You may have heard the saying “New Year, new you.” Well, this year we are shaking it up by having a “New Year, but mostly the same you” kind of mindset.
I still intend to complete the Book Riot Read Harder Challenge for this year. And, knock on wood, I will actually finish the challenge this year.
In addition to this reading challenge, I am starting a “Lesser Knowns That You Should Own” book review series. The first review with this series will come out next week. For this, I will be reading and providing positive perspectives on books with less than 1,000 reviews on both Amazon and Goodreads. It is entirely possible that these books explode within the time it takes me to select them, read them, write a review, and publish it. The goal, however, is to stick with books under that 1,000 number. So if any of you would like to recommend a book, whether for this series or for me to read in general, let me know in the comments.
As a general disclaimer, I access most of the books reviewed on this blog through Kindle Unlimited, my local library, or Audible. My local library is very good at finding things so it has been rare that I have been completely unable to find a book using those methods.
And as always, there are lots of other reading challenges to choose from. Book Riot’s is my personal favorite, but there are a lot of other good challenges out there.
Now let’s get into the books!
#1: Read a 2025 release by a BIPOC author.
Not going to lie, the second I saw the words “baby dragon”, I was sold. No more convincing needed to get me to read this book.
#2: Reread a childhood favorite book.
I was obsessed with this entire series of historical fiction books written as the diaries of princesses from all around the world. This one was probably my favorite of the series.
#3: Read a queer mystery.
A tattooed, lesbian, smoking nun solves mysteries in the first book of this series.
#4: Read a book about obsession.
Trust me. The irony of this is not lost on me. It makes me chuckle.
#5: Read a book about immigration or refugees.
This children’s book about a family of Russian immigrants who make and pass down a handmade quilt is based on the author’s family.
#6: Read a standalone fantasy book.
Anything that can be favorably compared to The Princess Bride grabs my attention.
#7: Read a book about a piece of media you love (a TV show, a movie, a band, etc.).
Doctor Who is one of the best TV shows that has ever existed. Statues have creeped me out for years because of that show. Which means I am expecting these fairy tales might be a bit more on the Grimm side.
#8: Read literary fiction by a BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and/or disabled author.
One of the reasons this story is so powerful is because it’s indicative of so many real stories of pain, love, and loss. This is a book that I will be thinking about for a long time.
#9: Read a book based solely on its setting.
A post-apocalyptic underground city? Sign me up! But only to read about. Please never let me live in one.
#10: Read a romance book that doesn’t have an illustrated cover.
I simply adore time travel. I also adore books that make me sob so hard I hiccup. This book sounds like it will fit both of those.
#11: Read a work of weird horror.
The simplest way I’ve heard this genre is described is “Lovecraftian”. Considering Lovecraft created Cthulhu, the absolute nightmare fuel of an eldritch monster, I might need to leave the lights on for this one.
#12: Read a staff pick from an indie bookstore. (Preferably, from your local indie bookstore.)
My favorite local indie bookstore, Parnassus Books, has this intriguing looking book listed as one of Ann’s Latest Picks.
#13: Read a nonfiction book about nature or the environment.
TREES TALK TO EACH OTHER. TREES HAVE FEELINGS. THIS IS UTTERLY MESMERIZING.
#14: Read a comic in translation.
Originally published in Korean, this historical fiction graphic novel looks incredibly moving and heart-wrenching.
#15: Read a banned book and complete a task on Book Riot’s How To Fight Book Bans guides.
As of 2024, this book has been banned from libraries at schools in Florida, Michigan, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Pennsylvania, Idaho, and Wisconsin.
#16: Read a genre blending book.
Everyone loves a bad boy, and what can be badder than an actual villain. This office romance meets superhero/supervillain story sounds equal parts hilarious and swoon-worthy.
#17: Read a book about little known history.
As a self-processed history nerd, when there are pieces of history that I have never heard of, I get very excited to read about them.
#18: Read a “cozy” book by a BIPOC author.
This series by Kimberly Lemming is soooo good. Can’t wait to read the third book in this charming fantasy romance series.
#19: Read a queernorm book.
Queernorm is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a genre of books where queerness is not viewed as strange. Instead, it a normal part of the world, a world free from the prejudices that can so often surround queerness. This award-winning sci-fi novel certainly fits the bill.
#20: Read the first book in a completed young adult or middle grade duology.
This book has been on my TBR for ages. Literally everyone has told me that I will love it. After rereading the description, they’re probably going to be right.
#21: Read a book about a moral panic.
As someone who grew up in a comic book and video game loving household, the moral panics surrounding these pieces of media are absolutely fascinating.
#22: Read a holiday romance that isn’t Christmas.
An alien romantic comedy set around Hanukkah, this book sounds hilarious and promises plenty of sweet and steamy moments.
#23: Read a wordless comic.
Just look at their little faces. Two of my favorite things: dogs and robots that make me question the sentience of my Amazon Alexa.
#24: Pick a 2015 Read Harder Challenge task to complete. – Read a book published before 1850.
Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors. Yet, I have never actually read Emma. This challenge helps to give me the extra kick in the tail to finally read this classic.
What do you think about this year’s reading challenge? Are you going to add any of these books to your TBR? Let me know in the comments!
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