See those little icons (actually called “buttons” in the book blogging world) on the right-hand column of my blog? These refer to different reading challenges I’ll be participating in throughout the course of this year. Some of you might ask, “what is a challenge?” A challenge is a bit like an online reading club in which book bloggers read specific books in pursuit of a common objective. After posting reviews of these particular books, bloggers will frequently post links to their reviews on a the host’s blog so other bloggers can access those reviews. Experience has shown me it’s a convenient and intellectually stimulating way to discover both interesting books and book blogs.

Here is a brief run-down on my reading challenges for 2026.

Mt. TBR Reading Challenge. Bev from My Reader’s Block is hosting this challenge to encourage you to read those books you own yet haven’t read. Last year I signed up for the “Mount Vancouver” level of 36 books – and once again failed miserably! This year I’m going try again and maybe with a lot of hard work and perseverance I’ll finally climb that elusive Mt. Vancouver!

The Virtual Mount TBR Reading Challenge. Also hosted by Bev, the goal of this challenge is to read all those books that have been on your list but as library books. I’m opting for the “Mount Crumpit” level of 24 books.

Reading By the Numbers Reading Challenge. Yet another hosted by Bev, the goal of this helpful challenge is to simply keep track of everything you’ve read. Library books, books you own or electronic books owned or borrowed all count.

Books in Translation Reading Challenge. Years ago when I first started blogging I took part in a books in translation reading challenge and loved it. Once again, Jennifer at Introverted Reader is hosting this challenge and I’m excited to join. Last year I read just four books but this year I wanna I’m read at least 10 translated books and recapture the coveted “Linguist” level.

Immigration Reading Challenge. Another challenge hosted by Jennifer at Introverted Reader. If any of you’ve been blogging for a long time years ago you might remember this one used to be hosted by Colleen from Books in the City. It was one of my favorite challenges and I’m glad Jennifer has agreed to host it. “With the current anti-immigrant climate here in the United States, and to some extent in other countries as well, 2026 seems like a good year to bring this challenge back.” I couldn’t agree more. I hope to read at least 10 book and make it to “Level Four.”

Bookish Books Reading Challenge. Hosted by Susan at Bloggin’ ’bout Books this will be a new challenge for me. According to her the goal is to read “bookish books that are still lingering on our shelves and TBR lists. Any book counts as long as one of its main themes is books (reading them, writing them, hoarding them, stealing them, eating them, burning them, decorating with them, organizing them, sniffing them, selling them, etc.). Any book that is essentially bookish in nature counts.” This sounds like a wonderful challenge and synchs perfectly with my Books About Books series I’ve been doing for years. I’m opting for the “Toe in the Door” level of participation of 1 to 10 books.

European Reading Challenge. When I first read about this challenge, I thought it applied solely to fiction. However, I soon learned it included everything from memoirs to travel and even cooking.  That’s why I signed up for the European Reading Challenge, hosted by Gillion on her blog Rose City Reader. Just like in past years I’ll be going for the “deluxe entourage” level, meaning I’ll read at least five qualifying books. By the way, the other reason that I’m taking part in this challenge is Gillion the hosts lives in my former hometown of Portland, Oregon!

TBR 26 in ’26 Challenge.  Also hosted by Rose City Reader, the challenge encourages us to read 24 books before the end of the year that have been on your shelf prior to January 1, 2026. Shelf includes your ebook reader and audiobooks you own, but it doesn’t include library books.” Even though my blog features a lot of library books I have a substantial personal library of my own and I’m looking for any excuse to dive into it.

Library Love Challenge. As you probably all know, a huge percentage of the books featured on my blog are borrowed from the public library or downloaded from Overdrive. Therefore, I’ve always been a fan of library challenges. Hosted by Angel’s Book Nook & Books of My Heart the mission is to read as many library books as possible. Once again I’m hoping to read a minimum of 48 books which would put me at the “library addict” level.

Historical Fiction Reading Challenge. Formerly hosted by Passages to the Past, and now The Adventures of an Intrepid Reader is a great reading challenge for me because I don’t read a lot of fiction, but when I do it’s usually historical fiction. This year I’m aiming for the “Medieval” level of 15 books.

Nonfiction Reader Challenge. Since I’m a huge nonfiction fan I’d be a fool not to participate in this one hosted by Book’d Out. I’ve selected the “Nonfiction Nibbler” level and will be reading six books from any of the 12 nonfiction categories.

Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge. Over the last several years along with reading more historical fiction I’ve found myself reading more international crime, spy thrillers and the like. Carol’s Notebook is hosting a reading challenge devoted solely to mystery/suspense/thriller/crime genres. My initial goal for 2025 was to make it to the “Amateur Sleuth” level of 5 to 15 books but I surpassed that with 17 books earning the title of “Detective.” This year I’d like to make it to “Inspector” and read 26-35.

Old Books Reading Project. This is my own private challenge and solely a creation of my own. I have a huge personal library and many of these books are over 30, 40 and 50 years old. Year after year they just sit there just waiting to be read. And what do I do about it-nothing. I keep going to the public library to get new ones or worse, buy more. This must change. Therefore, I’m hoping this challenge that I created last year will somehow force me keep reading some of the books I already own. It’s also an effective way for me to spotlight a few old and forgotten books that have still have considerable merit, despite not being a New York Times notable book or talked about on NPR.