Are reading goals truly helpful, or have they become another form of social performance? This is the question many book lovers are pondering as the New Year approaches. Let's dive in!
Clara Pribadi from Adelaide/Tarntanya, a vibrant book enthusiast, is a self-proclaimed 'bit behind' on her 2025 reading goal. Last year, she smashed her target of 50 books, but this year, with a new job and a new puppy, she's got 10 books left to go before the year's end. But here's the kicker: she's not stressing! As Clara, who shares her reading journey on BookTok, puts it, it's all 'just for fun.'
Julian Novitz, an academic director and senior lecturer, points out that setting reading goals is a common New Year's resolution. While goals can be motivating, like aiming to read a certain number of books or pages, there's a risk of turning a pleasurable activity into a chore.
Are reading goals becoming performative?
Social media and reading platforms have changed how we approach reading. Dr. Novitz suggests that sharing reading goals and discussing what we've read can be a great way to stay motivated and introduce books into public discourse. However, he warns that this can sometimes overshadow the joy and value of reading itself, shifting the focus to statistics and public perception.
Clara, for example, finds that sharing her passion with the BookTok community is all about connection. It's a space to talk about books with like-minded people. She shares her goals as a fun way to connect, not as a KPI (Key Performance Indicator).
Reading shouldn't feel like a chore
Dr. Novitz highlights that setting numerical goals, like reading one book a month, can make reading feel like work. He emphasizes that recreational reading is precious and shouldn't be treated like a job. It can be hard to measure the quality of our reading experience when we're focused on numbers. Did we truly understand the passages? Did we connect with the characters?
Re-imagining reading goals
Dr. Novitz suggests focusing on the experience rather than the quantity when setting reading goals. This could involve exploring new genres or authors. Another element is time: commit to reading for a set amount of time each day, regardless of the number of pages.
Clara's New Year's resolution is to read at least one BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other people of color) author each month. She also aims to read at least one page a day, which she finds more achievable than having a large number looming over her.
Benefits of reading more
Dr. Novitz emphasizes that reading is excellent for our well-being, especially when it replaces screen time. It can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase focus. While audiobooks offer a great way to engage with reading, they are distinct experiences. For many, audiobooks provide a chance to 'read' while multitasking. Some experts suggest that listening to books triggers a similar, though not identical, reaction in the brain.
For Clara, reading is about exploring other walks of life. She finds that reading immerses her in other worlds and perspectives.
So, what do you think? Are reading goals helpful or harmful? Do you find them motivating, or do they add unnecessary pressure? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
