Follow me on Goodreads: Travis J. Croken
Readers and Writers Unite!
As a writer, you have three primary jobs; write, read, and keep yourself alive (so you can continue to do the first two). If you are not writing, you should be reading - a lot. If you are a reader, here is a place of magic and inspiration. Read books from brilliant authors and from terrible. Read genres you are not inclined to. In essence, read everything you can, good, bad, and foreign. When you read, try to enjoy the book, but also think about why you did or did not like it, how it made you feel, and why. How was it structured? What genre is it? Is there a sub-genre? What was the plot arc like? Why did it work or not work? Did the characters have strong and complete arcs? These questions will help you grow in reading and writing. Below is some of what I have been devouring as of late.
As a writer, you have three primary jobs; write, read, and keep yourself alive (so you can continue to do the first two). If you are not writing, you should be reading - a lot. If you are a reader, here is a place of magic and inspiration. Read books from brilliant authors and from terrible. Read genres you are not inclined to. In essence, read everything you can, good, bad, and foreign. When you read, try to enjoy the book, but also think about why you did or did not like it, how it made you feel, and why. How was it structured? What genre is it? Is there a sub-genre? What was the plot arc like? Why did it work or not work? Did the characters have strong and complete arcs? These questions will help you grow in reading and writing. Below is some of what I have been devouring as of late.
2025 Reading Challenge NOW LIVE!
Keep Scrolling Past the Challenge to See Last Year's Results.
Welcome to the 8th annual Calm Scribe Reading Challenge, for adults and children. Each December, I sit down with my wife and we design a challenge of 26 books read throughout the coming year for adults and 12 for children. Some prompts are repeated year after year, while many are changed. If you have any suggestions for prompts for next year, be sure to visit the Contact Us section of this website and let us know! The list does not dictate what book to read, but gives guidance as to what type of book to look for. When searching for books to read, remember to use inexpensive options as well such as your library, curbside free little libraries, buy nothing sites, and friends or family. When you are done with a book, consider passing it along to someone else who may enjoy it. Below you will find my progress updates and link to download your own copy! Click on the book titles to be brought to Goodreads for more information. Be sure to tag @thecalmscribe to let us know how you are tackling the challenge. Happy reading!
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Download a copy of the challenge(s) and join in today! It's a great way to find inspiration.
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2025 Reading Challenge Quick View:
Read a book…
Read a book…
- … won a literary award in 2025.
- … written by an Indigenous author.
- … written by a BIPOC or LGBTQ+ author.
- … that has been banned.
- … that is a non-fiction.
- … a play.
- … by a Middle Eastern author.
- … in a genre you don’t usually read.
- … of poetry.
- … with under 200 pages.
- … with over 500 pages.
- … that will challenge your worldview.
- … of philosophy.
- … that is a graphic novel or Manga.
- … that is just for fun.
- … by a PEN International Writers in Prison Author.
- … that is a debut novel.
- … you own but have not read.
- … of short stories or essays.
- … that you read a long time ago to see how your perception has changed.
- … by an author who died in 2025.
- … that has been translated.
- … that is being turned into a film or series.
- … that is an audio book.
- … that is about your favorite topic.
- … that you saw someone reading in public.
- … found in an independent or second-hand bookstore. (Bonus Book)
- … by an indie/self-published author. (Bonus Book)
- …
- …
2025 Children's Reading Challenge Quick View:
Read a book…
Other books I have read this year…
Read a book…
- … considered a NEW children’s classic.
- … about monsters.
- … with a purple cover.
- … that is a non-fiction.
- … that is a fairy tale.
- … written by a BIPOC author.
- … about your favorite topic.
- … that has been banned.
- … recommended by a friend or someone you know.
- … about kindness.
- … about big emotions.
- … that won an award.
- … from a library. (Bonus Book)
- … about your favorite character. (Bonus Book)
Other books I have read this year…
- …
- …
- …
2024 Reading Challenge Results:
Read a book...
1 of 26 - published in 2023/24. Prophet Song, Paul Lynch
2 of 26 - in a genre you don't usually read. New Erotica for Feminists, Caitlin Kunkel
3 of 26 - of poetry. Handwriting, Michael Ondaatje
4 of 26 - that will expand your world view. On Palestine, Noam Chomsky and Ilan Pappé
5 of 26 - that won an award. Study for Obedience, Sarah Bernstein
6 of 26 - that is a graphic novel or manga. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Frank Miller
7 of 26 - that is just for fun. The White Man's Guide to Male Writers of the Western Canon, Dana Schwartz
8 of 26 - about a major historical event. Rosa, Nikki Giovanni
9 of 26 - written by a BIPOC or LGBTQ+ author. Yellowface, R.F. Kuang
10 of 26 - written by an Indigenous author. Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology, Shane Hawk (Editor, Contributor)
11 of 26 - chosen because of the cover. At Night All Blood is Black, David Diop
12 of 26 - that is a debut novel. Are You There God? It's Me Margaret, Judy Blume
13 of 26 - of short stories or essays. Gaza Writes Back, Refaat Alareer (Editor, Contributor)
14 of 26 - by a famous author you have not yet read. Klara and the Sun, Kazuo Ishiguro
15 of 26 - that is an audio book. The Haunting of Hill House, Shirley Jackson
16 of 26 - that is an Epic. Celtic Mythology: Tales of Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes, Philip Freeman
17 of 26 - by a Middle Eastern Author. The Hundred Years' War on Palestine, Rashid Khalidi
18 of 26 - with under 200 pages. We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Shirley Jackson
19 of 26 - that has been banned. Hell House, Richard Matheson
20 of 26 - with over 500 pages. You Like it Darker, Stephen King
21 of 26 - that was received as a gift. The Negroni, Matt Hranek
22 of 26 - you own but have not read. Ella Minnow Pea, Mark Dunn
23 of 26 - that you read and loved a long time ago. I Am Legend, Richard Matheson
24 of 26 - with a "W" in the title. Your Fathers, Where Are They? And the Prophets, Do They Live Forever?, Dave Eggers
25 of 26 - that has been translated. My Port of Beirut, Lamia Ziadé
26 of 26 - that is considered to be one of the best from your country of ancestry. Artemis Fowl, Eoin Colfer
27 of 26 - (Other Book) We Are Palestinian: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition, Reem Kassis
28 of 26 - (Other Book) There Are Dads Worse Than You, Glenn Boozan
29 of 26 - (Other Book) All That Happiness Is, Adam Gopnik
30 of 26 - (Other Book) The Oxherd Boy, Regina Linke
Children's Challenge (with Maya)
Read a book...
1 of 12 - that is considered a children's classic. Winnie the Pooh, A.A. Milne
2 of 12 - about dragons. Dragons Love Tacos, Adam Rubin
3 of 12 - with a yellow cover. No Pants, Jacob Grant
4 of 12 - about (or set in) space. You and the Universe, Stephen Hawking
5 of 12 - that is a fairy tale. The Little Wooden Robot and The Log Princess, Tom Guald
6 of 12 - written by a BIPOC author. I Am A Bird, Hope Lim
7 of 12 - that has been banned. Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak
8 of 12 - recommended by a friend. Whose Bones Are Those?, Chichiro Takeuchi
9 of 12 - about a great adventure. When Little Owl Met Little Rabbit, Przemyslaw Wechterowicz
10 of 12 - written by a Canadian. The Paper Bag Princess, Robert Munsch
11 of 12 - that won an award. Zog, Julia Donaldson
12 of 12 - about your favorite topic. Ten Minutes to Bed Little Unicorn, Rhiannon Fielding
13 of 12 - from a library. (Bonus Book) Hello Lighthouse, Sophie Blackall
14 of 12 - that you have to read in school. (Bonus Book) Thomas' Snowsuit, Robert Munsch
15 of 12 - (Other Book) Hop on Pop, Dr. Seuss
16 of 12 - (Other Book) The Snail and The Whale, Julia Donaldson
17 of 12 - (Other Book) The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson
18 of 12 - (Other Book) What Does it Mean to be Kind?, Rana DiOrio
19 of 12 - (Other Book) Max and Moonbeam, Rob Scotton
20 of 12 - (Other Book) Bunny Should be Sleeping, Amy Hest
21 of 12 - (Other Book) It's Your Time to Shine, Dianne White
22 of 12 - (Other Book) People Are Wild, Margaux Meganck
23 of 12 - (Other Book) The Library Fish, Alyssa Satin Capucilli
24 of 12 - (Other Book) Negative Cat, Sophie Blackall
25 of 12 - (Other Book) No Fair, Jacob Grant
Plus many, many, many, more...
Read a book...
1 of 26 - published in 2023/24. Prophet Song, Paul Lynch
2 of 26 - in a genre you don't usually read. New Erotica for Feminists, Caitlin Kunkel
3 of 26 - of poetry. Handwriting, Michael Ondaatje
4 of 26 - that will expand your world view. On Palestine, Noam Chomsky and Ilan Pappé
5 of 26 - that won an award. Study for Obedience, Sarah Bernstein
6 of 26 - that is a graphic novel or manga. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Frank Miller
7 of 26 - that is just for fun. The White Man's Guide to Male Writers of the Western Canon, Dana Schwartz
8 of 26 - about a major historical event. Rosa, Nikki Giovanni
9 of 26 - written by a BIPOC or LGBTQ+ author. Yellowface, R.F. Kuang
10 of 26 - written by an Indigenous author. Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology, Shane Hawk (Editor, Contributor)
11 of 26 - chosen because of the cover. At Night All Blood is Black, David Diop
12 of 26 - that is a debut novel. Are You There God? It's Me Margaret, Judy Blume
13 of 26 - of short stories or essays. Gaza Writes Back, Refaat Alareer (Editor, Contributor)
14 of 26 - by a famous author you have not yet read. Klara and the Sun, Kazuo Ishiguro
15 of 26 - that is an audio book. The Haunting of Hill House, Shirley Jackson
16 of 26 - that is an Epic. Celtic Mythology: Tales of Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes, Philip Freeman
17 of 26 - by a Middle Eastern Author. The Hundred Years' War on Palestine, Rashid Khalidi
18 of 26 - with under 200 pages. We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Shirley Jackson
19 of 26 - that has been banned. Hell House, Richard Matheson
20 of 26 - with over 500 pages. You Like it Darker, Stephen King
21 of 26 - that was received as a gift. The Negroni, Matt Hranek
22 of 26 - you own but have not read. Ella Minnow Pea, Mark Dunn
23 of 26 - that you read and loved a long time ago. I Am Legend, Richard Matheson
24 of 26 - with a "W" in the title. Your Fathers, Where Are They? And the Prophets, Do They Live Forever?, Dave Eggers
25 of 26 - that has been translated. My Port of Beirut, Lamia Ziadé
26 of 26 - that is considered to be one of the best from your country of ancestry. Artemis Fowl, Eoin Colfer
27 of 26 - (Other Book) We Are Palestinian: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition, Reem Kassis
28 of 26 - (Other Book) There Are Dads Worse Than You, Glenn Boozan
29 of 26 - (Other Book) All That Happiness Is, Adam Gopnik
30 of 26 - (Other Book) The Oxherd Boy, Regina Linke
Children's Challenge (with Maya)
Read a book...
1 of 12 - that is considered a children's classic. Winnie the Pooh, A.A. Milne
2 of 12 - about dragons. Dragons Love Tacos, Adam Rubin
3 of 12 - with a yellow cover. No Pants, Jacob Grant
4 of 12 - about (or set in) space. You and the Universe, Stephen Hawking
5 of 12 - that is a fairy tale. The Little Wooden Robot and The Log Princess, Tom Guald
6 of 12 - written by a BIPOC author. I Am A Bird, Hope Lim
7 of 12 - that has been banned. Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak
8 of 12 - recommended by a friend. Whose Bones Are Those?, Chichiro Takeuchi
9 of 12 - about a great adventure. When Little Owl Met Little Rabbit, Przemyslaw Wechterowicz
10 of 12 - written by a Canadian. The Paper Bag Princess, Robert Munsch
11 of 12 - that won an award. Zog, Julia Donaldson
12 of 12 - about your favorite topic. Ten Minutes to Bed Little Unicorn, Rhiannon Fielding
13 of 12 - from a library. (Bonus Book) Hello Lighthouse, Sophie Blackall
14 of 12 - that you have to read in school. (Bonus Book) Thomas' Snowsuit, Robert Munsch
15 of 12 - (Other Book) Hop on Pop, Dr. Seuss
16 of 12 - (Other Book) The Snail and The Whale, Julia Donaldson
17 of 12 - (Other Book) The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson
18 of 12 - (Other Book) What Does it Mean to be Kind?, Rana DiOrio
19 of 12 - (Other Book) Max and Moonbeam, Rob Scotton
20 of 12 - (Other Book) Bunny Should be Sleeping, Amy Hest
21 of 12 - (Other Book) It's Your Time to Shine, Dianne White
22 of 12 - (Other Book) People Are Wild, Margaux Meganck
23 of 12 - (Other Book) The Library Fish, Alyssa Satin Capucilli
24 of 12 - (Other Book) Negative Cat, Sophie Blackall
25 of 12 - (Other Book) No Fair, Jacob Grant
Plus many, many, many, more...
Books Currently Being Read
The Dying Sun, by L.J. Stanton
Putting the Science in Fiction, Edited by Dan Koboldt
Plays: The Cherry Orchard, Three Sisters, The Seagull, & Uncle Vanya, by Anton Chekov
An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments, by Ali Almossawi
Putting the Science in Fiction, Edited by Dan Koboldt
Plays: The Cherry Orchard, Three Sisters, The Seagull, & Uncle Vanya, by Anton Chekov
An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments, by Ali Almossawi
Recommended Reading
The Elements of Style, by E.B. White and William Strunk
A Pocket Guide to Correct Punctuation, by Robert Brittain
Murder Your Darlings, by Roy Peter Clark
Roget's Thesaurus of Words for Writers, by David Olsen, Michelle Bevilacqua, Justin Cord Hayes, & Robert Bly
Plot & Structure, by James Scott Bell
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, by Browne & King
Damn Good Advice for Creative People, by George Lois
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act, by Bob Joseph
A Pocket Guide to Correct Punctuation, by Robert Brittain
Murder Your Darlings, by Roy Peter Clark
Roget's Thesaurus of Words for Writers, by David Olsen, Michelle Bevilacqua, Justin Cord Hayes, & Robert Bly
Plot & Structure, by James Scott Bell
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, by Browne & King
Damn Good Advice for Creative People, by George Lois
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act, by Bob Joseph
Recommened Reading for Children
The Very Noisy Bear, by Nick Bland
The Very Super Bear, by Nick Bland
The Very Sleepy Bear, by Nick Bland
The Very Cranky Bear, by Nick Bland
The Very Hungry Bear, by Nick Bland
Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors, by Hena Khan
One Sun and Countless Stars: A Muslim Book of Numbers, by Hena Khan
Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets: A Muslim Book of Shapes, by Hena Khan
The Monster at the End of This Book, by Sesame Street
Winnie the Pooh, by A. A. Milne
Gossie, by Olivier Dunrea
Gus, by Olivier Dunrea
Jungle Night, by Sandra Boynton
We Sang You Home, by Richard Van Camp
Little You, by Richard Van Camp
Hug Machine, by Scott Campbell
Black White, by Tana Hoban
Sleep, My Baby, by Lena Allen-Shore
The Very Super Bear, by Nick Bland
The Very Sleepy Bear, by Nick Bland
The Very Cranky Bear, by Nick Bland
The Very Hungry Bear, by Nick Bland
Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors, by Hena Khan
One Sun and Countless Stars: A Muslim Book of Numbers, by Hena Khan
Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets: A Muslim Book of Shapes, by Hena Khan
The Monster at the End of This Book, by Sesame Street
Winnie the Pooh, by A. A. Milne
Gossie, by Olivier Dunrea
Gus, by Olivier Dunrea
Jungle Night, by Sandra Boynton
We Sang You Home, by Richard Van Camp
Little You, by Richard Van Camp
Hug Machine, by Scott Campbell
Black White, by Tana Hoban
Sleep, My Baby, by Lena Allen-Shore