Reading Challenge
12 Months. 12 Books.
Welcome to the Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers’ Reading
Challenge, where we break you out of your comfort zone and take you places you never thought you’d go.
Each month, pick a book that fits the prompt (you can be creative with it), and then submit your reading here. For extra credit and to share the fun, post to your social media account with the hashtag #aocbreads2026.
At the end of the year, we’ll gather the names of those who finished all 12 months and draw a winner for a big bag of books and a gift card. Everyone who finishes will be invited to a celebratory party!
This challenge is about more than upping your reading for the year. It’s about being an adventurous reader for life. Are you up for the challenge?
Your Reading Prompts for 2026!
- JANUARY: One word wonders
- read a book with a one-word title
- FEBRUARY: cover crush month
- pick books because of the cover alone (color, illustration, typography)
- bonus points for a mini instagram showcase using #aocbreads2026
- MARCH: books about books
- pick a story about libraries, bookstores, writers, or storytelling itself.
- Bonus: share a favorite book-related quote on your socials
- APRIL: opposites month
- read a book that is the opposite of your usual taste. for example, horror if you love romance or nonfiction if you read fantasy
- MAY: bookseller’s choice
- read a book recommended by a bookseller. utilize in-store review cards, staff picks, or chat with one of our booksellers! (spsss…it’s our favorite part of the job!)
- JUNE: flip flop fiction
- a summer escape story that makes you feel like you’re on vacation
- bonus points for insta pics of you reading on vacation and using aocbreads2026
- JULY: bookish mashups
- read a book that mixes genres. For example, fantasy+mystery, romance+sci-fi, or even historical fiction+thriller!
- AUGUST: destination…story!
- read a book set somewhere unusual, exotic, or vividly imagined!
- SEPTEMBER: local flavor
- read a book set in Alabama, the South, or by a local/regional author.
- OCTOBER: books with bite
- read a book with monsters, creatures, or animals as main characters…or THREATS! Think dragons, vampires, ghosties, or fantastical beasties!
- NOVEMBER: food & fiction
- read a book that features meals, cooking, or food as central to the plot!
- Bonus: We want to see your magical recipes made to perfection, cozy bakeries, or even an epic feast!
- DECEMBER: wrap it up
- read the book that’s been on your TBR pile for the longest time!
Submit Your Reading
Finished your book for the month’s prompt? Log your reading here to make sure we have your progress on file!
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Recommendations
Not sure what to read? Find lists of our monthly recommendations on our Bookshop page or stop by to ask a bookseller for help.