The 2026 Popsugar Reading Challenge: A Garden of Literary Controversies That Will Divide Book Lovers and Spark Heated Debates on Cultural Norms and Social Boundaries
The annual Popsugar Reading Challenge has become a hallmark for bibliophiles, offering a structured yet creative way to engage with literature. As the 2026 challenge launches, it brings with it not just a list of prompts but a thematic exploration that resonates deeply with contemporary societal issues. This year’s theme, centered around gardens and growth, invites participants to cultivate their literary tastes while also reflecting on broader cultural narratives.
The challenge consists of 50 prompts designed to inspire readers to explore diverse genres and themes. Each prompt serves as a seed, intended to germinate new ideas and perspectives. For instance, prompts like “a book about a sexless marriage” and “a love story that defies social boundaries” push readers to confront uncomfortable truths about relationships and societal expectations. These topics are not merely literary exercises; they reflect ongoing discussions about intimacy, identity, and the evolving nature of love in modern society.
The inclusion of prompts such as “a book with a dad as the primary caregiver” and “a book about postpartum” highlights the shifting dynamics of family structures and gender roles. These themes resonate particularly in today’s climate, where discussions about fatherhood and motherhood are becoming increasingly nuanced. The challenge encourages readers to engage with narratives that challenge traditional norms, promoting a more inclusive understanding of family and caregiving.
Moreover, the prompt “a book about a trans or nonbinary protagonist” signifies a growing recognition of diverse identities in literature. This inclusion not only enriches the reading experience but also fosters empathy and understanding among readers. By engaging with stories that reflect a variety of experiences, participants can cultivate a more expansive worldview, which is essential in an increasingly polarized society.
The challenge also touches on the theme of mental health with prompts like “a book with a character who navigates infertility” and “a book about debt.” These subjects are often stigmatized, yet they are crucial to understanding the complexities of human experience. By encouraging readers to confront these realities, the Popsugar Reading Challenge serves as a platform for dialogue and reflection on issues that affect many individuals but are seldom discussed openly.
The 2026 challenge also incorporates elements of escapism and adventure, with prompts such as “a book that makes you want to travel to Italy” and “a travel ghost story.” These selections provide a counterbalance to the heavier themes, allowing readers to explore fantastical worlds and narratives that offer respite from everyday struggles. This duality reflects the multifaceted nature of literature, which can serve both as a mirror to society and a window into other realms.
In addition to the thematic prompts, the challenge provides practical tools to help participants stay organized and motivated. The printable “bouquet” of prompts and tracking sheets are designed to enhance the reading experience, making it more interactive and engaging. This approach not only fosters a sense of community among participants but also encourages accountability, as readers share their progress and insights within the PS Book Club on Facebook and Goodreads.
The challenge’s emphasis on community is particularly significant in today’s digital age, where social media can both connect and divide. By creating spaces for discussion and sharing, the Popsugar Reading Challenge aims to cultivate a sense of belonging among readers. This communal aspect is vital, as it allows individuals to engage with literature in a way that is both personal and collective, fostering connections that transcend geographical boundaries.
As readers embark on this year’s challenge, they are invited to reflect on their own experiences and perspectives. The prompts serve as a catalyst for introspection and discussion, encouraging participants to engage with literature that resonates with their lives while also challenging them to step outside their comfort zones. This balance of personal and communal exploration is what makes the Popsugar Reading Challenge a unique and valuable experience for book lovers.
Ultimately, the 2026 Popsugar Reading Challenge is more than just a list of prompts; it is a call to action for readers to engage with literature that reflects the complexities of modern life. By exploring themes of identity, family, and societal norms, participants are not only nurturing their personal libraries but also contributing to a broader conversation about the role of literature in shaping our understanding of the world. As the garden of literary possibilities unfolds, readers are encouraged to dig deep, plant their seeds of curiosity, and watch their literary landscapes flourish.
They say the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but around these parts, we know nothing tops the launch of the annual Popsugar Reading Challenge – our take on a virtual book club that connects book lovers all around the world. That’s part of the reason we’re giving readers an extra month this year to get started working through the 50 prompts that we’ve compiled, each one designed to keep your bibliophile juices flowing and your library card dust-free.
While it’s possible that some of the books you’ll choose to read over the next year won’t be rosy in nature (I, for one, love a dark and twisted read), the theme for the 2026 Reading Challenge certainly is; not just rosy, but also leafy and viney and all-around generative. The idea is that our prompts will “plant” your “garden” (ahem, your personal library) with bookspo, and that, over the span of the year, your hearts, brains, and bookshelves will blossom with the great reads you and all the eager readers in the PS Book Club Facebook group have nurtured.
A couple of this year’s prompts reflect that garden theme, like “a book that takes place during harvesting season” and “a book with any type of fruit on the cover or in the title.” Others take inspiration from some of our favorite PS stories from 2025, like “a book with a dad as the primary caregiver” (shout-out to dad clubs) and “a book about a granny hobby.” And some – like “a book set in Michigan or written by an author from Michigan,” aka the 26th state – are an homage to the number 26, looking ahead to next year and the bounty that 2026 will hopefully bring. Maybe “a book that makes you want to travel to Italy” will inspire you to attend the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan?
Image Source: PS Photography / Patricia O’Connor
In typical Reading Challenge style, our team has also been hard at work crafting some IRL extras to help you keep your 2026 reading goals on track, including a printable “bouquet” – but instead of flowers, each stem is a different prompt. You can download the printable list of book prompts here, the sheet of book selections that will become your bouquet here, and the book-cover tracking sheet here. And if you haven’t already, join the PS Book Club on Facebook and the Ultimate PS Reading Challenge on Goodreads to keep in touch with your reading buddies throughout the year.
However you choose to tackle the 2026 prompts, we hope they help germinate a very fruitful year of reading.
2026 PS Reading Challenge Prompts
Advanced Prompts
2026 PS Reading Challenge Printables
Below are the printables you’ll want to take with you while you tend to your 2026 PS Reading Challenge garden. How will your bouquet take shape?
- PS Reading Challenge Prompt List and Bouquet Wrapper
- PS Reading Challenge Book Selection Bouquet Strips
- PS Reading Challenge Tracker With Book Covers
Emma Glassman-Hughes (she/her) is the associate editor at PS Balance. In her seven years as a reporter, her beats have spanned the lifestyle spectrum; she’s covered arts and culture for The Boston Globe, sex and relationships for Cosmopolitan, and food, climate, and farming for Ambrook Research.
