2015 reading plans and goals

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I feel like I’ve been talking a lot about plans and goals lately. I guess that’s normal around this time of year, so just call me cliché! I’m not done yet, either, so I hope you like this kind of thing. (Personally, I could read about other people’s goals and plans alllll day long, ha.)

I want to read more this year. Last year I read 20 books which was a huge drop for me. Obviously it was a year of adjustment and that’s fine, but I’d still like to read more. I intend to do monthly book reports this year and hopefully there will be at least three books on each one. Here’s what I’m thinking:

Reading challenge: First of all, I’ve decided to play along with the Modern Mrs. Darcy reading challenge, which has twelve categories to fill. It’s flexible and low stress and just fun. I will update my progress on this every monthly book report.

Book clubs: I have a monthly in-person book club that I attend, and I usually read every book unless it’s just not worth it to me (see: The Ground Beneath Her Feet by Salmon Rusdie). The postal book club is finishing up its first round this month, and there will be six rounds of it this year, so I definitely plan to read all of those.

Library: For reading of-the-moment books that I’m really interested in, I’ll be using the library. I’ve used it for ages for book club, but I just recently started placing holds on popular books that I have to wait awhile for. This led to the discovery that having that return date as a deadline is a big incentive for me, especially when I can’t renew it because it’s requested already.

Audiobooks: I basically quit listening to audiobooks once my commute was drastically shortened, and I’ve been listening to podcasts instead. But I do own some audiobooks that I’d like to listen to, so my plan is to listen to one and then catch up on all my podcasts, then listen to another. Not sure if I’ll be able to keep up, but I’ll try.

Book choice: Along with my word for the year – light – I think I will aim for more lighthearted books this year. Or at least books that are fast and absorbing. This probably isn’t the year I will tackle a large classic, anything epic or dense. I also for sure plan to abandon a book if I’m not caught up in it by the first 50 pages or so.

The natural next question is where I will find time to read, but I don’t think that will really be a problem. I’ll make it happen if I want to. Even though I am super busy, there is always still time that is wasted on dumb things, and if I’m reading lighthearted books then reading can become my go-to relaxing activity.

What are your reading plans for the year?

Comments

8 responses to “2015 reading plans and goals”

January 12, 2015

Lauren W

My school has a reading challenge this school year where we chose our own number of books and we make a poster showing how many books we read and update the poster as we complete books. At first I was told audiobooks don’t count, so I stopped listening because I didn’t want to “waste” a book. Then I decided, hey! This is a personal challenge! So I say audiobooks DO count! My commute is so much happier.

I just listened to Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. It’s for children and is a prequel to the events in Peter Pan. It was very fun and light. :)

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January 12, 2015

Scott

I’m listening to Peter and the Starcatchers right now! It took a little time for me to get into it but it’s getting really good now. Also, it’s narrated by the same guy who did the Harry Potter books, so the narration is certainly solid.

Kathleen, you should read Murakami for your “translated into English” book. Specifically, Kafka on the Shore.

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January 12, 2015

Nora

I’m attempting Book Riot’s Read Harder Challenge, which has 24 book types on it. Fortunately some of the ones I want to read this year count for some of those categories. Otherwise, my goal is to read 62 books; I read 66 last year (though I don’t know if I should admit that quite a few of them were romances…) so I don’t think it will be hard, but we will see! I am up for lighter reads still. The heavier ones sometimes put me in a giant funk!

Also, love that someone else has heard of Peter & the Starcatchers. I love Ridley Pearson’s books! My mom had all those books so I’m going to keep them and read them with the bonus kids this summer and beyond, and obviously keep them for myself :)

I love hearing about goals, reading recaps on goals- it always inspires me!

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January 12, 2015

Sarah @ Beauty School Dropout

I think light books are easier to find time for than heavy books — when I’m tired or emotionally drained, there’s only so much deep thinking I can handle. Have you read Parnassus on Wheels? I listened to it recently, and it’s the perfect light, fun (and short!) book for a book lover.

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January 12, 2015

alisa beth

I’m so pleased that you posted about the 2015 book challenge a bit ago. I have it printed out and taped to a kitchen cabinet and I’ve been trying to think of a good book for each category. I was DELIGHTED when I asked my mom to name a book she loves above all others that her response was Pride and Prejudice. I fully expected it to be the Wind in the Willows or Jane Eyre and I just didn’t want to read those. Matt and I have been watching both the ’95 miniseries and the ’05 movie this month and so reading the book will just follow naturally! I’m interested to see which books you choose to fill each category. Good job with the resolve to abandon a book if you’re not into it within 50 pages. I just could not get into my first book for the Postal Book Club but I did NOT want to “quit” on the first round. So I actually joined Audible and got it on audiobook with the promotional free credit. When the trial 30 days is up, I have decided that I’m going to keep up the membership (I THINK) and I think it might really help me with the number of books I read this year. I’m excited for the year ahead.

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January 12, 2015

rachieannie

I also am in a lighthearted book stage. I try to read a few popular books here and there that are a little more in-depth, but I gravitate towards chic lit because it’s easy to pick up and put down and you know things are going to end well. It started when I was pregnant with Lucy and it might change after I get through post-partum, but we’ll see. My Kindle is full of classics and good Christian books that I want to read, but I just can’t do it. So, I go back on the online library and find a cheesy novel. If it’s my mental break time, I deserve to read what I want!

Love the idea of the 50 page rule. And let us know if you figure out a good way to listen to an audiobook! I listen while I go for walks, but walks aren’t happening this time of the year!

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January 12, 2015

Holly

I’ve been reading lots of memoires and parenting books of late, so I’m looking forward to diving into something light too! I’ve actually been re-reading Robin Jones Gunn books – cheesy Christian romance novels that I read during my teen years. The story lines are nothing amazing but it’s an entertaining, quick read when the kids are otherwise distracted :)

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January 13, 2015

Stephany

My biggest reading plan this year is to attempt to complete Book Riot’s Read Harder Challenge. I’ve been really inspired by their podcast to diversify my reading and break out of my comfort zone when it comes to what I read, so I’m excited to tackle this challenge!

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