POPSUGAR Reading Challenge: 2023 Edition

Let me tell you how I’ve come to be a participant in the infamous POPSUGAR Reading Challenge …

After an absolutely wretched year dealing with my POTS diagnosis and barely being able to stand up, I know 2023 is going to be a huge reading year for me. Not only do I love books more than almost anything in the world, but it’s also a fantastic couch and bedbound activity—perfect for a struggling POTSie.

Enter my cousin, Sherri.

Sherri recently gave me a heads-up about the annual POPSUGAR Reading Challenge that she partakes in. The challenge is comprised of fifty book prompts—forty main prompts plus ten advanced prompts if you’re feeling ambitious.

I’m hoping to hit every single one of them!

POPSUGAR Reading Challenge’s Diverse Range of Prompts

I did a little digging and learned that one of the reasons why the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge is so popular is because of its diverse range of prompts. Each prompt is designed to encourage readers to explore different themes, genres, and writing styles.

From “A book set in a country you’ve never been to” to “A book recommended by your favorite author,” the prompts are thoughtfully crafted to ensure a well-rounded reading experience. With each prompt, readers are presented with an opportunity to step outside their comfort zone and discover new literary gems they may not have encountered otherwise.

A Sense of Community

Reading is usually a solitary activity—which, let’s be honest, is why we love it so much! But it’s also fun to share our reading experiences with like-minded book lovers. The POPSUGAR Reading Challenge brings together a vibrant community of readers from all around the world.

Whether it’s through online forums, social media groups, or local book clubs, participants in the challenge can connect with fellow bookish people. Readers start prepping for the challenge in December. Prepping means scouring the internet for books that fit the prompts which is already proving to be challenging.

Some prompts are just so difficult to find a book for, which is where the community really shines! I’ve found great recommendations in the POPSUGAR Facebook group as well as in discussions on Goodreads.

The sense of community adds an extra layer of excitement and motivation to the challenge, as readers can engage in conversations about their favorite books and find inspiration from others.

The POPSUGAR Reading Challenge fosters a supportive and inclusive environment that celebrates the joy of reading and encourages readers to reach their lofty reading goals.

The Joy of Personal Growth

Beyond the enjoyment of reading itself, the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge offers a journey of personal growth. By pushing readers to explore new genres and themes, the challenge expands their horizons, broadens their perspectives, and encourages them to step outside their literary comfort zones. It is in these moments of exploration that readers can discover new favorite authors, learn about different cultures, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

I tried to keep that in mind as I planned my big year of reading. I’m choosing a book about Cyprus, another about a first-generation Indian teen, a poetry collection about living with disability, and a few other books with protagonists who have very different life experiences than me.

So here I go!

I’m ready for this great literary adventure and all the lessons I’m sure it will bring. I feel good about being able to keep up with the pace—about four books a month. With my upcoming long-distance doctor appointments that I’ll be traveling to and the inevitable POTS flares that will follow, it’s comforting to know that my downtime will be well spent.

Happy reading!