2023 Reading Challenge: Fun Prompts to Explore Every Genre
Ready for the 2023 Reading Challenge? Discover 12 creative prompts across genres to expand your horizons, track your progress, and fall back in love with reading.
Let’s Kick Off the 2023 Reading Challenge Together
Hi Bookish Besties! One of my favorite ways to stay motivated and excited about reading is by joining a challenge, and I’m so excited to share the 2023 Reading Challenge with you. This year, the theme is all about reading across genres—stepping outside our comfort zones, mixing things up, and discovering books that surprise us.
I still remember the year I picked up my very first romance novel for a reading challenge prompt, and it ended up being one of my favorites of the year. That’s what I love about challenges like this—they push us toward books we might never have chosen on our own.
What Is the 2023 Reading Challenge?
The 2023 reading challenge is a year-long set of prompts designed to help adults read more intentionally. With 12 categories—one for each month—you can follow along chronologically or just dip in and out based on your mood. It’s flexible, fun, and perfect whether you’re hoping to reignite a reading habit or simply want to shake up your TBR pile.
2023 Reading Challenge Prompts
Here are the 12 genre-based prompts to guide you this year:
- A Self-Help Book
- A Romance Book
- A Mystery Book
- A Travel Book
- A Young Adult Book
- A Short Story Collection
- A Historical Fiction Book
- A Dystopian Book
- A Science Fiction or Fantasy Book
- A Horror Book
- A Biography or Memoir
- A Suspense or Thriller Book
Each prompt is intentionally broad, giving you the freedom to choose what excites you most. You might pair your picks with new releases, revisit a classic, or finally tackle a book that’s been sitting on your shelf for years.
Bonus Challenge: Double (or Triple) the Fun
If you’re a voracious reader, you can go beyond 12 books by picking two or three titles per prompt. That’s 24 or even 36 books across genres, giving you a truly wide-ranging reading year.
Extra Genre Prompts to Try
If you want to keep going, here are more ideas to expand your list:
Want To Save This Post?
Enter your email below & I'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you'll get themed lists and posts from me every week!
- Action or Adventure
- Literary Fiction
- Poetry Collection
- Women’s Fiction
- Magical Realism
- Graphic Novel
- History Book
- True Crime
- Essay Collection
- A Classic Novel
Do You Have to Complete Every Prompt?
Not at all! This challenge is meant to inspire, not overwhelm. If you only finish half the prompts, that’s still a win. Reading should always feel joyful, not like homework.
How to Join the 2023 Reading Challenge
- Choose Your Prompts: Pick the ones that call to you most.
- Build Your TBR: Jot down your choices in a journal or reading app.
- Track Your Progress: Celebrate each finish—whether with a new book, a sweet treat, or just a cozy night in.
- Share Your Reads: Use the hashtag #BiblioLifestyleChallenge or leave a comment so we can cheer each other on.
Why You’ll Love This Challenge
The 2023 Reading Challenge will help you:
- Break out of reading slumps.
- Try genres you normally wouldn’t.
- Connect with other readers online.
- Create seasonal reading memories that stick with you long after the year ends.
Final Thoughts
The 2023 reading challenge is about exploration, discovery, and joy. Whether you read 3 books, 12 books, or 30+, you’ll end the year with stories that expanded your horizons and gave you something to savor.
So—are you ready to dive in? Which prompt are you most excited about? Drop your picks in the comments—I’d love to know what’s on your 2023 TBR.
