I can’t believe 2023 is already almost over. There were so many memorable moments from this year. The one thing I will say about 2023 is that it wasn’t the best reading year for me. I mentioned this before, how I started 2023 in a reading slump. I somewhat overcame that halfway through the year, but it felt like I lost my drive to read. I started so many books that I later ended up putting them down to read something else. With 2023 wrapping up, I wanted to come into 2024 with a reading plan. I wanted to share a few goals that I have for next year.

Going Back to TBRs

In previous reading years, I used to plan out my TBR (to be read) books far in advance. This way, I knew what I would be reading ahead of time, which helped me stay organized. This year, I found myself picking up whatever book I was in the mood for. That may work for some readers, but I don’t think it works for me. I like having a plan because it’s easier for me to stick to it.

Additionally, I am going to aim to read three books a month. I think that’s doable. I read before I go to bed, and I tend to do most of my reading on weekends. On top of the three books I pick, I will be reading graphic novels, manga, and single-issue comics as well.

One Book on my TBR has to come from the Library

This is the goal I am looking forward to the most. I started using my local library this year, and it’s been a game-changer. I can request holds from the app on my phone, which I think is the coolest thing. This way, when I go to the library, I can quickly get my books and walk back to my car to run my next errand. There have been several books that I rented from the library and read this year, where I am glad I didn’t purchase the books for my own collection.

Speaking of which, I have been noticing a pattern in myself when I buy books. I tend to buy books, read them, and then, when I’m done, I donate them. While this isn’t a bad thing, it’s something I want to cut back on. I want to stick to a budget, and I have to be honest with myself that buying books is where I tend to spend a portion of my disposable income.

Using my local library will help save money, but if I end up really loving a book I read, I can always buy it for my bookshelf at home.

Completing Reading Challenges

To help keep myself engaged, I want to set a few reading challenges to complete throughout the year. I already have one reading challenge planned. I want to pick the ten books that have been on my Goodreads TBR shelf the longest and read them next year. I think most of them are graphic novels, which is something I could easily do next year.

Reading challenges can keep some spontaneity in reading, which I think will help me to read more than I did in 2023.

Reviewing My Bookshelves

When we moved into our house in 2022, I packed away my books, but I didn’t end up going through them like I wanted to. There are several books on my bookshelf that I haven’t read in a few years, and I never continued the series. I either want to pull them off my shelf and re-read them, or I want to donate them to make space for other books I want to collect. I want to make sure that the books on my shelves are books that mean a lot to me, and if they don’t, this will help free up precious bookshelf space.

These goals are ambitious, but I think they will help get me back on track. I love to read, and I want to make reading more of a priority in 2024.