How to Stick to your Reading Goals + a Look at my TBR List!

From counting books for school, to meeting personal reading goals, to finding time to read, it can be hard to make reading goals that you actually stick to. In 2019, I read 45 books across multiple genres and topics. Some were books for school, but a lot of them I read for fun.

At the beginning of 2020, I decided to start taking my reading goals seriously. There are a lot of books out there, and there are many that I'd like to read, so I decided to start setting a yearly goal. My goal for this year is 80 books. I'm at 17 right now and on track to reach my goal of 80.

I know not everyone has the time or will to read dozens of books. It's hard work, but if you are someone who wants to put a dent in their TBR (to be read) list, then keep reading!

When planning out my reading goals and organizing my TBR list, I use Goodreads (a reader's saving grace) and some types of spreadsheet program. I set an overall goal for the year and since my TBR list is currently up to 120 books or something crazy like that, try to narrow it down to the ones I really want to read. I don't delete the others, I just prioritize my books.

One thing I've found out when setting reading goals is that you can't be too strict with yourself. You need to have enough of a structure, but not too much so that reading is no longer fun. Let yourself deviate from your plan. Don't have everything set in stone. If you plan on reading one book but get half way through and hate it, stop reading. You read faster when you pick books you actually like.

Also understand that not all books are equal. That's one of the things I dislike about Goodreads. I've read 17 books this year, but 5,804 pages. One of the books that I read was over 800 pages, but it's only counted as one book, even though it's three-times larger than most normal books. You have to keep page numbers, page size, and line spacing in mind when you read. Don't expect to read an 800 page book and a 200 page book in the same amount of time. That's unrealistic.

Reading is supposed to be fun, so make your spreadsheets and TBR lists, but remember that at the end of the day it's important to read the books that you love! It's also helpful to keep a spreadsheet, or use Goodreads, to make a list of the books you've already read. This can help you stay motivated and remind you of all of the lovely book adventures you're already been on. I've also seen sticker charts you can get—one of them had 100 classic books on it and every time you read a book, you could put a sticker of that book cover on the board. You could even make up your own reward system! After you read a certain number of books, you could treat yourself to ice cream or dinner, or if you're really a book lover, a trip to the library or bookstore!

Now that you have some ideas for your own reading goals and TBR list, here's a look into my little world of reading:

10 Books I plan to Check off of my TBR list this Year!

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Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

I've been hearing about this book for years. Everyone's like, "you have to read it!" And I can't wait to get my hands on it because the cover is STUNNING! This one is definitely getting read in 2020.

The Shadow and Bone Series by Leigh Bardugo

Everyone knows my obsession with the Six of Crows duology and Queen Leigh. I read Shadow and Bone a few weeks ago, but still have to get through Siege and Storm and Rising and Ruin. I hope to do this in the next few weeks because I have both of the books in my possession. I just haven't gotten to them yet.

1984 by George Orwell

I was avoiding this book for the longest time because I, for some unknown reason, though it was like 1,000 pages long and until only recently realized that it is 328 pages. I will hit myself for you. I want to read this book because it is such a classic. Also it's about the world ending and all of that futuristic stuff, even though it's now set in the past which only adds to the confusion, and I'm a sucker for these types of plot.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

As a ten-year-old, this movie made me cry my eyes out. I never read this in elementary school because I didn't like reading then. Ewwwwww. What was I thinking, right? This story is very magical, and I think I'll get more out of it now that I'm older.

Rebel by Marie Lu

The Legend Series and I have a very tight relationship and when I heard that this beauty was coming out in 2019, I had to get my hands on it. I've owned this book for four months and still haven't read it, but I'm excited to finish the series soon!

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Every since I read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens last year, I've wanted to branch out and read more self-help books. I'm taking psychology right now and I'm really fascinated by the subject, so anything dealing with how humans behave or think I'm really into at the moment.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

It's not out yet, but it's coming and I'm ready for it. When I got into The Hunger Games series, the hype around it was already dying out, so I'm so excited to be a part of it this time around.

The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke

I picked this book up at a library book sale and was immediately drawn in. The cover is beautiful and inside, the book is full of amazing drawing and sketches. I'm not really sure what the plot is about, but the look of the book is giving me The Young Elites vibes.

Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon

When I tell people I've never read Everything Everything, The Sun is Also a Star, or Twilight, they look at me as if I'm an alien. I did actually enjoy this movie and thought the plot was interesting when the book first came out. Now it is a contemporary/romance cliche to have one/two sick characters fall in love. The original book that started this trend—The Fault in Our Stars—is good. I'm sure many of the other books that fall under this category are good, but no more please.

A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray

I've been wanting to read this ever since I laid eyes on the beautiful cover and enticing title. I got it from the library over a year ago, but had to return it before I had a chance to read it. I didn't realize it was a series either, which is really exciting.

Thanks for reading this post! I really enjoyed writing it and would love to make more blog posts about my TBR list. I could do another 10 books on my TBR list blog or I could do a post on 10 books I don't plan on reading, or both! If you have any suggestions or ideas, leave them in the comments below! Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on my future posts!

It's been a pleasure writing for you and until next time—stay weird and stay writing. - Lexi