Reading Challenge 2024: Expand Your Horizons with This Monthly Guide

Join our reading challenge today- It's a great chance to explore new genres, find exciting books by authors you haven't read yet, make memories with our themed activities and reignite your love for reading.

5 Tips for a Successful Reading Challenge

Before you dive into our reading challenge 2024, here are some tips to keep you on track:

1. Set Achievable Goals

Start by setting goals that feel right for you. Whether it's finishing a book every week or every month, choose a pace that fits comfortably into your daily life.

2. Manage Your Time Wisely

Dedicate specific moments for reading. Even a short 15-minute daily reading session can make a big difference over time.

3. Keep the Motivation High

Track your reading journey and celebrate every book you finish. Connect with fellow readers in online groups or local book clubs to share your thoughts and get inspired.

4. Personalise Your Challenge

Don't hesitate to tailor the book list to your preferences. Remember, this challenge is about your reading enjoyment and growth!

5. Utilise Available Resources

Make use of your local library, charity shops, book shops and online for finding books.

 

Monthly Themed Reading Challenge 2024

Every month, we'll explore a new theme or genre with a list of three books (feel free to read all three or just choose the one you like most). We haven’t stopped there, we’re bringing these themes to life with exciting activities, making each month even more memorable.

Ready to take part? Share your progress using #WeBuyBooksChallenge2024

 

January Reading Challenge: Mystery

Immerse yourself in a world of captivating multi-dimensional characters, where every page keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last thrilling revelation.

Book Selection:

1. Killing Floor by Lee Child

About: Meet Jack Reacher, a former military police officer embroiled in a murder mystery in the small town of Margrave, Georgia. As a nomad with a mysterious background, Reacher may seem like a familiar figure in the crime fiction landscape, but Child's masterful weaving of suspense and unexpected turns elevates this novel to new heights.

Its immense popularity not only launched a best-selling book series but also paved the way for its adaptation into a hit television series.

4. Fool Me Once by Harlan Corben

About: Chances are, you've already binged the Netflix blockbuster “Fool Me Once,” featuring an ensemble of A-list talent including Michelle Keegan, Joanna Lumley and Richard Armitage.

What you might not know is that this gripping series is based on the equally captivating 'whodunnit' novel by Harlan Corben, of the same name.

Months after the tragic loss of her husband in a brutal assault, Maya’s world takes a spine-tingling turn. A nanny cam inside her home captures an eerie sight - her supposedly deceased husband. This spine-chilling revelation propels Maya into a mind-bending mystery that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.

5. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

About: Alicia Berenson appeared to have it all – a thriving career as a painter and a loving marriage to Gabriel, a renowned fashion photographer in the vibrant world of London. Their idyllic life in a luxurious home was the envy of many. However, one fateful evening, Gabriel's late return home took a shocking turn when Alicia shot him in the face, leaving him gravely wounded. What followed was an eerie silence, as Alicia chose to never speak again.

Enter Theo Faber, a determined criminal psychotherapist, eager to unlock the mysteries of Alicia's silence. But as he delves deeper into her enigmatic world, Theo's quest evolves into an all-consuming obsession that jeopardises everything else in his life.

Activity: Host a mystery-themed book club meeting where everyone discusses their theories about the plot.

 

February Reading Challenge: Romance

Celebrate love and relationships and enjoy an escape into stories of passion, drama and happy endings.

Book Selection:

1. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

About: Lucy Hutton and her arch-nemesis, Joshua Templeman, share a rivalry that's as bitter as they come, particularly when they find themselves locked in fierce competition for the same coveted promotion. Or so it seems, at least in the beginning.

2. Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney

About: Dive into a tale of love that revolves around Alice, Felix, Eileen, and Simon – four individuals navigating the complexities of life. As romantic entanglements unfurl, you'll discover your allegiances shifting and evolving with each turn of the page.

3. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

About: In 1940s South Carolina, a passionate love blooms between Noah, a humble mill worker, and Allie, a young woman from a wealthy family. However, their love faces stern opposition from Allie's disapproving parents.

When Noah departs to serve in World War II, it appears to signal the end of their enchanting romance. During his absence, Allie becomes entangled with another man. Yet, when Noah reappears in their small town years later, just as Allie's impending marriage looms, it becomes abundantly clear that their love story is far from over.

Activity: Write a love letter or poem inspired by the romantic themes in the book.

 

March Reading Challenge: Science Fiction

Stretch your imagination and explore futuristic concepts, alternate realities and complex questions about life and the universe.

Book Selection:

1. Dune by Frank Herbert

About: This mythic tale follows the extraordinary Paul Atreides, a young man of immense brilliance and untapped potential. Born into a destiny that stretches far beyond his comprehension, he embarks on a perilous journey to the most treacherous planet in the universe. There, he must secure the future of his family and his people, unleashing a saga of emotion and destiny that will captivate your imagination.

2. 1984 by George Orwell

About: Enter the world of Winston Smith, an inhabitant of the bleak society of Oceania, as he grapples with the daunting task of defying the oppressive Party and its ever-watchful emblem, Big Brother.

3. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

About: Genly Ai embarks on a journey to the distant world of Gethen, with an invitation for its inhabitants to join an interstellar alliance. Yet, the Gethenians are opposite to humanity, presenting Genly Ai with a profound and perplexing encounter.

Activity: Create a sci-fi-themed art project or build a model related to the book.

 

April Reading Challenge: Historical Fiction

Open a door to the past and bring history to life through compelling stories and rich, detailed settings.

Book Selection:

1. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

About: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking tale of a blind French girl and a German boy whose fates intertwine amidst the turmoil of occupied France during the events of World War II. This instant New York Times bestseller will leave you captivated and profoundly moved.

2. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

About: Delve into the narrative of the fictional Old Hollywood icon, Evelyn Hugo, as she, at the age of 79, grants a final interview to an unfamiliar journalist named Monique Grant.

3. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

About: Narrated in the first person, the novel unveils the captivating journey of Nitta Sayuri as she navigates the numerous challenges encountered on her path to becoming a geisha in the enchanting city of Kyoto, Japan. Her story unfolds across the backdrop of the tumultuous events of World War II, offering a mesmerising glimpse into her life before, during and after this pivotal era.

Activity: Cook a meal or create a craft from the era in which the book is set.

 

May Reading Challenge: Fantasy

Transport yourself to magical realms filled with adventure, myth and wonder.

Book Selection:

1. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

About: At the age of twenty, Violet Sorrengail had her sights set on entering the tranquil Scribe Quadrant, where she could immerse herself in the world of books and history. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when her formidable mother, who also happens to be the commanding general, issues an order that changes Violet's destiny.

2. The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

About: At the heart of this book lies a gripping tale of rebellion aimed at toppling the oppressive lord ruler. This daring uprising takes shape through a planned heist orchestrated by Kelsier, his team, and a recently discovered apprentice.

3. Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas

About: Embark on a captivating journey alongside Celaena Sardothien, a young assassin navigating a corrupt kingdom. As the narrative unfolds, Celaena forges unforeseen connections and unravels a web of conspiracy that lurks within her daring adventures.

Activity: Organise a costume party based on characters from the book.

 

June Reading Challenge: Thriller

After a rush of adrenaline from fast-paced action, suspenseful plots, and unexpected twists that will keep you guessing? We’ve got you covered.

Book Selection:

1. The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes

About: With only fragmented memories to guide her, Maya embarks on a quest to uncover the truth she has desperately tried to erase from her mind. Her journey leads her deep into the heart of the woods, where the astonishing revelations awaiting her are beyond imagination.

2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

About: Gone Girl unravels the intricate tale of Nick and Amy's once-blossoming romance, their tumultuous marriage, and the baffling disappearance of Amy. A true page-turner that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

3. The Shining by Stephen King

About: This chilling novel made King into the household name he is today. Within the haunting pages of The Shining, King tells the tale of a tormented man's gradual descent into madness as he takes on the role of winter caretaker at an isolated hotel, rendering it an unsettling and unforgettable thriller.

Activity: Plan a scavenger hunt based on the book's plot.

 

July Reading Challenge: Autobiography/Biography

Get inspired by real-life stories of triumph, perseverance and resilience.

Book Selection:

1. Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder by Salman Rushdie

About: Salman Rushdie offers a reflection on his life in the aftermath of the 2022 assassination attempt against his life. Rushdie's journey demonstrates the resilience and the enduring power of the human spirit.

2. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

About: Immerse yourself in “The Diary of Anne Frank,” a compilation of writings drawn from Anne Frank's diary. Within its pages, you'll reflect on Anne’s two-year journey spent in hiding alongside her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.

3. Maurice and Maralyn by Sophie Elmhirst

About: Sophie Elmhirst weaves a captivating true story of love and survival against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific. This remarkable story shows the impact of relationships in the face of adversity.

Activity: Write a short biography of someone you admire, inspired by the book's style.

 

August Reading Challenge: Travel and Adventure

Prepare for a thrilling journey as these travel and adventure books transport you to distant places, with exhilarating experiences entwined.

Book Selection:

1. Touching the Void by Joe Simpson

About: Touching the Void, written by Joe Simpson in 1988, chronicles the gripping tale of his and Simon Yates's perilous descent from the treacherous heights of Siula Grande, a towering peak soaring 6,344 meters above the Peruvian Andes.

2. Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert

About: In her 2006 memoir, American author Elizabeth Gilbert embarks on a global adventure following her divorce, she shares profound revelations during her transformative travels.

3. Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

About: This narrative delves into Krakauer's harrowing journey to Mt Everest, where eight climbers lost their lives, and numerous others were left stranded by a relentless storm.

Activity: Plan a virtual or local trip to a destination related to the book.

 

September Reading Challenge: Young Adult

Dive into stories that delve deep into themes of identity, the bonds of friendship and the tumultuous journey of coming of age.

Book Selection:

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

About: Katniss Everdeen takes centre stage as the protagonist, making a selfless decision to step forward as a volunteer for the annual Hunger Games. In this brutal competition, children from each district are thrust into a televised battle to the death.

2. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

About: 5 years ago, the tranquil town of Little Kilton was shattered by a heartbreaking murder-suicide. The victim was a young schoolgirl, Andie. Her boyfriend, Sal, was accused before tragically ending his own life. Yet, 17-year-old, Pippa, is convinced that the true perpetrator is still at large.

3. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

About: The first instalment in the Twilight series introduces us to seventeen-year-old Isabella "Bella" Swan, who relocates from Phoenix, Arizona, to the small town of Forks, Washington. Her life takes a turn as she falls in love with Edward Cullen, a vampire who has remained frozen in his 17-year-old body for over a century.

Activity: Create a playlist of songs that match the theme or mood of the book.

 

October Reading Challenge: Horror

Tap into your deepest fears and curiosities for a thrilling and spine-tingling reading experience that tests the limits of your imagination.

Book Selection:

1. The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty

About: Published in 1971, "The Exorcist" is a chilling horror. This harrowing tale unfolds as it explores the nightmarish demonic possession of eleven-year-old Regan MacNeil, the daughter of a renowned actress. The narrative delves into the relentless struggle of two priests who try to exorcise the entity that has taken hold of young Regan.

2. Dracula by Bram Stoker

About: “Dracula” is a unique novel that unfolds through a series of letters, diary entries, and newspaper articles. The story has no single protagonist. It begins with solicitor Jonathan Harker embarking on a business trip, where he is slated to reside in the ominous castle of Count Dracula, a Transylvanian nobleman of mysterious and unsettling origins.

3. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

About: Mexican Gothic is a 2020 gothic horror novel centred on a young woman investigating her cousin's claims that her husband is trying to murder her.

Activity: Watch a movie adaptation of the book, followed by a discussion.

 

November Reading Challenge: Well-being and Personal Growth

As we approach the end of your 2024 reading challenge, it's the perfect time to look back on the year and set positive intentions for the upcoming new year.

Book Selection:

1. How to Win Friends and Influence People: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie

About: Discover the timeless wisdom of this self-help classic. With over 30 million copies sold globally, this book has earned its place as one of the all-time bestsellers.

2. Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before by Julie Smith

About: This mental self-help book by Julie Smith, a clinical psychologist, can help you gain invaluable wisdom on mastering your emotions and thoughts, especially when facing life's toughest challenges like anxiety, stress, depression, low self-esteem and grief.

3. Food for Life: The New Science of Eating Well By Tim Spector

About: Tim Spector urges us to look beyond calorie counts and nutritional labels. In 'Food for Life,' he blends a decade of groundbreaking scientific research with his personal experiences to offer a fresh perspective on our relationship with food.

Activity: Research a topic related to the book or apply something you have learnt to your daily life.

 

December Reading Challenge: Classic Literature

We’re ending our reading challenge 2024 on a high - classic literature offers timeless stories that continue to captivate with their depth, characters and themes.

Book Selection:

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

About: To find happiness together Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy must conquer the obstacles of pride and prejudice that stand in their way.

2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

About: Scout, along with her brother Jem, grapple with the struggles of connecting with their father, Atticus. He is a lawyer tasked with the formidable duty of defending an innocent black man wrongly accused of assaulting a white woman.

3. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

About: The third novel by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald immerses readers in the vibrant Jazz Age of New York. We follow Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, and his unrelenting quest to win the heart of Daisy Buchanan.

Activity: Host a themed tea party or dinner that reflects the era of the book.

 

Our Reading Challenge 2024 is a chance to immerse yourself in diverse worlds, meet intriguing characters, and make memories that last a lifetime. We’d love to see how you get on, so don’t forget to share your progress using #WeBuyBooksChallenge2024.

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