2025 Reading Goals

A reflection on 2024 and plans for the new year.

Renee

Renee - Itsbooktalk & More

and I reflected on our reading goals and what we would like to see happen in 2025 in our Best Books of 2024 episode but I thought I would expand a little bit here so I can truly hold myself accountable. I would also love to hear some of your reading goals for the year so let’s chat in the comments below.

You can listen to our Best Books of 2024 episode here.

Best Books of 2024 with Katie @basicbsbuide 🎙️

Now, let’s not get it twisted, these are NOT New Year Resolutions or unattainable goals for my reading life but simply a way to help me shape the reading life I want for myself. I want my reading life to bring me joy, growth and connection. In order to get there it only makes sense that I reflect on what I’ve been doing and whether or not it’s working for me.

Let’s reflect…

I had THREE main goals for my 2024 Reading Life, keeping it basic of course.

To mood read, dnf (did not finish) more and try new things. I’m happy to report that I feel like I accomplished these goals. I did slip up and finish a few books that I should have dnf’d but those rare occurrences were usually because I was just “doing it for a pal in the army.” White Christmas jokes aside, I can only think about a handful of books that I regret reading this year out of the 130+ total books I read.

I read less books this year (134) compared to the last four years. My goodreads goal was 100 books.

2023 - 162 books

2022 - 162 books

2021 - 170 books

2020 - 175 books

I’m going to attribute mood reading and health issues to reading less. I’m actually quite surprised I was able to read 134 books considering what a mess my fall was with multiple surgeries, back pain and setbacks.

Let’s talk about Goodreads goals for a moment.

I personally always set a goal I know I can reach because for me I already know I prioritize reading. For those of you wanting to get back into reading I suggest setting a very attainable goal. Say a book a month or even just five books if you haven’t been reading at all. The goal isn’t to be the person that reads the most books. The goal is to be a happy reader.

The last couple of years I’ve wanted to decrease the number of books I’m consuming and increase the quality. Who doesn’t want every book to be a five star read?

While I’m reflecting on my reading, I want to encourage you to do the same. You don’t need to read a certain number of books to do this. I just want you to think about reading and if it’s important to you then I would love for you to make time for it. Life is BUSY and passes us by. I promise you that you won’t regret carving out some time to sit with a good read or pop an earbud in and delight in a good audiobook.

A secondary goal I had for the year was to read 30% nonfiction. The last few years I’ve noticed a particular love for nonfiction reading. I promise NONFICTION can be FUN! Looking at some stats from 2023 and 2024 it became clear that it also held higher star ratings as well. I do think that’s because I’m more intentional about the nonfiction I pick up but they also leave a longer and deeper impression on me.

In 2023 I read 28% nonfiction, so my goal for 2024 was 30%. I managed to read 23% so that tells me I’m probably better suited for around 25%. Setting a nonfiction goal and using Storygraph to track my reading helps keep me in check. Often times during a slump or when I just don’t know what to read, I turn to Storygraph to reflect on what I’ve been reading. I struggle a little bit to stay in the know about upcoming nonfiction so it is definitely more of what falls in my lap.

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So now what’s next?

1. 25% Nonfiction

   As I reflected above, I have a deep love and appreciation for nonfiction reading. These books have left such lasting impressions that I had THREE nonfiction make my TOP TEN for 2024. They’re books I keep thinking about, recommending to other readers and can’t stop talking about.

I currently have a list of nonfiction that I’m keeping in my back pocket (perhaps I’ll share that with you soon) but I’d love to be more in the know with upcoming nonfiction releases. #GOALS

2. DNF & Sample More

   For those not familiar, dnf means did not finish and sampling involves just a taste of a book. How much of a taste is really up to you. Sometimes when I’m searching for my next read, I grab a stack of books and read the first chapter of each and see what pulls me in.

Both of these things allow for my mood to guide my reading. Also, remember that if you set a book aside then it doesn’t mean it has to be forever. It’s possible it is just not the right book for you right now. Life is full of ups and downs, why wouldn’t we gravitate to what we need from a book at the time?

3. Less FOMO

   

   There is a theory that if you see something eleven times then consider yourself influenced. How many times a day/week/month do you think that happens? Let’s just say it’s on the daily for me. This is another reason I like to read ahead of the gang. It’s a much quieter place.

I vow to not read another Emily Henry book this year. Please hold me to it.

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I hope this reflection and plan gives you some insight into my nerdy bookish brain. I would love any thoughts on how I can accomplish these goals. Drop a nonfiction recommendation below if you have one.

Here’s to a year of FANTASTIC books and book talk.

xoxo

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I’d like and take a minute to ask my readers (that’s you) what kind of content you would love to see more of. This will help me prioritize what brings both readers and myself joy in this new year.

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In case you missed it…