Since it’s the final countdown of the year, let’s get you ready for a fresh start! To make 2026 the year your TBR pile actually trembles in fear, I’ve designed the "The 2026 Bibliophile Bingo" challenge.
Instead of just a "number" (which can feel like a chore), this challenge is all about diversifying your shelves and finding those hidden gems you usually skip over.
The 2026 Reading Challenge: 12 Months, 12 Missions
You can do these in any order, but here is your roadmap to a legendary reading year:
The "Time Traveler": Read a book set in a decade you’ve never visited before (e.g., 1920s Berlin, 17th-century Japan).
The "Judge a Book by its Cover": Pick a book based entirely on the cover art without reading the blurb.
The "Back to School": Read a classic you skipped (or SparkNoted) in high school.
The "Local Legend": Read a book by an author from your home state or country.
The "Genre Swapper": If you love Thrillers, read a Romance. If you love Fantasy, read a Memoir.
The "Big Chonker": A book over 500 pages. (Yes, you can do it!)
The "Little Guy": A book under 150 pages (perfect for those busy months).
The "Translated Treasure": A book originally written in a language other than your own.
The "Award Winner": Something that won a Pulitzer, Booker, or Hugo prize.
The "Friend's Favorite": Ask the person whose taste you trust most for one "must-read" recommendation.
The "Non-Fiction Fix": Read about a subject you know absolutely nothing about (e.g., octopus intelligence, the history of salt).
The "Re-Read": Return to an old "comfort book" that makes you feel at home.
Tips for Crushing Your 2026 Goals
Track it Visually: Whether it's a physical journal, a spreadsheet, or a dedicated Instagram highlight, seeing your progress makes the "win" feel real.
The "Audiobook Loophole": YES, audiobooks count. Anyone who says otherwise is just wrong. They are perfect for chores, commutes, and long walks.
Don't Be Afraid to Quit: If you aren't feeling a book by page 50, put it down. There are millions of books in the world; don't waste your time on one that feels like work.
Your First Step into 2026...
To get you started on Mission #10 (The Friend's Favorite), I’d love to play the role of the friend!
