2025 means new goals, new habits, and exciting new books to read.
Maybe you’re looking to spend less time on your devices. Or maybe you’re looking to learn something new. Whatever the reason, reading more books is a worthy goal to have in the new year. A good book has the ability to transport you to a different world, put you in the shoes of other characters, and make you laugh and cry.
How to achieve your reading goals in 2025
Okay, so you want to read more books, but you can never seem to find the time.
First, it might help to actually look for openings in your schedule, and block out the time in your calendar. When something is on your calendar, you’ll just feel more compelled to do it.
Second, keep your book visible and in a place where it’s easily accessible. If a book is out of sight, it will remain out of mind. So keep your book on the coffee table or on your nightstand. Or tuck your book into your bag so you can read it on your commute.
Third, it’s helpful to set some specific reading goals. So, instead of setting a vague goal like “read more books,” which is hard to measure, you’ll want to make it more concrete and action-oriented like “read 20 books by the end of the year.” This will give you something to aim for and by the end of the year you can actually see if you met your goal or not.
Ideas for reading goals in 2025
Looking to challenge yourself to read more books? Or trying to get out of your comfort zone by reading outside of your typical genres? Or looking to keep your bookshelf a little more organized?
Here are some fun and challenging ideas for reading goals in the new year:
- Always carry a book in my bag so that I have something to read while waiting in line or at the doctor’s office.
- Read a book on my commute instead of being on my phone.
- Read a book before bed to help me fall asleep.
- Read a non-fiction book a month.
- Check out more books from the library.
- Organize my bookshelf by category.
- Donate books at the end of the quarter.
- Read a book from a genre I don’t normally read at least once a month.
- Read an inspiring biography a month.
Keep a dedicated reading log or journal
You can also keep a reading log to keep track of your books. Or maintain a book journal so that you can summarize your reading, write down your favorite lines, and jot down other thoughts on the book.
A reading journal is a great way to engage with the book, and process what you’ve just read. It also makes for a nice keepsake and time capsule of your year, as you look back on all the books that you’ve read, and be reminded of a particular time and place in your life.
Book recommendations for what to read in 2025
While 2025 will bring no shortage of new releases, the new year is also a chance to catch up on some classic and beloved books that you haven’t gotten around to reading. Below are some books that range from personal development to career advice to fiction that you’ll definitely want to curl up with in the new year.
Robert Caro, the journalist and award winning author of the Lyndon Johnson biographies and The Power Broker, the Pulitzer winning biography of Robert Moses, gives us a behind the scenes look at his writing, researching, and interviewing process. But more than just a guide to writing non-fiction, it’s a fascinating look at the craft of writing itself as well as the resilience and dedication it takes to bring a long-term project to fruition.
Who Thought This Was a Good Idea? By Alyssa Mastromonaco
Part memoir and part career advice book, Who Thought This Was a Good Idea? is a funny, candid, and insightful read for anyone who’s looking to make a career change or for readers who are curious about how successful people do what they do.
Written by Obama’s former deputy chief of staff for operations, Mastromonaco shares stories about life in the White House along with sage career advice, from how to make tough decisions and use good judgment to practical tips like organizing your to-do lists more effectively and preparing for a job interview. This book came out in 2017, but the lessons are evergreen.
Writers and Lovers by Lily King
A poignant, humorous coming of age story about a young woman who’s trying to accomplish her writing dreams while also grappling with the messy, intense parts of adulthood: the death of her mother, a stressful day job, student loan debt and medical bills, and heartbreak. It’s the kind of book where every line feels like a peek into your soul. You’ll want to highlight your favorite passages and read them over and over again like a koan.
Performing Under Pressure by Hendrie Weisinger and J P Pawliw-Fry
If you’ve ever stressed out about the thought of having to deliver a presentation or nail an important job interview, this book is for you.
The authors present studies and real-life examples of how high-performing people, from professional athletes to musicians to Navy Seals, perform well under pressure–and the variables that make them crumble. And the best part about the book is that it offers an actionable list of things you can do to calm your mind and prepare for a big event so that you can perform with confidence and ease.
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
The beloved author of The Thursday Murder Club series has come out with the first book in a brand new series. We Solve Murders follows a retired cop and his adrenaline-loving daughter-in-law as they travel around the world in search of a killer. Perfect for when you want to curl up with a cozy, funny book with lots of twists and turns.
Written by JiJi Lee
