I typically reach my goal of 100 books per year (this does include audiobooks, I like to listen while I do housework), but I want to focus on more physical books this year.
I want to find more indie authors that I love and can support and I want to read more books written by people who are NOT white.
This book, Eleanor, is one I started at the beginning of 2024 and nearly finished, BUT MISPLACED AND DIDN’T GET TO FINISH! It is a lovely book, so now that I have found her, I am starting again from the beginning!
... Read moreWow, a new year, and with it, the perfect opportunity to set some exciting new reading goals! I'm absolutely thrilled to share what I'm hoping to achieve in 2025, and I'd love to hear your thoughts too.
My main target, like in previous years, is to read a whopping 100 Books a year. For me, this includes a mix of audiobooks (perfect for when I'm doing housework or commuting!) and traditional physical books. It sounds like a lot, but breaking it down to just 8-9 books a month makes it feel much more manageable. The key is consistency – a few pages every day adds up quickly!
This year, however, I'm putting a special emphasis on getting through More physical books. There's just something magical about holding a physical copy, the smell of the pages, and the satisfaction of turning them. To help me achieve this, I'm planning more trips to my local library and independent bookstores. I'm also creating a cozy reading nook at home, making it an inviting space to curl up with a paperback.
Another big goal for me is to actively seek out More indie authors and books written by diverse voices. It's so important to broaden our perspectives and support a wider range of creators. My plan is to explore platforms like Goodreads community recommendations, follow indie book reviewers on social media, and check out literary awards for diverse fiction. I've found some absolute gems this way in the past, and it feels amazing to support authors who might not have the backing of major publishing houses.
On a similar note, the OCR also highlighted 'Genres I don't regularly read'. This is a fantastic challenge! I often stick to what I know, but I'm determined to step out of my comfort zone this year. Maybe it's a historical fiction novel, a deep dive into science fiction, or even a classic I've always avoided. The idea is to pick up something that feels completely new and see where it takes me. Sometimes, the best books are the ones you least expect to love!
And speaking of immersion, I'm also making a pact with myself to Start annotating my books. I've always admired people who do this, and I think it would help me engage more deeply with the text, remember key passages, and form stronger connections with the stories and characters. I'm thinking sticky notes for initial thoughts, and maybe a highlighter for powerful sentences. It's a way to truly make the book my own and have a record of my journey through its pages.
Finally, there's the unfinished business of 'ELEANOR a novel'. I started it in 2024, loved it, but then misplaced it and never finished! Now that I've found it, I'm starting from the beginning. It's a reminder that it's okay to restart a book, or even put one down if it's not working for you at the moment. But sometimes, a beloved story just needs a second chance. My tip for finishing books is to set aside a specific time each day, even just 15-20 minutes, and carry your current read with you everywhere. You'd be surprised how many small pockets of time you find!
I'm incredibly excited for this literary adventure in 2025. What are your reading goals for the year? Let's inspire each other to read more, explore more, and discover incredible stories!