I used to participate in a lot of reading challenges each year, and it got a little overwhelming. The only challenge I have participated in the past few years has been the Goodreads challenge. I decided that I wanted to do a few more during 2025, but still keep it fairly simple. I am not necessarily joining in official challenges (though I know some of these exist in the blogosphere), these are more for myself than anything else.

A-Z Challenges

There are a few different versions of the A-Z challenge, and I’m planning to participate in 2 of them. The first is to read a book with a title that starts with each letter of the alphabet. The second is to read a book by an author whose last name starts with each letter of the alphabet.

**If you are looking to join the official challenges for either of these challenges, you can do so here: Title or Author

Location Challenges

I am also doing 2 different location challenges. The first is a US state challenge, with a goal to read a book set in each state. The second is a country challenge, with a goal to read a book set in at least 20 different countries. This one might be pretty hard.

**If you are looking to sign up for the official state challenge, you can do so here.

Diversity Challenge

One of my goals this year is to make at least half of my reads diverse in 2025 (75), which is an increase from 40% in 2024. Of those books, I would like at least 10% (of my diverse reads) to be from less represented (in publishing) marginalized groups (8). I read a lot of books focusing on LGBTQIA2S+ authors/MCs, followed by Black and East Asian authors/MCs, then Latino/a authors/MCs. I want to continue reading these, but also include more Indigenous,  South Asian and Arab authors, as well as more disabled, neurodivergent, or chronically ill MCs.

Books Read

My last challenge is just the total number of books read. I’m not breaking this down by format or source, though I have done challenges in the past focusing on library books or audio books. My total book goal, which I will be setting on Goodreads, StoryGraph, etc. is 150. My stretch goal is 200.