Boost Your Reading Goals: Tips for the Final Months of the Year

We’re getting close to the end of the year, and if you’re feeling a little behind on your reading goals, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Whether you set out to read a certain number of books or just want to finish a few more before the year wraps up, there’s still time to make it happen. Here are some easy tips to help you reach your reading goals without any stress and have fun while you’re at it.

1.Don’t Sweat the Numbers:

It’s tempting to aim for a specific number of books each month, but life doesn’t always go according to plan. Some months are busier than others, and that’s okay. Instead of stressing over hitting an equal number of books each month, just go with the flow. If September is a little hectic, you can make up for it later—maybe during the holidays when you have more free time.

2. Use the Holidays to Your Advantage:

Speaking of holidays, they’re the perfect time to catch up on your reading. Whether it’s a long weekend in October or some extra downtime during the winter break, these moments are ideal for diving into your TBR pile. The cozy vibe of the holiday season—blankets, hot drinks, and twinkling lights—makes it even better to curl up with a book (or a few!).

3.Get into the Autumn Vibe with Short Gothic Reads:

Autumn and Gothic literature go hand in hand, especially when it comes to short, atmospheric reads. Consider diving into the works of Gothic authors like Edgar Allan Poe, Shirley Jackson, or Daphne du Maurier. You can start with short stories like Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart”, Jackson’s “The Lottery”, or du Maurier’s “Don’t Look Now”. These eerie tales are perfect for those dark, cozy days and won’t take up too much of your time. If you’re up for something slightly longer, try Jackson’s “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” or du Maurier’s “Rebecca”.

4. Speed Up Your Reading with Audiobooks:

If finding time to sit down with a book is tough, audiobooks are here to save the day. They’re a great way to "read" while you’re on the go—whether you’re commuting, working out, or just doing chores around the house. Audiobooks count just as much as physical books, and they can help you get through more titles without needing to carve out extra time.

5. Some Graphic Novels to Your Mix:

Graphic novels are a great way to add variety to your reading list and get a few quick wins. I’ve got “Coraline” and “The Graveyard Book” on my TBR, and I’m excited to dive into those. To mix things up even more, I’m considering adding “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi and “Nimona” by Noelle Stevenson. These engaging reads are perfect for reaching the goals while offering a fresh, visual experience.

6. Find a Reading Buddy:

Reading with a friend or joining a book club can make a huge difference in staying motivated. When you know someone else is reading along with you, it adds a fun social element and helps keep you accountable. Plus, discussing the books you’re reading with others can deepen your understanding and make the experience even more enjoyable.

7. Try a Reading Challenge:

Participating in a reading challenge can be a fun way to guide your reading choices and stay on track. Whether it’s a seasonal prompt, a genre-specific challenge, or even a bingo-style game, these challenges add a bit of structure and excitement to your reading routine. They’re also a great way to discover new books you might not have picked up otherwise.

8. Make Your Own Bookish Bingo:

Take your reading challenges a step further by creating your own bookish bingo card. Fill the squares with different prompts, like “read a book by a debut author,” “finish a book in one day,” or “read a translated work,” and aim to complete a line—or even the whole card—by the end of the year. This adds a fun, gamified element to your reading goals and can help you stay motivated.

9. Keep It Light and Fun:

Most importantly, remember that reading is supposed to be fun. If you find yourself stressing over your goals, take a step back and remind yourself why you love to read in the first place. It’s perfectly okay to adjust your plans, take breaks, or just read whatever feels right at the moment. The key is to keep reading enjoyable and fulfilling, no matter how many books you end up finishing.

So, take a deep breath, grab a book (or an audiobook), and enjoy these last few months of reading this year. You’ve got this!

Happy Reading!