Last year, I bought way too many books.
At first, it felt exciting, like I was surrounding myself with possibility. But over time, that excitement turned into a quiet pressure. Every unread book on my shelf started to feel like something I was behind on, instead of something I was looking forward to.
That’s when I realized I didn’t need another traditional reading challenge. I needed a different way to approach reading altogether.
So for 2026, I’m doing a reading challenge, but not the kind that’s focused on numbers, speed, or keeping up with anyone else. Instead, I’m building a seasonal TBR that matches the natural rhythm of the year and the moods I move through in each season.
This is my way of making reading feel grounding again.
Why I Needed a Different Kind of Reading Challenge
Most yearly reading challenges are built around one question: How many books can I read?
That question has never worked well for me.
I’m a deeply seasonal reader. My energy shifts throughout the year, and so do the kinds of stories I can emotionally hold. Trying to force light, summery books in the middle of winter or dense fantasy during a chaotic summer has always led to reading slumps.
Instead of fighting that, I decided to design a reading challenge that works with my life instead of against it.
This seasonal reading list gives me structure without pressure and honestly, that alone has made reading feel enjoyable again.
Seasonal reading doesn’t box me in. It gives me something to look forward to. It turns each season into a small chapter of its own, instead of one long blur of “I should be reading more.”
And honestly? It helps me manage my seasonal depression in a way that feels gentle, not clinical. Having a story that fits the moment I’m in makes the days feel more intentional.
If you want some soft habits you can incorporate to help you read more books in this upcoming year, check out this post, How to Read More Books (Without Pressure or Guilt).
The Anxiety of an Unread Shelf (and Why Planning Helped)
There’s a specific kind of anxiety that comes from owning a lot of physical books you haven’t read yet.
It’s not dramatic. It’s subtle. But it’s there.
Every unread spine feels like a tiny reminder that you’re “behind.” That you should be reading faster. That you shouldn’t buy anything new until you catch up.
This reading challenge isn’t about control. It’s about relief.
By mapping my reading year in advance, I’m giving myself permission to:
- Read slower
- Read with intention
- Stop impulse buying
- Actually enjoy the books I already own
Instead of staring at my shelves wondering where to start, I know what season I’m in and what kind of story will support me there.
Planning didn’t ruin the magic. It protected it.
How the Reading Challenge Works
The system itself is simple.
Each month has a core mood. That mood guides the types of books I choose, not strict rules or page counts. Most months include:
- Two to four romance or contemporary reads
- One fantasy anchor, often on audio
Fantasy stays intentional because I love it, but I don’t want to overwhelm myself. Romance and contemporary carry most of the year, with fantasy acting like an emotional spine.
These lists are guideposts, not contracts. If my mood shifts, the plan shifts. If I DNF something, that’s information, not failure.
The goal is to make reading feel supportive, not performative.
If you want to learn more about my reading journey check out My Reader Journey: How Reading Helped Me Grow or How to Annotate and Rate Books
My 2026 Reading Challenge
Some months are fully planned. Others are intentionally left open. That flexibility is part of what makes this system sustainable for me.
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January 2026 – Cozy Reset + Soft Romance + Light Fantasy
January is about easing back into myself. I’m not trying to reinvent my life. I’m trying to soften the transition from holiday energy into routine without punishment.
This month is gentle romance, emotional warmth, and fantasy that feels immersive but not overwhelming.
- The Seven Year Slip – Ashley Poston
- Love on the Brain – Ali Hazelwood
- Yours Truly – Abby Jimenez
- The Neighbor Favor – Christina Forrest
- Fantasy (audio): Alchemized – SenLinYu
February 2026 – Black Romance + Fantasy
February is layered for me. There’s romance, yes, but also depth. Emotion. Stories that linger.
This month centers Black love stories and fantasy that feels rich and moody.
- Just Our Luck – Denise Williams
- If You Stay – Brittainy Cherry
- When I Think of You – Maya Ariel
- Fantasy: Six of Crows – Leigh Bardugo
March 2026 – Sweet Contemporary + Healing Vibes
March feels like exhaling. The world starts waking up, and so do I.
This month is for tenderness. Stories that feel like emotional reset buttons.
- Between Friends and Lovers – Shirlene Obuobi
- Happy Place – Emily Henry
- Fantasy: Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows #2) – Leigh Bardugo
April 2026 – Spring Romance + Romantasy Magic
April is playful but still intentional. Romance that feels hopeful, with fantasy that leans magical rather than dark.
- Most of You – Mia Sheridan
- The Dating Playbook – Farrah Rochon
- Fantasy: Lore of Tides – Analeigh Sbrana
May 2026 – Cozy Month + Juicy Romance
May is where I let myself indulge a little.
It’s cozy but bold. Comfort reads mixed with books I know people will be talking about.
- Story of My Life – Lucy Score
- No Ordinary Love – Maya Ariel
- Book Lovers – Emily Henry
- Fantasy: The Knight and the Moth (Book 1) – Rachel Gillig
June 2026 – Soft Summer Start + Series Continuation
June is about continuity. Carrying stories forward instead of starting everything new.
July 2026 – Big Fantasy Month + Hot Girl Summer Reads
July is intentional chaos in the best way.
This is where I lean into escapism fully. Big fantasy. Bold romance. No overthinking.
- Curvy Girl Summer – Danielle Allen
- Plus Size Player (Curve, 2) – Danielle Allen
- Fantasy: Priory of the Orange Tree – Samantha Shannon (This has been on my TBR for like 3 years lol it must be read this year)
August 2026 – Chaotic Romance + Spicy Reads
August is messy, dramatic, and fun. This is not the month for restraint.
- Problematic Summer Romance – Ali Hazelwood
- Rhythm’s Blues Kimberly Brown
- King of Wrath – Ana Huang
- King of Envy – Ana Huang
September 2026 – Soft Fall Transition + Romance Calm
September is about grounding again. Romance that feels steady, not chaotic.
October 2026 – Dark Romance + Dark Fantasy Month
October is the one month where I fully let myself lean into darker stories. This is when I want intensity, moodiness, and books that feel a little unsettling in the best way.
Right now, I know I want dark romance here. The fantasy slot, though? That one stays open. I want to choose it closer to the season, based on my mood and what’s calling to me then.
- Demon’s Dream – Elle Kayson
- Dark fantasy: TBD (chosen in-season)
November 2026 – Cozy Fall + Emotional Depth
November slows everything down again.
This month is reflective, cozy, and emotionally rich. Stories that feel like sitting with your feelings instead of running from them.
- Things We Left Behind – Lucy Score
- Can’t Help Falling in Love – Sophie Sullivan
- Merit – Adorabol Huckleby
- Optional fantasy: Dawnbringer – Stephanie Fisher
Will I Stick to This Reading Challenge?
Maybe. Maybe not.
But that’s not really the point.
The point is that having a reading challenge makes me feel calmer right now. It gives shape to my year. It turns reading into something I’m intentionally moving toward instead of something I feel guilty about.
This is the same reason I felt so in the Christmas spirit this year, even without a tree. I planned Christmas books. Hallmark movies. Cozy recipes. Small, intentional moments that made the season feel full.
That’s the hack I’m carrying forward.
I don’t need more effort. I need better alignment.
A Gentle Invitation
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by your TBR, or disconnected from reading, or stuck in a slump you can’t explain, maybe the answer isn’t to read more.
Maybe it’s to read with the season you’re in.
You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need one that makes your life feel softer.
And if this system evolves as the year goes on? That’s okay too.
We’re allowed to change with the seasons.
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