Each year, people set out to read more. Each year, a load of these people give up by January 20th. If you want to have a challenge to keep you reading, look no further than this blog post! I have found ways to keep reading interesting for me; here are a few examples:

Re-read old books you used to read as a child

I grew up on books like Harry Potter and the Famous Five, and I love to reread them. Rereading these may allow you to rediscover your love of reading too! This is due to nostalgia and picking things up you didn’t catch the first time— like Hagrid using Sirius Black’s motorbike! It may even feel like having a conversation with your younger self at times. If you love nostalgia and reading, pick up a childhood book today!

Set a yearly reading number (no pressure though)

Like many readers, I try to get to a numerical goal each year— around 30 to 40— to keep myself on track. For me, it isn’t to fly through the pages but to keep accountability. If you’re anything like me and like goals, then this is for you. BUT keeping up isn’t the aim of the game. It’s to keep a habit whilst working towards a number. So here’s the biggest trick you can have— don’t guilt yourself into reading more by making it a no-pressure goal.

Read in a medium you aren’t used to reading in

Every few books, I love to change medium. Audiobooks and physical novels tend to be my go-to. Switching from physical to audiobook gives the stories different dimensions, which I really like. Listening to an audiobook read by the author about the author tends to be my favourite way to devour autobiographies. They add an extra touch of emphasis and emotions whilst they are reading, which you cannot get with your own internal monologue. On the other hand, physical books: I like reading and knowing exactly how far I have to go whilst smelling the pages of the book. (If you don’t smell books, you’re a liar.) The experience is also nostalgic as I had to read a lot of books at school. So if you are stuck, they can be helpful. I recommend experimenting between physical, ebook, and audiobook for your preferences!

Read books about topics that you are interested in

Like games? Read books about them! Like a certain celebrity? Read their autobiography! Want to know more about science? Read science books! What I’m trying to say is, read what interests you the most, and reading will interest you too! Reading for curiosity is one way to get into reading and keep it a habit.

Alphabet challenge

Just like the alphabet— read a book beginning with A and go in order to Z. If you want to, you could also go in reverse. This cool challenge may lead to unexpected places to get letters like X and Z, but it’ll be worth it! Titles beginning with ‘A’ and ‘The’ can be counted in any way you like. No one else is watching!!

Reading challenges aren’t about bragging— they’re about having fun with reading. Whether it’s rereading childhood classics or doing a goofy alphabet challenge, each goal should be fun and attainable. Have fun reading!