Enrich your life this new year by reading some great books! From adventure to self-improvement, we’ve created the Great 2025 Refine Reading Challenge to send you on your way.

How the challenge works

Each month we’ve provided two theme challenges for your reading adventure. You can choose books from one or both themes as time allows. 

We’ve also included a downloadable version of the entire challenge so you can easily keep track of your literary adventures this year!

Ready, set, read!

January — “New Beginnings” & “Mindful Motivation”

• Book 1: A novel or story about a character starting over, reinventing him or herself, or embracing change. This could be a fresh start in life, a career change, or finding purpose.

• Book 2: Read a book that motivates you to be your best this year. It could be a memoir, self-help, or personal development book that explores habit-building, self-discovery, growth, or mental well-being.

February — “The Power of Love” & “Love is a Battlefield”

• Book 1: Read a book that explores love in its many forms—romantic, familial, and platonic.

• Book 2: Not just a rom-com, read a book that explores the challenges that come with love and relationships, especially in marriage. Whether a cautionary tale or a wholesome romance.

March — “The Test of Virtue” & “Unlikely Heroes”

• Book 1: A book on being pushed to the limit to improve or grow in virtue and discipline. Look for themes of self-denial, discipline, and sacrifice to attain a greater goal.

• Book 2: A story about an unlikely hero—someone ordinary who rises to do something extraordinary, defying expectations.

April — “Nature’s Beauty” & “Spiritual Journey”

• Book 1: A book set in the wilderness or outdoors, where nature plays a significant role. It could be a fictional or scientific journey into nature or a poetic exploration of the natural world.

• Book 2: Dive into the deeper meanings of life through a spiritual work. This could be a book on faith, a conversion or religious journey, or something based on transcendence and searching for a higher good.

May — “Adventure Awaits” & “Coming of Age”

• Book 1: A book about adventure, exploration, or a quest—whether in a fantastical world, across a vast landscape, or in the pursuit of knowledge or treasure.

• Book 2: A coming-of-age story that focuses on personal growth, the transition from adolescence to adulthood, and the challenges of finding one’s purpose.

June — “Lighthearted & Fun” & “Laughter is the Best Medicine”

• Book 1: A feel-good, lighthearted book—something funny, quirky, or joyful. This could be a romantic comedy, humorous fiction, or a story full of heart. It’s a great opportunity to read a Comic book or graphic novel.

• Book 2: A memoir or a novel that uses humor while exploring deeper themes of life, offering both laughter and insight into the human condition.

July — “Social Issues” & “Suspense”

• Book 1: Read a book that explores a pressing social issue from the past, present, or future. It can be fictional or a commentary on our present day.

• Book 2: A suspenseful story with tension-building, whether it’s a classic whodunit or a book that keeps you guessing until the last page.

August — “Fantasy Worlds” & “Travel & Discovery”

• Book 1: A fantasy novel set in an entirely new world—think magic, mythical creatures, or epic adventures. Let your imagination soar.

• Book 2: A book about exploration into unknown territories, from world travel to scientific discovery, or exploring a different culture. Perhaps dive into works related to your own cultural heritage, or explore the world of great art and architecture.

September — “Historical Events” & “Historical Icons”

• Book 1: Discover how the past shapes the present through reading about a historical event. This could be either a standard history book or a dramatic novel based on a true story.

• Book 2: Keep forming your worldview of the past from a personal level by learning about a historical icon or hidden figure. This could be a biography of a great thinker or icon, an eyewitness account of a historical event, or a novel from a real-life experience.

October — “Mystery” & “Memento Mori”

• Book 1: Read a mystery book, which could be a novel or from real life. A psychological thriller, crime, or mystery novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat with complex characters and endless plot twists.

• Book 2: As the seasons change, read a book on the concept “Memento Mori” to “remember your death” and how all things eventually fade in this life but are made for an eternal purpose.

November — “Community & Connection” & “Cultivate Gratitude”

• Book 1: A story that revolves around community, relationships, and the interconnectedness of the human experience. This could involve family, friendships, or social bonds.

• Book 2: Pick a book that plays on themes of gratitude, reflection, or thankfulness—whether it’s a novel about learning to appreciate the small things or a nonfiction piece on the benefits of cultivating gratitude.

December — “Endings” & “New Horizons”

• Book 1: Read a book about endings whether it’s a story about a chapter in someone’s life coming to a close, or a novel about facing closure, loss, or finality.

• Book 2: Finally read a story about new beginnings, embracing change, stepping into the future, or discovering new opportunities. End the year with a sense of hope and renewal.

Bonus ideas for extra fun

• “Genre Swap” — Pick two books of completely different genres, like a science fiction novel paired with a historical book.

• “Author Challenge” — Dedicate one month to reading two books by the same author.

Tip: We know life gets busy, and we don’t want that to stop you from the joy of reading. If you really find your time is running short one month feel free to sub in a short story, novella, or poetry that fits the theme and keep going!