I usually set a reading goal with a number of books I want to finish in a year, but that can make reading feel like a chore, something to get through, instead of a hobby, which is the surest way to kill something I love. So this year, I’m making some different reading resolutions - join me in one, some, or all.

My 2026 To Read:

- A pre-1900 classic

- A great American novel

- A debut author

- A book I loved when I was younger

- A new-to-me author I’ve been wanting to read

- A book from a genre I don’t usually pick up

- A backlist book by one of my favorite authors

**See my picks in the comments**

I’m Type A organized when it comes to my reading (I have stacks and lists galore), but I’m not rigid about any of it. Here are a few things that have worked for me to make reading more habitual:

• Make a list of books you want to read and keep it fluid, leaving room for new releases and recommendations.

• Keep a reading journal and/or track your progress on Goodreads.

• Get a library card, download the Libby app, and figure out your library’s online reservation system. I find that the 21-day checkout period lights a fire.

• Consider different formats: hardcovers and paperbacks, e-books, library books, audiobooks (Libro.fm, Libby, Spotify Premium, Audible). I usually have more than one book going at a time, including a physical book next to my bed, an e-book from Libby on my Kindle, and a Spotify audiobook playing in my car. I realize this won’t work for everyone, but it allows me to read whenever I have a free moment.

• Aim to read even just a little bit before bed... this forces me to put down the phone or turn off my show or power down my laptop. I’m stating the obvious when I say that fall asleep faster and sleep better overall when I read, instead of scroll, at night. (Harvard agrees.) On Kindle, you can reduce the brightness and adjust to warmer tones, which apparently is less disruptive than the blue light from other devices. For physical books, I use this adjustable light. If you’re extra sensitive to light, you could try a red book light.

• Read with a friend or start your own book club.

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What are your reading resolutions for the new year? What books are on your to-be-read list?