Every year, Book Thoughts from Bed hosts a book challenge designed so that participants get to enjoy books they may have otherwise not read. For example, last year’s reading challenge introduced me to great reads such as The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Chenneville.

The Thoughtful Reading Challenge is designed to be manageable – just one book a month. Easy peasy, right? The monthly book challenges are also tied to notable things about that month, whether it’s historical events, holidays, or even authors’ birthdays.

If you choose to participate, I’ll invite you to comment on the book you read when I post a review about my book towards the end of the month. There’s absolutely no pressure – you can remain silent, but I’d love to hear from you.

Okay, let’s get into the 2026 categories:

January – Read a self-help book, preferably related to one of your New Year’s resolutions.

February – Read a book with the word “heart” in the title, because of Valentine’s Day.

March – Read a biography of a woman you admire to commemorate International Women’s Day.

April – Read a collection of fairytales by Hans Christian Andersen, who was born in April 1805.

May – Read a book that mostly takes place at a wedding, since May is a popular month to get married.

Need a suggestion? Check out The Guest List.

June – Read a book published the year you turned six, since June is the sixth month of the year.

Wikipedia is a great source for this information.

July – Read a book set during the American Revolution, because July 4th is Independence Day.

This might be a new category for me and I’m looking forward to it.

August – Read a spy novel because Mata Hari was born on August 7th, 1876.

September – Read a book centered on the main character’s job to celebrate Labor Day.

October – Read a book with “library” or “bookstore” or “bookshop” in the title because October is National Book Month.

I recommend The Last Bookshop in London.

November – Read a book written by Mark Twain to celebrate his birthday (November 30th, 1835).

December – Read a book centered on a gift or with gift in the title, because December is a time of giving.

What do you think? Any particular category grab your attention? I’m looking forward to reading a self-help book in January because it’s been a while since I’ve worked on personal improvement.

I hope you’ll join us for a year of amazing reading!