This year’s resolutions have been set and the first month is almost over. Are you ready to achieve your 2025 reading goals?
As a book lover, this time of year always stirs up a certain kind of ambition. As the new year begins, the reading possibilities are endless. Will it surpass last year’s number of 50 titles? (Given my new title as USA TODAY’s books reporter, the sign points to yes.) Will I finally be able to get hold of some of those books that are gathering dust on my bookshelf? Could you make more use of your local library?
I hope you feel the same way and want to join me in my new book challenge, a shareable bingo card full of categories to help you grow your reading goals. The best part? Enter by March 21st to win a $100 gift card to Bookshop.org.
Don’t worry if you can’t get bingo this time. USA TODAY is planning a Spring Book Challenge from March 22nd to June 20th.
How to participate in USA TODAY’s Book Challenge
The Winter Book Challenge runs until March 21st, and anyone who participates and submits a bingo card will be entered into a gift card giveaway. Winners will be notified via email within 5 business days of the drawing. See full contest rules here. You must be 18 years or older to enter.
Check out USA TODAY’s weekly best-selling books list.
The challenge also includes bingo slots such as “Read a book set in a country you’ve never been to” and “Read a book with a colored title.” There are also more general categories such as “Romantasy,” “Classics,” and “Books I Already Own.” It is intentionally varied to allow readers of all genres to participate.
To submit your bingo card, please fill out this entry form and let us know your contact information and the book you read to complete the challenge. For example, you can read five books and clear all the top rows, or use the empty space in the middle to check four other boxes. Please note that each box must correspond to a different title. A book in multiple boxes does not count.
This is an example of how to fill out your winter bingo card.
Novel: “Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney Translated literature: “I Who Have Never Known Men” by Jacqueline Harper Free Space Suggestion from a local bookstore: “Long Island Compromise” by Tuffy Brodesser-Akner Color in the title Masu: “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison
We’d love it if you could tag us on social media with your bingo card (@usatodaylife) (this is how I created it by screenshotting and pasting the book cover on my Instagram story) . However, please note that you still need to fill it out. Application form for gift opportunities.
Looking for the right book? USA TODAY Books has you covered.
Taste is subjective, but USA TODAY Books has a lot of recommended genres. If you’re interested in romance, check out the books I recommend reading after “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Jarosz. If you want a book with low stakes and lovable characters, see if a “cozy mystery” or “cozy fantasy” book is right for you. Or check out our most anticipated articles of 2025. For the most popular titles, check out USA TODAY’s best-selling books list.
Claire Mulroy is USA TODAY’s books reporter, covering hot releases, chatting with authors, and diving into reading culture. Find her on Instagram to check out her latest posts, or tell her what you’re reading at [email protected].