26 in ‘26 Reading Challenge
I would like to start a reading challenge for myself and readers for 2026. We are going to read 26 books in 2026—one book for every letter of the alphabet! There is a FREE printable document you can use to keep track as you read.
Subscriber-Only Perks for the Challenge:
📖 1. Mini Reading Journal PDF
A cottagecore-inspired booklet featuring:
reading log pages
monthly reflection prompts
quote & annotation pages
spots to doodle your favorite covers
and a soft little “DNF at peace” page
Perfect for slipping into your binder, book journal, or fridge nook.
🌙 2. Monthly Themed Wallpapers
Fresh digital wallpapers for both phone and desktop every month—inspired by the A–Z prompts. Think mushrooms, moons, map fragments, cozy cabins, and stormy watercolor skies.
🕯 3. Guided Reading Meditation
A soft, gentle ritual to begin your reading year. Curl up with a mug, breathe deep, and set intentions with a cozy guided moment crafted just for you.
📝 4. Fillable Digital Checklist
For the digital babes and tablet annotators: a clickable, fill-in version of the 26 in ’26 checklist you can use on any device.
🔮 5. The Blind Book Game
Choose from a set of mysterious, whimsical “cards” like: The Wanderer, The Lost Map, The Haunted Heart, The Last Lantern. Each one reveals a secret bonus prompt. It’s your own little reading divination ritual.
💌 6. Subscriber-Only Book Discussion Posts
Every month, I’ll share the book I chose, how it made me feel, what I scribbled in the margins, and the thoughts I’m wrestling with—and you’ll be invited to join the conversation. A cozy book club, tucked quietly into my corner of the internet.
Challenge Prompts:
Ancestry
A book about lineage, generational stories, or family roots.
Birds
A book featuring a bird (cover art, title, or plot).
Cozy Mystery
Something warm, small-town, or charmingly dramatic.
Debut Novel
A first-time author’s book.
Emotional Damage
A story that will absolutely wreck you.
Fantasy Standalone
A full fantasy in one glorious book.
Gothic Romance
Moody, atmospheric, yearning.
Haunting Atmosphere
Creepy, uncanny, or gently unsettling if you’re not into horror.
Indie Published
An independently published book.
Just Because
You picked it up purely on vibes.
Kingdoms
Royalty, rival houses, or political intrigue.
Local Author
Someone from your area!
Myth & Folklore
Inspired by legends or ancient tales.
Nature Writing
Essays or stories rooted in the natural world.
Oceans or Otherworldly
Sea adventures or speculative fiction even sci-fi would work here.
Poetry
A poetry collection by your favorite poet, or someone new.
Quiet Read
Something soft, introspective, tender.
Re-read
An old favorite or an unfinished book.
Survival Story
Fiction or nonfiction about endurance.
Time Travel or Timelines
A book with multiple timelines or time shenanigans.
Under 250 Pages
A novella you can finish in a sitting or two.
Villainous Vibes
A great villain or morally gray character.
Weather
Storms, seasons, climate, or weather magic.
X-Marked Treasure
Maps, quests, riddles, or adventure. Bonus points if it includes pirates!
Year Published: 2026
Something brand new!
Zero Expectations
Go in blind, don’t read reviews or the summary. Let the book surprise you.
Do you think you’ll be able to cross off everything on this list? Leave your book recs for the categories in the comments below.
