Summer Reading Challenges: Which One Should You Try?

Summer reading challenges – which should you pick?

Summer is the perfect time to dive into a reading challenge! Whether you’re lounging poolside, relaxing at the beach, or curled up in the shade, there’s no better way to spice up your reading routine than with a fun challenge. If you’ve been wondering which one to tackle, here are a few creative and exciting ideas to get you started.

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The Travel-Themed Challenge 🌍✈️

Read books set in different locations around the world.

• How it works: Choose books that take place in various countries, cities, or even continents. It’s like a global tour without leaving your couch!
• Why it’s fun: You’ll virtually travel while diving into different cultures, histories, and landscapes. Bonus points if you pick a mix of genres!
• Examples:
  • The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (Set in multiple countries, magical realism)
  • The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (Set in Afghanistan)
  • Wild by Cheryl Strayed (U.S. wilderness adventure)

The “Summer Romance” Challenge 💖

What is a summer reading challenge without romance? Indulge in the sweetness of love stories—anywhere from lighthearted rom-coms to heartfelt contemporary romance.

• How it works: Pick a romantic novel for each week of summer, with a mix of tropes like enemies-to-lovers, second chances, or even a good ol’ beach romance.
• Why it’s fun: Love is in the air (especially in summer), and this challenge gives you the perfect excuse to fall in love with fictional characters.
• Examples:
  • The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (Enemies to lovers)
  • The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary (Quirky romance with a twist)
  • The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion (Adorable, unconventional love story)

The Mystery & Thriller Challenge 🔍🔪

Get your heart racing with edge-of-your-seat suspense in this summer reading challenge.

• How it works: Choose a mystery or thriller for every week of summer. Whether it’s a cozy whodunit or a psychological mind-bender, you’ll keep guessing all summer long.
• Why it’s fun: Summer is the perfect time to read mysteries—whether you’re looking for a page-turner to keep you up at night or a cozy whodunit for a lazy afternoon.
• Examples:
  • The Guest List by Lucy Foley (Suspenseful mystery on a wedding island)
  • Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (Drama + mystery)
  • The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (Twists you won’t see coming)

The Classic Re-Read Challenge 📚✨

Dust off those literary classics and revisit some old favorites (or discover them for the first time!).

• How it works: Pick 3-5 classic novels you’ve always wanted to read—or re-read! Think timeless classics that still hold up today.
• Why it’s fun: Classics never go out of style, and reading them in the summer makes for a reflective and enriching experience.
• Examples:
  • Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (Timeless romance)
  • The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Glamour, tragedy, and a glimpse into the American Dream)
  • Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (Passion, madness, and gothic atmosphere)

The “Read the Cover” Challenge 🎨📖

Pick books based on their cover art—let the design lead you!

• How it works: Choose books that have eye-catching, beautiful, or intriguing covers. You might end up reading genres you never thought to try!
• Why it’s fun: It’s a visual feast! Sometimes the most unexpected reads can turn out to be your favorite stories.
• Examples:
  • Circe by Madeline Miller (Gorgeous cover, Greek mythology retelling)
  • The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Bright, captivating cover)
  • Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (Nature and mystery)

The “Read a Book from Your TBR Pile” Challenge 📚🚀

For this summer reading challenge, you tackle that towering TBR list that’s been collecting dust.

• How it works: Commit to reading a book (or two, or three) that’s been sitting on your shelf for too long. No excuses!
• Why it’s fun: It’s a chance to knock off old favorites and overdue titles without any pressure to read something new.
• Examples:
  • The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (Long but rewarding)
  • The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (A visual, magical experience)
  • Educated by Tara Westover (Memoir that’s been on your radar for ages)

Final Thoughts: Pick Your Summer Reading Challenges & Get Reading!

There’s no right or wrong challenge—just the perfect one for you. Pick a theme that excites you, and dive into the world of books this summer. Let the challenges begin! And don’t forget to share your progress with fellow book lovers.

Which reading challenge are you taking on this summer? Drop your choice in the comments! 📚💬

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Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for 39 years, have 5 amazing kids, and have 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children and used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – released Feb. 27, 2024 and the 2nd in the series, Where’s the Quetzal? released Feb. 25, 2025!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)