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2026 Resolve Through Reading


About this challenge

This challenge is about New Year's resolutions. In this challenge, you can earn up to ten badges, one for each week you participate.

This is a Pairs Challenge
The challenge runs for 10 weeks, January 9 - March 20, 2026
Players must commit to the full ten weeks in order to be fair to their partner. (I understand that sometimes things come up. If that happens, please let me and your partner know and I'll try to match them with another person for the remainder of the challenge. Unfortunately, with PMs going away, you won't be able to message me. Please post in your thread as soon as possible so I'll see it and here in the signup thread if you feel comfortable.)

A brief history of New Year's resolutions
New Year's resolutions have been made throughout recorded history. (Allegedly) the Babylonians were the first to make them 4,000 years ago making promises to the gods at the vernal equinox. The Romans made promises of good conduct to the god Janus for the coming year beginning in early January (which was named for that god). At the end of the year, medieval knights renewed their vow of chivalry. The first recorded instance of the term "New Year's Resolution" was in a 1813 OpEd in a Boston newspaper.

Today, New Year's Resolutions are generally a personal promise to achieve a goal or make a positive change in the upcoming year, often focusing on self-improvement in areas like health, finances, or personal growth. A web search found a site that claims that while as many as 45 percent of Americans say they usually make New Year’s resolutions, only 8 percent are successful in achieving their goals. Hopefully 100% of you will finish your goal of finishing this challenge!

Rules

In this challenge, each pair will spell-out the word "RESOLUTION" letter by letter. Each week has a new letter to spell-out, starting with the letter R for the first week, E for the second and so forth. Every week there will be a new set of tasks. Each partner will complete one of these tasks by reading a book whose first letter starts with one of the spell-out options below. Players may choose the same task. The book must fit both the task and the letter of the week.

Spell-out options:

The book used must match the first letter of ONE of the below to the letter of the week:

• Title
• Author's first or last initial
• Series
• Main character's first/last initial (no more than three characters)
• Narrator's first or last initial
• Translator's first or last initial

For example:
For week seven, the letter is T (the seventh letter of the word RESOLUTION). If one of the tasks for week seven is to read a book with a bird on the cover and that's the task you choose, the book has to both have a bird on the cover and match one of the spell-out options for the letter T. One book that would work is Solstice because it has both a bird on the cover and the first name one of one of the main characters is Tiber which starts with the letter T.

Book qualifications:

Standard AMMP book qualifications apply for this challenge.
Books must be started after the challenge begins. Books started any time after that are allowed, they just need to be finished during the week they are used.
For tasks requiring something on/about a cover, any edition of the book can be used but make a note as to what edition if different from the one you read. Be sure to include the cover of whatever edition is used to meet the requirements.

Book selection and completion

It's helpful to let your partner know what task and book you've chosen but not required.

Completion posts must include:

• Task chosen
• Title and Author of book used (linked to the book page for the edition you read)
• Number of pages
• How it fits the task
• Date read
• Rating (optional)
• Review (Two or three sentences are sufficient. "I liked it" isn't enough.)

When both partners have finished their books, one needs to post in the check-in thread with the link to each person's completion post. (Right click on the date/time of the post, select the link then paste into your post.)

Please post any questions in the Q&A thread. I should be able to get to them fairly quickly. I'll consolidate answers at the top of the thread.

Hello teammate!

Hello! Excited to start a new challenge :)

Week 1: Resolve to Eat Healthier
The letter for the week is R

Many people decide they want to eat healthier such as reducing the amount of junk food and fast food they eat. Super Size Me is a 2004 American documentary film directed by and starring Morgan Spurlock. In the film, Spurlock claimed to only consume food from the McDonald's fast food franchise for thirty days. The film documents the drastic negative changes to Spurlock's physical and psychological health and well-being.

      “My body... officially hates me.”
            –Morgan Spurlock

Using the spell out rules as outlined in the instructions in post 1 of the info thread, use the letter R to do one of the following tasks:

1. Read a book where a character eats out (anywhere that isn't where someone lives).
2. Read a book with an item of food on the cover.
3. Read a book where a character eats junk food (your definition).

I've got the perfect book for this week:
Ramen Assassin

I forgot to specify that I need "how it fits" to include how it fits the letter as well.

I've modified the completion post template to be:

• Task chosen
• Title and Author of book used (linked to the book page for the edition you read)
• Number of pages
• How it fits the task
• How it fits the letter
• Date read
• Rating (optional)
• Review (Two or three sentences are sufficient. "I liked it" isn't enough.)

Thank you!

Completion Post

Task Chosen: 1. Read a book where a character eats out (anywhere that isn't where someone lives).
Title and Author: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream by Hunter S. Thompson
Number of Pages: 204
How It Fits Task: The narrator eats out at lots of places, both bars and diners.
How It Fits Letter: Narrator is named Raoul Duke
Date Read: 1/11
Review: A psychedelic nightmare - I am still confused about what there was to enjoy in all the drug trips. But Thompson's prose makes it good.

Miriam wrote: "I've got the perfect book for this week:
Ramen Assassin"

This is such a funny title haha

Also, let's have the last person to finish their book each week check us in? I think that's the best way to keep on top of it.

Pooja wrote: "Also, let's have the last person to finish their book each week check us in? I think that's the best way to keep on top of it."

Works for me. I'll get mine done this week, but it'll be towards the end of the week. Have a few other books I need to finish first.

Completion post
Week 1

Task: Read a book with an item of food on the cover
Book/Author: Ramen Assassin by Rhys Ford
Pages: 216
Fits Task: Ramen on cover

Fits letter: title starts with R
Date: Jan 15
Review: This is one of my comfort read books. Trey is certainly a troubled character, trying to rebuild his life after years of bad choices and addiction. Kuro is content in his life owning a ramen shop. But when trouble finds Trey, Kuro is going to need all of his skills as a former operative to keep him safe. Trey and Kuro are adorable together.

Check in posted

Resolution 2: Spread Kindness
The letter for the week is E

Resolving to spread kindness means making a conscious choice to perform compassionate acts, big or small like giving compliments, holding doors, helping neighbors, volunteering, or even smiling at someone. Some say the best acts pay it forward to create a ripple effect of positivity in our communities.

When Shaqquille O'Neal was 18 and struggling to find size 18 shoes for his prom, the owner of Friedman's Shoes, Bruce Teilhaber, gave him a free pair of supersized penny-loafers. As an adult, O'Neal paid it forward by buying 10 pairs of shoes for a super-large footed teenager at said Friedman's Shoes. Today, Shaq continues to give away footwear through his foundation and his focus is on making affordable shoes widely accessible.

      “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
            – Aesop

Using the spell out rules as outlined in the instructions in post 1 of the Signups thread, use the letter E to do one of the following tasks:

1. Read a book with a human or humanoid smiling on the cover.
2. Read a book where a main character gives a gift of some kind.
3. Read a book where either of the words "kind" or "kindness" is in the text (not "kinds").

For completing week one, you've received the R badge:

Luckily a book I'm already reading, The Improbable Victoria Woodhull: Suffrage, Free Love, and the First Woman to Run for President, works for this week. I'm already about halfway through.

I'm listening to a book that starts with an E, just need to see if it will fit the tasks

Completion post
Week 2

Task chosen: Read a book where either of the words "kind" or "kindness" is in the text
Title and Author: Emperor's Wrath by Kai Butler
Number of pages: 380
How it fits the task: Loc 267: I glared at him. "More kindness?"
How it fits the letter: Title
Date read: Jan 18
Review: this is book 2 of the series and picks up right where book 1 left off. This book really helps build the trust between Tallu and Airón. Airón is slowly getting used to his new role as consort to Tallu and Tallu is realizing he can trust Airón. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next book.

Completion Post

Task Chosen: 3. Read a book where either of the words "kind" or "kindness" is in the text (not "kinds").
Title and Author: The Improbable Victoria Woodhull: Suffrage, Free Love, and the First Woman to Run for President by Eden Collinsworth
Number of Pages: 304
How It Fits Task: "Behind his spectacles were kind eyes..." (at 5%)
How It Fits Letter: Author is Eden Collinsworth
Date Read: 1/18
Review: A fascinating subject, but the biography itself fell a little flat.

Gone ahead and checked us in!

For completing the E= Kindness task, you've received the kindness badge.

Resolution 3: Improve Sleep
The letter for the week is S

Improving sleep such as the amount and schedule is a common resolution. Good sleep is as vital as nutrition and exercise. It's crucial because it allows your body and brain to function optimally, supporting both brain and physical health reducing risks for chronic diseases like diabetes and heart conditions. During sleep, your brain cleans out toxins and processes information, while your body restores energy, repairs tissues, and strengthens its ability to fight illness.

The famous writer Charles Dickens was thought to be an insomniac who carried a compass to bed. He believed he had to orient his body to face north while sleeping (and writing) to enhance his creativity.

   “The best cure for insomnia is to get a lot of sleep.”
            W.C. Fields

Using the spell out rules as outlined in the instructions in post 1 of the Signups thread, use the letter S to do one of the following tasks:

1. Read a book where a character snores.
2. Read a book with a bed or bedding on the cover (such as a blanket, pillow, or sheet).
3. Read a book where a character is sleep-deprived (your definition).

Ooh, trickier task this time! I'll have to look around.

It's an easy letter this week. I had to make it harder. ;)

At least the sleep deprived is our definition, should give plenty of wiggle room

Absolutely.

I promise to make them easier for the rest of the challenge. :)

Also, I had the wrong image for the badge so I've fixed it in case anyone grabbed it already.

Completion Post

Task Chosen: 1. Read a book where a character snores.
Title and Author: Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad
Number of Pages: 336
How It Fits: "Someone snored loudly." (at 5%)
Letter: Main character is named Sonia.
Date Read: 1/25
Review: Beautifully written and moving, though things lost steam occasionally.

Completion post

Task: Read a book where a character is sleep-deprived
Title and Author: Fluke and the Faultline Fiasco by Sam Burns
# of pages: 254
Fits: ...at three in the morning, on literally no sleep...
Sage had several exhausted moments in this story
Letter: Author first name - Sam
Date: Jan 29
Review: this is a good continuation of the series. There are a few me ore puzzle pieces worked out in the overall story, and of course even more hints of things to come in the next book(s). We got to see more of Sage's cousin (Freddy definitely has more depth in this story). Also learn more about Gideon.

Congratulations! For completing Week #3, you've earned the Improve Sleep badge.

Resolution 4: Learn a New Skill
The letter for the week is O

Learning a new skill for a New Year's resolution is a powerful way to foster personal growth by boosting confidence, enhancing problem-solving, and reducing stress. It can also increase mental agility, combat boredom, establish social connections and bring joy. Studying a language, mastering a type of cooking, becoming adept at photography, learning how to play an instrument or picking up a new sport are great goals for this resolution. Setting small, manageable steps, such as maintaining a consistent routine, signing up for a class, dedicating a time each day to practice, or reading a book or manual on the subject can help achieve success and maintain motivation.

January is National Hobby Month (USA) so it's an especially good time for this resolution!

"I've taken a tenacious bulldog approach to learning new skills throughout my life."
            —Apollo Robbins

Using the spell out rules as outlined in the instructions in post 1 of the Signups thread, use the letter O to do one of the following tasks:

1. Read a book where an MC learns a new skill. (Your definition.)
2. Read a book with a tool on the cover. (Your definition.)
3. Read a book where the word "practice(s,-ed)" (not "practical") is in the text.

Completion Post

Task Chosen: 3. Read a book where the word "practice(s,-ed)" (not "practical") is in the text.
Title and Author: Murder in Little Egypt by Darcy O'Brien
Number of Pages: 352
How It Fits: "When there was no one around, he practiced sports by himself." (pg 32)
Letter: Author's last name is O'Brien
Date Read: 2/4
Review: A really shocking and well-written true crime story.

Perfect review! Tells me more in a few words than what my really long ones sometimes say!

Completion post

Task: Read a book where the word "practice(s,-ed)" (not "practical") is in the text
Title/Author: By Mistake by Megan Derr
Pages: 367
Task fits: ...next week, after a bit more time to practice
Letter fits: MC first name - Oresti
Date: 2/5
Review: I read the short story version of this when it came out and really enjoyed it. The expanded version was everything I was hoping for with this story.

For completing Resolution 4: Learn a skill, you have received the week four new skill badge:

Resolution 5: Strengthen social connections
The letter for the week is L

Whether it's improving family contact, getting in touch with old friends, repairing a fragile relationship, or simply appreciating your loved ones, staying in touch with those important to us is something many people promise themselves for the year. Strong social bonds increase life expectancy, reduce the risks of chronic diseases like heart disease and dementia, and boost mental well-being. Friends and family are also a key support system during challenging times, such as job loss, illness, or grief.

Maintaining social relationships involves being reliable, staying flexible, setting healthy boundaries, and practicing open communication. Fostering connections often means intentionally showing appreciation, sharing quality time, and offering support. Such acts don't have to be large undertakings. They can be small steps, small acts such as sendng a quick congratulatory text or giving someone a hug.


"The best sign of a healthy relationship is no sign of it on Facebook..."
- Anonymous

“It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

Using the spell out rules as outlined in the instructions in post 1 of the Signups thread, use the letter L to do one of the following tasks:

1. Read a book from the shelves of your teammate that they rated three, four, or five stars.
2. Read a book from the shelves of one of the other participants shelves they read in the past year. (The list of players and a link to their profiles is in post #2 of the signup thread. Click on "more" underneath the row of book covers near the top of their profile to get to their shelves.)
3. Read a book from Kelly's to-read shelf. (2600 books, most of the books added in the past few years are around 450 M/M with a smattering of cozy mysteries. Look at stuff added earlier for other subjects.)

I'm going to read The Fairy Godmother, which you rated 5 stars. Luckily for me you like Mercedes Lackey!

Pooja wrote: "I'm going to read The Fairy Godmother, which you rated 5 stars. Luckily for me you like Mercedes Lackey!"

That one is definitely a good pick for this round

Completion post

Task: from Kelly's to read shelf
Title/Author: Single Malt by Layla Reyne
Page: 318
Fits task: Tequila Sunrise book 4 of the Agents Irish & Whiskey series on Kelly's TBR, Single Malt is book 1 of same series
Fits letter: Author first name
Date: Feb 12
Review: I do like both the MCs. I'm glad that the series isn't having Auden get over losing his husband less than a year ago without some emotional struggle (though I do feel sorry for Whiskey for the emotional fallout).
On a personal note, since I've worked with FBI Cyber agents the characters certainly make me laugh at points (probably ones I was meant to laugh at). Still enjoyed the story and will likely continue the series.

Oh you must have an exciting job!

I love that series even though it's slow-burn.

Congratulations! For completing Week #5, Miriam, you've earned the Strengthen Social Ties badge.



Pooja, complete week five when you can. You'll still earn the badge. You don't have to complete week five in order to continue.

Resolution 6: Make and Follow a Budget
The letter for the week is U

Many people are not very good at keeping track of spending or saving money and doing better at it is a common resolution. A great way to address this is by creating and adhering to a budget. This involves at a minimum tracking income vs. expenses. Some ways to be successful include setting clear financial goals (like saving money or paying off debt), categorizing spending (needs vs. wants), and using tools or apps to automate some of the work. It's important to be realistic. Creating a too-strict budget can lead to abandoning it. Putting some monthly spending towards fun activities such as going to a movie or buying a new book helps to stay within a budget while still having fun.


      "My problem lies in reconciling my gross habits with my net income."
            — Errol Flynn

      "It's clearly a budget. It's got a lot of numbers in it."
            — George W. Bush

      “We didn’t actually overspend our budget. The allocation simply fell short of our expenditure.”
            — Keith Davis

Using the spell out rules as outlined in the instructions in post 1 of the Signups thread, use the letter U to do one of the following tasks:

(This week I'm going to be nice since it's a U and give you four+ options.)

1. Read a book where a main character buys or sells something. (Anything is okay, with any currency including bartering.)
2. Read a book with either a very rich or very poor main character. (Your definition.)
3. Read a book with a cover that is at least 23% green (about a quarter). (Green is the most common color on money around the world, 23% of currency contains it.) (Any color even remotely green is okay.)
4. Read a book with the number 0 in the page count.

If you're still really having a problem using one of these four options, here's an optional fifth that is the easiest in the universe, but try to avoid using it because it's less fun if it's too easy.
(view spoiler)[
Extension of #4. Read a book with the number 0 in the page count OR date published. (Hint, anything published in the past 26 years that fits the general rules counts.)
(hide spoiler)]

Completion post

Task: 1. Read a book from the shelves of your teammate that they rated three, four, or five stars.
Title/Author: The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey
Page: 479
Fits task: Rated 5 stars by Miriam
Fits letter: Author's last name is Lackey
Date read: 2/12
Review: I enjoyed the worldbuilding and the magic, but the pacing was uneven.

Thanks, Pooja. For completing the task, you've earned the Strengthen Social Ties badge which is available in post 40.

If you could, please post in the check in folder so I have it all in one place? Thank you!

Kelly (Maybedog) wrote: "Thanks, Pooja. For completing the task, you've earned the Strengthen Social Ties badge which is available in post 40.

If you could, please post in the check in folder so I have it all in one place..."

No worries! I've gone ahead and checked us in.

Thanks!

Kelly (Maybedog) wrote: "Oh you must have an exciting job!

I love that series even though it's slow-burn."

Exciting, boring, depressing, and rewarding all rolled into one job. But I wouldn't change it.
I'm a digital forensics specialist, I see some of the worst things people can do to each other, but I also work with some of the best examples of heroes in real life.
And fiction never gets right the amount of boring paperwork the job requires (and that I have to read as a supervisor)!

It’s so cool to run across your work in a book!

I work in property management, which is way less exciting. I think the only books I’ve read featuring property managers are Meg Cabot’s murder mystery set in a residential hall, and even then that’s residential property management. I work in commercial property management, which is a whole different kettle of fish.

Completion post

Task: Read a book with either a very rich or very poor main character.
Title/Author: How to Hack a Hacker by A.J. Sherwood
Pages: 229
Fits Task: Kyou owns multiple properties
Fits Letter: Series - Unholy Trifecta
Date: Feb 17
Review: this is the last in the trilogy, so trying not to spoil the other books. I adore Kyou, we've been slowly getting to know him in the previous books, but this one really allowed us to get to know him. Of course all the previous characters are still around and we get to see how things are going. I also adored Brannigan, he was a great addition to the series.
If you liked the Leverage TV show and you like MM romance, you have to read this series. It's standard AJ Sherwood hilarious with just a bit of tension.

I love that series. Leverage is one of my favorite shows ever and A.J. Sherwood is hilarious! I wish it were "two unholy trifectas" or whatever six would be... Sexfecta? Oh dear, now that would be funny.

Congratulations! For completing Week #6, Miriam, you've earned the "Make and Follow a Budget" badge.



Pooja, complete week 6 when you can. You'll still earn the badge. You don't have to complete week 6 in order to continue.