Great Tips to Spend More Time Reading in 2024

Posted by Roshni on January 12, 2024


Congrats on taking the first (and very important) step of the 2024 Goodreads Reading Challenge: signing up! By joining, you've committed to reading this year—we give that goal 5 stars! We'd also like to give you a head start on your resolution by sharing these tried-and-tested tips for setting your goal, increasing your reading, and discovering books to read.

(Haven't signed up yet? There's no time like the present—join below.)
 
 
 

Pro Tips for Reaching Your Goal

 

Plan Accordingly

 
Make it easy to pick up a book to read. Habit experts will tell you that the easier you make it to do something, the more you will do it. Place a book right by where you’ll be reading (bedside table, couch, in your backpack for your commute), so you don’t have to think about picking up a book.
 
Push yourself, but be realistic. Avoid the dreaded reading slump by committing to an achievable goal. You can always increase or decrease your goal throughout the year, especially when life gets in the way. No pressure from us if you need to adjust.

Trying to figure out a goal? Use the calendar as a guideline: 12 books (one per month), 24 books (two per month), or even 52 books (one per week).
 

 

Boost Your Progress

 
Rereading a book counts toward your goal, and avid readers recommend it as a way to get out of a reading slump. Sometimes you just don’t know what you want to read, and the comfort of a well-loved book can get you back into reading.

Audiobooks count! Listening to a book while driving, cooking, cleaning, exercising…you name it…will help you enjoy great stories. Mixing it up between audiobooks, print books, and ebooks will help you find more ways to read. Check out these great listens to get resolution ready! 

Use your Want to Read shelf to help keep track of what you'd like to read next.

If you haven’t already discovered the ability to put books on hold at your local library, now’s the time to start! Build up a stack of books that you’re interested in reading, and get notified when they are ready for pickup.
 
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you have access to a selection of Kindle Unlimited eBooks and audiobooks at no extra cost to you. Go to www.amazon.com/primereading and find amazing reads included with your Prime membership (available in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, the U.K., Germany, Spain, France, Italy, India, Japan, China, and Australia). Or check out Amazon First Reads to get one free, pre-release Kindle book a month (available in the U.S., U.K., and Australia).
 



Find More Books You'll Love

 
Read books you enjoy. This sounds simple, but sometimes we start reading a book that's just not the right fit. You feel like you should continue reading it, but can’t find the motivation to pick it up again, so it starts to block you from reading. We say cut your losses and move on—there’s no rule that you have to finish a book. There are so many amazing books out there, so choose another one and keep your reading habit going. Need some inspiration? Browse the books that other readers have been loving in the 2023 Goodreads Choice Awards or Goodreads members’ most anticipated books of 2024.

Read more than one book at a time. Not always in the mood for the same genre? Like more cerebral books during the day and lighter books in the evening? Consider reading a few books at the same time so you can choose the one that fits your current mood.
 
Browse through Goodreads, including our user-generated reading lists or most popular new books of the month. Goodreads staff members have also shared their recent favorites.

Discover new books in your favorite genres, including romance, mystery & thriller, speculative fiction, and young adult.

Wishing you all a wonderful year of good reading! Tell us in the comments how many books you aspire to read this year!


Comments Showing 101-150 of 298 (298 new)


message 101: by Anuradha (new)

Anuradha Sowmyanarayanan I planned to read 24 books this year. As a first step successfully completed reading two books in January.


message 102: by Sia (new)

Sia Insightful and helpful, indeed!


message 103: by Domino (last edited Feb 01, 2024 04:14AM) (new)

Domino Think I can manage 52.

Have read 11 so far but can't read much when things get busy.

Books of different genres piled up on the bedside table and others loaded on the mobile phone...


message 104: by Jose (new)

Jose Hernandez My goal last year was 12 books (one per month), and I was so close but couldn't make it. So this year, I set my goal to 10 books. I think is more realistic and achievable for me.


message 105: by Reid (new)

Reid Burroughs I recorded 28 books last year but actually read more than that. Including audio books. This year 35 books just about 3 per month and I have 4 so far. Including one audio book that I should record.


message 106: by Laurie (new)

Laurie Heupel I put 16 books to read as a start!

Always reading a few books at the same time, it is good to switch books at times to fit my interests and reading mood.


message 107: by Carmi (new)

Carmi Henderson These are all such great tips! I am such a huge reader I have always kept a book with me. This is easier than ever now with my Kindle and the kindle app on my phone! Happy reading everyone!


message 108: by Sonya (new)

Sonya I must admit, I pad my goal by reading shorter books in between the big ones. It turns out though that a lot of them are poetry and I am really glad to add it to my life.


message 109: by Korkoi (new)

Korkoi I have a reading schedule using the calendar on m6 tablet, which helps me plan how many books I can read. My challenge goal for 2023 was 1200 and I exceeded it. I schedule m6 rearing for at least four weeks ahead.


message 110: by Christine (new)

Christine Lapping I read 42 books last year but my target this year is 20 because I need to make inroads in to the pile of 600+ page books sitting looking at me 😉


message 111: by Fred (new)

Fred Forbes Previous years I've set a target of 70-100 and have made it. This year I scaled back to 40 since I have a significant number of 500+ page "door stopper" novels and biographies in my to be read stack so hope to get through them. Find reading several at a time to be a great tip. Fun once you get used to it!


message 112: by Catis (new)

Catis Mine is 150. So far, I'm on track (3 per week), but I'm also trying to pace myself. Last year I was a bit burned out by the end


message 113: by Yves (new)

Yves I have always had a very ambitious reading goal high enough so that I am likely to not reach. Not reaching the goal is not a problem for me because my objective is not to "Beat my target" but rather to strive for that volume. One year I will meet and crush my target but as a tool to push my reading, the goodreads Reading Challenge is a very useful guide.

I do read multiple books and have a vast personal library. Every January I ask through my social media for everyone to suggest a book to read and get very good leads to great books. Additionally I think it is important for everyone to include a few books on health and a few books on personal development in their planned reading. Health can be a primer on an organ. Personal development can be a book on organizing closets. Those two subjects allow real growth.

Happy reading!


message 114: by Becky (new)

Becky My tip is to set a timer on your phone to give yourself a daily social media time limit :)


message 115: by Eva (new)

Eva Don't pressure yourself into reading and. The reading challenge is a fun little thing for yourself. Nobody else cares.


message 116: by victoria (new)

victoria marie 88 books is my 2024 goal! picked because somewhere I read that 8 is the number for 2024, 88 piano keys, & I like repeating numbers. 🙃 already read 24 books in January (I’m getting back into reading post a long “after grad school no reading slump,” plus unplugging from social media more, so some short rereads in there) & looking good!

I have about seven or eight books going at a time: always have one “slow down & savor” novel (naturally a fast reader; this winter it’s Proust), a faster-paced novel that I carry everywhere (also reading Cormac McCarthy for the first time), a book of poetry, at least two art theory type books (currently two books on color), & a nonfiction book (fave so far this year is the books of delight essays by Ross Gay).

I like slowly building up my physical shelves of TBR books, to see them easily there. also, new to goodreads & enjoy seeing what friends here are reading to inspire me!

cheers, bibliophiles! 📚♥️


message 117: by Zoe (new)

Zoe My goal is 160 I have read 16 is my goal unrealistic?


message 118: by Louise (new)

Louise I am an avid reader, last year the goal was 100, read 155. Trying 100 again this year. I have a Kindle and use BookBub. I reead romance, fantacy, crime, you name it.


message 119: by Sally (new)

Sally Crosiar Isn't the top tip to have fun with your reading? It's never hard for me to make time for something fun! That said, I don't find it so fun to stress about reaching a particular number of books read. It is curious and fun to see the total though - reason enough to set a goal. I've not had difficulty meeting my goals though - because reading is FUN!


message 120: by Jilda (new)

Jilda I put 14. I read 12 last year so I thought I'd go up a bit... fingers crossed


message 121: by Connor (new)

Connor Coyne My hack: Count the bedtime books I read my kids!


message 122: by liv ౨ৎ (last edited Feb 01, 2024 09:33AM) (new)

liv ౨ৎ My goal is 130 books this year, maybe it's not realistic but I have read 17 books by now


message 123: by Jacquelyn (new)

Jacquelyn I have a goal of 100 books this year. I read 262 last year. I think I achieved that number because I'm on several ARC teams.


message 124: by James Harding (new)

James Harding Thirty-two is realistic for me. I’ve achieved it for the past three challenges — in fact I succeeded it 2023’s challenge


message 125: by Trisha (new)

Trisha Tate Susan wrote: "I’ve put 24, two books a month. I am actually reading a lot at the moment. Got some good books for Christmas that have inspired me."

You can always edit your goal to more if needed. Happy Reading!!


message 126: by Stephanie (new)

Stephanie Gates I've set my goal at 100, because I'm participating in a Read What You Own challenge, and cannot purchase any more books until I hit that goal. Last year, I managed it in December, this year, I'm hoping for November?


message 127: by Carmen (new)

Carmen Stokley I won't share my ridiculous number, but I will advise to just add 1 more to what you achieved last year. 1 more book is easy, 20 is not


message 128: by Barbara (new)

Barbara I had to reduce my goal last year b/c I ended up with more work than expected...but then I exceeded it b/c I got a few good graphic novels in at the end of the year and found a fun seasonal read. This year I'm aiming a bit lower (30) and might adjust later. I am "behind" at this point b/c all month I've been reading a long novel that I read periodically. But it's all good.
I enjoy the encouragement to meet a goal rather than getting sucked into distractions, but it's all for fun, really.


message 129: by Charlie (new)

Charlie James I managed to get to 52 last year so have gone for that again this year but have fewer books on my bookshelf that I actively want to read so think I might reduce the number as I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself or be reading just to meet a number


message 130: by Phil (new)

Phil I probably need a reading challenge that encourages me to read less in favour of doing other things, rather than reading more. Sometimes I need reminding that life exists outside of the pages of a book!

I think the DNF-ing is an age thing. When I was younger, I couldn't bear not to finish a book, even if I hated it. But a few years ago, I looked at the number of books I read every year and multiplied them by the number of reading years I have left assuming I keep reading at the same rate and live to the 'average' life expectancy for my age. Seriously, people, it's far fewer books than you think, especially if your annual book total includes a fair few rereads. So now I am ruthless - so many books, so little time, I'm not wasting reading minutes on the duds!

And I've ALWAYS read multiple books at the same time. My OH thinks I'm crazy, but if I have several part-read books scattered around, then I can grab a few extra minutes reading-time by not having to go in search of the only book I'm reading. As long as the books are different enough, it works. (So I wouldn't read a Jane Austen biography at the same time as Pride & Prejudice, but one on Charles Dickens would be fine).


message 131: by Kara (new)

Kara Modica Im surprised joining a book club didnt make the cut. Accountability partners are a huge help and can make reading more rewarding.


message 132: by Lennea (new)

Lennea My goal is 80


message 133: by Jason (new)

Jason Lavoie My annual goal is the same amount of books I’ve read the prior year. For 2024, that’s 21 books. Currently on book number six.


message 134: by Gail (last edited Feb 01, 2024 10:03AM) (new)

Gail DiVico In 2023, I read 104 books, the most I've ever done. I've always enjoyed reading as a young child, and now, as a senior, I'm really loving it. I listen to audibles, read e-books online and, of course, the regular hold-in-your hand books. I finished 9 this January and have high hopes of keeping up my goal.


message 135: by Kevin (new)

Kevin Hikel I wish the app had a way to rearrange your "want to read" list so you can adjust the order you think you want to read books in. Kind of like adjusting a playlist where you click/hold and drag it into the place you want it


message 136: by Lesley (new)

Lesley Botez I've read 36 a year for the last few years. Three books a month is more than doable particularly if you have a good library as a resource.


message 137: by Debby *BabyDee* (last edited Feb 01, 2024 10:31AM) (new)

Debby *BabyDee* I read 177 and goal was 150. I recommend reading books you enjoy and it doesnt hurt to join a book club. Pick a mode of reading that you like. I love audiobook listening but have found that when a book I really want to read doesnt have a version, I have tried Text-to-Speech and it works well for me and found that I have been cutting down my reading challenge. Series reads, especially novella series reads also help as there are multiple books and familiarity of the characters. Another alternative is your local library...check the book out and limit your reading time to a certain number of days or week. It will push you to complete before the book is due or automatically returned.🙂


message 138: by Hardeep (last edited Feb 01, 2024 10:31AM) (new)

Hardeep Kumar My goal is 48, although I did just 12 last year. The year was more about self-learning courses and focused knowledge. 2024 is again about reading and only reading in my spare time...


message 139: by Peggy (new)

Peggy I have anywhere from 2 to 4 books going at a time, definitely at least one print and one audio always. I made last years goal of 125 so I bumped it up to 130 this year. I agree with re-reading a favorite book when nothing else seems to suit. Also I'm involved in theatre so if I'm reading full scripts I can usually count those as well.


message 140: by James (new)

James Igoe Read what you like, and discard the slogs, particularly if they are fiction. A non-fiction plod might be necessary, if it's complex material, but fiction is usually for pleasure.

For me, I love quirky novellas - it can be hard to maintain an unusual tone for 100s of pages - so I find short quirky stories I really enjoy. As for longer novels, I love the writing of some authors, so I drill down into their catalog.

Even for non-fiction, if it isn't rewarding, consider another author.


message 141: by KRISTINA (new)

KRISTINA  HILLER My goal is 100 books this year. I have already read over 20 books so far this year. Helps that I don’t watch tv. Happy reading everyone.


message 142: by Eirini (new)

Eirini Sig I put 12 books this year. I think that's realistic for me


message 143: by Teresa (new)

Teresa I passed last years goal so I've put 85 for this year. I read 98 in 2023 so who knows!!!


message 144: by Gareth (new)

Gareth Johnstone I've set a lower target this year as I aim to read more long novels and non-fiction than I did last year.


message 145: by Robin (new)

Robin Yaklin Isabelle wrote: "I just have no motivation to read, like I'm sitting scrolling on my phone, thinking that I should read, but I'm just not motivated."
Isabelle, I'm a writer of those books you don't want to read and I can tell you I go through that myself. Mostly, that happens because I'm distracted by something else--illness, schedule conflicts. Once I hated my job and all I would do is read. It was an escape until I figured out what I needed to do which was change my perspective on a problem at work. Sounds easy, but it wasn't. I hope you return to reading books.


message 146: by Robin (new)

Robin Yaklin Shannon wrote: "Becky wrote: "Reading books you enjoy and reading more than one book at a time is key! I got through 110 books because I cut my losses at 25-50-100 pages when still not interested enough. I also ha..."

Hi ladies, discernment. It's important. I, as a writer, want you to have it. I want you to demand that I interest you, the reader, inside very few pages. You keep me on my toes, ladies. Thank you!


message 147: by Tanja (new)

Tanja My goal is 30 but it can also be less because of my degree


message 148: by Robin (new)

Robin Yaklin Wow. Didn't think I'd feel so passionately about the number of books people read per year. But, as a writer of those books, I want you to read and I want you to apply discernment about the quality and the premise and the plot and the characters. Please, please, do. Talk about why and why not. The reaction of our readers is invaluable.


message 149: by Stephen (new)

Stephen I read over 100 books last year thanks to Kindle unlimited.


message 150: by Jane (new)

Jane I’ve put down 52 this year. So far so good on my 8th one. Some of the ones on my list are huge so I am reading some smaller easier ones in between those.


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