10 reading goals for 2025!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.พ. 2025
- Join us while we share 10 goals we're considering for 2025!
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My goal for 2025 is to make reading more of a self-care thing. Comfy chair, cozy blanket, cup of tea...and really enjoy the experience of falling into a story.
Something I love about this channel (which I found through WNH), is that you discuss some books that came out years ago, and books that aren't being discussed everywhere else. I feel like all the other channels are discussing the same 100 books. I got back into reading because of this channel, and I really appreciate your recommendations. I don't buy books, but get them from the library, so getting recommendations about older books is great, as they are available.
Happy New Year! And thank you for all the inspiration (reading and knitting).
I love the idea of focusing on making reading a self-care thing. That's great!
I totally with you about talking about a variety of books and with WNH various projects, not just the trending ones.
I set goals on Goodreads too! I don’t mind reading, 2 books at a time and listening to an audio book. If I don’t like a book,I won’t waste my time finishing it, there are to many great books waiting
Love that! If it works for you, than there is nothing wrong with that.
I read in a classic that the person was going to devote herself to reading and I liked that framework. Also snorted/laughed when Anne Bogel of Modern Mrs. D’Arcy and the “What ShouldI Read Next” podcast described her last year of reading as a thimble full of weird. My goals are to read more of the books I already own.
😂😂😂 Love the goal to read more of what you own. That is always an underlying goal of mine as well, and then somehow you end up at a bookstore and then with an armful of books.
This video really spoke to me. Great goals! How about that Witcher 4 announcement?! ❤❤❤
I know! So pumped for it! Glad you liked the video! 😁❤️❤️❤️
I don't pay attention to star reviews or really any kind of reviews. I go where my mood takes me and I always finish a book even if I am not enjoying it. I do like book recommendations because a lot of the time I find books I haven't seen or heard of.
That's such a wonderful way to approach reading. I too have recently allowed myself to be more open to recommendations from others and have found my horizons broadened. 😁❤️
I love Bailey’s in my coffee too ;)
❤️❤️❤️. It's a great combo.
I love the slow down or comfortable speed "goal" - More about enjoying the experience or the process more, really being in and savoring the moments that string the experience together.
❤️❤️ It makes thing more pleasant sometimes.
I read Mexican Gothic when you mentionned it before and I really enjoyed it! I also often use my local library to just rent a book that I may not be so sure about (instead of buying it) and I happen to discover lots of very good book that way. I also have my comfort books that I re read (like re watching a movie): some books are worth re reading! 😅
That's awesome! That's a great idea on how to use your library. I need to do that more.
I think reading more than one book at a time, like having multiple knitting/craft projects in the go, can help with burn out, especially if it is a dense or emotional book. Sometimes I just need a break. But, it can also affect focus… 🤷🏻♀️ I like the goal of “just read” that you said - no pressure just some reading every day. I have started reading at least 30 minutes before I head out to work in the morning. 😊 Great discussion! Happy 2025!
So true. Burn out can totally sneek up on you too. It always smart to take time to reset and reflect.
I agree with this comment, reading multiple books helps me maintain the “just read” goal. I can pick a book that matches my mood/energy/needs at the time I’m able to read. I don’t want to read something too exciting before bed, I like reading short stories or non-fiction in situations where I’m likely to get interrupted.
@ short stories are a great idea!
Stopping at 17:33 for a hot minute to say; I LOVED Mexican Gothic and we like a lot of the same books! Ok, just had to say that, back to your "10 reading goals for 2025", btw, I so far dig your goals, 100%
Oh that's good. It will have to be a thing that Tayler just decides to start it.
Great post! I gotta finish the Silo series. I got bogged down, but I prefer to finish books. I seldom don't finish. Here's to more reading in 2024! Thanks for sharing!
Yes, more reading in deed!
I don’t pay much attention to Goodreads, but booktoubers I follow. Also I read 3 books t a time because I need to change the mood. Those 3 books are diferent degrees of intensity (I read fiction and historical novel). I read 102 books this year, just for pleasure.
That's great. I(Branden) kind of do the same. Two at a time usually one fiction and one non fiction. 👍❤️
I’ve started reading “Time and Again” (Finney) because of your recommendation 🎉
Yay! I hope you enjoy it.🎉
Hello! And Happy New Year to both of you. I have two advanced degrees in English literature (lots of required reading there! Lol.), so I don't set myself defined reading goals. I read widely most of the time, gravitating toward mysteries, thrillers, Sci fi, fantasy, and adventure tales. I don't expect to read a specified number of books. I just read as often as I can. I am not a monogamous reader for a simple reason: I live in a two-story house. Who wants to carry one's books up and down the stairs every day? I have an upstairs book as well as an eReader in my room, and a downstairs book as well as my tablet downstairs too. I don't use audible books because I have ADHD and my attention wanders. Next thing I know I am three chapters onward and no idea how I got there. Hahaha! Anyway, I have a system that works for me. I enjoy watching your videos and look forward to new ones. I love how both of you kind of ping off each other.
I love this. It's awesome that you have upstairs and downstairs books. That's like my living room and bedroom books.
I know so many people who have enjoyed Mexican Gothic. I haven't read it. My sister is currently reading it.
I'm a reader, but I don't have a Goodreads account. I have some people that I follow on Instagram whose recommendations I trust, as well as friends and family whose recommendations I trust.
Aside from being a high school teacher, I have a part time job in a bookstore. (My whole paycheck goes back into the store.) Every year I tell myself I'll try to read classics. I just bought One Hundred Years of Solitude, which isn't technically a classic, but one that I feel I should have read already!
It was really interesting to listen to Tayler talk about looking up ratings while in a bookstore. That has honestly never even occurred to me. I like to choose books based on what I see before me - what the book itself has to offer by the cover, description, reviews on the jacket even. I admit that if an author I really like has a favorable quote for the book on the jacket, it definitely makes me think I will like that book even more. I stood in Costco and read the first chapter of a book a few weeks ago while waiting for my husband to finish shopping and ended up getting the book - wasn't even on my radar before that day. You just never know what you'll find!
Great video! Love the goals!
That's such a awesome way to discover new books. No influence to sway you. 👍❤️
As for reviews, I tend to look at % 5⭐️ vs %1⭐️. Sometimes the average is off because of a couple of 1⭐️s who were cranky about shipping speed. 😳
That's a great way to do it to.
I agree with so much you have said - I started going with the short list of the Booker prize and some of the other prizes and I mix audio and books but I am more of a slow reader and do absorb in that way -so, I finally said to myself - am I in a race? And if so =why?? - so, Im going back to the way I have always read in my life (always been a reader)
I love that. So important to always be reflective with yourself. 👍❤️
I only made 2 goals for the year.
First, read for a minimum of one hour everyday. No set number on the amount of books, just read.
and second is more a challenge than a goal because I've fallen head over heels in love with my new Kindle Paperwhite. But I'm going to attempt to limit myself to what's available through Kindle Unlimited and my library through Libby. If I'm not liking a book, it's easy to just move on to the next as well discovering some new books I'd have probably never given a chance to before.
Yes! These are fantastic goals. Spot on.
Most classics aren’t the size of Mody Dick or War and Peace, one classic a month is very doable. My favorite is the Picture of Dorian Gray. Such a great start to dip your toes into classics. Good luck on your goals such a great video, reading everyday even if it’s for 15 minutes is an awesome goal.
Totally true!
In regards to looking up book ratings and debating on buying a book that could be bad... check the library and if it turns out to be one you want permanent then buy it... i also do this digitally using my subscription to Everand. Of course this might not work with a super new release.
Reselling to a used book store is also an option with purchased bad books.
Yes, those are all great options. Love it. Thank you.
Love the content from both of you! Dark Tower series totally worth finishing, but for sure a mountain to climb. Love not solid goals as much as work towards. Me too, enjoy the work more than just tic off something done, knitting and reading. Want to read more Stephen King, work in a few classics I haven't read and pull from To Be Read when I can. Can you say, T. Kingfisher?! Thanks guys!
Awesome, thank you! ❤️ I think you said it perfectly, goals that you are working toward not just checking off. Also, I love me some T. Kingfisher. 😁
Can confirm, I am still enjoying the audiobook of Night Circus on this second read through. It feels so atmospheric, though every once in a while I hear a voice I recognize him doing in Harry Potter and I do a mental double take.
I was discussing it with my husband: audiobooks really can feel like separate entities sometimes. Like I can't imagine sitting down with a physical Wheel of Time book after listening to seven complete books read by the same couple.
I can totally see that. Going from a series of audiobooks to a physical copy mid series would be tough.
I have 15 series that I have not completed. Some are books where the next book is not out yet but most I want to complete this year.
Oh wow! That's a good goal. Get those series wrapped up. Good Luck.
edit: Spelling
I set a goal on Goodreads but its more of a reminder to just keep reading. Having a list of books I want to read keeps me going. I will say, if I fall in love with a book/author, I'm likely to throw my list out the window and read something else by that author. For example, Lisa Jewell's "None of This is True" led to "The Family Upstairs" which wasn't on my list at all. I definitely have my annual re-reads as well! There's something comforting about leaning back into the familiar. As for sprinkling in the classics - great idea!
I think that's the thing withe to. The goal is just to keep you reading and focused.
I love non fiction so going to read more of the ones I have and also pair with a fiction book. I stopped giving starts to books a couple of years ago, I never take any notice of good reads reviews.
Perfect. I find it nice to keep my reading balanced with fiction and nonfiction.
Love The Night Circus. I reread it every fall. Erin Morgenstern's other book The Starless Sea is my favorite book ever!
We’re loving it so far and it’s a great fall book for sure. ❤️❤️
For short classics, I'd definitely recommend 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff and The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie. Both are short, fun, and super great general recommendations that hold up for modern readers.
That's great! Thank you for the recommendations. ❤️😁❤️
I like having a more complex book at home and a more mindless(usually a cozy mystery) book on “my” phone for out and about.
I’m loving Good Reads Lately!
If I may make a suggestion? How about having a Kids Corner where your kids occasionally recommend a book they love?
Oh yeah! That's great. Also, that's a great suggestion and one we will be looking to implement. ❤️
I generally wait until I finish a book and then log it as finished on Goodreads before I look at others' reviews and their star ratings.
Ohh, that's good. Smart way to do it. ❤️👍❤️
The funny thing about Goodreads star ratings is that good books are 4.4 but great books are 3.7.
😂. So true!
I’m going to try to read (not just listen to) at least one book a month. I really love the fact that you can listen to an audiobook while doing other (especially boring) things, but I really need to practice focusing on just one thing by reading and not multitasking. I also find that reading a book has a much different effect than listening to one, especially if it’s good: I think about it more and feel more engrossed in the world of the novel while reading.
I love this. A great goal for sure.
I don’t depend on star ratings, but I do frequently depend on samples from the ebook. I also get most of my books from the library, so if it turns out to not be a book I enjoy, I only lost a little time.
Great way to do it! ❤️
My goal is to read 35 books this year and to try and read the books I own (84) and limit myself to only getting the sequels to books I own.
Reasonable goal. I love it. ❤️
I am rereading Night Circus with you on Patreon and am really understanding more than I did the first time. Our perspectives change overtime so it shows it’s good to revisit some books. I have set my goal at 52 because I am doing the 52 book club challenge. Last year I was set at 104 and reached 111. Wanted to slow down since I joined your book club and doing the 52 book club challenge.
Wonderful! I love that you are enjoying the book, and the book club. ❤️
I would like to see more of a mix of older books mixed in with the new releases. I love this about your channel and wish others would do the same. For goals, like Tayler, I am not setting an overall number but I did identify focals I want to add-like add in a couple classics, some non- fiction, etc. No pressure just enjoy reading-that is my ultimate goal.
That's a great idea! Glad you like that we mix in the older books. Gotta go back and read those gems. 😁😁😁
Great show! Tayler I remember when you first started sharing your new found (re found) love of reading on Wool, Needles, Hands and you talked about how you look at the star ratings where you look at one star then 5 star, I do that and I think I get a good idea if I’ll like the book. I used to read a couple of pages to see if the authors writing calls to me but did find problems with that also.
I was always a one book at a time reader because I would tend to mix stories if I had too many going. But recently like you Branden I want to finish books that I’ve started so I am reading Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez that I started quite a few months ago it is historical fiction about slavery and mostly how the female slaves were treated. Fabulous book but a horrible subject matter and have to keep putting it down, so I started a mystery called The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell. I read a bit of Wench and then the mystery. Weird palate cleanser but it works.
I did set a goal of reading 30 books this year but this is coming from the person that has lost the same 30 pounds for years! I may or may not.
I feel like I’m missing a few points but I’ll leave it here. Thanks you two. ❤️🌻
Oh wow, thank you! Yes, that's true about the 1 star and 5 star reviews. That is sometimes very helpful. I think once you find what works you find you can enjoy the reading you do more. ❤️❤️❤️
I'm also going to sprinkle in the classics this year.
Yes! Love it!
Yes - ABR! I like that. Adopting it!
Yes! Always 👏 be 👏 reading 👏. 💪
I hold my hands up, I never look at reviews. I'm a sucker for a beautiful looking book so I look at the blurb of whatever book catches my eye and if it sounds like my type of book then I'll get it. This probably explains why people say my house looks like a library. Three bookworms in the same house (myself, my husband and our 19 year old daughter) is a recipe for diaster
See I love that though. I think you’re doing it right! ❤️
I think these are excellent reading plans. Mine include slowing down, engaging more in my reading (annotations, notes), writing more thorough reviews, and engaging more with the online reading community (as I’m doing right now).
Perfect! Those are also great plans. ❤️
Mexican Gothic is great! Worth a read for sure.
Cool! Gotta get to it! 😁
Suggested book: Soseki, _Kokoro_ a Japanese novel written in 1914. Subtle and rewarding.
🤔 I could get into that.
Currently making my way through The Gunslinger series, only have 2 books left - The Song of Susannah and The Dark Tower. However I'm taking a mini break from the series as I've gone through a lot of Stephen King lately.
I can totally understand that. I'm just finishing the Mr. Mercedes trilogy. Gotta pace it out sometimes
I often read through the 1 and 2 stars to see why it might be a bad book and just decide from there; too many times in the past the 4 and 5 stars are too hyping and then I read the book finding it to be just meh. With reading goals, I set my books read low and then adjust it through the year.
That's a great tactic, and so true.
You guys are the greatest! Years ago I read about a man who read Don Quixote (a great classic) every year during Lent. I’ve wanted to read it again ever since……but maybe I should pick a shorter book! Btw, Tayler I’m reading The God of the Woods rn, and can’t put it down. Happy New Year. 🎉
I couldn't imagine trying to read Don Quixote every year. Though I've never read it once.🤷♂️ Glad you are enjoying God of the Woods. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
@@GoodBooksLatelyI think because of your love of fantasy you might like it.
It may have to go on the list to be read. Just make not this year. But you never know.
I'd be really interested to hear where you both stand on not finishing a book. If you just can't get into it or don't like, do you give up? I used to never want to not finish a book, but I've realised that life is too short and there are so many amazing books - more than I'll ever have a chance to read, so life is too short to not read the ones I don't enjoy.
I think we both agree that if you aren't feeling the book, there is nothing wrong not finishing it. It may be that it isn't goo, or that you simply aren't in the mood for that type of book and will come back to it another time.
no big changes for me. Just read books I enjoy DNF if I don't like them much or get bored with them. Once you spend each day of 50+ years reading I don't want to waste time on something bad when there is so much to choose from. I buy books as gifts but not so much for my reading, I use the library, Hoopla, Kindle and Libby. I do buy used books from the library or thrift store. i enjoy many of your book choices.
No need to change if it works. 😁 Sounds like you have a good grasp on what you like. ❤️
Happy New Year Branden and Tayler! I don't buy many new books but when I do instead of relying on Goodreads reviews, I usually note those bookstore finds down and either get them from the library or read/watch a review from someone who has similar reading taste to mine. This year I have done what Branden did and set my Goodreads goal at 50, although I have read almost 100 books each of the last two years, with the idea that I'm going to give myself the time to read some the longer books on my TBR. I also listen to books at around 1.75 speed but I think I'm going to start slowing that down as I noticed I'm not enjoying my audiobooks as much and I think that is because I have become programmed to try to get through them rather than taking the time to absorb them. Also, a goal I started last year was to DNF more readily. I have always been someone who DNF'd but now if I'm on page 5 and I'm not feeling it, I give myself permission to move on without having to suffer through half the book to "give it a chance"..there are way too many books out there to sit with one tyring to like it. Thanks for the great content and I'm looking forward to what you will be doing this year.
Those are awesome goals and intentions. Love it and happy new year to you as well! ❤️ I think giving yourself permission to give up on a boom you aren't enjoying is something I should do as well.
Tayler, I loved Mexican Gothic. It's worth the read. Her writing is lush and atmospheric which, given your description and love of Rebecca, you'll enjoy.
I’m so glad you loved it and based on your description, I feel like I would really enjoy it. I’m going to read it! I think it’s a first quarter read for me for sure. ❤️❤️
❤ Tayler’s mug! Where did she get it?
Excellent content per usual 😊
Not sure exactly. I'll have to ask but I feel either target or HomeGoods. 🤷♂️
Actually she says she got it at Anthropologie.
Great - thank you!!
You're welcome!
"Read more smut!"
I was pulling up books on Amazon while listening to y'all, and right as you mentioned Mexican Gothic, it popped up as a recommendation on my computer. Whaaaa??? My computer doesn't have a microphone, so it couldn't have been listening. Kismet, coincidence, or creepy? You decide. ;o)
😂. That is a sign that you are to read Mexican Gothis I guess. 🤷♂️
@@GoodBooksLately I think it is a sign that you two need to read it, since you have it, and let me know how it is! :-P
And also, that the internet can be creepy. Lol.
😂😂 true that.
If a book was so disappointing that I felt it needed a one star review, I'm not sure I'd have the mental energy to explain why. I struggle to leave reviews, any time. If I didn't like a book I generally just don't finish it. There are too many books to read that I will enjoy. Star ratings are just so inadequate, anyway. 💜
I totally understand. I figure in that case, just skip the review. Not worth the energy.
Good goals. Have you tried your local library? Try a book, dnf, no bfd. You didn't pay for it!
Yes, we do occasionally. That's where I picked up Five Decembers.
First off where the heck did you get that pirate mug? I looked everywhere. And did you read Red Rising?
Haha! So glad you like the mug! I actually painted it for Branden at one of those ‘paint your own ceramics’ places when I went with Ronan for birthday party before Christmas. ☺️And we both have yet to read Red Rising!
No goals. I just read because I like to, in bed every night for about 20-30 minutes. I don’t read reviews, I like reading the samples on Amazon to get a feel for it and go from there.
If it works, it works. Love it! ❤️
Goodreads ratings. Ahem. I never find them realistic, they are crowdsourced and 😮 (trying to be kind…) prioritize simple, straightforward stories and romantic fantasy. How many romps over italy or france romantic vacations are imho just unrepresentative and blah, yet get 4.5 starts average… My use of the app is essentially for personal records, so I can remember a book better; just writing it helps. I liked Mexican Gothic, without being deep definitely a story. Oh. And in bookstores, I look up books in Libby.
I can totally understand what you mean, and I (Branden) use the reading apps for my personal records as well. If you find a book interesting give it a shot.
I would like to see no more comparisons between books made by readers. They do no good to the potential readers of those books or to the authors. I would like those who write reviews to develop their vocabulary and describe books in other terms than in comparison with other books
I know what you mean. It gets confusing sometimes.
Hello there! I really like this channel and I don't wanna come as mean. I just want to respectfully disagree on one thing you mentioned here about the negative reviews. See, in my opinion, when I dislike a book, I already gave my money AND my time to the author. I don't think it's fair to demand a detailed review (and even MORE of my time) from me. I don't owe it to the author or to anyone for that matter. Also, I'm not a critic, I'm just a reader. That means I'm not paid for reviews and I have no qualifications to do one. So, if I give a book one star, that means "I" hate it and I don't feel obliged to elaborate since it doesn't say anything about the book, it just shows my personal experience with it.
And I don't think it's fair to ask for context ONLY for bad reviews. It is possible to love books for dumb reasons, too! 😆 Yet, I never hear anyone asking : Okay, but WHY did you like it so much?!? You HAVE to give context!!! 😂
Again, this is just my point of view on this topic. Thanks for the great work and I wish you amazing books for 2025.
Hey, it’s great that you feel strongly about this and you’re absolutely entitled to your own opinion. Go forth and review books in whatever way makes you feel right. Thanks for stopping by!
@GoodBooksLately Thank you! I do enjoy your reviews, though! 😆💛
I was disappointed with Mexican Gothic. I got a Mexican culture vibe from the title and found it missing from the book. By the end, I was just trying to finish the book just to get it over with.
We've heard that alot and I think the may be the big reason Tayler has been hesitant to start it.
Oh, you must dip your toe into Ursula K LeGuin. she definitely bridges your interests
Yes! I actually picked up Left Hand of Darkness last year. 👍. Totally gonna get into that.
Join us while we share 10 goals we're considering for 2025! Join us over on Patreon: patreon.com/GoodBooksLately