Starting a Reading Challenge Mid-Year

It is the end of August, and I am starting a new reading challenge mid-year. Yes, you can start a reading challenge at any time. It doesn’t have to be January to start a new challenge.

I love to read all kinds of books. Nonfiction, fiction, mystery, true crime, historical fiction, biographies, and more.

This year I have struggled with my fiction reading. I have been reading fiction, but I have not had many five-star fiction reads this year. In fact, my only five-star fiction reads so far in 2026 have been Theo of Golden and Emma M. Lion. Because of this, I feel like I am in a fiction reading slump.

I need something to make me want to pick up more fiction books, so I decided a new reading challenge was in order.

Sometimes you just need to start a reading challenge mid-year to change things up.

Seven or eight years ago, I did a nonfiction books for every state reading challenge. My goal with that challenge was to read a nonfiction book set in or about every state in the U.S.

I read other books during this time, but when it came to nonfiction, I read mainly books that fit the goal. That reading goal took me a little over two years, and it is still one of my favorite reading challenges.

That challenge to read a nonfiction book for every state stretched me outside of my normal reading comfort zone. I read and loved so many books that I would not have picked up otherwise.

I decided it would be fun to do that same reading challenge, but with fiction. So a couple of weeks ago I decided to set the goal to read a fiction book for each state in the U.S.

I am going to read books beyond those set in the U.S., but when it comes to my fiction reading, my main focus will align with this goal.

I am starting this challenge over halfway through the year, so I know I won’t finish the goal this year. I am hoping to finish it by the end of 2027.

I also want the books to be books I have not read. I have read a lot of great fiction over the years that would fit this challenge, but I want all the books to be ones I have not read before.

The Book That Inspired This Challenge

The book that inspired me to start this challenge is the historical fiction book A Founding Mother by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie.

I learned so much about Abigail Adams while reading A Founding Mother. That book inspired me to pick up several nonfiction books about John Adams and his family.

As I was thinking about trying to find some five star fiction reads, I was reminded that there is so much U.S. history that I do not know.

A Founding Mother inspired me to learn more about the U.S.

I want to learn more about early America, pre-Civil War, Civil War, the Gilded Age, WWI, the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and so many other times in history.

I want to learn about the people and places that have helped make America the country that it is today.

My Goals For Fiction Books Set In Every State

I have a few goals with this challenge.

I want to read my shelves.

I own so many books that I have not read.

I love backlist books, but it is so easy to get distracted with the shiny, newly published books that are all over social media.

I want this challenge to inspire me to read my bookshelves rather than get distracted by all the books everyone is talking about.

I went through the fiction books on my shelf and on my Kindle, and I already found books that fit thirty states. For many of the states, I have more than one book that will fit the challenge. That means I already have a great start on finding books for every state.

I want to read outside my reading comfort zone.

I want this reading challenge to help me read outside my normal reading. I want to pick up books I might not have otherwise.

I want to learn new things. I want to read things that I have never thought about or considered.

I want to learn things about American history that I did not know.

There are so many things about the United States that I know nothing about. There are also many time periods I have not read much about.

I want this challenge to help me pick up books that teach me about the United States.

I will be sharing regular updates on what I am reading, which states I have read, and which states I have left to read. I will also be sharing many of the books from this challenge on Instagram for Fiction Friday. I am hoping to share reviews of the books on my YouTube channel as well.

Do you want to join me?

I would love to hear from you if this is a challenge you want to take on. I would love to talk with you about the books I am reading and find books for states I am missing. It would also be fun to have accountability with others while doing this challenge.

Please let me know if you want to join me!