I never thought I’d participate in challenges because I don’t want that type of pressure. But as this post was coming up, I realized that I’m doing some of these things anyway so I may as well see what challenges are out there that already coincide with the way I currently read. Plus a lot of the bloggers out there are making me sociable. What’s with that? So here are some of the bookish challenges, I’ll be participating in. I’ve added it all to my fancy spreadsheet and I’m ready to track!
Formal Challenges
- The all too simple one – GoodReads goal. This year I’m setting my sights on 72 books. My average is about six a month so that’s what I went with. If I make it too hard on myself, I’ll just chuck reading and probably the blog out the door.
- 2025 Audiobook Challenge, I’ve joined this one because I’ve found that I enjoy audiobooks when I’m out on my walks. I also like that there are only two linkups. It’s too cold for walking outside. The other bonus is that you can choose your level. I’m going for Weekend Warrior (I’m getting the hang of this) with a goal of 5-10 audiobooks. Sometimes I use my walking time to catch up with my sister and I just can’t talk on the phone and read at the same time.
- Beat the Backlist. This one only seemed logical. I have over 100 books on my Kindle and nine physical books that were all published in 2024 or earlier. Since I’m challenging myself to six books per month, I’d like to make one of them a backlist book, totaling 12 for the year..
- The TBR 25 in ’25 Challenge. This one is a cross-over from the one above. It’s also a real challenge. I’m not going to sweat it if I don’t make it since my real goal is 12 but I thought I’d just toss my hat in the ring and see what happens.
- The Bookish Books Reading Challenge. I love reading books about books! I have one sitting in NetGalley to read already. This is another low-key, choose your own level challenge so I’m going with Toe in the Door: 1-10 books read. I just don’t know how many books like this I typically read. I can always adjust if needed.
- 2025 Cover Lovers Reading Challenge. Because I do judge books by their cover – this is perfect for me! I’m honestly most excited for this one. Originally, I was going to go with a level one goal but since I’ve already been able to get two of these (as of 1/4/2025) so I’m going to challenge myself to level 2: 11-20 books.
- Historical Fiction Reading Challenge for 2025. Because I love historical romance, this challenge spoke to me. I also love that I’ll get some great recommendations from others. I’m going to shoot for Renaissance Reader at 10 books for the year. I already have three paperbacks on my shelves and I know that there are more on my Kindle.
Challenges I Wish Would Happen
These are challenges that I personally think would be good but apparently no one else does. Or at least not that I can find.
- Amish romance reading challenge. Let’s just declare me the winner. I’ll accept this honor on behalf of all the authors, readers, and Amish people out there. You have my heart. Actually, in all honesty, I think my friend Ruth reads even more Amish romance than I do. *Picks up heavy trophy and hands it over with tears in her eyes.* But in all seriousness, my goal is to read 52 Amish romances. Yes, that’s the bulk of my entire reading goal but I think it’s fitting.
- Reviews completed. Seriously, just because we’re reading them, doesn’t mean we’re always reviewing them. I could slap a star rating on GoodReads and call it a day. I still haven’t written the review for Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor and it’s a four star read. I’m really working harder at doing reviews in a timely manner this year.
- New author challenge. Okay, I believe there are some out there but I don’t do bingo’s, prompts where you have to read something in a certain month, or challenges that include classics. Let’s just say that I’m going to read 24 new-to-me authors this year.
Right now, I’m pretty excited about my low-key, keeping within my comfort zone goals. I just don’t think that 2025 is the year for stretching myself. Especially with so many fiber arts goals.
Are you joining any of these challenges?
Thank you to The Artsy Reader Girl for hosting Top Ten Tuesday!
Carla's Book Crush 
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