I love getting lost in a good story. I don’t have a favorite genre per se, Im basically good with picking up anything fiction that I find I cant put back down. On occasion, I also find myself enjoying a great business or personal development book for a listen on Audible or as a quick morning read. That being said, finding a good book isn’t always easy. And I’m NOT afraid to call it quits on a book that I just can’t get into. Life is too short for that.
So as I put together my to-read list for each New Year, I want to make sure Im not missing anything that should be at the top of the list!
In order to be successful with my reading habits, I want to have some sort of goal to aim for to keep me on track. While there are so many good books to choose from, I know I have to be realistic about how many books Ill actually get through in one year. Some books are slower reads, that I work through little by little each night. Other books cause me to pause, think and even take notes. Still others I fly right through with eagerness as I get pulled further into the story. Oh the power of a good book.
SET A REALISTIC READING GOAL
Heres how I set a realistic reading goal, and determine which books will make the final cut! First, I settle on a good, better, and best goal. This is basically a minimum to maximum approach to goal setting. My good goal is the number Im really pushing myself to hit. Its the number that says, yay, you did it! The better and best goals, go above and beyond, and really push me to keep going.
Good = 10 books
Better = 16 books
Best = 24 books
For this new year, I decided on 10 books, because I know its realistic to read approximately one book a month, while giving myself a little grace for those months when it just doesnt happen. Id really love to reach my better goal of 16 books if possible. I know that will require me to read approximately one and a quarter books each month. A significantly bigger goal, but still realistic! I determined my best goal of 24 books by factoring in Audiobooks. Ive never really been able to listen to a novel on audio, but I have no problem with a business or personal development book, especially when read by the author.
CHOOSE THE BEST BOOKS
So with all the books available, how do I ever choose what to actually spend my time reading? I pulled from three main areas, to find some of the best books to add to my list!
Throughout the year, I add books to the to read shelf on my Goodreads account. These books are always recommendations that I find online (Pinterest, Social Media, etc.) or hear about from others. I start with this “to read” list and then create another shelf for the current year. As I review books, I add them to the appropriate list. After that, I love to review the the best reads book list on Goodreads from the previous year. These are books that were voted on by fellow readers.
The list below is the final result of my top 24 choices for 2021! These are in no particular order, and just because they’re on the list doesn’t mean they’re a MUST read. Ill pick and choose from this list throughout the year based on my mood and available time and I’ll also leave room for something better to come along. However, by having a plan to work off of, I’m much more likely to keep reading from month to month. I hope this helps you to create your list for the New Year! Reading a good book is such a simple way to invest time in self care and rest.
- Atomic Habits (Audible)
- Untamed
- Clanlands (Audible)
- Deep Work
- Outliers
- No Pain, No Gaines (Audible)
- The Slight Edge
- The Book Thief
- The Great Alone
- The Huntress
- Where the Forest Meets the Stars
- The Kite Runner
- The Last Mrs. Parrish
- Little Fires Everywhere
- Braving The Wilderness
- Drums of Autumn
- Lethal
- From Sand and Ash
- The Guest List
- The Pillars of the Earth
- Little Women
- Pride and Prejudice
- Dare to Soar
- Purple Cow
Want to read more books, but you’re not sure where to start? Follow along with my full reading list, including reviews and my want to read list. Find me here on Goodreads.
