Welcome to August’s 12 Months of Reading! Each month in 2025, I will host a different reading challenge category. These categories are broad to fit a variety of reading preferences.
The August 2025 12 Months of Reading Challenge category is: a book set at a transition for the main character.
For my nonfiction readers, I realize the graphic doesn’t showcase a book for you. I think this theme fits well, though, and I can give you a couple of broad examples.
Back when we began our homeschooling journey—many, many years ago—I read a stack of books about homeschooling and curriculum. If you’re preparing for a new stage of life or a new type of eating or a change in your fitness routine or anything else new, different or outside the ordinary, this theme will fit. And, of course, for my fans of biography and memoir, chances are high your book’s main character is going through some sort of life change.
Before I share some thoughts and links for the recommended reads in the graphic, remember I am super flexible on what fits a category. If you’re uncertain if your book fits, you need only ask. At the end of the day, my top priority is encouraging readers to read more.
My Recommendations
Again, these four books are simply my suggestions to fit the category. Readers may choose any book they’d like that the category can mold to.
The Existence of Bea Pearl by Candice Marley Conner
Talk about a time of upheaval and uncertainty! Bea Pearl’s brother is missing, and she seems to be the only one at his funeral who doesn’t believe he’s dead. This is book where setting is a character, and it’s as changing as the seasons and a teenage girl’s emotions.
Check it out from your local library, request it there if it’s not already on shelves or grab your own copy here: https://bookshop.org/a/95576/9781945654749.
The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan
My son helped me remember about this one. If you like adventure and mystery and a touch of magic, check out this first book in the Ranger’s Apprentice series. The main character, Will, has been chosen as a Ranger’s apprentice, but he’s uncertain what that means or if he should trust this shadowy league.
As always, wield your magical library card or order a copy for your home bookshelf here: https://bookshop.org/a/95576/9780399244544.
A Girl with a Knife by Alina Rubin
Now is the perfect time to start the Hearts and Sails series by Alina Rubin because the fourth full-length book releases in November 2025. This story, her debut novel, epitomizes the author’s commitment to writing “heroines with strong voices and able hands.” Ella Parker escapes an abusive home and discovers adventures and passion for a vocation on the high seas.
Bring home your copy today: https://bookshop.org/a/95576/9798985537826.
Any Good Thing by Joy E. Rancatore
My fourth recommendation comes from my heart. Any Good Thing‘s main character is Jack Calhoun. Burdened and uncertain, Jack sets out on what he believes is a sacrificial path. In the end, he will either learn to differentiate sacrifice from selfishness or lose everything he thought he didn’t deserve.
A personal copy can be purchased here: https://bookshop.org/a/95576/9781733138703. If you prefer an autographed copy, email me for order details.
12 Months of Reading Challenge Reminders
My heart’s desire for 12 Months of Reading is that it encourages timid readers, stokes the embers of readers’ passions that have grown cold in the busyness of society, brings readers and authors together to share the joy of stories and spreads a splash of fun throughout the year.
For competitive readers who choose to read a book in each month’s category, they may download and print out a 12 Months of Reading Challenge Tracker PDF. Once they complete their twelfth book in December, they can scan or snap a picture of the filled-in PDF and email it to me for a prize: a stylish calendar with next year’s 12 Months of Reading categories.
To purchase a current version of the calendar (supplies are limited) and to participate in 12 Months of Reading, download free graphics and the PDF tracker, find links to each month’s book recommendation post and more in one spot, visit www.joyerancatore.com/12-months-of-reading.
Comment below with what you plan to read and then return to share a review. If the comment section is not working, feel free to email me. Let’s #ShareTheRead!
(If you use the bookshop.org links above to order, I receive a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting me and independent bookstores by using them for your online bookstore purchases!)
Remember to #ShareTheRead! Tap the graphic below to download each month’s graphic to share on your social media. How many reader friends can you bring to the party?
Tap the image above to download each month’s graphic. Share graphics on social media with #ShareTheRead and #12MonthsOfReading and tag @joyerancatore!
Tap the graphic above to join LAM Book Club for an extra way to #ShareTheRead with fellow readers! No set book. Meet virtually once a month. Share what you’re reading or ask for recommendations.