2026 Reading Goals

So, you’ve seen my ambitious 2026 reading goals, and now I want to share how I plan to make them a reality, plus some extra tips that might help you with your own reading journey! First up: that formidable "physical TBR" pile. It's easy for it to grow out of control, right? My strategy involves a few steps. I plan to organize mine by genre and priority. Sometimes, just seeing what you have clearly can make a huge difference. I might even do a "TBR game" where I randomly pick books to ensure I'm not just grabbing the same types of stories. This helps in getting through those books I bought ages ago but haven't touched. Next, finding "26 new to me authors" is a goal I’m really excited about for 2026. This isn't just about quantity; it's about expanding my literary horizons. I’ll be actively seeking recommendations from book clubs, online communities, and curated lists. One fantastic resource I lean on heavily is Goodreads. It’s brilliant for discovering authors I might never have encountered otherwise. You can browse lists, check out what friends are reading, and even explore different genres to find hidden gems. Now, for the big one: "read 100 books." This sounds like a lot, but with a few tactics, it's totally achievable. I find that mixing up longer, more challenging reads with shorter novellas or graphic novels keeps my momentum going. Audiobooks are also a lifesaver for commuting or multitasking. I also pay attention to book-tracking apps like Goodreads, which helps me visualize my progress and stay motivated. When I’m picking books to help me hit that target, I often look at the "avg rating 4.6" or higher to ensure I'm investing my time in stories that are likely to be engaging. There's nothing worse than getting bogged down in a book you don't enjoy when you have a goal like 100 books! Speaking of Goodreads and ratings, it’s truly invaluable. When I’m on the hunt for my next great read, especially if I’m exploring a new genre or author, I always check the "Goodreads" "ratings." A high "avg rating" (say, 4.6 or above) is usually a strong indicator of a quality read, guiding me towards books that fellow readers have genuinely loved. This is especially true for popular genres like fantasy. If I’m craving an epic adventure, maybe one with a thrilling "dragon" narrative, I'll definitely filter by high "ratings" on Goodreads to find the best of the best. It helps ensure I'm picking up something truly captivating, perfect for a long reading session. Finally, "consistency with content creation" is key to sharing this journey. I plan to document my progress, review books, and share my thoughts on new authors and genres. This not only keeps me accountable but also allows me to connect with other book lovers. I’m hoping to share live updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of my reading life. It's always more fun when we can share our passion for books! What strategies do you use to hit your reading goals? I'd love to hear them!