40 Day Reading Challenge: How to Finish More Books This Year

A 40 day reading challenge means reading a set number of pages — or minutes — every day for 40 days. For most people, 10–20 pages or 15–20 minutes a day is the sweet spot: small enough to fit into a busy day, big enough that you'll finish several books by Day 40.

Here's how to set up your challenge, pick the right books and keep reading when life gets busy.

How much should you read each day?

Choose one measure — pages or minutes — and keep it the same for all 40 days.

Daily goal	Pages over 40 days	Roughly equals*
10 pages	400 pages	1–2 books
20 pages	800 pages	2–3 books
30 pages	1,200 pages	3–4 books
15 minutes	Varies by reading speed	Often 1–3 books

*Assuming typical books of 250–400 pages. Your results depend on the books you choose.

Pages are easy to measure. Minutes work better if you read different types of books, or if dense non-fiction slows you down. If you're unsure, start with 10 pages. You can always read more; the goal is the minimum that keeps you going every day.

Step 1: Choose your books (but not too many)

Pick two or three books to start: one you're genuinely excited about, and one or two backups. Tips:

• Start with something enjoyable. The first book sets the tone. A gripping novel or a fun non-fiction book beats a "should read" classic for week one.
• Mix lengths. A shorter book early on gives you a quick win.
• Allow yourself to quit. If a book isn't working after 50 pages, swap it. The challenge is about reading daily, not finishing every book.
• Keep the next book ready. Gaps between books are where reading habits stall.

Step 2: Pick a time and a place

The most reliable readers attach reading to an existing routine:

• Morning: 15 minutes with coffee before checking your phone.
• Commute: read on the train or bus (or listen, if you count audiobooks).
• Lunch: 10 pages after you eat.
• Bedtime: read in bed instead of scrolling.

Write it down as a plan: "After I get into bed, I'll read 15 pages before I touch my phone." Bedtime reading pairs especially well with a no-phone routine at the other end of the day.

Step 3: Decide what counts

Decide on the rules on Day 1 so you don't negotiate with yourself later:

• Do audiobooks count? For many people, yes — especially on commutes. Decide for yourself.
• Do articles count? Usually it's better to stick to books for this challenge.
• E-books vs paper? Both count. Many people find paper or an e-reader less distracting than a phone.

Step 4: Track your reading

Every day, record:

• ✅ Did you hit today's goal?
• 📖 Pages read (or minutes).
• ✏️ One sentence: a favorite line, an idea, or how the book is going.

That one sentence matters more than it seems. It helps you remember what you read, and by Day 40 you'll have a small reading journal. If you like this kind of reflection, our 40 day journaling challenge builds on the same idea.

A sample 40 day reading plan

Days	Focus
1–7	Read your daily minimum. Find your best time of day.
8–14	Finish (or swap) book one. Line up book two.
15–25	The middle stretch — protect your reading time, use the minimum on busy days.
26–35	Try a different genre or a book outside your comfort zone.
36–40	Finish strong, then look back at your notes and pick favorites.

Tips to keep reading every day

1. Carry your book everywhere. Waiting rooms and queues add up.
2. Stop mid-chapter. Ending in the middle of a scene makes it easier to pick up tomorrow.
3. Use a minimum version. On exhausting days, two pages still count.
4. Read physical books at night. It keeps your phone out of your hands before bed.
5. Join or start a buddy challenge. Reading the same book as a friend adds accountability and conversation.
6. Don't restart after a miss. If you skip a day, just continue. See What Happens If You Miss a Day in a 40 Day Challenge?

Common reading challenge mistakes

• Setting the goal too high. Fifty pages a day sounds great on Day 1 and impossible by Day 9.
• Choosing only "important" books. Enjoyment keeps the habit alive.
• Forcing yourself through a bad book. It drains motivation. Swap it.
• Not having the next book ready. Plan one ahead.

After the 40 days

On Day 40, look back at your log:

• How many books did you finish?
• Which one did you enjoy most, and why?
• What time of day worked best?

Many people keep reading daily after the challenge ends — by then it often just feels like part of the evening. If you want a new goal, see What to Do After Day 40.

FAQ

How many books can I read in 40 days?

At 20 pages a day you'll read about 800 pages — roughly two or three average-length books. Your total depends on your daily goal and the books you pick.

Is it better to set a page goal or a time goal?

Pages are easier to track; minutes are fairer if you read dense or varied books. Pick one and stick with it for the whole challenge.

Do audiobooks count for a reading challenge?

It's your challenge, so you decide. Many people count audiobooks, especially for commutes, and keep paper or e-books for evenings.

What if I don't enjoy the book I chose?

Swap it. The aim is to build a daily reading habit, and that's much easier with books you actually want to pick up.

WholeLifeLog is a simple place to run a reading challenge: set your daily pages, mark each day done, and add a line about what you read — even offline, on the train or in bed.