I’ve always been a reader, and I look back fondly on my childhood devouring Anne of Green Gables and Boxcar Children. Reading for pleasure fluctuated in my twenties (social life and job stress often trumped leisure reading) and then again when I became a mother. My personal free time decreased dramatically, to say the least.
But early in 2020, before the pandemic took over, I made the goal to read a book a month, with a grand total of 12 books by the end of the year. The forthcoming long days at home made my reading resolution not just a goal, but something I needed for routine, for self-care, for a treat at the end of the day, after caring for my two active toddler boys. I liked the idea of a goal to keep me on track, and I committed. And thanks to all that time at home that year, I reached my goal, no more, no less.
The following years were a bit trickier to stick to my reading goal when we added our third baby boy to the mix and moved across the country. In 2025, though, I’m on track to finish the year with a total of 25 books. I know many people read way more, but for me, I’m proud of this number. Having the goal keeps me motivated, chugging along whenever I feel a bit lazy. I love reading deeply. I also know that having an active reading habit is good for my mental health. It’s a way that I take care of myself, and a concrete goal keeps me feeling accountable. I’m proud of where I stand in my reading life, and I have reading goals to thank for that. But in 2026, I’m going to switch up my approach; I’m going to try something a bit different with reading resolutions.
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A new approach to reading goals for 2026
I’m creating goals that go beyond the overall quantity of books read for the year. Instead, I’m focusing on diversifying my bookshelves and exposing myself to a wider variety of writing. I’ve reached a stage, as a reader and writer, where I want to challenge myself and widen the scope of what I consume.
In the past, I’ve primarily read contemporary fiction and female authors, with a hefty dash of historical fiction thrown in for fun. But in 2026, I look forward to sampling from the following literary categories. Below, I’m sharing the top books on my TBR in each category.
Diversify my perspective
BIPOC authors
My reading has been of a more singular style in recent years. As a white female, I’d love to start reading works from a wider range of writers, starting with BIPOC authors. The more we learn about others’ experiences and stories, the more understanding there is. While I read Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou when I was younger, and Brit Bennet, Kiley Reid, and Thao Thai in more recent years, I’m excited to read the works of Nic Stone, Ashley Ford, and Ocean Vuong in the coming months.
Male authors + protagonists/narrators
In the past, I’ve struggled to connect with male authors’ voices, so this is a category I’m less enthused with, in all honesty. I’m on the hunt to find those that capture and tell a story I can still connect with and relate to as a female—a more universal human experience tale. I’m thinking I’ll start with Paul Murray’s The Bee Sting or Wally Lamb’s recent (and Oprah-approved) The River Is Waiting.
Along similar lines, how about a male narrator? Could I connect with that? As an aspiring fiction writer myself, I’m curious how a female author captures a male’s voice. I’ll start with Dolly Alderton’s Good Material and start taking notes. If anyone can get me on board with a male narrator, it’s the witty and wise talent that is Alderton.
Foreign translated text
I’d also love to try a foreign title, translated if necessary, to further broaden my views and literary exposure. The novel Andromeda by Therese Bohman, translated by Marlaine Delargy, about a boss/intern relationship at a publishing house in Stockholm, caught my eye earlier this year. It might just be the perfect story to start with.
Seek out the backlist beauties
New book releases may get all the attention in our fast-paced world, but let us not forget that many authors have backlist books (meaning titles that are older than one year and still in print)!
These backlist books are usually more readily available at your library or at a discount at a used bookstore, as they’re less sought after than new releases, which are often ready for immediate enjoyment. With shorter—or zero—library wait times, they’re perfect for when I’m ready to dive in and enjoy a good book.
I recently read Lily King’s Heart the Lover and then immediately read her previous book Writers & Lovers (because IYKYK!). I’m now shaking in my seat to read her full backlist, from The Pleasing Hour to Euphoria and Five Tuesdays in Winter. Additionally, I gobbled up Alison Espach’s Wedding People last year. Now her backlist books, Notes on a Sudden Disappearance and The Adults, are high up on my TBR list.
Try out a Little Free Library
While the library may be my go-to for finding a backlist book that I’m eager to read, it’s about time I stop by any of the numerous Little Free Libraries throughout my town. They’re always chock full of various reading options, and I’m bound to find some backlist books in the mix. I adore the whole concept and mission of the Little Free Libraries, so much so that I’ve proposed adding one to our yard for all the fellow readers—young and old—to contribute to in our neighborhood. Another worthy resolution, if I do say so myself.
Grab a classic from high school
What kind of reader would I be if I didn’t soak up the classics!? While I read a few in high school, it’s been way too long since I cracked open the spines of these famous works of art. While the list of options is endless, I have no qualms about which literary masterpiece I’d like to start with: Wuthering Heights. With Emerald Fennell’s film adaptation set for Valentine’s Day 2026, and a trailer that leaves us all literally gasping (Jacob Elordi, need I say more), I’m busting out Emily Brontë’s romantic tragedy, taking notes, and getting myself fully prepped for February 14th.
Sample some new genres
Bring on the magic + romance
While female contemporary fiction may be my jam, I’ve also tried out some mystery and thriller in the past (too scary usually!) I’ve also tried a decent amount of historical fiction. But this year, I’m widening the genre options and trying my hand at two that the rest of the world can’t stop devouring.
First up: romantasy. I know, I know, I’m insanely late to the game. And while I’ve not really felt the pull to read about fairies and dragons, Conform has caught my attention. This first release from Jenna Hager Bush’s publishing imprint might just be the style that has me jumping on the romantasy wagon.
Secondly: romance. While I’ll rave all day about the talent that is Carley Fortune, I don’t typically read any other romance. They all seem too corny or cliché. But I keep being told that there is a romance book out there for us all. So I’ll persist and start with this list of romance novels.
Young adult
My vision of young adult novels is incredibly outdated. Long gone are the days of sappy stories and uninteresting depictions of our teenage years. Today’s YA genre is full of complex characters, realistic, dynamic situations, and plenty of intrigue and emotion. Book recommender extraordinaire Becca Freeman has raved about the YA book The People We Keep on both her newsletter and podcast. As a result, I’ll be grabbing my copy ASAP.
Memoir + self-help
I’ve dabbled with memoirs in the past and enjoyed them greatly. This year, I’d like to check out a few more. Lukas Gage’s I Wrote This For Attention seems like the perfect new dishy celebrity memoir to start off the new year. Jessica Simpson’s memoir, Open Book, is also constantly hailed as a must-read—or a favorite must-listen audiobook.
I’ve also read a few self-help and advice books in the past (most recently, The Power Pause, by Neha Rush). I’m eager to expand my knowledge in this genre. I’m making 2026 the year I finally read one of Brené Browns’ highly regarded works, and post-holiday family gatherings, I think I’ll need Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory in my life ASAP.
Mix up the format
Try audiobooks
Memoirs and self-help books have been my gateway to audiobooks in the past. They entice me to go for that wellness walk when I have a good story to tune back into. I’m curious if I’d enjoy more audiobooks, especially in genres other than my typical audio choices. So I’m thinking I’ll re-up my Audible membership (or download Libby) to kickstart some sampling… and to motivate me to get moving more.
Seek out seasonal challenges to spice it up
Since reading goals have always pushed me forward in the past, I’m thinking I’ll keep a seasonal reading challenge in my back pocket if I need any extra boost during the year. I’ll start with The Everygirl’s Winter Reading Challenge. As an old school analog girl, I’m printing out that BINGO card and marking it up with all my various reads these next few months.
Mini book club with my boys
And last but not least, possibly the best motivator out there? Sharing and spreading my love for reading with my three little boys. My oldest son, eight years old, and I have started reading a chapter book together before bed. Not only has it been a lovely way to decompress at the end of the day, but also a really lovely bonding routine. We started with Charlotte’s Web, and we’re now onto Toys Go Out. If there’s one reading goal I most hope to continue thoroughly in the next year, it’s this. So bring on the Boxcar Children, Roald Dahl, and Harry Potter all the way through next December.
Liz Greene, Contributing Writer
Liz is a lifestyle writer living on the East Coast with her husband and three little boys. Her days are filled with endless messes, tons of cold coffee, Post-It notes transcribed with everything she’s worried she’ll forget, and lots and lots of baby wipes—and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Liz was previously an editor at Style Me Pretty.
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