Expand Your Reading Magic: Join the 2026 Nonfiction Reader Challenge
Do you find yourself gravitating toward the same genres year after year? Maybe you’re a fiction devotee like me, someone who loses themselves in novels, fantasy worlds, and character-driven stories. But have you ever felt that gentle nudge to explore something different—something real, something that teaches you about the actual world we live in?
That’s exactly where I found myself as 2025 came to a close. And that’s why I’m thrilled to introduce you to the 2026 Nonfiction Reader Challenge, hosted by the wonderful Shelleyrae at Book’d Out.
I’ve made a tag on GoodReads to keep track of the 2026 Non Fiction Challenge which will not only include the non fiction I read for this challenge, but all that I read for the year.
Why Nonfiction Matters (Even for Fiction Lovers)
Here’s the truth: I’ve always been a story person. Give me a cozy mystery, a witchy novel, or a sweeping romance, and I’m in heaven. But over the past year, I’ve noticed something shifting in my reading life. The nonfiction books I’ve picked up—memoirs, true crime, books about spirituality and earth magic—have stayed with me differently. They’ve sparked conversations, changed perspectives, and taught me things I never knew I needed to learn.
Nonfiction doesn’t just inform us; it transforms us. It connects us to real people, real struggles, real triumphs. It gives us tools, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the world around us. And honestly? In 2026, with everything happening in our world, I think we could all benefit from reading more widely, more curiously, and more intentionally.
That’s what makes the Nonfiction Reader Challenge so perfect. It’s not about abandoning the books we love—it’s about adding richness and variety to our reading lives.
What Is the 2026 Nonfiction Reader Challenge?
The Nonfiction Reader Challenge is a year-long reading challenge that encourages readers to make nonfiction part of their regular reading rotation. Whether you’re a nonfiction enthusiast or someone who rarely picks up anything outside of fiction, this challenge meets you exactly where you are.
Here’s what I love most: it’s completely flexible. You choose your commitment level, you pick the categories that interest you, and you read at your own pace. No pressure, no judgment—just the gentle encouragement to explore new perspectives and real-world stories.
Challenge Details:
- Duration: January 1st – December 31st, 2026
- Sign-up deadline: December 1st, 2026 (yes, you can join late!)
- Host: Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out
- Goal: Encourage readers to make nonfiction part of their reading experience throughout the year
Choose Your Reading Level
One of the most beautiful aspects of this challenge is that it truly accommodates every type of reader. There are three commitment levels, and you get to choose the one that feels right for your reading life.
Nonfiction Grazer This is the most flexible level, perfect if you want to dip your toes into nonfiction without any specific goals. As a Grazer, you simply read and review any nonfiction book you choose. Set your own goal—or don’t set one at all. Just share the nonfiction you read throughout the year. This level is ideal if you’re new to nonfiction or if you prefer a pressure-free approach to challenges.
Nonfiction Nibbler This is the level I’m choosing! As a Nibbler, you commit to reading and reviewing six nonfiction books, choosing one book from six different categories (more on those categories in a moment). This level gives you enough structure to explore different types of nonfiction while still feeling manageable and fun. It’s perfect if you want to stretch yourself without feeling overwhelmed.
Nonfiction Nosher For the ambitious readers out there, the Nosher level challenges you to read and review 12 nonfiction books—one from each category. This is for those who already love nonfiction or who are ready to make it a significant part of their 2026 reading journey. (This is the level I am challenging myself to achieve.)
The 12 Fascinating Categories
This is where things get really exciting. Shelleyrae has curated 12 diverse categories that span the entire nonfiction landscape. Whether you’re drawn to true crime mysteries, health and wellness, or quirky humor, there’s something here that will capture your interest.
1. History – Dive into the past and discover the stories that shaped our world. From ancient civilizations to recent events, history books help us understand where we came from and why our world looks the way it does today.
2. Memoir/Biography – These are my personal favorites. There’s something magical about reading someone else’s real life story—their struggles, triumphs, and the lessons they learned along the way. Memoirs and biographies offer us glimpses into lives we might never otherwise encounter.
3. True Crime – If you love mysteries but want something real, true crime is calling your name. These books explore actual cases, criminal psychology, and the pursuit of justice. Fair warning: they’re often impossible to put down.
4. Science – From astronomy to biology, neuroscience to ecology, science books open up the wonders of our natural world. And the best ones make complex concepts accessible and absolutely fascinating.
5. Health – Whether you’re interested in nutrition, mental health, fitness, or holistic wellness, health books provide knowledge that can genuinely improve your life. As someone interested in herbalism and holistic practices, this category speaks directly to my soul.
6. Food – Food books are pure joy—whether they’re about cooking, food history, culinary adventures, or the cultural significance of what we eat. These books feed both your mind and your inspiration for the kitchen.
7. Humor – Yes, nonfiction can be hilarious! Humor books, funny memoirs, and witty essays prove that real life can be just as entertaining as fiction. Sometimes we all need a good laugh, and these books deliver.
8. South East Asia – This category focuses on books about or from South East Asia, offering perspectives and stories from this rich and diverse region. It’s a wonderful opportunity to expand your global understanding.
9. Lost or Found – This intriguing category could include books about lost civilizations, found treasures, missing persons, archaeological discoveries, or anything involving the themes of loss and discovery.
10. Television – For those of us who love both books and TV, this category explores television history, behind-the-scenes stories, TV criticism, or books about specific shows and their cultural impact.
11. Subculture – Dive deep into specific communities, movements, or cultural phenomena. Subculture books take you inside worlds you might never have known existed, from underground music scenes to niche hobbies to unique communities.
12. Published in 2026 – Stay current with brand-new releases! This category ensures you’re reading the latest perspectives and most up-to-date information across any nonfiction genre.
Why I’m Joining (And Why You Should Too)
I’ll be honest—I consumed 228 audiobooks in 2025, but most of them were fiction. While I loved every minute of those stories, I realized I was missing something. I was missing the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to be challenged by real-world perspectives. Towards the end of the year I started to add more non-fiction to the list, but this year, I want to add even more.
The Nonfiction Reader Challenge gives me the perfect framework to branch out. As a Nonfiction Nibbler reading six books from different categories, I’ll be pushing myself just enough to explore new territory without feeling overwhelmed.
Here’s what I’m most excited about:
Discovering New Perspectives: Each category offers a chance to see the world through someone else’s eyes or to understand a topic I know nothing about.
Building Knowledge: Unlike fiction, which entertains beautifully, nonfiction actively teaches us skills, facts, and frameworks we can apply to our lives.
Better Conversations: There’s something about reading nonfiction that gives you more to talk about with friends, family, and fellow readers. Real stories spark real discussions.
Challenging Comfort Zones: Some of these categories intimidate me a little (science, anyone?), and that’s exactly why I want to try them. Growth happens outside our comfort zones.
How to Join the Challenge
Ready to expand your reading magic? Here’s how to get started:
- Visit Shelleyrae’s post at Book’d Out to officially sign up for the challenge
- Choose your commitment level: Grazer, Nibbler, or Nosher
- Browse the 12 categories and start thinking about which books interest you
- Begin reading! Remember, you can start anytime before December 1st, 2026
- Share your progress: Post reviews on your blog, Goodreads, Instagram, or wherever you connect with other readers
- Connect with fellow challengers: Use the hashtag #NonfictionReaderChallenge2026 to find other participants
Throughout the year, Shelleyrae typically shares reading suggestions for each category, which is incredibly helpful if you’re not sure where to start.
My Tentative Reading Plans
While I’m not committing to specific titles just yet, here are the six categories that are calling to me for 2026:
Memoir/Biography: This is always a safe bet for me. I’m thinking about exploring memoirs related to creativity, spirituality, or entrepreneurship.
Health: Given my interest in holistic wellness and my recent GLP-1 journey, I’d love to read something about nutrition, intuitive eating, or mind-body connection.
Food: Combining my love of cooking with reading? Yes, please. I’m drawn to books about food history or cultural food traditions.
True Crime: I can’t resist a good true crime book, especially ones that explore the psychology behind criminal behavior.
Humor: Because sometimes we all need a good laugh, and funny memoirs are some of my favorites.
Published in 2026: I want to stay current, and this gives me the flexibility to choose any newly released nonfiction that catches my eye throughout the year.
Tips for Success
After years of participating in reading challenges, I’ve learned a few things about what helps me actually complete them:
Don’t Stress About the “Perfect” Book: Sometimes we get so caught up finding the ideal book for a category that we never start reading. Pick something that sounds interesting and dive in. You can always read another book from that category later.
Mix It With Your Regular Reading: Don’t feel like you need to read all nonfiction all the time. I’ll be alternating nonfiction titles with my beloved fiction throughout the year.
Use Audiobooks: Many nonfiction books work beautifully in audio format. I do some of my best nonfiction “reading” while walking, cooking, or doing other tasks.
Share As You Go: Post about what you’re reading on social media or your blog. The accountability and conversation make the challenge more fun.
Be Flexible: If a category just isn’t working for you, it’s okay to switch. The goal is to enjoy your reading, not to check boxes out of obligation.
Let’s Read Together
One of my favorite things about reading challenges is the community they create. We’re all on this journey together, discovering new books, sharing recommendations, and encouraging each other along the way.
I’ll be posting updates throughout 2026 about the nonfiction books I’m reading, sharing reviews, and talking about how these real-world stories are influencing my life and work. I’d love to hear what you’re reading too!
Whether you’re choosing the Grazer level and just dipping your toes in, or you’re going all-in as a Nosher, there’s room for everyone in this challenge. The beauty of reading is that there’s no single “right” way to do it—only the way that works for you.
So here’s to 2026. Here’s to expanding our reading horizons. Here’s to real stories, real knowledge, and real growth. Here’s to making nonfiction part of our magical reading lives.
Are you joining the 2026 Nonfiction Reader Challenge? Which level are you choosing? What categories are you most excited (or nervous!) about? I’d love to hear your thoughts—join me for coffee in the comments below and let’s talk books!
Like what you read? Drop me a line – let’s chat over virtual coffee.
~ Chrystal
