Better Book Challenges for 2023

Every year, I see New Year’s resolutions that focus on reading more. It may surprise folks, but I think the idea of setting yourself a goal of “reading more books” isn’t actually a great idea, especially if you are setting a number goal that is significantly more than you normally read.

In fact, although I do faithfully put in my Goodreads reading goal and follow my own reading challenges, I usually set my goal to be a little less than I read last year, and I often add additional list challenges later in the year only when I realize I have already almost completed them. I don’t “challenge” myself, as much as I set my reading goals to be a realistic reflection of what I know is attainable and fulfilling.

There are a few reasons I feel this way. To start with, reading should not be a chore or homework, and for many people, a big goal turns “I get to read” into “I have to read”, and where is the fun in that!? Secondly, you are not going to become a faster reader overnight so unless you plan on changing your lifestyle, reading more books is going to involve giving something else up. Finally, numbers don’t reflect enjoyment and appreciation. They don’t mean you are reading books you love and will remember forever.

That being said, if you really do want to read more, I also fully support that! Books are great after all, and most of us could probably find something we could give up (scrolling social media on your phone?) in order to build in reading time. If this is you, I do have some tips and ideas that might work for you in this post I wrote a few years ago.

However, if you are looking for ways to enjoy reading more without making a big change in your life, here are some New Year’s reading and book goals that focus on increasing your reading enjoyment instead:

1. Instead of thinking about the number of books you read, just focus on the time you spend reading. Set yourself the goal of reading for 10-30 minutes a day. Commit to not picking up your phone or computer during that time.
2. Forget timing yourself. Once or twice a week, make a hot drink and read for the amount of time it takes to finish it.
3. Commit to reading during a particular part of your routine. Read a poem or essay while you wait for your coffee to brew, have a book you only read while you wait for the ferry or an audio-book you only listen to on runs. Bonus points if you pair a book with something you normally dread since it makes those routines something you look forward to!
4. Challenge the kinds of books you read, and branch out to new genres. Pick up a romance novel, a fantasy novel or a book of poetry and see what you think. Pick a classic from the genre, or ask a friend, librarian or bookseller who knows you for suggestions that might appeal to you specifically.
5. Treat yourself! Reread a childhood favorite every month or find a fun romance or cozy murder mystery series. Pair this with the challenge above, and for every book you read that feels like a stretch, read (or reread) something that is solidly in your wheelhouse.
6. Find a show you love, or are excited for and read the books it was adapted from (because every show is a book adaptation these days!)
7. Don’t change anything about your reading, but simply start tracking the books you read in a notebook or on a spreadsheet. You may start to see patterns that make it easier to find good books!
8. Forget about reading completely and think about your book buying habits. Commit to only buying new books that are by local authors, small presses and authors of color. These sources historically get lower advances or have limited cash flow, so showing the book industry they are desired helps make sure more books like this get made in the future. Get the big buzzy books from the library or used bookstores where your money goes back into the community.

I’m doing a variation of 7 this year, and trying to figure out what recommendation sources lead me to the books I really love. What are your plans for the year?