My January Savings
I don't do quantity goals because I don't enjoy reading just to hit numbers. I love reading from perspectives that don't match my own or to learn more about a topic that interests me or a friend. When I work on my goals I look at the last Months numbers (thank god for StoryGraph) and I pick what I think I need to work on.
For January I did a couple softballs: a Book I own, a classic and a non fiction. Those categories are all things I enjoy reading.
For February I decided I had to make it harder (ish) on myself and try and read outside my comfort zone. I only really read 4 male authors, Stephen Graham Jones, Riley Sager, Rick Riordan and Grady Hendrix so I want to push myself to read something by a male author, I would prefer it to also be told from a male perspective because I get frustrated with how men write women sometimes. With everything happening in America right now I also want to read something written by an immigrant talking about immigration, either fictional or non fictional. I want to know those stories. My Final goal is another softball, just a Sci-fi book mainly because I have been putting off reading Hail Mary and really need to get that done.
#bookrecommendations #booktok #reading #readingrecommendations #AskLemon8
Setting reading goals based on personal growth rather than numbers has truly transformed my reading experience. Like Clara, I find that chasing page counts or book quantities can make reading feel like a chore instead of a joy. Instead, I focus on themes or perspectives I want to explore. For example, I recently challenged myself to include more diverse voices and genres I typically overlook. In January, I prioritized comfort reads—books I already owned, classics I cherish, and non-fiction titles that expand my knowledge. This approach boosted my confidence and enjoyment. My go-to tool has been StoryGraph as well; tracking what I read gives me insight into my habits, helping me intentionally shift focus. Inspired by Clara’s February goals, I also decided to push beyond my usual patterns. Reading a male author from a male perspective can reveal different layers of storytelling, as sometimes gender influences writing style and character portrayal. This challenge helped me better understand varied narrative voices and improved my empathy as a reader. Additionally, exploring immigrant narratives is crucial now more than ever. Whether fiction or non-fiction, these stories provide vital perspectives on migration, identity, and resilience that enrich our worldview. I found some remarkable books written by immigrants that opened my eyes and sparked meaningful reflection. Finally, I tackled a science fiction novel—an area I often postpone. Sci-fi broadens imagination and grapples with complex futures, so incorporating it into my reading goals was refreshing and rewarding. If you’re shaping your own reading plans, consider blending familiar favorites with challenges that stretch your horizons. Use reading trackers like StoryGraph or Goodreads to review your past choices and intentionally diversify your selections. This method not only keeps reading enjoyable but also turns each book into an opportunity to learn and connect with stories beyond your comfort zone.
