Reading Goal for 2023
For the first time ever, I’m creating an official reading goal for 2023.
I’ve made GoodReads reading challenges in the past. But, that’s a number, I don’t usually plan what I’m reading. I prefer to pick my next book based on whatever I’m in the mood for at the time.
This year—because my bookshelf is full of books I haven’t read—will be my catch up year. In order to make this happen, I plan to be intentional with what I buy and what I read.
The first step is to limit my book buying. (It was so hard not to buy any of the B&N 50% off hardbacks last weekend.) I plan to only purchase books for book club or ones I know I will read right away (if I can’t get them at the library). Absolutely no buying books that go directly to the shelf. There’s just no room.
The second step is to pick the books I’ll read which is easier said than done. Every book on my shelf is there because I was interested in it. They each could find a place on this year’s list. However, I want to be realistic. I read 27 books last year and will keep a similar reading goal for 2023.
Since I plan to devote more time to writing, I will commit to 25 books which breaks down to 12 for book club and 13 others that I’m either excited to read or feel adds to my writing craft in some way.
Here’s my tentative reading plan based off three goals:
Finish the books I’ve started.
These are holdover books from 2022 that I’ve started and got sidetracked from. I’m not above abandoning books that don’t hold my interest, but these I’d like to give another shot.
- The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (Literary fiction)
- Billy Summers by Stephen King (Thriller & Suspense)
- The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson (Fantasy)
Read upcoming book club books.
My book club meets the first Wednesday of the month. We’re fairly informal and vote periodically on books instead of planning the year in advance. Generally, this gives us space to adjust for mood, theme, or new/noteworthy books. Here’s what is available so far. Look for more books to be added later.
- January: March by Geraldine Brooks (Historical Fiction/Pulitzer Winner)
- February: The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine (Psychological Thriller)
- March: Wong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister (Thriller)
- April: Fairy Tale by Stephen King (Supernatural Thriller)
- May: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (Rural/Literary Fiction)
Read a variety of genres.
I tried to allocate these to a month and couldn’t do it. I’ve ordered them they way I feel I will most likely pick them up.
- The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny (Mystery/book to screen)
- The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (YA/Fantasy)
- Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff (YA/Science Fiction)
- We are Legion by Denis E. Taylor (Science Fiction/Humor)
- The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead (Historical Fiction)
- Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad (Memoir)
- The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara: Ilse Witch by Terry Brooks (Fantasy)
- Big Sur by Jack Kerouac (Classic)
- A Court of Thorn and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (YA/Fantasy)
- A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas (Banned book/YA/Fantasy)
I’m already rethinking this as there are a few I bought recently that didn’t make the list. If you want to read along, look for post updates throughout the year I’ll let you know what I’m actually reading.
Do you have a reading goal for 2023? If so, please share. I’m always looking for new ideas.