Every year when New Year’s rolls around, we see an influx of the classic “new year, new me” resolutions: start a new fitness routine, finally journal every day, and of course, read more books. But the problem with these incredibly general, grandiose goals is that they never give you any framework to actually complete them. Sure, reading more is great, but even trying to narrow down what book to read from the thousands of recommendations online can be overwhelming. So, if this is the year you actually want to become a reader, you need more specific reading resolutions to help guide you along the journey. And I’ve done all the work for you, coming up with the reading resolutions to ensure 2026 is your best reading year yet.
1. Read a genre out of your comfort zone
It’s easy to pigeonhole yourself as a certain type of reader, but trust me when I say you’re missing out on so many incredible works by refusing to branch out. You don’t have to pick up an in-depth sci-fi novel if you typically stick to romance, but maybe try a contemporary fiction that has romance as a subplot. Or if you’re a dedicated romantasy reader, opt for a dystopian or sci-fi book with the world-building you love—just slightly outside your usual lane. It will open the door to new stories, perspectives, and maybe even a new favorite genre.
2. Read three new authors
We all have our go-to authors, but adding new, diverse voices to your bookshelf is incredibly important. That doesn’t mean you can’t work your way through Emily Henry’s entire catalog (in fact, please do), but in addition to your staple authors, try adding three writers who are completely new to you this year. Not only will this help you figure out what writing styles you enjoy, but mixing up the kinds of books you read is a surefire way to avoid a reading slump.
3. Read every night before bed
One of the biggest hurdles to becoming a reader is wondering when the hell you’ll have time to actually sit down with a book. The truth is, you have to make time. I’m not saying you need an hour a day, but replacing your nightly scroll with even a few pages will help you build a daily habit. Plus, it’s the perfect, calming way to wind down instead of falling into yet another doom scroll.
READ: Want to Get Back Into Reading? Here’s How to Make It a Hobby That Sticks
4. Read a full series
If you haven’t read in a while or usually opt for standalones, the last full book series you read might’ve been Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, but that thrill can absolutely be recreated as an adult. There’s something so fun about getting to know characters deeply and following them over multiple books. Just make sure the entire series is already out before you dive in—there’s nothing worse than waiting a year for answers after a cliffhanger.
READ: 15 Book Series to Start So You Don’t Have to Think About What to Read Next
5. Join a book club
One of the best parts about reading is getting to debrief with other book-loving friends. Enter: the book club. If 2026 is shaping up to be a busy year, you don’t have to read along every single month, but having a place to fangirl and deep-dive into discussion is such a special way to build community. And if you haven’t heard the news yet, we have the perfect new book club for you to join—The Everygirl Book Club.
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6. Get a library card
Books are expensive these days, and buying a brand-new copy after every read just isn’t realistic. To ensure you always have your next pick lined up and support your local community, join a library. You can even download Libby to get digital copies straight to your e-reader—no commute to make returns required.
7. Read a classic book
I’m not saying your return to reading should start with classic literature; that might be a little intimidating, but classics are classics for a reason. It’s incredibly satisfying to finally check one off your TBR, especially if you’re already a frequent reader and want to switch up your usual choices. So, make this the year you finally tackle the classic that’s been sitting on your bookshelf, collecting dust.
READ: The Book You Should Read Next, Based On Your Favorite Classic
8. DNF a book
This might be a controversial resolution, and trust me, I hate not finishing a book too, but it’s important to give yourself permission to set down a story you’re not enjoying. It frees up your time for books you will love and helps you avoid the reading slump that leads to abandoning your “read more books” goal entirely. We only have so much time, so you should spend it reading books that grip you, not ones that feel like a chore to get through.
9. Read a book you’ve never heard of
I often default to social media for book recs, and while it’s an amazing resource, finding a book completely on your own and going in with no preconceived expectations is such a rewarding feeling. Just because a book or author is popular doesn’t mean it’s the best out there. There are so many undiscovered literary gems waiting on bookstore shelves, hoping you’ll pick them up.
10. Set a reading goal and track your books on Goodreads
Honestly, tracking the books you’ve read is half the fun. Okay, maybe not half, but at least 25 percent. It helps you see what genres you gravitate toward, how many books you read in a year, and prevents the dreaded moment when you realize three chapters in that you already read this book in 2018. Your goal doesn’t have to be lofty. Just set a number, any number, and track your progress.
11. Read multiple books from one author
When I find an author I love, reading multiple works from them is such a treat. You can compare and contrast their stories, notice stylistic throughlines, or realize they’re capable of writing across genres in totally different ways. It’s a great resolution to help you determine whether you truly love an author’s body of work or if one book in particular just hit at the right time.
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12. Build and manage a little free library
Little free libraries are so fun to stumble across, and if there isn’t one near you, you can take matters into your own hands and build your own. If you’re handy, grab some tools and craft it from scratch, or purchase one directly from Little Free Library. It’s the perfect way to not only make reading a bigger part of your life but also help your community access books.
13. Visit every independent bookstore in your city
I love a Barnes & Noble trip as much as the next girl, but there are so many adorable, local, independent bookstores in your city that could always use more love. Plan your own bookstore crawl and see them all in one day, or slowly check them off your list until you’ve visited every last one. You get to buy new books and support small, local businesses—it’s a win-win.
14. Only read books you already own
If you have a library that already rivals the bookstores near you, push yourself to work through your own collection before buying anything new this year. It’s easy to get caught up in trending reads, but at one point, you bought those books because you were excited to read them, and they’ve since fallen by the wayside. Pick them back up and dive in. Your wallet will thank you.
15. Listen to audiobooks while you drive instead of your playlist
If you’re already sick of listening to your Spotify Wrapped playlist, try mixing up your commute by throwing on an audiobook instead. There are plenty of books that are actually better as audiobooks and will draw you in, no matter how early you’re waking up for work. You might even start to look forward to sitting in traffic for an hour every day.
READ: Put The Paperback Down: 12 Books That Are Better As Audiobooks
Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.
Feature graphic images credited to: Ella Laughmiller | Dupe, Cassi Kollmeyer | Dupe, alenaganzhela | Creative Market
