
1. Trees: Read a book with trees or leaves on the cover, set in a heavily wooded area, or a book with a dark, mysterious theme.
2. Ferns, Mosses, and Fungi: Read a book with a ferns, moss, or mushrooms on the cover, or a book where someone forages for food, herbs or medicines.
3. Vines: Read a book with a vine on the cover, with a character who enjoys climbing or running, or a book about someone who needs something or someone for support.
4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover, or a survival or adventure book.
5. Birds: Read a book with a bird on the cover, in the title or author’s name, or about a character who "leaves the nest."
6. Amphibians and Reptiles: Read a book with an amphibian or reptile on the cover, or with a title word that describes their movement, e.g., crawl, slither, hop.
7. Insects and Invertebrates: Read a book with an insect or invertebrate on the cover, or with an associated word in the title, e.g. buzz, wing, web.
8. Water source: Read a book with a stream, pond, wetland or similar water source in its cover art, or reflected in the title.
9. Global Forests: Large forests are found on all continents except Antarctica. Read a travel book, or a book set in the woods on any other continent besides your homeland.
10. Forest Careers:: Land
🕮🕮🕮And we are off to a flying start... no, wait: a running start (since we are hiking)! Currently we have 23 participants in this challenge, together we are going to read 134 books. 🕮🕮🕮👋Welcome Kristina, Susanna, Darinda, Carrie, Suzanne and Amy! 👋
📚📚The first two books are read. Going strong, Amy and TerryJane!📚📚
📖I wish everybody a weekend full of books and happy reading 📖
The Literary Spiral wrote: "How to join?"Welcome! Instructions for this challenge -- and others -- will always be found in the first post. Go here and you'll see a paragraph that begins with, To join...
Ultimately, you'll post a comment to let the leader know how many books you plan to read for this month-long challenge, but I wanted to direct you to the paragraph mentioned above since there's also a link for members who are new to our challenges.
Happy reading!
2026 Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Night and Day (other topics)The Vines (other topics)
Bearskin (other topics)
The Castaways (other topics)
The Mosquito Coast (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Iris Johansen (other topics)Sophie Kim (other topics)
C.G. Drews (other topics)
C.G. Drews (other topics)
Jo Nesbø (other topics)
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Duration: September 1 - September 30, 2026
This month, we will explore forest elements through a variety of books. Walk through the trees, rest in the mossy undergrowth, or enjoy the sounds of cicadas as you sit beside the rushing waters of a river. Take a stroll through your bookshelves as we prepare to Take a Hike together.
To join, post a message telling the challenge leader how many books you plan to read. If you are new to our group and/or our group challenges, take a moment to check out the Yearly, Quarterly, Monthly Challenges - Start Here thread for more information on how our challenges are run.
1. Trees: Read a book with trees or leaves on the cover, set in a heavily wooded area, or a book with a dark, mysterious theme.
2. Ferns, Mosses, and Fungi: Read a book with a ferns, moss, or mushrooms on the cover, or a book where someone forages for food, herbs or medicines.
3. Vines: Read a book with a vine on the cover, with a character who enjoys climbing or running, or a book about someone who needs something or someone for support.
4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover, or a survival or adventure book.
5. Birds: Read a book with a bird on the cover, in the title or author’s name, or about a character who "leaves the nest."
6. Amphibians and Reptiles: Read a book with an amphibian or reptile on the cover, or with a title word that describes their movement, e.g., crawl, slither, hop.
7. Insects and Invertebrates: Read a book with an insect or invertebrate on the cover, or with an associated word in the title, e.g. buzz, wing, web.
8. Water source: Read a book with a stream, pond, wetland or similar water source in its cover art, or reflected in the title.
9. Global Forests: Large forests are found on all continents except Antarctica. Read a travel book, or a book set in the woods on any other continent besides your homeland.
10. Forest Careers: Read a book about someone whose work involves the forest and its elements, e.g. hiking guide, wildland firefighter, forest ranger.
Badges
Badges are optional. If you wish to save yours, follow these steps: (view spoiler)[
▪ create a badge tracking thread in your Member's Corner
▪ right-click on the badge
▪ select "copy image link"
▪ paste the link into your tracking thread using the below html format
▪ [img src=LINK]
▪ change [ ] to < > (hide spoiler)]
Earn these badges for challenge participation and/or completion!
Many thanks to Marielle, who graciously volunteered to lead this challenge! Thanks, also, to Carri Carey for creating our challenge badges.