Reading is my happy place. Ever since childhood, I have preferred reading above most other activities.
Now as a 35-year-old wife and mom, I love to begin and end each day with my nose in a good book. My goal this year is to read 52 books! Although I aspire to surpass that goal.
Your goals may be much simpler than this. Maybe you want to read one book per month this year and even that seems quite ambitious. Whatever your goal may be, you can achieve it.
The advantages of reading are plentiful, from increased focus and memory to reduced stress and improvement in your sleep. It’s clear that reading is so beneficial for you, so what’s holding you back?
15 Tips to Read More This Year!
Is one of your New Year’s goals to read more this year? You’ve come to the right place for tips and ideas to make reading a greater part of your life. Even if you’re a busy mom or work full-time, it is possible to find adequate time to read.
Even if you’re convinced you have literally no time left in the day for anything “extra,” I beg to differ. Try incorporating reading into the small pockets of time in your day or replace other “bad habits” you wish to eliminate (like watching too much TV).
It is possible to read much more than you think! Developing the habit may take time, but with thoughtful effort, you can become an avid reader in 2025. Are you with me?
Let’s embark on a marvelous reading journey this year!
1. Set a goal and track your progress.
How many books do you want to read this year? Pick a number that is achievable, but maybe a little challenging. That way you actually have to work towards it. My number is 52.
Next, you need to determine a way to track your progress. A way that is motivating to you and will encourage you to keep going.
Goodreads is an excellent app for tracking all the books you have read in a fun and convenient way. It allows you to monitor your reading progress, and provides reviews from other readers, as well as trending books to explore.
Here is my 2024 year-end summary provided by Goodreads. My goal was 52 books last year & I ended up reading an additional 5!
If you prefer to have a printable copy of a book tracker, check out these options.
I highly recommend having some way to keep track of your progress, as it will provide motivation. Seeing your progress will encourage you to make more progress!
Here’s a peek into Goodreads and some features that I use.
- Currently Reading books – you can update your progress as you read through each book
- Want to Read books – you can keep a list of books that people have recommended to you or ones you eventually desire to read
- Read Books – shows all the books you’ve read
- Reading Challenge – keep track of your progress for your 2025 reading goals
2. Get a library card.
I will never need to purchase a book again! Obtaining a library card can save a significant amount of money and reduce “book clutter.” While I highly appreciate books, I have found they can be overwhelming to purchase and continue adding to a bookshelf. Since I typically read most books only once, there is no practical reason to keep them around the house for years. You may feel differently and that’s totally okay.
But I think you will still see the benefits of frequently visiting your local library!
I always head to the new bookshelf first, where all the latest and greatest books can be found. I almost always find a winner right away.
If there’s a book I’ve been wanting to read, I can place a “Hold,” and the library clerk will call me when it’s available.
There’s something sort of magical about browsing the library bookshelves, with thousands of books at your fingertips. You can take any of them home with you for FREE; just return them 3-4 weeks later and choose more for FREE. This is great for children’s books too. My girls love to visit the library, and we’ll choose 20-30 books to borrow, which provides us with a great variety to read each night.
3. Invest in a Kindle.
This one was a game changer for me!
Before you tell me that you prefer a physical printed copy, I do too! But a Kindle Paperwhite is oh-so convenient! One of my best gifts ever, in fact! And I’m not exaggerating.
I bring it to the gym to read while speed walking on the treadmill. It makes its appearance at the park while my kids play on the playground. I even stick it in my purse to read while waiting at the doctor’s office. The potential locations for reading your Kindle are limitless.
You can read at night or in the car (as a passenger) even in the dark, as it has a day and night mode.
Have I convinced you yet? Check out the Kindle Paperwhite HERE on Amazon.
4. Utilize the Libby and Hoopla apps.
These two amazing apps, most likely provided free by your local library, are worth checking out! The number of digital resources available to you is truly astounding. With the click of a button, you are able to access e-books (where the Kindle comes in handy), audiobooks, movies, music, and more.
Here is a glance at the Libby app, completely free through my library. You’ll notice I have books placed on hold. One downside is that you will need to wait for some of the most popular titles. So, if you’re in a rush to read the most popular book of the year, it might not be available for an extended amount of time. In the meantime, thousands more are readily available.
You can even read samples first to see if a book appeals to you. I encourage you to explore these apps and then utilize them in your reading journey. I can’t even count how many books I’ve checked out from Libby and Hoopla; it’s definitely over 100 at this point!
5. Read books in genres that you enjoy most.
This one is probably pretty obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. If you intend to read more this year, you should definitely begin by selecting books that align with your interests.
Don’t start off by choosing non-fiction books if your interest lies within the fiction realm. Don’t choose a science fiction novel when you prefer romantic comedies.
Read what is enjoyable before challenging yourself to explore other genres. While expanding your reading horizons may be a future goal, it is advisable to start with what you know and love.
6. Set a specific time each day that you’ll dedicate to reading.
Whether it be 15 minutes or an entire hour, schedule it into your day. Just like an appointment that is scheduled into your day, schedule a chunk of time for reading as well. If it’s one of your goals for the year, it’s worth your time.
My favorite way to wind down most evenings is not watching Netflix (except on weekends) but reading. While you might still prefer watching a show, carve out time right before bed to crack open that book. Or maybe you have 30 minutes on your lunch break and want to dedicate that time to reading.
Whatever works best for your season of life, plan reading into your day. This will ensure that you are reading every day. You can’t just wing it and hope you have the time and energy at the end of the day. Because you probably won’t. If you aren’t intentional about making time, reading probably won’t happen most days. That’s just a fact of life.
7. Find an author you love and read all their books!
Maybe you’ll be like me and experience feelings of sadness when you’ve finished all the books by your current favorite author. But then, there’s the excitement of eagerly awaiting their next book release! Perhaps you can’t relate, but I have a feeling a few of you can.
Karen Kingsbury has always been at the top of my list for inspirational Christian fiction. I’ve read all her books and even her famous The Baxters book series has become a TV series.
As an author’s style evolves, there may be a couple of books that are somewhat different and a little disappointing. But try this tip and see how many books you can read this year by the same author.
8. Listen to audiobooks.
These count!
I am a visual learner, so I grasp more from actually reading words on a page. But, I plan on incorporating more audiobooks into my reading this year. You can definitely fit in tons more books than you’d think if you choose audiobooks as well.
You can listen while doing numerous household chores, driving in the car, working out at the gym, or while getting ready in the morning. Multitasking by adding something enjoyable (listening to an audiobook) during mindless activities, can make them a little less daunting. If you currently listen to music or watch a YouTube video while cleaning, why not try replacing that with a thrilling audiobook?
I started my first audiobook of the year: 10 hours long. Right off the bat, it sounds like a massive undertaking. Devoting 10 hours of my life to listening to an audiobook? However, considering I’m listening during my 30-minute walks each day, I’m making significant progress. And I’m looking forward to my walks each day! It’s a win-win.
9. Dedicate a larger chunk of time to get started on a new book.
Is the fear of “starting a new book” a thing? It sounds weird, but I have found that most of the time it’s quite difficult for me to get into a new book. I’ll need a bigger chunk of time, like 45 minutes to an hour of uninterrupted time to get a good start.
For some reason, it takes extreme concentration for me to get through the first couple of chapters and I’ll sometimes even read them twice. I want to ensure I have a good grasp on the characters: their names and who they are, before continuing with the story.
If this doesn’t apply to you, don’t worry about this tip! But if you can relate, block out some time when starting a new novel. You’ll be glad you did.
10. Don’t continue reading if you have no interest in the book.
Ok so don’t waste hours of your life trying to plod through a book you are not enjoying. You will not look back at that time fondly and may equate reading with being a “time waster.”
Reading is meant to be enjoyable. There are too many amazing books out there! It’s not worth your time to endure reading a book that is boring or just not your cup of tea. It is acceptable to have a DNF (did not finish) book on your list.
Here is your permission to let that book go. The one that was possibly recommended to you or is on all the bestseller lists. If it’s not for you, it’s not for you. Move on and find something you can enjoy wholeheartedly.
11. Carry a book with you at all times.
This sounds so nerdy, but I don’t mind. You know all those extra minutes you spend scrolling on your phone? At the doctor’s office. Waiting on your daughter’s dance class to finish. Waiting in the school pickup line.
Bring a book along to keep you company, rather than always turning to your phone! You’ll be sure to reach your reading goals more quickly that way.
I promise there’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s rare to find someone reading, so it’s actually refreshing to me to spot someone who is reading rather than merely scrolling. And a kid with a book in hand rather than a screen makes my heart happy.
12. Join a book club or read a book recommended by a friend.
It’s always fun to discuss a well-loved book with someone else. My husband (a non-reader) could probably care less about the books I insist on replaying for him.
However, a friend that already read (and loved!) the book would love nothing more than to rehash favorite scenes with you.
I’ve never participated in a book club, but it would be worth checking out or starting one if you have friends who enjoy reading as well. It would also be a great way to keep yourself accountable for finishing a book on a deadline.
13. Set up the atmosphere.
Setting the ambiance is a great idea, especially if you have an hour (or an afternoon!) to spare.
Grab a cup of delicious, hot coffee or a cup of tea. Cuddle up in a soft, cozy blanket. Light a scrumptious-smelling candle and dim the lights. Make it a whole experience.
I guarantee you will enjoy reading much more if the atmosphere during reading makes you feel warm and happy. I know I do!
14. Read more than 1 book at a time.
Too extreme for you? You can skip this tip then!
I plan to read a non-fiction book and fiction book at the same time.
It’s amazing to me how some people have multiple fiction books going at the same time. I would get the characters and plots confused. But choosing non-fiction and fiction simultaneously seems doable, so that’s my challenge for this year.
Here’s my game plan: I will take about 15 minutes to read the non-fiction choice when my mind is clear and sharp. The fiction reading is more mindless for me, so this will be done about 30 minutes before bed (earlier if I’m in the mood for more).
15. Put your phone away.
Check out your phone usage for today. Check it now and see what it tells you. Have you spent 2 hours on your phone? 4 hours? More?
Take some time to just put it away. No scrolling on the apps. No watching YouTube videos. Sure, you can get some great information or motivation from it, but sometimes it needs to disappear for a while. See how much less time you can spend on your phone and how much more time this will equate to reading!
Here’s a challenge for you this week, will you accept it? Every time you are tempted to reach for your phone, reach for a book (or Kindle) instead!
Reading is Good for the Soul: Start Now!
Reading is one of the most rewarding hobbies you can start today! It won’t get boring due to the virtually endless supply of books available to you.
There is such variety in reading. So many genres and authors to choose from. Fiction or non-fiction. Want to learn more about a specific person? Check for a biography. Want to explore different cultures? Check out a book with a setting in a different county. Want to learn about literally any topic you can imagine? There’s surely a book that exists for you!
Whether you’re already an avid reader like myself, or haven’t read since college, you can start today. Think you don’t enjoy reading, then maybe you just haven’t found the right book (or genre yet). I encourage you to search out a new book series.
I hope you’re inspired to pick up a book you’ve always been meaning to read. Give it a little time and you never know, you might become a book lover after all!
I wish you the best on your 2025 Reading Journey!
Additional Goal Setting Inspiration
Not sure about having a reading goal this year? Check out other goal possibilities for this year: 25 GOAL IDEAS FOR 2025.
How about working on becoming more organized in 2025?! Check out these 10 HABITS OF A HIGHLY ORGANIZED WOMAN.
Need some motivation to make healthier choices and lose weight? This blog post is for you: HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT & FEEL HEALTHIER: MICRO HABITS TO SHED THOSE POUNDS.
