5th Annual Reading Challenge 12+4

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

It is that time again! I know you all have been waiting! With spreadsheets, toppling TBR's and lengthy lists. ☺️🥴

List 12 books, one book a month, that you want to read in 2026.

Add up to 4 extra books as back up or replacement books.

All books must be chosen before January 1, 2026, and no changes to lists can be made after that time.

All books must be read starting in 2026.

You may switch out one of your books from any of your back up books.

Challenge yourself to read all of them, even your back ups!

Feel free to start your own thread under the "5th Annual Reading Challenge" topic folder to track your progress!

Do NOT hesitate to ask questions!

[Bill, Moderator]

I'm pretty well set, Alondra although my books might change until end 2025 depending on what I read for the rest of the year.. LOL I'm so embarrassed.

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Bill wrote: "I'm pretty well set, Alondra although my books might change until end 2025 depending on what I read for the rest of the year.. LOL I'm so embarrassed."

You did really well this year, Bill! No need to be embarrassed. 😅

[Karen]

Yay! I have been waiting for this one. :)

[Michelle]

So many lists. How do I choose?

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Karen wrote: "Yay! I have been waiting for this one. :)"

I know; but we finally posted. We figured you all would be stuffed after the holiday and needed something to do while in a food coma. 😏😂🥴

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Michelle wrote: "So many lists. How do I choose?"

Do what you feel good about and what gets you excited. I know you will trigger some tbr fingers, so I can't wait to see what you choose.

[Jennifer, Moderator]

Well, I shall learn from the past and not repeat it. Every year I post a list of actual books (physical paper) and every year I blow it. So that list is axed for this coming year. We'll see what else I come up with. :)

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Jennifer wrote: "Well, I shall learn from the past and not repeat it. Every year I post a list of actual books (physical paper) and every year I blow it. So that list is axed for this coming year. We'll see what el..."

I feel you on this one, Jennifer.

There is a part of me that thinks only doing the independent list is my best bet. OR!! Only putting comfort reads or series on my 12+4. I just don't know.

[Jennifer, Moderator]

I did the series thing this year and finished a couple of the series but still have three to go.... so we'll see if I get any of the remaining knocked out. I did the best with my nonfiction lists. Not sure why.

I do a lot of spell challenges with another group. I might just make a list or two of nothing but authors and titles with hard-to-find letters in them. Yes, U, I'm talking about you.

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Jennifer wrote: "I did the series thing this year and finished a couple of the series but still have three to go.... so we'll see if I get any of the remaining knocked out. I did the best with my nonfiction lists. ..."

Cool beans on the NF coming through this year. Wow.

U is rough, and X.

[Lance]

I’ve never done this, and reading some of these posts, I’m confused. So do we make one 12x4 list or multiple? Not committing at this moment - if we make multiple lists, I’m interested.

As some in this group know, I read mostly sports non-fiction. So, can I make one 12x4 for baseball, one 12x4 for football and so on? Would also think of doing this for non-sports books - to make sure I keep a resolution to read at least one book NOT about sports per month.

So…I’ll await some responses before I join in officially

[Bill, Moderator]

Lance wrote: "I’ve never done this, and reading some of these posts, I’m confused. So do we make one 12x4 list or multiple? Not committing at this moment - if we make multiple lists, I’m interested.

As some in ..."

We usually just make one but some of us have decided to do more specific 12 + 4 challenges. It's your choice.

[Martha]

Seems silly to do another list, but I just can't help myself. Wish me luck!

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Lance wrote: "I’ve never done this, and reading some of these posts, I’m confused. So do we make one 12x4 list or multiple? Not committing at this moment - if we make multiple lists, I’m interested.

As some in ..."

As Bill said; the norm is 1 list; but you are welcome to make more, if you think you can finish them all. If you're just trying to track the reading; it may be best to do just the independent list and list out what you want to read. The 12+ 4 is more of a rigid structure challenge, where you are attempting to read 12 of those books specifically on that list.

At the end of the day, either you read them or you don't; as long as you read.

[Alondra, Moderator Schmoderator]

Martha wrote: "Seems silly to do another list, but I just can't help myself. Wish me luck!"

Never silly, Martha. Glad you stopped by!

I hope you and your family are doing well.

[Bill, Moderator]

Martha wrote: "Seems silly to do another list, but I just can't help myself. Wish me luck!"

Good luck, Martha