I’m really excited to announce the categories of the 2023 Thoughtful Reading Challenge! I think we have some fun topics that will get us out of our own reading comfort zones.

This reading challenge is no pressure, because reading shouldn’t be stressful. You can pick which months you want to participate in or try to do all 12 months for a full year of reading enjoyment. Towards the end of each month, I’ll write a review of the book I read and invite you to share your opinion of your book in the comments section. Commenting is completely optional, but I’d love to hear from you!

This past year’s reading challenge introduced me to terrific books such as:

• The House by the Lake
• This Tender Land
• Project Hail Mary

I may not have read these books without the reading challenge, so it’s definitely a great way to find terrific new reads.

Maybe your next fabulous read will be found in one of the following categories.

January – Read a novel that takes place in the future

According to almanac.com, “January was named for the Roman god Janus, known as the protector of gates and doorways who symbolize beginnings and endings. Janus is depicted with two faces, one looking into the past, the other with the ability to see into the future.” Instead of looking back at the past, let’s read a book about the future!

February – Read a collection of short stories

Since February is the shortest month, let’s honor that by reading a collection of short stories. Bonus: February is also Canned Food Month, so bring some canned goods to your local food pantry.

March – Read a book about or set in Ancient Rome

“Beware the ides of March” is a well-known line from Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar.’ Let’s walk a few miles in Caesar’s sandals by reading about Ancient Rome.

April – Read a funny book

The fun isn’t just limited to April Fool’s Day – April is National Humor Month. Here are a couple of suggestions:

• Dad is Fat
• Dear Committee Members

May – Read a book published in the year you graduated from high school or college.

May is full of graduations, so take a walk down memory lane this month and rediscover a book that was published in the year you received your diploma. Wikipedia is a great source for this category.

June – Read a biography or memoir of a famous father

June 18 is Father’s Day, so let’s celebrate dads by reading about one.

July – Read a book about or set in Scotland

Did you know July 27 is National Scotch Day? Put your feet up, pour a glass (or not!), and learn more about this spirit’s country of origin.

August – Read a book that involves camping

August 10 is National S’mores Day, so burn some marshmallows and celebrate this campfire treat by reading about camping.

September – Read a book by J. R. R. Tolkien

September 2 is the 50th anniversary of Tolkien’s death, so let’s pay tribute to one of the greatest fantasy writers by reading one of his books.

October – Read a book about or set in the deep South of the United States

Why? October 11 is Southern Food Heritage Day, so pass the biscuits and gravy and immerse yourself in some Southern culture. Need some ideas?

• Where the Crawdads Sing
• Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
• The Book of Lost Friends

November – Read a book with a US President (real or fictional) as a central character

November 22, 2023, marks the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

December – Read a book that takes place during Christmas or Hanukkah

No explanation needed!

What do you think? Are you looking forward to any particular month?

I hope you’ll join me for another year of thoughtful reading!