Welcome to September’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 September 2025 12 Months of Reading Challenge category is: a book with silver on the cover or “silver” in the title.
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
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 Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis
While this book may rest in the midst of C.S. Lewis’ famous Chronicles of Narnia, I think you would be okay to pick it up without reading the others. Of course, you could up the challenge and take on the whole collection this month! The books aren’t long and contain enough action to keep those pages flipping.
This is a book you may already own, and your library definitely has. Of course, you could always grab a copy here: https://bookshop.org/a/95576/9780064405041.
Final 42 by Christy Decker
One of the greatest joys of being an author is meeting and cheering on fellow authors. Christy Decker is a kind and thoughtful person and a great writer. This book—a heartfelt story that brings readers behind the scenes in the lives of police officers and their families—comes with my highest recommendation. As a police officer’s wife, Christy knows the life she writes about.
I first read this book before my husband joined our local sheriff’s department. While it was a great read then, Final 42 holds a deeper meaning for me now. Check out my review here and find buy links through Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2641262720.
Light on Glass by Michelle Keener
Michelle is another dear author friend. She has written several books, and this one may be my favorite for two reasons: 1. The main character is a stay-at-home mom/author. 2. It’s actually a story within a story. What’s not to love?
As always, wield your magical library card (request the book if yours doesn’t have it) or check out Light on Glass and Michelle’s other books on her website: https://www.michellekeener.com/books.
Finders Keepers: How to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner by Joy E. Rancatore and Meagan Smith
My fourth recommendation is for my fellow writers. This is the book my critique partner and I wished existed when we started our journey together. Since it didn’t—and since we made plenty of mistakes and learned things the hard way—we decided to write it.
A personal copy can be purchased here: https://bookshop.org/a/95576/9781733138734.
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.