September Reading Post: Back-to-Books Edition 📚✨
New month, new semester, new reading goals! Let's make September the month we fall back in love with reading.
September energy is in the air! New notebooks, stationary, fresh starts, and...school. What's to like about school? You're stuck in an enclosed building with hundreds of other students for hours listening to a grown up ramble about different subjects.
If you're an avid book reader, you've probably spent the summer either devouring books or completely forgetting they exist.
Despite the responsibilities we go to (whether work, school, or something else) September is the perfect time to reset your reading goals and try something new. Whether you're heading back to school or vibing around, having your book content and goals organized is always helpful, especially if you're still not used to early mornings and mishaps. Try to get a feel of your schedule and prepare special reading time everyday.
Why September is the BEST Reading Month
Despite the solemn vibes, there's something magical about September that just screams "curl up with a book." Maybe it's the beginning of cooler weather making us want to stay inside, or that back-to-school feeling that makes us crave learning new things. Whatever it is, September readers just hit different.
Plus, let's be real – everyone's posting their fall TBRs and cozy reading setups for the autumn, so you're definitely going to want some good books to match the aesthetic. 📖🍂
The September Back-to-Books Challenge
I've designed this challenge to be flexible because I know life gets crazy in September. Pick and choose the challenges that spark joy, or try to complete them all, see what works best for you! The important thing is to keep reading!
Week 1: New Beginnings (Sept 1-7)
📘 Challenge 1: Read a book with "new" in the title Think New Girl vibes but in book form! This could be a fresh start romance, a new-world fantasy, or anything that gives you that clean slate feeling.
📗 Challenge 2: Start a series you've been putting off We all have that one series sitting on our TBR that everyone raves about. This week, finally crack open book one!
📙 Challenge 3: Read in a new location Switch up your reading spot! Try the library, a coffee shop, outside, or even just a different room in your house.
Week 2: Learning & Growing (Sept 8-14)
📚 Challenge 4: Read a book that teaches you something new Could be historical fiction that teaches you about a time period, contemporary fiction about a culture you're unfamiliar with, or even a light non-fiction book.
📖 Challenge 5: Read a book by an author you've never read before Branch out from your usual favorites and discover someone new!
📝 Challenge 6: Write a mini review or bookish post Share your thoughts somewhere – Goodreads, Instagram story, or even just in a reading journal.
Week 3: Comfort & Cozy (Sept 15-21)
☕ Challenge 7: Read with your favorite fall drink Hot chocolate, pumpkin spice latte, apple cider, tea – whatever makes you feel cozy!
🏠 Challenge 8: Read a comfort book Sometimes we need that reading equivalent of mac and cheese.
📱 Challenge 9: Share a bookish photo Get in on that cozy fall aesthetic! Stack some books with leaves, your coffee mug, fairy lights – whatever makes you happy.
Week 4: Finishing Strong (Sept 22-30)
🎯 Challenge 10: Finish a book you started months ago We all have that book that's been bookmarked on page 73 since April. This is the moment!
⭐ Challenge 11: Read something completely outside your usual genres If you love fantasy, try contemporary. If you're all about romance, pick up a mystery. Surprise yourself!
🎉 Challenge 12: Celebrate your reading wins Whether you completed one challenge or all twelve, take a moment to acknowledge your reading journey this month!
How to Track Your Progress
Create a September Reading Tracker:
- List out the 12 challenges
- Check them off as you complete them
- Add the books you read for each challenge
- Include a rating or one-sentence review
Share Your Journey:
- Use #SeptemberBackToBooks on social media
- Comment below with your challenge picks
- Tag friends to join you
- Share your cozy reading setups
Making the Most of Your September Reading
Tips for Success:
- Don't stress if you can't complete every challenge
- Audiobooks totally count (perfect for busy school schedules!)
- Library books are your best friend for trying new things without spending money
- Keep a running list of books that catch your eye for future months
Create the Perfect Reading Atmosphere:
- Invest in a cozy reading blanket
- Make a "reading time" playlist
- Stock up on your favorite snacks and drinks
- Find good lighting (fairy lights make everything better)
Your September Reading Goals
Before you dive in, take a moment to set some personal goals:
- How many books do you want to read this month?
- What's one new genre you want to explore?
- Which challenge are you most excited about?
- What's one reading habit you want to develop?
Write these down somewhere you'll see them – your phone notes, a journal, or even a sticky note on your mirror!
Join the Challenge!
Drop a comment below with:
- Which challenge you're most excited about
- One book you're definitely reading this month
- Your September reading goal
A Final September Pep Talk
This challenge isn't about perfection. It's about rediscovering the joy of reading and maybe pushing yourself to try something new. Some months we read ten books, some months we read one, and both are perfectly valid.
The goal is to make reading feel fun and exciting again. So grab your coziest blanket, pick a challenge that speaks to you, and let's make September absolutely magical.
Happy reading, book lovers! Here's to a month full of new stories, cozy vibes, and that perfect September reading energy. 🍂📚