Let’s talk about the reading challenge

Friend E and I were talking the other day and the topic turned to reading, which doesn’t happen a lot because E is not a big reader. She is a wonderful and supportive friend, and as such patiently listens to my ramblings about bookish things and is a loyal reader of this blog (hi, E! *wave*).
The conversation kicked off with: ‘So, what’s up with the reading challenge?’
The answer to that was short, because with 8 weeks of the year left + 13 items of the reading challenge to go = I admit defeat.
But I assure you as I did her: I will still read on and try to get as far as possible.

Then we discussed the 2026 reading challenge, which I hadn’t really thought of yet as I’m a terrible planner and especially the end of the year has a way of sneaking up on me. But E was On It, and her enthusiasm was catchy and with her permission I’m totally running with her idea.
And this idea is that – drumroll – the Reading Challenge 2026 is open to suggestions. Yes, that’s right: YOU can create an entry for the new reading challenge!
I’m not talking about book titles, but about item descriptions. Want me to read a book that has something particular on the cover? Let me know! Want me to read a book that is set in your home country? A book that contains pictures? A book that is about your hobby or profession? Let me know, let me know, let me know! Check this year’s Reading Challenge for inspiration.
Go crazy, have fun! Anything goes and nothing is off limit because I’ll try anything; I’m excited to find out what you’ll come up with!

The reading challenge will have 25 spots available, and entries will be on a first come, first serve base.
You can leave your suggestion in the comments below or reach out via email (yay, there is now official email! bookworm@bookworminthecity.com), and of course your input will be acknowledged!

8 thoughts on “Let’s talk about the reading challenge

  1. E's avatar E 7 November 2025 / 22:17

    Yay, you did it! I’ve got 2 suggestions:

    A book you saw someone else read in public

    A book with a cover you DON’T like (knowing you, that will be a challenge)

    Like

    • loesielou's avatar loesielou 7 November 2025 / 22:23

      Yay! The first items have been noted; thanks, E!

      Like

  2. Patsy D's avatar Patsy D 8 November 2025 / 09:49

    Here’s a highly scientific approach:

    Pick the one where numbers outwit humans, friendships flourish after disasters (often involving dessert), the dog is wiser than all the humans, and coffee solves more problems than therapy. Bonus points if everyone ends up lost—or blissfully caffeinated—somewhere in Portugal.

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    • loesielou's avatar loesielou 9 November 2025 / 07:53

      I think this book still needs to be written! 🙂

      Like

      • Patsy D's avatar Patsy D 10 November 2025 / 11:49

        Aloha,

        Mea culpa, I wanted to suggets the following: Books where:

        1. Pick the one where numbers outwit humans, hint: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6613956-the-solitude-of-prime-numbers
        2. friendships flourish after disasters (often involving dessert),
        3. the dog is wiser than all the humans,
        4. and coffee solves more problems than therapy. Bonus points if everyone ends up lost—or blissfully caffeinated—somewhere in Portugal.

        Like

      • loesielou's avatar loesielou 11 November 2025 / 08:36

        Haha, this makes more sense! And duly noted, thanks!

        Like

  3. Mtckc9df6533c2's avatar Mtckc9df6533c2 13 November 2025 / 13:09

    Hey. How about

    A book read by your parents or an old book?
    A book in dialect or different language?
    A book based on a TED talk or vv (a book that inspired a TED talk
    A biography
    Bit more random:
    A book with the name of THAT MONTH in the title that you are reading it (or season)
    A… book set in (name your country)
    Ah my favorite: If you go on holiday, read a book set in that location.

    too much suggestions maybe :-p. Enthousiastic in all I do

    Miranda

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