It's the time of year when book lovers search for reading challenges for the next year.
There are themed challenges, challenges sponsored by publishing houses and reading tracking sites. Even some authors have challenges.
Then there are just random people like me who come up with something. So, if you're looking for something but you're not quite sure what it is, why not try this? You can do it with friends Bingo style or by yourself. It's up to you. No one's checking, which also means there's no prize. It's just for fun.
And, by the way, there is a theme. If you guess it I may be able to come up with a prize after all.
Anne’s Book Challenge 2026
Read a book that is/has
Historical fiction (any era)
A one-word title
An author with your initials
Set in a country other than the United States
A memoir or biography
A classic novel (your definition of “classic”)
Flowers on the cover
Set in a place you’d like to visit
Been made into a movie or TV show
A number in the title
Been written by a female author
A holiday theme
Been published in 1960
A blue or predominantly blue cover
An author’s debut novel
A theme of friendship
Non-fiction
An animal on the cover
Been recommended by a friend
Set in the state where you live
Won a prize or award
A title that starts “B”
A Female, Senior Citizen Protagonist
An Author who is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University
Suggested books by St. Bonaventure University graduates:
Boys in the Bunkhouse by Dan Barry
Pull Me Up: A Memoir by Dan Barry
Bottom of the 33rd by Dan Barry
The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney ‘82
Good Company by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney
Lake Effect by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney (coming out in 2026)
