2022 Reading Challenges: Book Riot's Read Harder

We all know reading can nurture empathy, unlock new worlds, and inspire new ideas. In 2022, why don't you challenge yourself with setting a reading goal? Don't know where to start? Let's begin with Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge.

Book Riot's "Read Harder" Challenge

The Book Riot Read Harder Challenge asks readers to pick up books that broaden their perspective and worldview. You'll seek books by marginalized voices, that cover topics outside the norm, and perhaps even pick up an anthology of poetry you never thought you'd read. Bonus: a gift if you complete all 24 challenges!

Here are a few picks to get you going on this challenge (affiliate links included):

Pick a book set in a bookstore: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Barcelona, 1945: A city slowly heals in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, and Daniel, an antiquarian book dealer’s son who mourns the loss of his mother, finds solace in a mysterious book entitled The Shadow of the Wind, by one Julián Carax. But when he sets out to find the author’s other works, he makes a shocking discovery: someone has been systematically destroying every copy of every book Carax has written. In fact, Daniel may have the last of Carax’s books in existence. Soon Daniel’s seemingly innocent quest opens a door into one of Barcelona’s darkest secrets--an epic story of murder, madness, and doomed love.

Pick a book by a disable author: The Kiss Quotient

A heartwarming and refreshing debut novel that proves one thing: there's not enough data in the world to predict what will make your heart tick.

“This is such a fun read and it's also quite original and sexy and sensitive.”—Roxane Gay, New York Times bestselling author

Read a political thriller by a marginalized author: American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson

Inspired by true events—Thomas Sankara is known as “Africa’s Che Guevara”—American Spy knits together a gripping spy thriller, a heartbreaking family drama, and a passionate romance. This is a face of the Cold War you’ve never seen before, and it introduces a powerful new literary voice.

“So much fun . . . Like the best of John le Carré, it’s extremely tough to put down.”—NPR

Let us know if you read any of these, and what you think!