October 2024 Mini-Challenge
A new mini-challenge has arrived! This month we’re embracing all things cozy with three new prompts that give us the perfect excuse to curl up with a warm blanket and a new read.
What is a mini-challenge?
Mini-challenges are small, month-long reading challenges. They usually contain three prompts built around a specific theme. Match one book to each prompt, getting as creative as you like. If you think the book fits the prompt, it does! These mini-challenges are released sporadically and not every month will have one. (The surprise is part of the fun!)
October Stickers:
As part of our 2024 Mini-Challenge Sticker Subscription, we have released a set of stickers to match your October mini-challenge! If you purchased October Mini-Challenge stickers, you are welcome (and invited!) to share them now on your social media sites and spread the reading joy! Feel free to tag @the52bookclub and @planitwithstickers and show us how your sticker and journal layouts!
If you missed out on the October stickers and want to get in on the fun for next month’s challenge, here’s the link to purchase November’s stickers now!
October 2024 Mini-Challenge:
1. A beverage on the cover
2. Book pairs with a favorite sweater
3. A cozy read
Match one book to each of the prompts (for a total of three books). Share your picks in our Facebook group, Goodreads group, or on Instagram using the hashtag #the52bookclub2024. You can also find these listed as bonus prompts on our StoryGraph challenge.
Graphics & Printables:
Need some suggestions?
1) A beverage on the cover — For this prompt, we’re looking for a beverage (a drink) on the cover. The beverage can be part of the cover design, a word in the title, or part of the author’s name. The beverage may or may not be a prominent part of the cover and can be any type of beverage. Examples of popular beverages may include: tea, coffee, milk, juice, smoothies, cocktails, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, etc. As long as the beverage is somewhere on the cover, it counts!
Since covers may vary by region and edition, keep in mind that as long as at least one edition of the book has a beverage on the cover, you can read that book in any edition or format.
Examples: A Tempest of Tea, Funny Story, Legends & Lattes, Sparkling Cyanide, Whiskey in a Teacup, Black Buck, A Spoonful of Murder, etc.
Goodreads list: A beverage on the cover
2) Book pairs with a favorite sweater — Have you seen the #bookstagram trend pairing book covers and spines with sweaters? That was the inspiration behind this prompt. You can see some examples here, here, or here, or check out this photo we took for The 52 Book Club’s Instagram.
For this prompt, match a book to a favorite sweater (cardigan, jumper, pullover, hoodie, sweatshirt, etc! Something warm and cozy!) It could be a sweater hanging in your closet, owned by a friend or loved one, worn by a character in a TV series you love, hanging in a local shop, on your wish-list, etc. The possibilities are endless! Once you pick a sweater, pair a book to it and start reading!
Wait… How do I pair a book to a sweater? This is an opportunity to get creative. It’s entirely up to you as to whether you think the book matches or not. Some examples of how to pair books to a sweater may include:
– Book spine or cover matches the color of the sweater
– Your favorite sweater is a little worn? Pick a well-loved book, a re-read, a used book, a comfort-read, etc!
– Have a brand new favorite sweater? Grab a new release!
– Does your favorite sweater remind you of a specific memory? Pick a book that matches those feelings or emotions.
– A book with a sweater on the cover
– A book with a sweater pattern on the cover (knit, wool, or fabric design, etc)
– A character who run or owns a clothing shop, or a character who knits sweaters or other clothing
– A book wearing a sweater (book sleeves!)
– The word “sweater,” “cardigan,” “jumper,” or “pullover” in the title.
Goodreads List: Since this prompt is so subjective, there’s no Goodreads list!
3) A cozy read: For our third October prompt, we’re looking for a cozy read. There are a few different ways to interpret this prompt. Pick the one that inspires you most! Some examples include but aren’t limited to:
– A cozy mystery: Cozy mysteries are a popular sub-genre of mystery or crime novels. These books often feature an amateur detective and may be set in a rural community or small town. Anything violent or graphic usually takes place off the page. Any cozy mystery (or other cozy genre, like cozy fantasy) would work for this prompt.
– A light and uplifting read: Any book that feels light, uplifting, and like a warm cozy hug. This is entirely subjective and will vary widely from reader to reader.
– A book with a cozy-looking cover: A cat curled up in front of a fireplace, a steaming cup of tea, a log cabin nestled in a snowy winter scene… If you think a book has a particularly cozy-looking cover, it fits this prompt!
– Cozy words in the title: Any title with the word “cozy” in it will fit this prompt. You may also choose a book title with other words that give you those cozy vibes. This will vary for each of us, but some examples may include: snug, warm, home, relaxed, comfy, rustic, glow, soft, homey, etc.
– Get cozy and read! Grab your comfy pants, a giant blanket, and your favorite drink, and get cozy! Any book you read in this state definitely counts toward this prompt!
Examples: The Cinnamon Bun Book Store, Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers, The Bookshop on the Corner
Goodreads List: A cozy read
Mini-challenge tips:
1) Do I have to complete this challenge in October?
Nope! You can complete this mini-challenge whenever you like. Some members prefer to focus on finishing the main 2024 challenge first, and then go back to complete all the minis afterward. Others enjoy the added challenge of completing mini-challenges in the month they’re released. If you start the October challenge but don’t finish this month, feel free to carry it over into the coming months. Do whatever works for you!
2) Is this a part of the main 52 books in 52 weeks challenge?
Yes and no. Mini-challenges are related to our 52 books in 52 weeks challenge but are also completely optional. Some members may decide to complete the full challenge and all the minis. Other members may choose to skip mini-challenges or to complete some of the minis but not all of them. Some challenge participants might only be joining in for the minis. It’s up to you how (or if) you’d like to participate.
3) Can I use the same books as my 52 book challenge?
It all depends on your personal reading goals! You can choose to read these books in addition to your regular 52 Book Club reads (this mini-challenge makes 67 prompts for 2024, not counting the Summer Challenge), or you can double up and combine them with prompts still left on your 2024 list. Your challenge, your rules!
Comment below and let us know what you’re reading this month!