Any reading challenge needs rules.
Not because reading is serious business, but because vague challenges fall apart by March.
These are my 100 Book Reading Project rules in 2026. They are simple, flexible, and occasionally subjective. That’s intentional.
This is not a democracy.
The Goal (Quick Reminder)
- Read 100 books in 2026
- Read consistently
- Enjoy it
- Avoid turning reading into an optimization experiment
If a rule starts making this less fun, I revisit the rule. That’s the hierarchy.
👉 My 100 Book Reading Challenge for 2026
What Counts as a Book?
Almost everything.
If it:
- Has a beginning, middle, and end
- Requires actual attention
- Feels like a real reading experience
…it probably counts.
Formats that count:
- Print books
- Ebooks
- Audiobooks
Audiobooks absolutely count. Listening is reading. We’re not litigating that in 2026.
What Does Not Count
- Children’s picture books with 12 pages
- Things I could finish while standing in line
- Internet articles pretending to be books
- Vibes-based technicalities
If something feels like it’s gaming the system, I don’t count it. Which brings us to the most important rule.
The “Feels Like It Counts” Rule
This is the override.
If a book:
- Feels substantial
- Took time and attention
- Left me with something when I was done
I count it.
If it doesn’t, I don’t.
I’m the judge here. There is no appeals process.
Re-Reads (Not Counting)
Maybe this is a conundrum for others. For me, not so much. I have too many books not yet read. I don’t plan on spending time going back to something I already consumed…WITHIN the same year!
Nonetheless, for this project:
- Re-reads do not count toward the 100
The goal is exposure to new books, new ideas, and new voices. If I do happen to re-read something, I’m not going to count it.
DNFs (Did Not Finish)
DNFs are allowed. Quitting a book is not a moral failure.
Here’s how they work for my project:
- If I read more than 50%, it counts
- If I bail before that, it doesn’t
- I’ll usually try to push through to the end
- Sometimes a book makes that unnecessary
Life is short. There are other books.
Skimming, Speed, and Reading Style
There is no required pace.
- Skimming is allowed
- Slower reading is allowed
- Reading multiple books at once is allowed
- Finishing one book a week is not required
This is not speed-reading. It’s attention management.
The only real rule is that the book gets my focus while I’m reading it.
Why These Rules Exist
These rules exist to:
- Keep me honest
- Reduce decision fatigue
- Eliminate self-negotiation
- Because without rules, life is chaos
Mostly, they exist so I can spend more time reading and less time justifying it.
Final Rule (The One That Matters)
If tracking the challenge ever becomes more stressful than reading itself, I stop tracking for a bit.
The goal is reading.
The list is just a tool.
Quick FAQ
Do audiobooks really count?
Yes. Fully and unapologetically.
What about ebooks vs print?
Both count. Format is irrelevant. Attention is not.
Do DNFs count?
If I read more than 50%, yes.
If I quit earlier, no. I try to finish, but I’m not stubborn on principle.
Do re-reads count?
No. I’ll re-read books, but they don’t count toward the 100.
What about short books or novellas?
If it feels like a real book and requires real engagement, it counts.
Children’s picture books and obvious loopholes do not.
Who decides what “feels like it counts”?
Me. Maybe my cat.
What if I change a rule later?
Then I change it. This is a reading project, not a constitutional amendment.
TL;DR: The Rules in Plain English
- Goal: 100 books in 2026
- Audiobooks, ebooks, and print all count
- Re-reads do not count (shouldn’t be a problem)
- DNFs count only after 50%
- Short books count if they feel substantial
- If it feels like cheating, I don’t count it
- If tracking stops being fun, I pause the tracking
Reading is the point. The rules just keep me moving.
👉 My 100 Book Reading Challenge for 2026
Pingback: The 100 Book Reading Challenge (2026 Edition) - Scott Johnson