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I’m so pumped for the 2025 PopSugar Reading Challenge!
Every year, they come up with these 50 unique prompts, and it’s always a great excuse to read outside my comfort zone.
This year’s theme is transformation, which I think is perfect for a fresh start. It’s about embracing change, whether it’s personal growth or seeing things from a new angle. I’m already feeling inspired by the theme!
Reading challenges are honestly the best way to shake up your reading habits and discover books you wouldn’t normally pick up.
I’m definitely looking forward to checking off each prompt, and I’ve got some book recommendations for each one to help you out along the way! Let’s make this year’s challenge something special!
1. A book about a person of color experiencing joy and not trauma: The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang is a fun romance with a Vietnamese-American woman on the autism spectrum. It’s all about self-love, confidence, and finding joy in a relationship, so it absolutely fits this prompt.
2. A book you want to read based on the last sentence: I haven’t gotten around to reading Beloved by Toni Morrison yet, but the last sentence is so famous and intense that it’s definitely got me curious. I’ve heard it packs such an emotional punch, and I’m really eager to see how it all builds up to that moment.
3. A book about space tourism: Rocket Says Look Up! by Nathan Bryon is such a fun read! It’s about a little girl named Rocket who dreams big – about space, about making the world better – and even rallies her community to join her in stargazing. Space tourism may be more for grown-ups, but this children’s book brings that excitement to a whole new level.
4. A book with two or more books on the cover or “book” in the title: The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick is a sweet story that fits this prompt. The cover features books, and the plot revolves around finding lost books and discovering hidden family secrets.
5. A book with a snake on the cover or in the title: The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner is a great choice here. It’s an emotional coming-of-age story about friendship, faith, and overcoming personal problems.
6. A book that fills your favorite prompt from the 2015 PS Reading Challenge: I didn’t do the 2015 PS Reading Challenge, but I checked it out, and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger totally fits the banned book prompt. It’s been banned for its language and themes, but I love how real Holden feels.
7. A book about a cult: The Girls by Emma Cline is about a group of girls sucked into a Manson-like cult in the 60s. It leans manipulation, belonging, and how easy it is to be drawn into something dangerous. Dark, haunting, and totally captivating, this is perfect if you want to fulfil this prompt.
8. A book under 250 pages: The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman – This one’s a quick read but so rich in emotion and magic. A man revisits his childhood memories and discovers dark, fantastical truths. It’s short but packed with nostalgia, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural.
9. A book that features a character going through menopause: Hot Flashes, Warm Bottles by Jane Heller is a funny, lighthearted take on menopause. I really loved how relatable, honest, and perfect it was. This is perfect for anyone going through or curious about the experience.
10. A book you got for free: I grabbed The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion for free on Kindle, and it’s an enjoyable and quirky romance with a lovable protagonist who’s just a little socially awkward.
11. A book mentioned in another book: The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky popped up in The Goldfinch, and it’s stuck with me ever since. I haven’t read it yet, but the way it’s referenced got me curious. It’s a deep, philosophical read, and I bet it’d make you think about life in a whole new way.
12. A book about a road trip: I love a quirky, feel-good road trip story, and The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson totally fits the bill. A 100-year-old man escapes his nursing home and goes on an adventure that’s funny, surprising, and just a little heartwarming. You can’t help but root for him!
13. A book rated less than three stars on Goodreads: The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan got a bit of a mixed reception on Goodreads, but I still think it’s worth reading if you love epic fantasy. The world-building and characters can be a bit slow at first, but it’s got that classic fantasy vibe that pulls you in if you stick with it.
14. A book about a nontraditional education: If you’re into books where education goes way beyond the usual classroom experience, The Secret History by Donna Tartt is the one for you. It’s about a group of students in a quirky, almost cult-like class, and the dark, twisted things that happen.
15. A book that an AI chatbot recommends based on your favorite book: My favorite book of all time is It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey, and I received these recs from ChatGPT – Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert, The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez, Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score, and The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker.
16. A book set in or around a body of water: The setting of The Island by Victoria Hislop is absolutely gorgeous. It takes place on a small Greek island, where family secrets and history mix with the beautiful Mediterranean. I love how the sea feels almost like another character in the story.
17. A book about a run club: Okay, so The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is not exactly a run club, but running plays a key part in this one. It’s about a woman exploring different versions of her life, and running becomes a symbol of her emotional journey. It’s one of those books that makes you think about life and your choices in a new way.
18. A book containing magical creatures that aren’t dragons: I love how The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab mixes magical realism with deep emotion. Addie, the main character, makes a deal with the devil and ends up being cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. There’s magic, mystery, and some really interesting supernatural creatures, just without the dragons.
19. A highly anticipated read of 2025: I’m so excited for Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson in 2025! It’s a family saga about identity and secrets, and if you liked Black Cake, this one’s definitely worth checking out.
20. A book that fills a 2024 prompt you’d like to do over (or try out): If I could redo a prompt, I’d choose K-Pop Confidential by Stephan Lee for a book about K-pop. It’s a fun, heartfelt look at the K-pop industry that follows a Korean-American girl’s journey to stardom. It’s packed with dreams, challenges, and, of course, joy!
21. A book where the main character is a politician: While American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins is not all about politics, the political angle is a huge part of this story. It shows the impacts of political decisions on the lives of migrants, and the protagonist’s encounters with politicians are crucial to the plot.
22. A book about soccer: If you’re into gritty, intense stories about soccer (and the people around it), The Football Factory by John King has got you. It’s not just about the game but also about the passion and violence that often comes with it.
23. A book that is considered healing fiction: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is so incredibly heartwarming. It’s told from the perspective of a dog, and through his eyes, you experience the highs and lows of life. It’s emotional but in a way that feels really healing and uplifting.
24. A book with a happily single woman protagonist: If you’re looking for a book with a happily single woman protagonist, The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren is a great pick! Olive is forced to go on a free honeymoon with her nemesis, Ethan, and while it’s all about forced proximity and rom-com antics, Olive is a confident, independent woman who doesn’t need a relationship to be happy.
25. A book where the main character is an immigrant or refugee: The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez really hit home. It tells the story of a group of Latin American immigrants who come to the U.S., with the central focus on two teenagers. It’s a beautifully written exploration of culture, home, and belonging.
26. A book where an adult character changes careers: This one’s an unexpected pick but I really enjoyed The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak. Ella Rubinstein, is a housewife and mother who unexpectedly changes her life after reading a manuscript about the 13th-century poet Rumi. Her transformation is subtle but profound, and I think it’s the kind of career change that shows how fulfilling a life can be when you follow your heart.
27. A book set at a luxury resort: Although not a typical luxury resort setting, the lavish Hollywood settings and glamorous lifestyles of Evelyn Hugo’s world in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid captured the essence of luxury for me. It’s full of drama, glitz, and stunning characters, with lots of focus on relationships and personal growth.
28. A book that features an unlikely friendship: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman is a sweet, heartwarming story. Ove, a grumpy old man, forms an unlikely but beautiful friendship with his new neighbors. It’s such an emotional read that shows how people can surprise you and that friendship can bloom in the most unexpected places.
29. A book about a food truck: The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais is easily one of the most delightful books I’ve ever read. It’s about an Indian family that opens a food truck in a small French town, and this leads to a culinary rivalry with a Michelin-starred restaurant. The food descriptions alone will have your mouth watering!
30. A book that reminds you of your childhood: Matilda by Roald Dahl will always be a favorite from childhood. Matilda is a brilliant, misunderstood girl with a love for books, and she stands up to the adults who try to crush her spirit. It’s a story of empowerment, and it takes me right back to my younger years when I first read it.
31. A book where music plays an integral part of the storyline: High Fidelity by Nick Hornby is such a fun read if you’re into music. The main character runs a record store, and the entire book revolves around his obsession with music, his life choices, and his failed relationships.
32. A book about an overlooked woman in history: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is an emotional historical fiction novel about two sisters during WWII and it’s an awesome historical fiction based on a real woman. It focuses on the often-overlooked contributions of women in wartime, particularly in resistance movements.
33. A book featuring an activity on your bucket list: I’ve always wanted to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, so Wild, a memoir about Cheryl Strayed’s solo hike was inspiring and motivational. It’s raw, real, and filled with personal growth. If hiking’s on your bucket list, this book will definitely give you that nudge.
34. A book written by an author who is neurodivergent: For a book written by a neurodivergent author, I’d go with We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio. R.J. Palacio, who’s shared that she’s neurodivergent, wrote this sweet picture book based on her novel Wonder. It’s told from Auggie’s perspective, a boy with a facial difference, and it’s all about kindness and seeing the world through other people’s eyes. It’s a short, but really touching read that’s perfect for all ages.
35. A book centering LGBTQ+ characters that isn’t about coming out: Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston is such a breath of fresh air. It centers on a romance between the son of the U.S. president and a British prince, but it’s not about coming out. It’s just two characters discovering their love for each other in a fun, lighthearted way. Plus, it’s funny and heartfelt.
36. A book with silver on the cover or in the title: I really loved Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick! It’s about Pat, a man struggling with mental illness, and his journey back to normalcy. The idea of finding silver linings in dark situations really resonated with me.
37. Two books with the same title (1): The Lost Girls by Heather Young alternates between two timelines and a tragic disappearance. It’s dark and gripping, with some unexpected twists. I definitely couldn’t put it down!
38. Two books with the same title (2): Another Lost Girls, but Jessica Chiarella’s book is more psychological thriller. It focuses on four women who were childhood friends and reconnect years later. It’s twisty and unpredictable, which I really enjoyed.
39. A classic you’ve never read: Yeah, I know. I’m a little embarrassed, but I’ve never read Moby-Dick by Herman Melville. I know it’s a classic, but I’ve just never gotten around to it. I hear it’s a fascinating dive into obsession and humanity, so I’m hoping to pick it up soon.
40. A book about chosen family: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It’s about a man who works for a government department that supervises magical children. He’s sent to an orphanage, and what he finds there is a family of misfits who are chosen by love.
Advanced Challenges
41. A book by the oldest author in your TBR pile: Hemingway was 58 when he wrote The Old Man and the Sea, and while not exactly ancient, he still brought so much life to this simple but powerful story. It’s all about struggle and perseverance – definitely a classic worth picking up.
42. A book with a title that starts with the letter: You by Caroline Kepnes is a wild psychological thriller told from the point of view of a creepy stalker. It’ll have you on the edge of your seat, constantly second-guessing everything. Definitely a book that makes you rethink your comfort zone and you should totally watch the series.
43. A book that includes a nonverbal character: For this prompt, I’d go with The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay. Nastya, is mute after a traumatic event, and the book dives into her emotional healing. It’s a touching story about finding connection without words, and I love how it explores silence in such a deep way.
44. A book you have always avoided reading: I’ve avoided Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James (+ the bajillion movies) for a while, but it’s hard not to recognize its impact. Whether you love it or hate it, it definitely changed the way romance is talked about. I’m still on the fence about reading it, but maybe one day I’ll take the plunge.
45. A book with a left-handed character: The Left-Handed Booksellers of London by Garth Nix – How fun is this? A left-handed bookseller in a magical London. It’s quirky, adventurous, and just plain fun to read. A perfect fit for this prompt.
46. A book where nature is the antagonist: The landscape in The Road by Cormac McCarthy isn’t just a setting – it’s like its own enemy. In this post-apocalyptic world, nature is unforgiving, and survival is a constant battle against it. It’s a heavy read, but so gripping.
47. A book of interconnected short stories: The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien feature stories about soldiers in the Vietnam War, and they’ll make you connect in ways that make you feel the emotional weight of each character. It’s a collection that packs a punch and sticks with you long after you’re done reading.
48. A book that features a married couple who don’t live together: The Divorce Party by Laura Dave is about a married couple who are separated but still find ways to stay connected. It’s a fresh, honest look at relationships, marriage, and how people grow, even when they’re apart.
49. A dystopian book with a happy ending: Most dystopian books leave you feeling a bit down, but The Giver by Lois Lowry has a more hopeful ending. It’s a classic for a reason, and it offers a sense of optimism in a world that feels pretty bleak.
50. A book that features a character with chronic pain: While we all know The Fault in Our Stars by John Green for its heart-wrenching take on illness, it also shows the daily struggle of living with chronic pain. It’s beautifully tragic and a powerful reminder of how love and life can still shine through even in the toughest times.
I’d love to hear what prompts you’re looking forward to the most, so drop a comment below!
And if you need more book suggestions or inspiration, be sure to check out my related posts—I’ve got tons more recommendations to keep you going!
