Reading Challenges For 2026 //Bookmas Day 7
This week, I have reflected on readathons I have loved, ones I am excited for in 2026, and now reading challenges I am excited for.
Although readathons and reading challenges are often mentioned together, they offer very different experiences. Readathons tend to be short, community-led events that encourage focused reading over a set period of time, often with prompts and shared excitement. An event. Reading challenges, on the other hand, are slower and more personal. Offering long-term structure without the same sense of urgency. A marathon.
Both have their place in a reading life, which is why I wanted to share some challenges I am excited for.
Lucy The Reader
Lucy introduces the Classics Community 2026 Reading Challenge, an invitation for readers to spend the year exploring classic literature together. Rather than focusing on pressure or strict rules, the challenge is framed as a way to gently encourage curiosity around classics. Whether you’re revisiting old favourites or picking them up for the first time. The emphasis is very much on community, shared motivation, and making classics feel more accessible and enjoyable.
What I really liked about this challenge is how flexible it feels. Just one classic a month. It’s a lot more do-able for those who don’t read as often but want to focus on classics. It’s also a great for those who read a lot and want classics to be part of that.
Ellenmade Book Club
In this challenge, Ellen shares details about the second year of the Diversity Book Bingo. Which is designed to encourage more intentional and thoughtful reading across the year. Using a bingo-card format, the challenge gently nudges readers to step outside their usual comfort zones and explore books by authors from a wider range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
It feels like one of those challenges that can sit quietly alongside your regular reading without becoming overwhelming. There’s a sense of playfulness to the bingo format, but also a deeper purpose behind it. Making reading feel both meaningful and enjoyable. For me, this kind of challenge works best when it encourages curiosity rather than obligation. And Ellen has approached it in a lovely way to encourage reading more widely in 2026 while still keeping the joy at the heart of it.
Chantel Reads All Day
The 2026 Read Your Bookshelf challenge is certainly resonating with me this year. This challenge is all about encouraging us to rediscover books we already own before buying new ones. Instead of focusing on speed or ambitious reading lists, the challenge invites readers to dive into their own shelves. And finally give those unread books the love they deserve.
What I found really refreshing about this challenge is how it celebrates intentional reading rather than quantity. There’s something cosy about going back to books you’ve collected over the years and letting them surprise you all over again. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your TBR, this feels like the way to reconnect with stories that have been patiently waiting on your shelf.
And those are just a few of the challenges available! There are so many out there, with the challenges included in last years post, renewing for 2026! Comment below if there are any you’d recommend.
You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, Bookstagram or Pinterest.
As always, thanks for reading…
