Welcome to the 23 for 2023 Challenge!

Ever looked at your TBR pile and thought, “Why do I still have books from 2019 on here?” Same. This challenge is all about giving those senior books the spotlight they deserve—while also discovering fresh titles that excite you.

This is my personal take on the 23 for 2023 challenge, where we elevate not just books but various forms of storytelling!

The concept is simple: read 23 books in 2023. That’s roughly two per month—with room for breathing space.

But here’s my twist: I’ve expanded it beyond books. Because storytelling comes in many flavors!

What I’m Doing (My Extended Version) ✨

That’s 69 total items by year’s end—or roughly 1–2 per week if you’re mathematically minded. And don’t panic! Vacation months are built in, so there’s room for life to happen.

How to Play (Two Versions)

Version A: The Classic “Older Books First” 📖

Originally created by Zeit für neue Genres (German blog community)

Goal: Clear out your oldest TBR items

1. List the 10 oldest books lingering on your reading list
2. Read one per month
3. Take two vacation months where you can pause (because life happens)
4. If you abandon a book, the next one on your TBR moves up the list
5. By December, your TBR stack should feel… younger

Best for: People with neglected TBRs who want accountability

Version B: My Multi-Medium Approach 🎯

Goal: Hit 23 across three mediums

1. Set your target: 23 books + 23 games + 23 movies/TV
2. Track each medium separately or combine them on a master list
3. No pressure on completion order—just keep moving forward
4. Use tools like Goodreads, spreadsheets, or a physical notebook
5. Celebrate milestones along the way!

Best for: Multi-format consumers who want variety

The Rules (Keep It Fun!) ✅

Making It More Meaningful 🌱

The challenge isn’t just about numbers. It’s about engagement. Here’s how I deepen the experience:

📝 Keep a Reading Journal

Jot down thoughts, feelings, and insights as you go. At year’s end, you’ll have a treasure trove of reflections—not just a completed checklist.

👥 Connect With Others

• Join book clubs or online forums
• Participate in #23for23 discussions
• Share your progress on social media
• Swap recommendations with fellow challengers

🧘 Reflect Regularly

Every quarter, ask yourself:

• What surprised me this quarter?
• Did I discover any unexpected favorites?
• How have my perspectives shifted?

Why This Challenge Resonates With Me 💜

1. TBR Detox: My older books deserved better than eternal shelf-dormancy
2. Variety: Mixing books, games, and films keeps me engaged all year
3. Realistic: Two items per medium per month is ambitious but doable
4. Community-Friendly: I love sharing progress and swapping recs
5. Reflective: Quarterly check-ins help me stay intentional about consumption

Tracking Progress 📊

I use a hybrid system:

Pro Tip: Color-code by medium—green for books, blue for games, purple for films. Visual progress is motivating!

FAQ: Quick Answers ❓

Q: Do all three mediums need to hit 23?
A: In my extended version, yes! But you can scale it down—maybe 23 books + 10 games + 15 movies. Whatever keeps it enjoyable.

Q: Can I count rereads?
A: Depends on your rulebook. I allow rereads for bonus points, but they don’t replace fresh discoveries.

Q: What if I don’t hit 23?
A: Life happens. You’ll still have read/ played/ watched more than you would have. That counts.

Q: Are documentaries included in movies/TV?
A: Absolutely! Documentaries often tell the most compelling stories.

Q: Do spin-offs and series count separately?
A: Yes! Each distinct title (even within a franchise) is its own entry.

Ready to Start? 🚀

Here’s your quick-start checklist:

✅ Pick your version (Classic or Multi-Medium)
✅ Set your targets for 2023
✅ Gather your tracking tools
✅ List your first 3–5 items from each medium
✅ Mark your two vacation months
✅ Begin the journey!

Remember: This challenge isn’t about perfection. It’s about growth, exploration, and joy. Whether you’re rediscovering forgotten gems or falling in love with a new genre, every item counts.

Join me as we dive into this journey—creating memories and expanding horizons through literature, games, and film. Let’s make 2023 count!

Challenge Masterlist 📚🎮🎬

📖 Books (12/12 Complete)

1. MontanaBlack II — Marcel Eris and Denis Sand ✔︎
2. A Court of Thorns and Roses — Sarah J. Maas ✔︎
3. A Court of Mist and Fury — Sarah J. Maas ✔︎
4. Shatter Me — Tahereh Mafi ✔︎
5. Did I Mention I Love You — Estelle Maskame ✔︎
6. Just Don’t Mention It — Estelle Maskame ✔︎
7. Maybe Someday — Colleen Hoover ✔︎
8. H.O.R.D.E – Queste vor dem Feste — Liza Grimm ✔︎
9. The Cruel Prince — Holly Black ✔︎
10. The Wicked King — Holly Black ✔︎
11. The Queen Of Nothing — Holly Black ✔︎
12. H.O.R.D.E – Was Helden tun für Heltentum — Liza Grimm ✔︎

🎮 Games (3/10 Complete)

1. Darksiders Warmastered
2. Elden Ring
3. Stray
4. Assassin’s Creed Unity ✔︎
5. God of War
6. Last Day of June
7. Little Nightmares
8. Spider-Man – Miles Morales ✔︎
9. Don’t Make Love ✔︎
10. Shadow of War

🎬 Movies & TV Shows (20/20 Complete)

1. YOU Season 2 ✔︎
2. Severance ✔︎
3. Sex/Life ✔︎
4. TripTych ✔︎
5. Love, Victor Season 1 ✔︎
6. The Watcher ✔︎
7. Red Rose ✔︎
8. Love, Victor Season 2 ✔︎
9. The Fast and the Furious ✔︎
10. Easy A ✔︎
11. We Have A Ghost ✔︎
12. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness ✔︎
13. The Magician’s Elephant ✔︎
14. The Woman King ✔︎
15. A Discovery of Witches Season 1 ✔︎
16. The First Kill Season 1 ✔︎
17. 65 ✔︎
18. The Little Mermaid ✔︎
19. Fast X ✔︎
20. Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey ✔︎

Challenge Period: January 1st, 2023 – December 31st, 2023
Originally inspired by: Zeit für neue Genres
Hashtag: #23for2023