With 2022 coming to a close, it’s time to start jotting down reading goals and New Year’s resolutions! Whether you haven’t done this before or are an avid reader, here are a couple helpful tips on how to maintain the approaching year of reading. In the meantime, I hope everyone has a wonderful break and a very Merry Christmas! Happy reading!
- Set up a reading challenge
First, ask yourself two questions: How many books do I want to read in the year? How many books do I want to read each month? Consider your priorities and how much time you have. If you’re in high school, it might be harder to balance getting your homework done and being able to read for fun. Don’t pressure yourself too much; instead, choose a number that will be a little challenging but not impossible!
I’d also recommend getting a Goodreads account if you haven’t already. One of their features is a reading challenge where you insert how many books you plan to read. It updates with every book you’ve read, shows your percentage read, and how many books you’re behind or ahead of schedule.You can also cheer on your friends with their own reading challenges! Overall, this feature keeps you accountable and makes it easier to look at all your progress.
An example of the Goodreads reading challenge
- Make a To Be Read (TBR) list
A TBR list is an absolute must-have for readers and has been a life-saver for me. When someone recommends something to you or you find it scrolling through the Internet, you need to write it down! A tip for finding recommendations is looking up book lists with a specific theme or story, watching BookTube, or simply asking friends. As an example, my go-to is googling, “Books like A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” or anything I like at the moment.
Your list can come in many different forms and can be created using a variety of platforms! I personally keep mine on a Google Doc of 157 books (before it was over 400 books, so this is an improvement). But you can also keep one on Goodreads (where they have another feature of a “Want To Read” shelf) or on Notes. Thus, whenever you’re in the mood for reading, you can look at your TBR list and pick whichever book most interests you.
- Track the books you’ve read
Tracking the books you’ve read is just as important, if not more, than having a TBR list. I first started tracking my reading in 2020, and I’m genuinely so happy I did. It’s become a part of my everyday routine—once I finish a book, I immediately write down the title, author, the date read, and its rating out of 5 stars. If I feel passionate enough, I’ll write a review, which serves as a diary entry for myself.
Like I’ve said before, you can use any platform you want. However, since I’m essentially Goodreads’ unofficial campaigner, I’d recommend you to head over there. With Goodreads or whatever you want to use, you won’t forget or lose a record of all the brilliant and not-so-brilliant books you’ve read over the years. You’ll be able to see how your taste develops and quickly offer recommendations to people.
A printable reading log
- Read outside of your comfort zone
I’ve noticed that I, personally, tend to stick to what I’m familiar with when it comes to reading. This is because I’m scared of disappointment and/or have a preconceived misconception about so-and-so. But this “comfort zone” became stale and uninteresting, which encouraged me to step outside of it. Through this, I’ve been able to find so many new favorite genres, books, characters, and authors. For example, I’m suddenly in love with Shirley Jackson, family sagas, and short stories.
Thus, let’s all make 2023 a year of experimentation and discovery. Try out genres or formats you’d never imagine to venture in! If you only read Young Adult books because you think Middle Grade is “childish,” think again. Also, if you think all classics are boring or have zero interest in short story collections, give them a chance and you just might be proven wrong.
An fun reading challenge that’ll expand your horizons
Those are all the tips I have to share! Now, here are a couple questions for you: What reading goals and challenges have you set for yourself? Do you use Goodreads or similar platforms? What are you interested in trying out in 2023?
Photo Credits
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Anise Kim
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