The response to the 2025 Reading Challenge has been overwhelming! What fun chatting books with you all this past month has been.

(Visit the original challenge post if you have no idea what I’m talking about and would like to join us for the rest of the year!) Don’t forget that kids can join us, too. I’ve heard from some of you that you’re including your children, which makes me extra happy!

What people love about this reading challenge is that it is NO STRESS. If you want to participate, that’s fine. If you don’t, you can watch from the sidelines. Some of you have been very active chatting books in our Facebook group and on Instagram. Others observe. (Whatever floats your boat – I’m just happy we’re all reading!)

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What I Read in January

Choosing a book with the word “winter” in the title proved to be a bit difficult. There were several suggestions, and I ultimately chose one I already owned and wanted to read – Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher.

My review from Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mary @ Homegrown Learners (@homegrownbookpicks)

As you can tell, this was a five-star book for me. The characters I could fall in love with, a cozy setting, and redemption throughout will make this a favorite of mine for all time.

February Homegrown Book Picks Challenge

In February our challenge is to read a classic. That’s a broad category, isnt’ it?

I’ve decided to read Jane Austen’s Emma. This is a book I haven’t read, and it’s perfect for a month when we celebrate love. A special shoutout goes to a young lady I’ve known since she was little. We talked books as she was growing up, and she is now in college and still an avid reader. She suggested to me that I read this classic!

I purchased this sweet Puffin in Bloom edition at the beginning of the year, too!

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15 Classics You Might Enjoy

I’m including several classics I have read and loved, in case you need to narrow down your options. I’ve found them approachable and enjoyable.

Death Comes for the Archbishop (Vintage Classics)My Antonia by Willa CatherTo Kill a Mockingbird Publisher, 50th Anniversary EditionJane Eyre (Penguin Classics)Pride and Prejudice (Puffin in Bloom)Persuasion: (Peacock Edition)RebeccaThe Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the WardrobeAll Quiet on the Western FrontA Tree Grows in BrooklynThe Chosen by Potok, Chaim published by Fawcett (1987)A Severe MercyThe Hiding PlaceI Capture the CastleLonesome Dove [LONESOME DOVE] [Hardcover]

 

Keep in Touch!

I would love to connect with you! You can leave a comment here, or join me on Facebook or Instagram.

What do you plan to read for our February challenge?

You might also like:

What if my child doesn’t LIKE to read?

How to Set Reading Goals with Children

[[{“value”:”The response to the 2025 Reading Challenge has been overwhelming! What fun chatting books with you all this past month has been.(Visit the original challenge post if you have no idea what I’m talking about and would like to join us for the rest of the year!) Don’t forget that kids can join us, too. I’ve heard from some of you that you’re including your children, which makes me extra happy!What people love about this reading challenge is that it is NO STRESS. If you want to participate, that’s fine. If you don’t, you can watch from the sidelines. Some of you have been very active chatting books in our Facebook group and on Instagram. Others observe. (Whatever floats your boat – I’m just happy we’re all reading!)

What I Read in JanuaryChoosing a book with the word “winter” in the title proved to be a bit difficult. There were several suggestions, and I ultimately chose one I already owned and wanted to read – Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher.My review from Instagram:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mary @ Homegrown Learners (@homegrownbookpicks)

As you can tell, this was a five-star book for me. The characters I could fall in love with, a cozy setting, and redemption throughout will make this a favorite of mine for all time.February Homegrown Book Picks ChallengeIn February our challenge is to read a classic. That’s a broad category, isnt’ it? I’ve decided to read Jane Austen’s Emma. This is a book I haven’t read, and it’s perfect for a month when we celebrate love. A special shoutout goes to a young lady I’ve known since she was little. We talked books as she was growing up, and she is now in college and still an avid reader. She suggested to me that I read this classic!I purchased this sweet Puffin in Bloom edition at the beginning of the year, too!

15 Classics You Might EnjoyI’m including several classics I have read and loved, in case you need to narrow down your options. I’ve found them approachable and enjoyable.

Death Comes for the Archbishop (Vintage Classics)My Antonia by Willa CatherTo Kill a Mockingbird Publisher, 50th Anniversary EditionJane Eyre (Penguin Classics)Pride and Prejudice (Puffin in Bloom)Persuasion: (Peacock Edition)RebeccaThe Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the WardrobeAll Quiet on the Western FrontA Tree Grows in BrooklynThe Chosen by Potok, Chaim published by Fawcett (1987)A Severe MercyThe Hiding PlaceI Capture the CastleLonesome Dove [LONESOME DOVE] [Hardcover] 

Keep in Touch!I would love to connect with you! You can leave a comment here, or join me on Facebook or Instagram.What do you plan to read for our February challenge? You might also like:What if my child doesn’t LIKE to read?How to Set Reading Goals with Children”}]]  Read More Blog – Homegrown Learners