Announcing the Pages with Sage Reading Challenge 2026

Look, we all know that the monthly theme reading challenge I tried to implement in 2025 was a huge bust. I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t know that was something I tried.

I think it’s safe to say that I like to experiment with different things and see how they play out. 

I’m usually failing at things. (And that’s ok!)

In the spirit of experimentation, I’d like to try a different kind of reading challenge in 2026. There are 12 definite prompts, plus one “bonus” prompt, if that makes sense. 

Rules

These are the rules I’m setting for myself, you’re welcome to adjust these rules to suit your needs.

The Prompts

1. A book published the year you were born.
2. A self-published book by a trans or nonbinary author.
3. A book featuring a cult.
4. A book in a genre you don’t normally read.
5. The next book in a series you already started.
6. A book in translation by a woman author.
7. A book that combines food and identity.
8. A graphic memoir.
9. A dark academia novel by a BIPOC author.
10. A book by an author with a disability.
11. A novel featuring a protagonist over 40.
12. A novel about found family by an LGBTQIA+ author.
13. Reread a favorite. (BONUS)

Want to join me?

As I indicated above, you are welcome to join this challenge if you feel so inclined. If you’re on Storygraph, I have a public challenge live now. I’m surprised by the number of people who happened upon my challenge on Storygraph and decided to sign up (I wasn’t expecting that!)

Additionally, I hope to send some suggested reading for each of these prompts on a monthly basis…where possible, of course (obviously, I can’t suggest books published the year you were born without knowing the year you were born, nor do I know what your favorite book is).

If you’d like to receive my newsletter, you’re welcome to sign up. No worries if not.

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Updated: Nov 25, 2025 @ 3:38 am