New Year, New Books: The Best Reading Goals to Set for 2025
The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect, reset, and set new goals for the months ahead. If you're a book lover, why not make reading a central part of your New Year's resolutions? Whether you're aiming to read more books, explore new genres, or challenge yourself in creative ways, we’ve rounded up some of the best reading goals to kick off 2025 with a page-turning start.
1. Set a Reading Goal (And Stick to It)
One of the simplest yet most rewarding goals is to commit to reading a specific number of books over the year. Whether it's one book a month or a challenge to read 50, having a target gives you something to strive for and a sense of accomplishment when you meet it. To make it even more exciting, join reading challenges like Goodreads' yearly challenge or create your own.
2. Explore New Genres
This year, step outside your comfort zone and explore genres you might not typically gravitate toward. If you're a fan of historical fiction, why not dive into science fiction or memoirs? Exploring new genres opens up a whole new world of storytelling, and you may just discover a hidden favorite along the way. At Poe & Company Bookstore, we’ve got plenty of recommendations to help you find your next obsession.
3. Read More Books by Diverse Authors
In 2025, make it a goal to broaden your reading list with books written by diverse voices. From authors of different cultural backgrounds to unique perspectives on social issues, this goal not only enhances your reading experience but also enriches your understanding of the world. It's an exciting way to support marginalized voices and discover incredible stories you might otherwise miss.
4. Start a Book Club (Or Join One)
There's nothing like reading with others. If you’ve ever thought about starting a book club, the New Year is a perfect time to make that dream a reality. Gather a group of friends, family, or fellow book lovers to discuss books and share recommendations. At Poe & Company, we host book club meetings and events, and we’d love for you to be a part of them!
5. Revisit Your Favorite Books
Sometimes, the best reading goal is to go back to the books that meant the most to you. Pick up a classic favorite or a beloved novel you read years ago, and rediscover why it holds a special place in your heart. Whether it’s a comfort read or one that shaped your reading journey, revisiting these books will provide fresh insights and a cozy trip down memory lane.
6. Read More Nonfiction
If your bookshelf is filled with fiction, it might be time to add a little more nonfiction into your life. Reading nonfiction can be incredibly eye-opening, whether you’re looking to learn something new or gain a deeper understanding of the world. From biographies to self-help and current events, nonfiction is perfect for expanding your horizons. Consider setting a goal to read one nonfiction book a month to keep the variety flowing.
7. Read Before Bed (And Cut Down on Screen Time)
Let’s face it, we all spend too much time scrolling on our phones before bed. In 2025, challenge yourself to swap out that late-night social media session for reading a book instead. Whether it’s a few chapters or just a couple of pages, reading before bed can help you unwind, improve sleep quality, and make you feel more connected to the world of books.
8. Track Your Progress and Celebrate Your Wins
Sometimes the journey is just as important as the goal. As you progress through your reading resolutions, take time to track your accomplishments. Whether it's logging your books in a journal or using an app like Goodreads, keeping track of your reading journey can be incredibly rewarding. Plus, don’t forget to celebrate your wins along the way — a finished book, a new genre explored, or a goal met all deserve recognition!
9. Tackle That "Book Bucket List"
If there are a few must-reads you've been putting off for years, 2025 is the time to finally dive in. Create a list of your “book bucket list” titles and aim to knock a few off this year. Whether it’s literary classics, award-winners, or books that are simply all over your social feed, it’s time to read the ones you’ve been meaning to get to for so long.
10. Support Local Bookstores (Like Us!)
What better way to celebrate reading than by supporting your local bookstore? By shopping at Poe & Company, you’re not only supporting our small business but also giving yourself access to the best new releases and handpicked recommendations from our staff. Set a goal to buy a certain number of books from local bookstores in 2025 — and we can’t wait to help you along the way.
No matter what goals you set for your reading journey this year, the important thing is to enjoy the process. Whether you’re challenging yourself with new genres, revisiting old favorites, or exploring new topics, 2025 is the year to read more, read differently, and most importantly, read for the joy of it.
Happy reading, and we hope to see you at Poe & Company Bookstore soon!