Reading Challenges

A new theme to read into, every month.

Each month our community reads around a literary theme — Vintage Academia, Gothic Summer, Literary Garden Party. Pick up the featured book, or choose your own read that fits the theme. Share your notes when we meet.

This Month's Challenge

July 2026

Gothic Hungarian

Featured read: Lázár by Nelio Biedermann

Step into a world of velvet, folklore, and candlelight, where mist drifts through ancient forests, and stories linger like whispered secrets in forgotten castles. Inspired by the rich traditions of Hungary and the haunting beauty of the Carpathian landscape, this theme embraces gothic romance, old-world elegance, and the allure of folklore. Think flickering candles, dark wood libraries, embroidered lace, pressed flowers tucked into weathered books, and tales passed down through generations. It is a mood of mystery and longing, where every shadow holds a story, every page reveals a secret, and every conversation feels dripping with atmosphere.

Open this month's reading room Join free to follow along →

How it works

Read on your own. Discuss with the community.

Pick up the theme

Each month we announce a theme and a featured read. You can follow the featured book or choose your own that fits.

Read at your pace

Take the month to read. Make notes. Underline twice. We don't grade.

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Share at the gathering

Bring your thoughts to the monthly discussion — in person if you're in Johannesburg, or online with the wider community.

Ready to join in?

Read with the community

Reading challenges, the monthly book pick, event notifications and the newsletter — all free with a Reader Community account.

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