onceuponabookishlife

[onceuponabookishlife]

📚 2025 PopSugar Reading Challenge - Lite 📚

Hey friends! I’m jumping into the 2025 PopSugar Reading Challenge this year, and I’m so excited! For those who aren’t familiar, this challenge has 50 prompts, but I’m doing a lite version with just 12 of them. The goal? To read books that’ll help me explore new genres, themes, and perspectives—and hopefully discover some new favorites along the way!

Want to know which prompts I'm tackling this year? More below!

🔮 Here are the 12 prompts I’m tackling:

A book about a POC experiencing joy and not trauma I’m looking for a book where a person of color gets to experience joy—no trauma or pain. I’m excited to see stories that celebrate happiness, success, and good vibes!

A book set at a luxury resort Who doesn’t love the idea of a fancy getaway? I’ll be diving into a book set at a luxury resort—whether it’s a relaxing vacation or a mystery-filled trip!

A book about a road trip Road trips are all about adventure, freedom, and the open road. Can’t wait to read a book where the journey itself is just as important as the destination.

A book set in or around a body of water Whether it's a beach, a lake, or the ocean, I’m ready to dive into a book where water plays a big role. Something about water just makes a setting feel magical.

A book that reminds you of your childhood This one’s all about nostalgia! I’ll be picking up a book that takes me back to my childhood—could be a throwback favorite or something that just brings me those good old memories.

A book that an AI chatbot recommends based on your favorite book Time for a little tech magic! I’m going to ask ChatGPT to recommend a book based on my all-time favorite read.

A book about chosen family Chosen families are such a beautiful thing. I’m looking for a book that focuses on a group of people who aren't connected by blood but are bound by love and support.

A book with a snake on the cover or in the title Snakes are cool, creepy, and symbolic—so I’m looking for a book that has one on the cover or in the title. With Sunrise on the Reaping coming out in March, maybe it's time for a Hunger Games resurgence.

A book that features an unlikely friendship I love stories where two totally different characters form an unexpected bond. Can’t wait to see how this one unfolds.

A book centering LGBTQ+ characters that isn't about coming out LGBTQ+ stories are about so much more than coming out. I’m looking for a book that focuses on an LGBTQ+ character’s journey without it being all about their identity.

A book where music plays an integral part of the storyline Music has such power to shape stories! I’m looking for a book where music is a central part of the plot—whether it’s a character’s career, a major theme, or just an emotional backdrop.

A classic you’ve never read I’ve got a list of classics I’ve been meaning to read forever, so this is my chance! I’ll be diving into a classic I’ve never picked up before and finally giving it a shot.

✨ How You Can Join Me:

Pick your prompts: Feel free to follow along with my list of prompts or mix and match from the full PopSugar list. Make it your own!

Track your reads: Share your picks on social media or keep a journal to track your progress. Don’t forget to use hashtags like #PopSugarReadingChallenge and #PopSugarLite to join the conversation.

Let’s chat: If you’ve read any books that fit these prompts—or have recommendations—drop them in the comments! I’d love to hear your thoughts or see what you’re planning to read.

📖 Let’s make 2025 a year of fun and diverse reads!

This challenge is all about stretching our reading horizons and picking up books we might not have considered before. Here’s to discovering new genres, characters, and stories that make us think, laugh, and feel. Happy reading, and let’s do this!

[onceuponabookishlife]

🌟 The Enchanted Reading Quest🌟

Are you ready for a magical journey through fantastical realms and mind-bending adventures? This reading challenge is inspired by the awe-inspiring tropes and themes found in fantasy, sci-fi, and paranormal literature. With 12 carefully curated prompts, each one will lead you deeper into a world of magic, mystery, and the unknown. Take the plunge into spellbinding stories and let your imagination soar!

Ready to see what’s in store for your next reading adventure? Explore the prompts ahead!

🧙‍♀️ Challenge Prompts & How to Interpret Them:

Wander of Wonders: Read a book with a magical or supernatural element The core of fantasy and sci-fi is the extraordinary! Whether it's magic, superpowers, or supernatural beings, this prompt encourages you to explore a world where the impossible becomes possible.

Potions Master: Read a book that involves some form of alchemy or potion-making From magical potions to alchemical transformations, dive into a book where concoctions are brewed for both good and evil. Think potions, elixirs, and the quest for forbidden knowledge!

Magical Creatures: Read a book with a fantastical creature, like a dragon, fairy/fae, or unicorn Whether it's a fire-breathing dragon or a mischievous fae, this prompt takes you into the realm of magical creatures. Encountering a fantastical being will lead your adventure into the unknown.

Enchanted Forest: Read a book that takes place in a forest or mystical woodland From the haunting woods to the lush and mystical forests, nature is often home to magical beings and hidden secrets. This prompt brings you to enchanted woods where the line between reality and fantasy blurs.

Wizard’s Duel: Read a book with rivalry or conflict between two powerful characters Clash of titans! This one is for books featuring intense rivalry or duels between characters who possess immense power. Whether through magic, intellect, or sheer force, the conflict is as central to the plot as the characters themselves.

Time Travel: Read a book with time manipulation, whether through magic or science Time isn't always linear. Whether through enchanted artifacts or scientific technology, this prompt invites you to explore the mind-bending possibilities of time travel, where past, present, and future collide.

Cursed Item: Read a book with an object or artifact that has a powerful or dangerous effect The right item can change everything. A cursed object, a powerful artifact, or a mystical relic—this prompt calls for a book where an object plays a pivotal role, often with dangerous consequences.

Illusion: Read a book with an unreliable narrator or a twist ending that changes your perception Not everything is as it seems. This prompt dives into books where the story or the narrator challenges your trust, revealing hidden truths or shocking twists that alter your entire perception of the plot.

Starry Night: Read a book that has a celestial or astrology theme The stars hold more than just light—they can tell stories of fate, destiny, and the cosmos. Whether it's astrology, the influence of celestial beings, or adventures among the stars, this prompt is for lovers of the stars and beyond.

Crystal Ball: Read a book that involves a prophecy, fate, or fortune-telling Is destiny preordained, or can it be changed? In this prompt, you’ll dive into stories where the future is foretold by seers, prophecies, or fortune-tellers, challenging the characters to follow or defy their fate.

Spellbook: Read a book that features a character learning or using magic The journey of mastering magic is one of discovery, training, and personal growth. Whether it’s a formal magical school, a self-taught sorcerer, or a character discovering their latent powers, this prompt is all about the pursuit of magic.

The Final Spell: Read a book with a conclusion that feels like a closing of a magical adventure All good adventures must come to an end. This prompt is for books where the conclusion feels like the final spell being cast—when the journey is over, the mysteries have been solved, and the magic has reached its peak.

🌠 How to Participate:

Pick your books: Choose one book for each of the 12 prompts. You can read them in any order or follow the list as it suits your reading pace.

Track your progress: Share your progress on social media or keep a reading journal to mark off each prompt as you complete them. Don’t forget to use your favorite reading challenge hashtags!

Engage with the challenge community: Share your thoughts, reviews, and favorite moments from the books you read. Swap recommendations with fellow participants and discuss how each book fits the prompt.

✨ Bonus Challenge:

For an extra sprinkle of magic, try to incorporate a new-to-you genre or author for each prompt!

📚 Are you ready to embark on this wondrous journey?

Let the magic of the books guide you through realms unknown, time travel adventures, and the pursuit of ancient wisdom. Happy reading, fellow adventurer!

[onceuponabookishlife]

Welcome to Once Upon a Bookish Life 🌟

Hello, fellow book lovers and curious minds!

Welcome to Once Upon a Bookish Life! This little corner of the internet is all about celebrating stories. Here, you’ll find book reviews, reading recs, and a few ramblings about life sprinkled in. Whether you’re a bookworm, a casual reader, or just here to find your next great read, I hope this space feels cozy and welcoming.

While books are at the heart of this blog, it’s also a space for sharing bits of everyday life, reflections, and creative moments. Think of it as a mix of bookish love and life’s little joys.

What you’ll find here: 📚 Honest and thoughtful book reviews. ✨ Reading lists and recommendations tailored to your mood. 🎨 Cozy vibes and friendly chats. 📝 Random musings about life’s small wins.

I’m all about building a community where we can share thoughts, discover new books, and just enjoy the magic of stories together.

Thanks for stopping by—it means a lot! Let’s see where this journey takes us, one post at a time.

Warmly, Nea