The 2026 🎧 Audiobook Challenge: Building on Last Year’s Magic
When I started the 2025 Audiobook Challenge, I never imagined where it would take me. What began as a tentative step into a world that once felt impossible transformed into a year of pure reading magic. I listened to 228 audiobooks in 2025. Two hundred and twenty-eight stories that taught me, challenged me, made me laugh, cry, and believe in the power of transformation.
Now, as we stand at the threshold of 2026, I’m not approaching this challenge with hesitation or uncertainty. I’m diving in with confidence, experience, and an insatiable hunger for more stories. This year isn’t about proving I can listen to audiobooks anymore. This year is about refining the craft, exploring new genres, and pushing my boundaries even further.
The audiobook world opened its arms to me in 2025, and I’m ready to embrace everything 2026 has to offer.
Reflecting on 2025: The Year Everything Changed
Last year taught me something profound about growth and possibility. When I started the 2025 challenge, I chose the Socially Awkward level (15-20 audiobooks). By April, I had crushed that goal and moved to Marathoner (50+). By June, I was chasing Audibly Addicted (150+). By December, I had listened to 228 audiobooks.
These numbers represent more than just books consumed. They represent hours of focus regained, concentration restored, and a relationship with stories completely reimagined. Each audiobook was a conversation with an author, a journey into another world, and proof that what once seemed impossible had become my daily reality.
The drives I took transformed into story time. Household chores became adventures. My work routine became enriched with characters, plots, and narratives that made every task more engaging. Audiobooks didn’t just change my reading life—they changed how I experienced every moment of my day.
What Makes 2026 Different
This year, I’m not learning how to listen anymore. I’m mastering the art of listening. I know which narrators captivate me, which genres pull me in during different moods, and how to balance lighter reads with deeper, more challenging material. I understand my listening rhythms—when I need something fast-paced to match my energy and when I crave something contemplative to slow my racing thoughts.
In 2025, I discovered my listening preferences through trial and experience. In 2026, I’ll use that knowledge to curate an even richer audiobook experience. I’ll explore series I’ve been saving, tackle those intimidating classics I’ve avoided, and dive into genres I haven’t fully explored yet.
The r/audiobooks subreddit became my community last year. This year, I’ll engage more actively, share more recommendations, and connect with fellow listeners who understand that audiobooks aren’t just convenient—they’re transformative.
The Challenge That Changed Everything
When I first joined the Audiobook Challenge hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer and That’s What I’m Talking About, I was testing whether I could maintain focus through a single book. The challenge gave me structure, community, and accountability. It transformed a personal experiment into a shared journey with thousands of other audiobook enthusiasts.
Now, a year later, I’m not wondering if I can do this. I’m excited to see how far I can push myself while maintaining the joy that makes listening such a pleasure. The challenge isn’t about proving anything to anyone else—it’s about continuing my own story of growth and discovery.
Want to Join the 2026 Audiobook Challenge?
Information:
Hello Audiophiles, it’s time to sign up for the 2026 Audiobook Challenge, hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer and That’s What I’m Talking About.*
Choose your level and get those audiobooks ready. JIAM is back for June and we’ll be hosting a special month-long challenge. Grab your earbuds, decide on your goals, and sign up below!
Use hashtag #2026AudiobookChallenge on social media to alert others to your listens and progress!
Current 2025 audio challengers, the final check-in was December 27, 2025. If you participated in 2025, join us again for 2026!
Challenge Details
- Runs January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026. You can join at any time.
- The goal is to find a new love for audios or to outdo yourself by listening to more audios in 2026 than you did in 2025.
- Books must be in audio format (CD, MP3, streaming, etc.)
- All genres count.
- Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.
- You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you can track your progress on Goodreads, Facebook, etc. I recommend creating a shelf on Goodreads titled 2026 Audiobook Challenge. You can keep track and link the shelf.
- Grab the button and do a quick post about the challenge to help spread the word. You can post on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, BlueSky, Threads, Mastodon, your blog, etc. about the challenge.
- Updates plus a giveaway will be posted twice during the year. The first update will be in early July 2026, and the final update will take place in late December 2026. You’ll have one week to link up and share your progress and enter giveaways.
Achievement Levels
What level will you choose?
- Newbie (I’ll give it a try) 1-5
- Weekend Warrior (I’m getting the hang of this) 5-10
- Stenographer (can listen while multitasking) 10-15
- Socially Awkward (Don’t talk to me) 15-20
- Binge Listener (Why read when someone can do it for you) 20-30
- My Precious (I had my earbuds surgically implanted) 30+
- Marathoner (Look Ma No Hands) 50+
- Over-Achiever (Power Listener) 75+
- The 100 Club (Audiobook Addict) 100+
- I Can’t Hear You (earbuds always in) 125-150
- Audibly Addicted (listening to all the books 24/7) 150+
Link up and Join the Fun – Head on over to Caffeinated Reviewer or That’s What I’m Talking About to sign up.
My 2026 Audiobook Goals
After listening to 228 audiobooks in 2025, I’m setting my sights on maintaining that momentum while also focusing on quality and variety. This year, I’m challenging myself to reach the Audibly Addicted (150+) level again, but with some additional personal goals:
Reading Diversity Goals:
- Explore at least 3 new-to-me authors
- Listen to at least 5 classics I haven’t read/listened to yet
- Try a genre or trope I typically avoid
- Explore more non-fiction titles
Narrator Discovery:
- Seek out new favorite narrators
- Re-listen to favorite books with different narrators to appreciate performance differences
- Support diverse narrator voices
Community Engagement:
- Share monthly favorites on social media
- Participate actively in r/audiobooks discussions
- Write more detailed reviews on Nevermore Lane
Balance and Enjoyment:
- Remember that numbers aren’t everything—quality matters
- DNF (Did Not Finish) books that aren’t serving me without guilt
- Prioritize stories that bring joy, challenge, or growth
My 2026 Audiobook List
As I go through the year, I will return to this post and add the links to the audiobooks I finish and review here on Nevermore Lane. I’m starting with Audibly Addicted (listening to all the books 24/7) 150+ as my official goal.
AUDIOBOOKS COMPLETED IN 2026
Check my 2026 Audiobook Challenge shelf on Goodreads for the complete, up-to-date list throughout the year.
MONTHLY UPDATES:
January 2026: [To be updated]
February 2026: [To be updated]
March 2026: [To be updated]
April 2026: [To be updated]
May 2026: [To be updated]
June 2026: [To be updated]
July 2026 – Mid-Year Check-in: [To be updated]
August 2026: [To be updated]
September 2026: [To be updated]
October 2026: [To be updated]
November 2026: [To be updated]
December 2026 – Final Tally: [To be updated]
The Journey Continues
In 2025, I proved to myself that audiobooks weren’t just something I could do—they were something I excelled at and loved. I discovered narrators who became like familiar friends, series that consumed my thoughts, and stories that changed how I see the world.
This year isn’t about proving anything anymore. It’s about continuing to grow, explore, and lose myself in the magic of storytelling. Whether I’m revisiting my favorite authors, only this time in audio form, diving into the gore of splatterpunk, exploring thought-provoking nonfiction, or revisiting beloved classics, every audiobook will add another layer to this incredible journey.
The 2025 Audiobook Challenge gave me back my love of reading and showed me that growth is always possible when you’re willing to try new approaches. The 2026 challenge is my opportunity to build on that foundation, deepen my relationship with stories, and discover what other transformations await.
If you’re on the fence about joining this challenge, let me tell you something: last year, I started as someone who struggled to finish a single audiobook. This year, I’m starting as someone who listened to 228 of them. The transformation isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable when you commit to the journey.
Grab your earbuds, choose your level, and join me in making 2026 another year of audiobook magic. Let’s see where the stories take us.
Want to join us in 2026? Hop over to Caffeinated Reviewer to learn more!
Like what you read? Drop me a line – let’s chat over virtual coffee.
~ Chrystal
