Like many, I challenged myself to read more in 2025. Last year I read 6 books and a lot of fanfiction. My goal for this year is simple: read one book a month. I don’t think I’ll ever get to the level of those who read hundreds of books a year. I do have to balance reading with a full time job, two pups, and a deep love of sleep. For me, one book a month is realistic and just the right amount of challenging.
My tips that help me read more
Keep Track
On thing that keeps me excited to continue reading is keeping track of the books I read. My advice is to take the time to find a method that works for you. There are so many options out there, find one that keeps you excited on your reading journey.
I have seen creative videos of people keeping track using a physical journal or a bullet journal. They incorporate different designs and stickers to display the book covers. I find it hard to incorporate those trackers because I tend to overthink all the small details. Although I do love watching the videos of everyone updating their tracker.
If you prefer to take the app route, it almost feels like you have too many options. My experience mainly revolves around Goodreads and Storygraph. I have since deleted my Goodreads account in an effort to distance myself from the Kindle and Amazon book market. Even though the act of deleting my profile doesn’t feel like much, I do notice that I don’t really miss it.
I know there are other apps like Shelf, Bookmory, and Margins. I haven’t tried them myself, but if you have let me know your thoughts on them!
My current tracker of choice is Notion. I like it a lot because it’s serving two purposes for me. One, to keep track of my current reads. And two, to build a digital catalog of all the books I have in my possession.
It’s still a work in progress, but I love the different views I can create. One shows me a list of all the physical books I have. Another shows the digital my digital books. I can see what I’m currently reading or go to my list of authors. The only con to Notion is that I don’t have a way to connect with others in this app. Maybe I’ll decide to join one of the apps mentioned above in an effort to join a community. Until then, I’m excited to continue working on my Notion catalog.
Use Different Formats
Reading multiple books in different formats is another way that helps me read more.
I used to be of the mindset that I couldn’t start a new book until I finished the current one. Maybe that worked for me as a kid, when I had all the time in the world to read. But that doesn’t work for me anymore.
Now, I like to keep at least two books going at a time. One physical copy that I keep in my nightstand. I make it a point to read at least one chapter before bed. The other is a digital copy of a book I can read from any one of my devices. That way, I can read a little when I have some time on the go. Like if someone is taking too long in a checkout lane or I take a little break.
I’ve tried to also include audio books in the lineup, but my brain gets easily distracted, so I’m sticking with the other two formats. Is there a book that sounds better as an audio book?
Don’t feel bad about not finishing a book
Sometimes you pick up a book and get excited from reading the excerpt. The story looks promising so you say “what the heck” and give it a shot. Sometimes, you end up not connecting with the story or the main characters, or the vibes are just off. And that is ok. You don’t have to finish the book. Life is too short to force yourself to finish a story that you are not enjoying.
At least, that’s what I tell myself when I catch myself either forcing a reading session or avoiding it altogether. And it’s not bad advice, I just know its easier said than done.
For January 2025, I decided to read Must Love Books by Shauna Robinson. Here is the synopsis straight from bookshop.org:
Meet Nora Hughes―the overworked, underpaid, last bookish assistant standing. At least for now.
When Nora landed an editorial assistant position at Parsons Press, it was her first step towards The Dream Job. Because, honestly, is there anything dreamier than making books for a living? But after five years of lunch orders, finicky authors, and per my last emails, Nora has come to one grand conclusion: Dream Jobs do not exist.
With her life spiraling and the Parsons staff sinking, Nora gets hit with even worse news. Parsons is cutting her already unlivable salary. Unable to afford her rent and without even the novels she once loved as a comfort, Nora decides to moonlight for a rival publisher to make ends meet…and maybe poach some Parsons’ authors along the way.
But when Andrew Santos, a bestselling Parsons author no one can afford to lose is thrown into the mix, Nora has to decide where her loyalties lie. Her new Dream Job, ever-optimistic Andrew, or…herself and her future.
From this excerpt, I thought I would love this story so much. But in reality, I was not able to find the groove that kept me coming back for more. Mental health is a very important topic for me. Even though it’s also a main topic in this book, I couldn’t relate to Nora or her story at all.
So don’t feel bad for smacking that DNF label on a book. Even if you don’t connect with it today, you can always give it another chance in the future.
2025 Reading Challenge
Even though it didn’t start so well, I’m optimistic that I can have a successful 2025 reading challenge. I’ll be using this tracker to share my progress while I work on my Notion library.
I’m currently reading two books I hope to add to my tracker soon!
Digitally, I’m reading The Will Of the Many by James Islington. I’m eager to learn more about the main character Vis and this new world Islington has created. On paperback, I’m about to start The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods. I can’t wait to write a review on these books so you can decide if they’re worth adding to your list of books to read.
the bold dev 
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