2026 Reading Challenge discussion

TAKE A HIKE
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.

TAKE A HIKE
Duration: 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 😃🥰✨

Amy (# 29) - 3/6
Brianna (# 45) - 1/3
Caraina (# 19) - 0/5
Carly (# 16) - 5/5 Completed!
Carolyn (# 14) - 0/10
Carrie (# 27) - 0/10
Darinda (# 26) - 10/10 Completed!
Frankie (# 6) - 5/5 Completed!
Janine (# 12) - 3/3 Completed!
JennH (# 7) - 6/5 Completed! ✨
Jill (# 20) - 0/5
Karin (# 21) - 3/3 Completed!
Kristina (# 24) - 5/5 Completed!
Laurie (# 17) - 3/3 Completed!
Lodo (# 5) - 1/2
Marielle (# 4) - 5/5 Completed!
Melissa (# 8) - 10/10 Completed!
Odette (# 9) - 4/4 Completed!
Sarah (# 11) - 10/10 Completed!
Susan (# 15) - 3/5
Susanna (# 25) - 4/4 Completed!
Suzanne (# 28) - 0/10
TerryJane (# 13) - 10/10 Completed!
Whitney (# 18) - 4/4 Completed!

And a little sparkle ✨ for exceeding the goal

STATS
Participants: 24
Books Read: 95
Book Goal: 142
Completed: 15

I will try for 5

Progress 5/5

✅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. Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous
✅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.
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil
✅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. Never Let Me Go
✅4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover, or a survival or adventure book.Raising Hare: A Memoir
📚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.Heat and Light
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 : 1/2

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 | 📆 Finished: 14/9/26

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 HIKE
Duration: September 1 - September 30, 2026

5/5 Completed. Finish

1. Trees: Read a book with a dark, mysterious theme.
Glimpse of Death-Leslie Wolfe 9/23/26

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 character who enjoys climbing or running
(FMC)
The Legend of the Falls-Elle Gray 9/12/26

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 about a character who "leaves the nest."
The Single Dad-Layla Hagen 9/06/26

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.
Summit Lake-Charlie Donlea 9/24/26

9. Global Forests: Large forests are found on all continents except Antarctica. Read a travel book
The Bucket List-Kath Stathers 9/20/26

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

6/5

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.
The Leopard by Jo Nesbø 9/26/26
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.
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.
The Gunslinger by Stephen King 9/27/26
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."
Human Acts by Han Kang 9/25/26

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.
The Book of Sand & Shakespeare's Memory by Jorge Luis Borges 9/11/26

8. Water source: Read a book with a stream, pond, wetland or similar water source in its cover art, or reflected in the title.
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.

Signed up for 10, COMPLETED! 10/10, 9/28/2026

XX 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. There Is No Antimemetics Division (dark, mysterious theme)
XX 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 (mushrooms on cover)
XX 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 Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman (kid needs people for support)
XX 4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover, or a survival or adventure book. Hell Bent (rabbit on cover. They live in the forest, right?)
XX 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." Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I've Cried About (main character leaves the nest...multiple times)
XX 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. Ninth House (snake on cover)
XX 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. Oh Honey (ladybug on cover)
XX 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 Lies (ocean on cover)
XX 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 Lies of the Ajungo (travel book)
XX 10. Forest Careers: Read a book about someone whose work involves the forest and its elements, e.g. hiking guide, wildland firefighter, forest ranger. Silver in the Wood (guardian of the forest)

Please sign me up for 4

TAKE A HIKE
Duration: September 1 - September 30, 2026

4/4

1. Trees: Read a book with trees or leaves on the cover, set in a heavily wooded area, or with a dark, mysterious theme.
Later, Only Love Remains by Leah Swann - Read 5 Sep


3. Vines: Read a book about someone who needs something or someone for support. All five women in this story who enrol in Lar's fitness class seem to need some form of emotional support..
Other People's Bodies by Megan Nicol Reed - Read 22 Sep


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 - Read 19 Sep


8. Water source: Read a book with a stream, pond, wetland or similar water source in its cover art, or reflected in the title.
The Castle in the Glen by Rhys Bowen - Read 24 Sep

Great to see the enthousiasm!

Sign me up for 10 books.

10/10 - 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.
The Romance of the Forest (2/9/26)

✅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 (22/9/26)

✅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.
Blood Men (7/9/26)

✅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 (16/9/26)

✅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 (18/9/26)

✅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 (20/9/26)

✅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 (25/9/26)

✅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 (24/9/26)

✅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 (3/9/26)

✅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 (23/9/26)

Please sign me up for three!

🌄 TAKE A HIKE - Monthly Challenge
Duration: September 1 - September 30, 2026
Progress: 10/10 -- COMPLETE

🌄 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.
State of Wonder
🌄 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.
Demon Copperhead
🌄 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 HIKE

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.
**My Husband's Wife, Alice Feeney, 5 September

2. Ferns, Mosses, and Fungi: Read a book with a ferns, moss, or mushrooms on the cover.
**The Last Pendragon: The Last Pendragon Saga, Book 1 Sarah Woodbury 1 September

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 Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Suzanne Collins 13 September

4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover.
**Dire Bound Sable Sorensen 24 September

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 13 September

6. Amphibians and Reptiles: Read a book with an amphibian or reptile on the cover.
**Eragon Christopher Paolini 18 September

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.
**Ocean's Justice Demelza Carlton 17 September

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 Women Kristin Hannah 13 September

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 Tawna Fenske 17 September

TAKE A HIKE
Duration: September 1 - September 30, 2026

Progress: 3/5

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.
- Finished 9/12/26

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.
- Finished 9/28/26

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."
- Finished 9/21/26

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

3/3 COMPLETED!

📚📚📚 1. 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: 4/4

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.
Don't Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews (Completed 9/6/26)
Main characters must fight monsters they created to survive.

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.
Return to Sender by Stephanie Parente (Completed 9/7/26)
Main characters are grieving from a loss of a loved one and must rely on each other.

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 (Completed 9/18/26)


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 (Completed 9/26/26)

I'm in for 5

TAKE 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.

5 for me, please!

Water source. Noblest Intentions : A Pride and Prejudice Variation

I'll start with a goal of three :)
3/3

🍂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.
🍂18. Water source: Read a book with a stream, pond, wetland or similar water source in its cover art, or reflected in the title.
that's a woman in the water
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 HIKE
September 1 - September 30, 2026
Progress: 5/5

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: The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
✅ 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 Summer War by Naomi Novik
✅ 4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover, or a survival or adventure book: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
✅ 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 Vintner's Luck by Elizabeth Knox
✅ 8. Water source: Read a book with a stream, pond, wetland or similar water source in its cover art, or reflected in the title: Postcolonial Love Poem by Natalie Díaz

sign me up for 4 please

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

Please sign me up for 5 books.

Completed: 10/10



✓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 - Marsh Madness
✓7. Insects and Invertebrates - The Mosquito Coast
✓8. Water source - Whisper Creek
✓9. Global Forests - The Castaways
✓10. Forest Careers - The Briars

Sign me up for 10 please!

🥾TAKE A HIKE🥾
Duration: Sept 1 - Sept 30, 2026
🎉Completed: 10/10 books


✔️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.
Pines 9/11/2026

✔️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 Poisonwood Bible 9/30/2026

✔️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 Filling Station 9/21/2026


✔️4. Mammals: Read a book about a forest mammal, with a forest mammal on the cover, or a survival or adventure book.
The Call of the Wild 9/28/2026

✔️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 Help 9/25/2026

✔️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.
Dragon Tears 9/29/2026

✔️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 Secret Life of Bees 9/03/2026

✔️8. Water source: Read a book with a stream, pond, wetland or similar water source in its cover art, or reflected in the title.
Shadows 9/30/2026

✔️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.
Us Against You 9/26/2026

✔️10. Forest Careers: Read a book about someone whose work involves the forest and its elements, e.g. hiking guide, wildland firefighter, forest ranger.
Black Hills 9/27/2026

2026 Reading Challenge
September - 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!
3/6

1. Trees: Read a book with trees or leaves on the cover, set in a heavily wooded area: book" Caught in the Axe
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 about someone who needs something or someone for support: Whistler
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 =book set in the woods on any other continent besides your homeland:
10. Forest Careers:: Land

Updated message 29-- 1/6

Update to Message #13: 1/10

🕮🕮🕮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 📖

TAKE A HIKE - msg #25
SEPTEMBER
1/4

Update to Message #9:

Completed 1/4

Update to Message #18: 1/4

Updated message #21
2/3

Update to Message #18: 2/4

How to join?

TAKE A HIKE - msg #25
SEPTEMBER
2/4

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!

🕮🕮🕮And that's the first full week already gone.... I hope you all had lots of time to hike and read! 🕮🕮🕮

In the Netherland we have had unsettled weather, sometimes lots of sun and other times I had to cycle through the rain and I got really, really wet. But nothing better than snuggling with a warm blanket, a pot of hot tea and a good book! 🫖📚

👋Welcome The Literary Spiral, you can still join for this challenge. I hope you find some books to read for 'Take a Hike' 📚

Current stats are:
* Participants: 23 readers active
* Books Read: 9 books completed
* Progress: 7% of the total pledged goal reached

📚You are making steady progress toward the finish line! 📚

If you need inspiration: please check out the books the other people want to read for this challenge.

Happy reading this week!

updated message 26

completed 5/5
increasing my goal to 10

TAKE A HIKE - msg #25
SEPTEMBER
3/4

Updated message 29-- 2/6

Joining late, sign me up for 3 please.

1/3

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. : One by One
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.

Update message #15

Progress: 1/5

Going strong reading those hiking books, everyone!📚📚
Welcome Brianna, never too late to sign up🥰
I will update the stats this weekend!

Update to Message #9: Signed up for 10, currently 7/10, 1 in progress

Update #5: 1/2 😊

Update to message #7

3/5