Why Set Reading Resolutions?
Each new year, many people set goals to improve their health, finances, or productivity. But for literature lovers, setting reading resolutions can be just as transformative. Whether you’re aiming to read more books, explore new genres, or revisit classics, reading goals provide structure, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment.
Setting clear, achievable literary goals can help you stay consistent, diversify your reading habits, and connect more deeply with the literary world. They also offer a way to measure progress and celebrate milestones, even in a personal and introspective hobby like reading.
How to Set Realistic and Meaningful Reading Goals
Not all reading resolutions are created equal. To make your goals stick, they should be specific, measurable, and tailored to your lifestyle and interests. Here are a few strategies to help you get started:
1. Define Your Purpose
- Do you want to read more books in general?
- Are you trying to broaden your literary horizons?
- Do you want to support more diverse authors or read more non-fiction?
Understanding your “why” can guide your choices and keep you motivated throughout the year.
2. Set a Numerical Goal
Platforms like Goodreads allow you to set a specific number of books you want to read in a year. This can be a motivating benchmark, but it’s important to choose a number that’s ambitious yet realistic. For example, if you read 12 books last year, challenge yourself to read 15 this year.
3. Create a Genre or Theme-Based Challenge
Instead of just focusing on quantity, consider setting goals around variety. Try reading:
- One book from a different continent each month
- Books by debut authors
- Translated works or books in a second language
- Genres outside your comfort zone, like sci-fi, memoir, or historical fiction
4. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
Reading resolutions should enhance your experience, not turn it into a race. Don’t feel pressured to read faster or more than you can enjoy. It’s better to deeply engage with fewer books than to skim through many.
Tools and Resources to Track Your Progress
Keeping track of your reading can help you stay accountable and reflect on your journey. Here are some popular tools and strategies:
Goodreads Reading Challenge
Goodreads remains one of the most popular platforms for readers. You can set an annual reading goal, track books you’ve read, rate them, and write reviews. The community aspect also allows you to see what others are reading and get recommendations.
Reading Journals and Bullet Journals
For those who prefer analog methods, a reading journal can be a creative and reflective way to engage with books. You can include:
- Book titles and authors
- Dates started and finished
- Favorite quotes and personal reflections
- Star ratings and genre tags
Reading Apps
Apps like StoryGraph, Bookly, and Basmo offer modern alternatives to Goodreads, with features like mood tracking, personalized stats, and goal-setting tools. These are especially useful for readers seeking a more data-driven or minimalist interface.
Recommended Reading Challenges for 2024
If you’re looking for inspiration, consider joining one of the many community reading challenges. These often include themed prompts that encourage exploration and creativity.
Popular Reading Challenges
- Read Harder Challenge (Book Riot): Encourages readers to step outside their comfort zones with 24 unique prompts.
- PopSugar Reading Challenge: A fun mix of mainstream and obscure categories, ideal for readers who want variety.
- 52 Books in 52 Weeks: A straightforward goal of reading one book per week, perfect for avid readers.
Tips for Staying Motivated Throughout the Year
Even the most enthusiastic readers can hit a slump. Here are practical ways to keep your momentum going:
1. Join a Book Club
Whether local or virtual, book clubs add a social element to reading. They offer accountability, discussion, and exposure to books you might not choose on your own.
2. Mix Up Formats
Alternate between physical books, eBooks, and audiobooks. Audiobooks are especially helpful during commutes, workouts, or chores, and they count toward your reading goals.
3. Keep a “To Be Read” (TBR) List
Maintain a running list of books you want to read. This reduces decision fatigue and keeps you excited about what’s next. Apps like Notion or Trello can help organize your list by genre, author, or priority.
4. Allow Yourself to DNF
“Did Not Finish” is not a failure. If a book isn’t resonating with you, give yourself permission to move on. Forcing yourself to finish a book you’re not enjoying can derail your entire reading flow.
Book Recommendations to Kickstart Your Reading Goals
Need help choosing your first few reads? Here are some top-rated, widely recommended books across different genres to get you started:
Fiction
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin – A literary yet accessible novel exploring friendship and creativity in the world of game design.
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus – A witty, feminist take on 1960s America through the lens of a brilliant female chemist.
- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt – A heartwarming story told partly from the perspective of a wise octopus.
Non-Fiction
- Spare by Prince Harry – A candid memoir from one of the most talked-about figures in modern royalty.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear – A practical guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones, ideal for goal-setters.
- Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker – A gripping family saga that also explores the science of schizophrenia.
Young Adult
- A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson – A fast-paced YA mystery that’s both clever and addictive.
- Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao – A genre-bending sci-fi/fantasy inspired by Chinese history and mythology.
- One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus – A suspenseful high school whodunit with a modern twist.
Fantasy & Sci-Fi
- The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon – A standalone epic fantasy with dragons, queens, and ancient prophecies.
- Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir – A science-heavy yet humorous space adventure from the author of The Martian.
- Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo – A dark academia fantasy set at Yale University, filled with secret societies and magic.
Reading Resolutions for Writers and Aspiring Authors
If you’re a writer, reading with intention can sharpen your craft. Here’s how to align your reading goals with your writing ambitions:
1. Study Your Genre
Read widely within the genre you write in. Pay attention to plot structure, pacing, dialogue, and character development. This helps you stay current with trends and reader expectations.
2. Read Writing Craft Books
Consider adding one writing-related book to your reading list each quarter. Some top picks include:
- On Writing by Stephen King
- Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
- Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
3. Annotate as You Read
Use sticky notes, highlighters, or digital annotations to mark passages that inspire you or demonstrate strong technique. This active reading approach can inform your own writing style.
Final Thoughts on Building a Literary Lifestyle
Reading resolutions are more than just goals—they’re an invitation to grow, explore, and connect. Whether you’re a casual reader or a lifelong bibliophile, setting intentional reading goals can deepen your love for literature and enrich your year in unexpected ways.