Reader Reading Challenge 2026

In our January 2026 issue, Freshly Hatched: New Year, Same Weird Little Goose, we announced the “Reader Reading Challenge 2026:” A collection of thirty-five prompts, all corresponding to a book you’ll read throughout the year to finish the challenge on time.

The Pond is completing this challenge right alongside our readers, slowly responding to our own prompts and writing about those books we read in our “What We’re Reading” column.

Interested in participating in the Reader Reading Challenge 2026?

Find out our prompts below!

Read something interesting this month?

We would love to read about it! Submit a short piece about any book you’ve read lately to be featured in our next “What We’ve Been Reading” page and help us check another prompt off of our TBR list!

    1. Read a book with a yellow cover

    2. Read something silly

    3. Read a book that starts with an S

    4. Read a book that starts with a G

    5. Read a Mystery Book

    6. Read a book published in 2026

    7. Read a book that teaches you something

    8. Read a book with a number in the title

    9. Read a book with colorful pages

    10. Read a book you’ve never heard of

    11. Read a book you picked up for its cover

    12. Read an autobiography, biography, or memoir

    13. Read a book that belongs to a series

    14. Read a book over 300 pages

    15. Read a book with a bird on the cover (bonus points if it’s a goose)

    16. Read a book set in the past or future

    17. Read a book 50+ years old

    18. Read a book recommended to you

    19. Read a book with a verb in the title

    20. Read a book with a person on the cover

    21. Read a nonfiction book

    22. Re-read one of your favorites

    23. Read a book later adapted into a movie

    24. Read a New York Times Bestseller

    25. Read a book with food on the cover

    26. Read a collection of short stories or poetry

    27. Read a book that has been on your TBR list forever

    28. Read a book set in another country

    29. Read a book with three words in the title

    30. Read a book under 300 pages

    31. Read a book with a character you have something in common with

    32. Read a book that makes you cry

    33. Read a book that retells a classic story

    34. Re-read a book you haven’t read in a while

    35. Read a book with a name in the title

What We’ve Read

Plan with Purpose

Together, we outline a path forward that’s realistic, strategic, and tailored to your specific needs.

Collaborate Openly

You’re part of the process. We keep communication open and decisions shared—no black boxes or surprises.

Plan with Purpose

Every project is different. We stay flexible and responsive to make sure the process fits your flow—not the other way around.

Plan with Purpose

When we deliver, it’s not just a finished product—it’s a solution you can trust, backed by real care and effort.

Read something interesting this month?

We would love to read about it! Submit a short piece about any book you’ve read lately to be featured in our next “What We’ve Been Reading” page and help us check another prompt off of our TBR list!