Reading Challenge Ideas: How To Track Your Reading In 2025

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“Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.”

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Looking for some fun ways to track your reading this year? Whether you’re aiming to read more books, diversify your genres, or simply stay motivated, a reading challenge can be your secret to staying on track. But, conventional ‘read 30 books a year’ goals aren’t for everyone – which is why we here at What We Reading have gathered the best reading challenge ideas for 2025 to make your reading experience more exciting! This guide will help you find the perfect challenge to match your reading style, from book bingo challenges to personalised reading goals. We’ll explore creative ways to track your progress, whether through reading journals, book-tracking apps, or printable reading habit trackers. Ready to shake up your reading routine? Keep reading to discover fun and creative book challenge ideas that promise to make 2025 your best reading year yet! 

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Why Join A Reading Challenge? 

A reading challenge is more than just a fun goal – it’s a great way to stay motivated, add variety to your reading habits, and feel a sense of accomplishment as you track your progress. Whether you’re aiming to read more books, explore different genres, or push yourself outside your comfort zone, a challenge can provide the structure and excitement you need. 

If you’ve ever found yourself in a reading slump, a challenge can help you regain momentum by offering fresh prompts and new perspectives. It encourages you to try books you might not have picked up otherwise – whether that’s a debut novel, a translated book, or a genre you rarely pick up. 

Reading challenges also work for all types of readers. Goal-oriented readers may love setting specific book targets, while mood readers might prefer a flexible approach like a themed or seasonal challenge. No matter your reading style, there’s a challenge that can keep you engaged and excited to keep the pages turning. 

Fun And Unique Reading Challenge Ideas For 2025

Tired of the same old reading challenges? Whilst setting a book count goal can be motivating, it’s not the only way to track your reading. If you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant way to spice up your 2025 reading journey, these creative reading challenge ideas will add variety, help you explore new genres, and keep you engaged all year long. 

1. Themed Monthly Challenge 

If you love variety in your reading life, a themed monthly challenge is a great way to keep things exciting. Each month, focus on a specific theme – whether it’s based on genre, tropes or even an aesthetic. For example: 

• Mystery March – Read detective stories or psychological thrillers. 
• Sci-Fi September – Explore futuristic worlds and mind-bending concepts. 
• Nonfiction November – Learn something new with memoirs, biographies, or self-improvement books. 

This challenge works well for mood readers, as it allows flexibility whilst still providing direction. You can plan ahead or decide on a monthly theme as you go along. It is also a great challenge for book clubs, where everyone can read something different, but still stick to a common theme! 

2. Read Around The World Challenge 

Broaden your horizons by reading books from different countries and cultures. This challenge encourages you to explore global literature instead of limiting yourself to familiar settings and authors. Here are some ideas for you to keep in mind as you structure this reading challenge: 

• Read one book per continent (Africa, Asia, Europe etc.). 
• Choose books written by authors from countries you’ve never read before. 
• Use a printable world map to colour in or mark each location you’ve visited through books. 

Not only does this challenge diversify your reading list, but it also deepens your understanding of different cultures, histories, and storytelling traditions. Whether it’s a Japanese horror novel, an Argentinian historical fiction or an Indian contemporary drama, the Read Around the World Challenge can introduce you to unforgettable stories beyond your usual go-to reads. 

3. Page Count Or Word Count Challenge

Instead of focusing on how many books you read, why not track your total pages or words? This is a great option if you enjoy longer books that wouldn’t count as much in more conventional book-count challenges. For example, you could set a goal like: 

• 10,000 pages in a year (or 30 pages a day). 
• 1 million words in a year (which works out to about 20,000 words per week). 

This challenge is perfect for those who want to read at their own pace without the pressure of hitting a specific number of books. It also allows you to pick up dense fantasy epics, huge space operas, or non-fiction books without worrying about how they compare to shorter works. 

4. Book Bingo Challenge 

If you like gamified challenges, a Book Bingo is an engaging way to track your reading progress! You create a bingo card filled with different reading prompts, and the goal is to complete a row, column, or even the entire board by the end of the year. Here are some fun bingo square ideas: 

• A book with a blue cover; 
• A debut novel;
• A book by an author from a country you’ve never read before; 
• A book that has been on your TBR list for over a year;
• A book recommended by a friend. 

This challenge is perfect for indecisive readers because it encourages you to try different books whilst still giving you plenty of freedom. You can create your own card, find templates online, or make it a group challenge with your friends! 

5. Mood Reader Challenge 

If you struggle with the usual sorts of reading challenges because you prefer to read based on your mood, this one is for you! Instead of setting strict reading goals, you categorise your books based on emotions or vibes and let your feelings decide what to read next. Some examples of mood categories: 

• Cosy and Comforting – Lighthearted romances, feel-good fiction, or heartwarming memoirs.
• Dark and Twisty – Thrillers, psychological horror, or gothic mysteries. 
• Emotional and Heartbreaking – Books that guarantee to make you cry or leave a lasting impact. 
• Adventurous and Imaginative – Fantasy, sci-fi and other books set in unique locations. 

This challenge embraces flexibility whilst still offering guidance. It’s ideal for readers who don’t want to follow a set structure but who still want to track their reading choices in a fun way. 

6. Adaption Challenge 

Books and movies go hand in hand, but have you ever challenged yourself to read the book before watching the adaptation? This challenge is a fun way to engage with stories across different mediums and compare how they translate to the screen. Here are some 2025 book-to-screen adaptations to consider: 

• Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (TV series on Prime Video);
• It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover (Film adaption);
• Long Bright River by Liz Moore (TV series on Peacock).

Not only does this challenge give you a ready-made TBR list, but it also allows you to discuss which version was better – the book or the adaptation! 

How To Track Your Reading Progress 

Once you’ve picked a reading challenge, the next step is to track your progress. Whether you love jotting down notes by hand, using digital tools, or sharing updates with others, there’s a method that will keep you accountable and motivated. Here are some creative ways to track your reading journey in 2025! 

1. Reading Journals

For readers who love a more hands-on approach, a reading journal is a fantastic way to document books, ratings, and personal thoughts. Whether it’s a bullet journal or a dedicated notebook, you can create custom layouts to track: 

• Books read and star ratings;
• TBR lists and books you want to read next; 
• Monthly or yearly habit trackers for reading goals;
• Mini-reviews or memorable quotes from each book. 

A journal allows you to personalise your reading experience, making it both functional and artistic. You can keep it minimal with simple lists, or get creative with doodles, stickers and colour coding. The best part? A physical journal is a screen-free way to stay engaged with your reading journey. 

2. Digital Spreadsheets 

If you prefer organised data and detailed tracking, a spreadsheet can be a great way of logging your reading habits. Using Google Sheets or Excel, you can set up columns for:

• Title & Author;
• Genre & Page Count; 
• Date Started & Finished; 
• Ratings & Notes.

Many book lovers use pre-made templates (here’s a great one we found online), to make tracking easy. You can even add formulas to calculate how many books you’ve read, your most-read genres, or your average book rating if you’re a whizz at these things. 

This method is especially handy for those who like stats and insights, giving you a clear picture of your reading trends over the year. 

3. Book Tracking Apps 

For a digital and on-the-go solution, book-tracking apps like Goodreads, StoryGraph and Basmo offer user-friendly ways to keep track of your reading challenge. 

Goodreads:

• Log books, track progress, and set yearly reading goals. 
• Join reading groups and see what friends are reading. 
• Read and write book reviews. 

StoryGraph:

• Provides detailed reading stats (e.g. mood, pacing, length). 
• Suggest personalised book recommendations. 
• Allows tagging books with multiple categories. 

Basmo: 

• Lets you take notes and highlight quotes. 
• Offers mood tracking to reflect on how books made you feel. 
• Encourages daily reading habits with reminders. 

These apps sync across devices, making it easy to update your progress anytime. Plus, seeing your stats and book trends can be a great motivator! 

4. Social Media And Bookstagram 

Want a fun, social way to stay accountable? Posting your reading progress on social media can help you connect with other book lovers and stay motivated! 

• Instagram & Bookstagram: Share book reviews, TBR stacks, or reading updates using hashtags such as #AmReading or #2025ReadingChallenge. 
• Twitter/X: Post quick thoughts on books and join conversations with fellow readers. 
• TikTok & BookTok: Make short videos reviewing books, ranking favourites, or showing off reading goals. 

Engaging with the online book community can be inspiring and introduce you to books you might not have discovered otherwise. Plus, sharing updates helps keep you accountable and excited to reach your challenge goals! 

5. Printable Reading Trackers 

If you love structured tracking but don’t want to go digital, printable reading trackers are a brilliant alternative. You find free or paid templates online that include: 

• Reading logs (title, author, rating, and notes);
• Bingo-style challenges with fun prompts;
• TBR lists to track upcoming reads; 
• Habit trackers to log daily or weekly reading. 

For some added motivation, you can create a reward system – for example, using stickers or checkmarks for every book completed and treating yourself when you hit a milestone. This method works for visual learners who like to see their progress in a tangible way. 

Tips For Sticking To Your Reading Challenge 

Starting a reading challenge is exciting, but staying committed throughout the year can certainly prove to be a challenge. Here are some practical tips to help you stay on track and enjoy the process along the way! 

1. Set Realistic Goals & Adjust As Needed 

 It can be tempting to aim high, but an overly ambitious goal can lead to burnout. If you’re new to reading challenges, start with a manageable target – maybe one book per month or a total page count goal. Life gets hectic, so don’t be afraid to adjust your challenge as needed. The key is progress, not perfection! 

2. Don’t Force Yourself To Finish Every Book 

If a book isn’t working for you, it’s okay to switch it out. Forcing yourself through books you’re not enjoying is an easy way to burn out, which will only drain your motivation to read. Instead, allow yourself to DNF (Did Not Finish) books guilt-free, and pick up something more engaging. Reading should be fun, never a chore! 

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Check Out Our Guide To When It’s Time To DNF A Book

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3. Find Accountability Through A Book Club Or Buddy Read

Joining a book club or doing a buddy read with a friend can keep you engaged and accountable. Discussing books with others not only makes reading more enjoyable but also encourages you to stay consistent. Whether it’s an in-person club, an online community, or even a reading challenge group on Goodreads or StoryGraph, being part of a group can make all the difference. 

4. Celebrate Milestones To Stay Motivated

 Break your challenge down into smaller, achievable steps and celebrate when you reach them! For example: 

• After 10 books, treat yourself to a new bookmark or a bookish candle. 
• At 5,000 pages, reward yourself with a trip down to your favourite bookshop. 
• Completed a tough read? Share your success on social media or with a friend! 

You’ll stay motivated all year by making your reading challenge feel rewarding instead of overwhelming. 

Final thought: Be flexible, have fun, and remember – every book read is a win! 

Wrap Up 

A reading challenge is more than just a numbers game – it’s a chance to explore new genres, discover amazing stories, and reignite your love for books. Whether you’re aiming for a specific page count, tackling a themed challenge, or simply reading at your own pace, the key is to make it enjoyable and rewarding. 

By tracking your progress – whether through a journal, an app or a bookstagram post – you’ll stay motivated and see how far you’ve come. And if you ever hit a slump, don’t stress! Adjust your goals, switch up your reading list, or join a bookish community for support. 

At the end of the day, every book you read is an achievement, and your challenge should enhance your reading experience, and not feel like an arduous task. So, pick a challenge that excites you, stay flexible and, most crucially, have fun with it! 

What reading challenges are you taking on in 2025? Let us know in the comments! 

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Check Out How To Read More Books Without Being Overwhelmed

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