15 Realistic Reading Resolutions That Don't Require You to Read Over 100 Books

      Every year as New Year's approaches, we encounter the familiar wave of the "new year, new me" resolutions: initiate a new workout regimen, commit to daily journaling, and of course, read more books. However, the issue with these vague, lofty resolutions is that they lack a concrete framework for achieving them. While wanting to read more is commendable, choosing just one book among the thousands of online suggestions can quickly become daunting. If this is the year you genuinely want to embrace reading, you’ll need more precise reading resolutions to steer you on your path. I’ve compiled the following reading resolutions to make 2026 your best year for reading.

      1. Explore a genre outside your comfort zone

      It’s simple to limit yourself to a specific reading type, but refusing to expand your horizons means you might miss out on a wealth of amazing literature. You don’t have to dive into a complex sci-fi novel if you typically enjoy romance; instead, consider a contemporary fiction book with romance woven into the plot. Or, if you’re a fan of romantasy, try a dystopian or sci-fi novel that includes the world-building you appreciate—just slightly beyond your usual genre. This can introduce you to new narratives and viewpoints, potentially leading you to your next favorite genre.

      2. Discover three new authors

      While everyone has favorite authors, incorporating new and diverse voices into your reading is crucial. You can still enjoy Emily Henry’s full catalog (in fact, do!), but try to add three unfamiliar authors to your reading list this year. This will not only help you discover the writing styles you enjoy, but mixing up your reading material can also prevent a reading slump.

      3. Read each night before sleeping

      One of the biggest challenges to reading regularly is finding the time to sit down with a book. The reality is, you have to carve out that time. I’m not suggesting you need to dedicate an hour each day, but substituting your nighttime scrolling for even a few pages will help establish a daily habit. Plus, it’s a soothing way to unwind instead of falling into another endless scroll.

      4. Commit to reading an entire series

      If you haven’t read in a while or tend to choose standalone books, your last completed series might be Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, but that excitement can certainly be relived in adulthood. There’s something delightful about immersing yourself in characters over several books. Just ensure that the entire series is available before you start; waiting a year for resolution after a cliffhanger can be frustrating.

      5. Participate in a book club

      One of the joys of reading is discussing it with fellow book lovers. Enter the book club. If 2026 turns out to be a hectic year, you don’t have to read along each month, but having a space to share your enthusiasm and delve into discussions is a wonderful way to foster community. And if you haven’t heard yet, there’s a perfect new book club waiting for you—The Everygirl Book Club.

      6. Obtain a library card

      Books can be pricey, and purchasing a brand-new copy after every read isn’t always feasible. To keep your reading options open while supporting your local community, consider joining a library. You can even download Libby to access digital versions right on your e-reader—no need to make a trip to return books.

      7. Tackle a classic book

      I’m not suggesting you start your reading journey with classic literature, as that may feel daunting, but classics hold their status for a reason. There’s great satisfaction in finally crossing one off your TBR, especially if you’re a regular reader seeking to diversify your choices. So, make this the year you finally read that classic that’s been gathering dust on your shelf.

      8. Allow yourself to DNF a book

      This might be a contentious resolution, and believe me, I dislike not finishing a book too, but it’s essential to permit yourself to put down a story you’re not enjoying. This frees up time for books that you will love and help you avoid falling into a reading slump that could derail your “read more books” goal. We have limited time; use it to read books that captivate you, not ones that feel burdensome.

      9. Read a book that you’ve never heard of

      I often rely on social media for book recommendations, which is an excellent resource. However, discovering a book entirely on your own and approaching it without any preconceived notions is incredibly rewarding. Popularity doesn’t equate to quality; plenty of undiscovered literary gems are waiting on bookstore shelves for you to discover them.

      10. Set a reading goal and track your progress on Goodreads

      Honestly, keeping track of the books you read can be part of the enjoyment. While it might not be half the fun, it’s certainly a significant portion. It helps you identify the genres you prefer, lets you know how many books you read in a year, and avoids the frustrating moment when you