New Year, Newish Reading Goals
Though I’m not exactly a “new year, new me” girl, there is something about the start of a new year that does force some reflection. Thanks to a viral infection that ran its way through my family this holiday season, I had a lot of alone time to sit and give in to that impulse. I took stock and made some loose plans — financial goals, mental health goals, wellness goals that aren’t toxic — for what I hope this year will feel like in my bones. We’re heading into an election year and so many things still feel awful, but planning a little and naming some things helps me feel a little bit more prepared to face it.
In my reading life, the overarching goal is to have more fun, and that requires some very intentional shifting when a thing you love becomes a thing you do for work. Here are four low-stakes goals I’ve set for myself to help me find more joy in books this year.
1. Candy Reading
Because I co-host All the Books, a podcast about new releases, two or more of the books I read every month are going to be ones that are published on a specific day. Sometimes, the books that land in my week align perfectly with what I would have read anyway, and other weeks, less so (even though I still enjoy them).
After I’m done with my work reading, I am resolving to go all in on reaching for candy reads: indulgent, delicious reads that excite me whether or not they’re buzzy or new or “important.” For me, that probably means a ton of gothic, mythy, thrilly, witchy things (see my recent Most Anticipated list), or books that teach me something (see next goal). I’ll be diving deep into titles that boost my serotonin because that’s what my brain needs right now.
2. Be an Even More Insufferable Know It All
I have been annoying since the 80s for several reasons, a big one being that I am a consummate know-it-all. Like I stay hitting the people with a strong “Did you know” or an “Actually…” I have tried very hard as a grownup to have my know-it-allness be more of a “fun facts at parties” thing (Marie Antoinette never said “let them eat cake”) than a “correcting your grammar” thing (unless you’re a bad person, then all bets are off).
That being said, I am going all in on microhistories and nonfiction about people, places, and things that interest me. My shortlist includes Tudor histories, books about religion and cults, books about sea creatures, mythology deep-dives, books on basketball, and reads that help explain current events. Anything that ups my did-ya-know tank excites me. I am sorry (but let’s be real, not that much) in advance.
3. Puzzle Pairings + Craftiness
There is something about arranging small, irregularly shaped pieces of cardboard into a pretty picture that brings down my blood pressure. I wonder why I don’t do it more in light of the last several years worth of unprecedented times. A friend reminded me how well this activity pairs with audiobooks, so I bought some puzzles right away and lined up some audiobooks I’m excited about.
But why stop there? I think I’m ready to break out the coloring books, get stabby with some cross stitching, maybe experiment with some painting and crafting that only my mother will pretend to love. My audiobooks deserve to be listened to on more than power walks and laundry days. I’m doing this for them.
4. Reading Less (and Loving It)
I know I just talked about the books I’m going to read, but here’s what is also true: I actually plan to read less this year. In 2023 I read less than I have in years, clocking in at just over 50 books when I usually do somewhere between 75 to 100. Was that partially the result of having a really freakin’ challenging year? YUP. I’m lighting candles, I’m smudging my space, and I’m this close to making a blood sacrifice to la Santa Muerte in exchange for a smoother ride.
I also went to the ballet and the movies. I watched (a lot of) great TV and got even more into podcasts. I hiked to gorgeous waterfalls, jumped into crystal clear swimming holes, and picked lavender and berries in the Oregon sunshine. I breathed deeply in forests and walked among the vines with a glass of perfectly chilled pet nat in my hand, and tasted funky natural wines at my favorite local wine bar. I sat around a dinner table with friends and laughed till I cried, or cried until I laughed. I had dance parties with my niece and nephew and long Facetimes with faraway friends. I went to a séance and saw Beyoncé (not at the séance, at her show, which I probably didn’t need to clarify).
Can you do all of those things while reading a ton? Absolutely. Are any of those activities “better” ways to spend your time than reading? No, they aren’t. They’re just what made sense for me. I was craving community, connection, activities that took me outside of myself and made me feel less alone. Doing more life meant reading a little less, and doing so filled my cup in a way I didn’t know I needed until I felt it happening. I’d like to fill my cup again in 2024, maybe even let it overflow.
And like I always say, the books will still be there when I’m ready. And they will be that much sweeter when I am.
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