Set a Reading Resolution for the New Year
Three(ish) weeks into the new year and many of us have already settled on, or even abandoned our resolutions. Sometimes I think we go about this whole resolution thing the wrong way. We tend to think at the macro level and set big lofty goals that touch multiple parts of our life. It’s not that, “get healthy” isn’t a worthy resolution.
But, what does that look like on a daily or even weekly basis? I think we’d be better off setting very specific goals (learn to play golf), or focus on specific areas of our life (try one new recipe a week). If you’re still searching for an area of your life to focus on in 2020, consider reading.
I wrote last week about what I read in 2019 and my reading goal for the new year. Honestly, it felt very satisfying to list off everything I read and notice an increase in the quantity of books. On the other hand, sometimes quality, or variety trump quantity. There will always be seasons of life where reading takes a backseat to other pursuits.
Still, I thought I’d round up a few reading resolutions for the new year. Consider tackling one, or more of these as an individual reader, or build on your family reading culture and get the whole crew involved:
1. Finally, read “the book.” You know. The one book that made it’s way onto every best-seller list or book club agenda. Maybe it’s from last year, or maybe you’re catching up from a few years ago. The nice thing about being perpetually behind on your must-read list is that hold times at the library will likely be more reasonable. So, if you meant to read The Lovely Bones in 1992 and never got around to it, this is your year.
2. Read a young adult novel that was after your time. I had just started high school when the first Harry Potter book came out. A few friends in my age range caught the HP bug, but I feel like I missed the initial excitement. My little sister, on the other hand, was at the perfect age to “grow up” with the Harry Potter world. I’ve always felt like I missed out on the fun. A few years ago, I finally read The Sorcerers Stone. It was definitely an, “oh this is what the fuss was all about moment.” Track down a book (Paper Towns) or a series (anything Rick Riordian) and give it a go.
3. Get out of a genre rut. I feel like I’ve read every possible WWII historical fiction book from the last few years. You know the ones. They have compelling female protagonists, lots of historical detail, vivid covers with the back of one of the characters looking off into the distance (or alternatively a dimly lit building), and lots of sadness. But, I’ve been “stuck” here for a while. It happens. Commit to trying something way outside your genre of choice and see how it goes.
4. Fill in the gaps of your classic literary education. If you ever took honors or AP Lit class in high school, chances are you’ve read a few of the “classics.” The Illiad, Crime and Punishment, Antigone, etc. If you were lucky, you added to this list in college or grad school. If you were really lucky, you read these books outside of formal schooling just because you love the written word. But, few of us have read every book in this genre. Pick one you haven’t read, or reread something from that old AP Lit list.
5. Reconnect with your local library. If you haven’t visited the library recently, now’s a great time to start a weekly or monthly library routine. If you are already a regular at the library, consider trying a new branch or participating in a book club, or another program.
