Looking to Read More This Year. 15 Novel Hacks to Try in 2023

Looking to Read More This Year. 15 Novel Hacks to Try in 2023

Join a Book Club for Community & Accountability

As an avid reader myself, I know one of the best hacks to read more novels is to join a book club. Not only does being part of a book club provide a sense of community with fellow book lovers, it also adds accountability to actually finish the books you start. No more letting that brand new novel collect dust on your nightstand after reading the first chapter! When others are counting on you to show up to discussion prepared, you’re much more likely to carve out time to read. Book clubs also expand your horizons – without the nudging of others, it’s easy to fall into a reading rut. With a book club, you’ll read genres and topics you may not have picked up otherwise. You’ll discover new authors you love while bonding over favorite passages and debating themes. Whether you join an in-person club that meets at a cafe or library, or an online club through social media, you’ll gain friendships and have your mind opened by new perspectives. As an introvert, I was hesitant to join a book club at first. But it has enriched my reading immensely, and given me a cherished circle of friends I look forward to seeing each month. Give it a try – your inner bookworm will thank you!

Set a Reading Goal to Stay Motivated

Another hack that has dramatically increased the number of novels I read this past year is setting a clear reading goal. In the past, I would vaguely aim to read “more” but without a specific target, it was easy to get distracted and let days slip by without cracking open a book. Everything changed when I set the objective to read one book per week – about 50 books over the year. Having that measurable goal provided motivation to turn off Netflix and pick up a novel instead. I tracked progress in a journal, and it was incredibly satisfying to watch the list of completed books grow and grow. There were some weeks when life got busy, and I’d fall short of the target. But having the yearly goal kept me accountable; I would just try to make up for it the next week. You may aim for a different number that fits your lifestyle – the key is to challenge yourself. Set your reading goal today and then break it down into smaller weekly and monthly milestones. Share your goal with others to further boost accountability. And promise yourself a reward when you hit certain benchmarks to stay motivated all year long.

Mix Up Genres to Avoid Burnout

With so many novels to read, it may be tempting to stick to a favorite genre or two. However, I’ve found that switching up genres avoids reader burnout and keeps things fresh and exciting. For example, after binging on sci-fi stories, I’ll cleanse my palate with a literary fiction novel. Then I may dive into an enthralling fantasy saga, before coming back to Earth with contemporary fiction. Throwing some non-fiction into the mix provides variety as well. Don’t limit yourself – try historical fiction, romance, horror, mystery, young adult, and more. Discovering new genres leads to new authors, characters, settings, and perspectives that you may end up loving. It expands your horizons as a reader. Bouncing between genres also prevents you from getting bored. The writing styles, vocabularies, pacing, and even book lengths differ. So take a genre-hopping adventure this year. Your local librarian can recommend titles to get you started. Keep a balanced reading diet and watch your enthusiasm for reading surge.

Bring a Book Everywhere for On-the-Go Reading

One of my top tips for reading more novels is to always have a book with you for spare moments throughout the day. Waiting at the doctor or dentist? Pull out your novel. Sitting passenger on a road trip? Perfect time to read. Lounging by the pool or beach? Ideal opportunity to soak up some chapters. I like to toss a book in my purse or work bag every morning just in case I get any unexpected downtime. Ebooks on your phone work wonderfully for on-the-go reading too. The convenience ensures you’ll use those little pockets of time to read rather than just scrolling social media. Commuting provides another great chance to plow through a paperback. Audio books allow you to “read” while driving, jogging, cleaning, cooking and more. The key is being ready to read whenever a few minutes present themselves. Keep books stashed in your car, office drawer, bag and nightstand. Squeeze in a chapter while the coffee brews or the pasta water boils. With this handy hack, you’ll blaze through bucket-list books before you know it.

Listen to Audiobooks During Commutes or Chores

As someone with a long work commute, I find listening to audiobooks completely transforms the time spent in traffic each day into an adventure. Without audiobooks, my commute feels like wasted non-productive time that I’ll never get back. But great audiobooks transport me into intricate fictional worlds, fascinating biographies, and compelling nonfiction – making the miles fly by. I’m able to “read” books even when my eyes and hands are busy driving. The same goes for boring household chores like folding laundry, washing dishes, or cooking meals. Pop in some headphones and those menial tasks become enjoyable, even relaxing. In fact, I sometimes slow down chore pace intentionally just to listen a bit longer! From bestselling novels to motivational self-help books, expanding into audiobooks opens up limitless reading possibilities when your eyes can’t be glued to a physical page. Stream audiobooks through your public library app or subscription services like Audible for ease and affordability. Whether commuting, doing chores, exercising, or attempting to sit still, audiobooks allow you to maximize reading time all day long.

With a few simple but powerful hacks like joining a book club, setting reading goals, mixing up genres, bringing books everywhere, and utilizing audiobooks, your novel reading will soar to new heights this year. Stop endlessly scrolling and start diving deep into these stories instead. Escaping into a novel’s world for even a little while each day is wonderful self-care. Happy reading my friends!

Set a Reading Goal to Stay Motivated

If you’re looking to seriously increase the number of novels you read this year, one of the most effective hacks is to set yourself a clear reading goal. I can personally attest that deciding on a measurable objective for the amount of books to finish in a year is a complete game-changer.

In the past, I’d simply resolved to read “more books” in a vague, abstract way. But without a solid target to strive toward, it was far too easy to get sidetracked by other entertainment options. Days and weeks could slip by without me finishing a single chapter. However, everything changed when I finally set the concrete goal to read 50 books – about one per week – over the course of a year. Suddenly, I had motivation and accountability to turn off Netflix and open my current novel instead. Knowing I needed to average a book a week lit a fire under me.

I started tracking progress in a journal, recording each completed book. It was incredibly rewarding to watch that list steadily grow. Some weeks life got busy and I’d fall short, but the yearly goal kept me focused. I’d just try to catch up the next week. Setting incremental monthly and quarterly milestones helped too. Share your goal with others for accountability. Promise yourself a reward at certain benchmarks. Whatever your target, break it down into smaller pieces.

Maybe aim for 26 books to start, or 12 if you’re pressed for time. The exact number matters less than having a clear objective to motivate you and measure progress. I love the satisfaction of marking off another book toward my yearly total. It makes reading feel more purposeful. Give yourself that same sense of accomplishment this year. Set a reading goal now – your inner bookworm will thank you!

Mix Up Genres to Avoid Burnout

When trying to read more novels, it’s tempting to stick to one or two favorite genres. But I’ve found that mixing up genres keeps things fresh and avoids reader burnout.

For instance, after binging on sci-fi stories for a while, I’ll cleanse my palate with some literary fiction. Then I might dive into a fantasy saga before coming back to Earth with contemporary fiction. Sprinkling in some non-fiction adds variety too. Trying new genres exposes you to authors, characters, settings, and perspectives you may end up loving.

Each genre has its own conventions. Bouncing between historical fiction, romance, horror, mystery and more provides a rhythm that keeps reading exciting. If you only read one genre, it’s easier to get bored since the styles, vocabularies, pacing and book lengths differ. So take an adventurous genre-hop in 2023! Ask a librarian for new genre suggestions to expand your horizons.

Keep your reading diet balanced with an array of flavors. With some sci-fi, some memoir, some thriller – you get the picture. Follow your moods and interests. Surprise yourself to reinvigorate your passion for reading this year.

Mix Up Genres to Avoid Burnout

When striving to read more novels this year, it can be tempting to stick to just one or two favorite genres. However, I’ve found mixing up genres keeps things fresh and helps avoid reader burnout.

For example, after binging on several sci-fi stories in a row, I like to cleanse my literary palate with some contemporary literary fiction. Then I may dive into an enthralling fantasy saga, before coming back down to Earth with a cozy mystery or non-fiction book. Varying genres prevents me from getting bored.

Each genre has its own conventions and styles. By bouncing between historical fiction, romance, horror, true crime and more, you experience a rhythm that keeps your reading journey exciting year-round. Exposure to new writing styles, perspectives and topics expands your horizons.

If you only read one genre, it’s easier to experience burnout since the pacing, vocabularies, and book lengths differ across genres. So take an adventurous genre-hop in 2023! Doing so reinvigorates your passion for reading by surprising you with fresh stories.

Follow your moods and interests when picking books in different genres. Go where your curiosity leads each time you need a new novel. Ask a librarian for genre suggestions if you need inspiration. Keep your literary diet balanced.

With a mix of science fiction, memoir, thriller, contemporary fiction and more on your reading list, you get a taste of all the flavors novels can offer. The variety will supercharge your reading habits this year. So genre-hop away!

Bring a Book Everywhere for On-the-Go Reading

One hack that has dramatically boosted the number of books I read is bringing a novel everywhere for on-the-go reading. I always keep a book stashed in my purse, bag or car to whip out anytime I have a few unexpected spare minutes.

Waiting rooms at doctor offices are now exciting reading time rather than wasted time staring at my phone. Long lines or layovers in airports are perfect opportunities to dive into a few chapters. Ebooks on your phone work great too for spur-of-the-moment reading sessions.

Having a book handy ensures you use little pockets of time throughout your day to read versus mindlessly scrolling social media. Commutes, passenger rides and lunch breaks all allow quick reading sprints to help you burn through even lengthy novels.

Keep books everywhere – office drawer, nightstand, backpack – so you’re always prepared to squeeze in a chapter while the pasta water boils or your morning coffee brews. With this portable reading hack, you’ll impress yourself with how many books you can enjoy this year.

Bring a Book Everywhere for On-the-Go Reading

One of my top tips for reading more novels this year is to always have a book on hand for spare moments throughout the day. As an avid reader, I’ve found keeping a paperback stashed in my purse or bag has been a game-changer for utilizing small pockets of time.

Now when I’m stuck waiting at appointments or in line at the store, it’s simple to whip out my current novel and dive into a few pages. Waiting rooms transform from boredom to exciting reading opportunities. Layovers during air travel become chances to get through multiple chapters. Having a book handy means I always have an escape ready if I find myself with 10 or 20 minutes of downtime.

Ebooks on your phone work great for on-the-go reading too. The convenience makes it easy to open a novel anytime, anywhere – no need to dig through a bag to find your paperback. I often get through full books with those spare minutes before bed or first thing in the morning.

Keep books everywhere – office drawer, car, backpack, nightstand. Wherever you may find yourself with a chance to read: a book should be close by. Reading feels more productive than aimlessly scrolling social media when you have odd moments to fill. With this portable reading hack, you can devour books this year during morning commutes, passenger rides or while waiting in line.

Listen to Audiobooks During Commutes or Chores

As someone with a lengthy commute to the office each day, I’ve found listening to audiobooks completely transforms my time in the car into engaging reading time. Without audiobooks, my commute feels like wasted, non-productive hours I’ll never get back. But great audiobooks transport me into intricate fictional worlds, fascinating biographies and compelling nonfiction – making the miles fly by.

I’m able to “read” even when driving or working on mindless household chores like laundry or cooking dinner. Pop in some headphones and those boring tasks become enjoyable relaxation time. In fact, I’ve intentionally slowed my pace of chores just to listen a bit longer!

From bestselling novels to self-help books, expanding into audiobooks opens up so many more reading possibilities when your eyes need to be focused elsewhere. With just my library app and some headphones, I can cram in so many more books this year thanks to audiobooks.

Listen to Audiobooks During Commutes or Chores

As an avid reader with a lengthy commute, I’ve found listening to audiobooks completely transforms my time in the car into engaging reading time each day. Without audiobooks, my commute feels like wasted, unproductive hours I’ll never get back. But immersing myself in great audiobooks allows me to “read” even when driving or doing mindless chores around the house.

Audiobooks transport me into intricate fictional worlds, fascinating biographies, and compelling nonfiction topics – making my daily drives fly by. Pop in some headphones while folding laundry, washing dishes, or cooking dinner, and those boring tasks become enjoyable relaxation time. I’ve even intentionally slowed my pace of chores just to listen a bit longer!

From bestselling novels to self-development books, expanding into audiobooks opens up so many more reading possibilities when my eyes and hands need to be focused on other tasks. I can absorb books while exercising, cleaning, commuting and more by listening.

With just a library app and headphones, I’ve dramatically increased the number of books I enjoy each year. Audiobooks allow you to maximize every spare moment and “read” during times when holding a physical book isn’t practical. They make reading completely portable.

Track Progress with Reading Apps Like Goodreads

If one of your goals is to read more books this year, using a reading tracker app like Goodreads can provide great motivation. As an avid reader, I’ve found tracking my progress with Goodreads really helps hold me accountable.

Being able to log each completed book, record start/finish dates, leave ratings and reviews, and watch my yearly reading goal progress bar slowly fill up gives such a sense of accomplishment. It gamifies reading, with “achievements” for milestones like reading for a certain number of years consistently.

Beyond stats, Goodreads lets you connect with other readers, get personalized recommendations, and join groups dedicated to your favorite genres or authors. Discovering new books and hearing opinions from fellow readers helps expand your literary horizons.

Give Goodreads or a similar tracking app a try this year! Visually seeing your progress can encourage you to stick to reading goals and read more. Set yourself up for success by utilizing digital tools to motivate your inner bookworm.

Track Progress with Reading Apps Like Goodreads

If one of your goals this year is to read more novels, using a reading tracker app like Goodreads can provide great motivation and accountability. As an avid reader and Goodreads user myself, I’ve found tracking my progress with the app really helps me stick to yearly reading goals.

Being able to log each book I finish, record start and end dates, leave ratings and reviews, and watch my yearly goal progress bar slowly fill up gives such a wonderful sense of accomplishment. It essentially gamifies reading, making it more fun with “achievements” for milestones.

Beyond just stats, Goodreads lets you connect with fellow book lovers, get personalized recommendations for new reads, and join online groups dedicated to your favorite genres. Discovering exciting book options and hearing opinions from other readers helps expand your literary horizons.

If one of your aims is to read more this year, try using Goodreads or a similar tracking app. Visually seeing your reading progress can provide motivation to actually finish the books you start. Set yourself up for success by utilizing digital tools to encourage your inner bookworm all year long.

Join Online Book Discussions to Connect with Fellow Readers

For book lovers aiming to read more novels in 2023, joining an online book discussion group can provide wonderful community and encouragement. As an introverted bookworm myself, I used to rely solely on reading alone. But since joining online book clubs, I’ve found connecting with fellow readers has enriched my reading journey tremendously.

In online groups, you can share thoughts on books as you read, ask questions, and learn the perspectives of others. An active book community provides built-in accountability – when others are discussing a book, you’re more likely to actually finish reading it so you can participate.

Book clubs expose you to titles and authors you may not have picked up otherwise too. And being able to share your reading experience, favorite passages, and debate themes with others makes reading feel less solitary. Online book groups have expanded my horizons while giving me a sense of belonging.

So consider joining an online book club this year – through Goodreads, Facebook, or elsewhere. Your passion for reading will likely soar to new heights with the support and camaraderie of your fellow bookish friends.

Schedule Set Reading Times to Make It a Habit

One of the best pieces of advice I can give any fellow book lover aiming to read more novels this year is to schedule set reading times each day or week to turn it into a consistent habit.

In the past, I’d simply try to squeeze in reading whenever I could find a spare moment. But without protecting dedicated time for reading, it was easy to get to bed each night realizing I hadn’t cracked a book open at all that day. My reading became inconsistent and sporadic at best.

Everything changed when I finally blocked off set portions of each day specifically for reading – no distractions allowed. I now treat my reading time with the same importance as I would an important work meeting or appointment. After all, reading nourishes my mind just as much as work and social commitments nourish my career and relationships.

I now have set reading time every morning with my coffee to start the day focused. I’ll read for 30-60 minutes before bed to wind down each night. And I try to get in another session on the weekend. Find schedules that work for your lifestyle – maybe during commute time or your lunch break.

Treat reading time as non-negotiable. By dedicating predictable slots for it, you turn reading into a consistent habit rather than an afterthought. Schedule in quality reading time as you would for exercise or meal prep – it deserves that same priority for your wellbeing.

Check Out Award Nominees for Quality Titles

As a bookworm striving to read more this year, I’ve found one great way to discover high-quality novels is to explore books nominated for major literary awards like the Pulitzer Prize or National Book Award.

Award nominees and winners tend to be well-written titles with engaging characters, thoughtful themes, and creative prose. For example, pursuing Pulitzer winners introduced me to novels like The Goldfinch, The Overstory, and The Orphan Master’s Son – all favorites. Since award judges highlight the cream of the literary crop each year, it’s a shortcut to fabulous reads.

Beyond just fiction, literary awards also honor top notch nonfiction reads across categories like history, biography, poetry, and more. Diving into nominees opens your eyes to new topics and genre styles you may overlook otherwise. Expanding your horizons as a reader exposes you to different perspectives.

So use major book awards as guides this year. Check your local library to browse nominees and winners. Let literary judges curate captivating reading options for you to enjoy.

Join Online Discussions to Connect with Other Readers

For fellow bookworms aiming to read more novels in 2023, joining an online book discussion group can provide wonderful community and encouragement. As an introverted reader myself, I used to rely solely on reading alone. But since connecting with other book lovers online, I’ve found it greatly enriches my reading journey.

In online groups and forums, you can share thoughts on books as you read, ask questions that come up, and gain perspectives from other readers. Having an active book community also provides built-in accountability – when others are discussing a title, you feel more motivation to finish reading it so you can fully participate.

Beyond that, online book clubs expose you to new titles and authors you likely wouldn’t have picked up otherwise. And being able to share your reading experience with others makes it feel less solitary. I’ve had my literary horizons expanded tremendously by fellow readers online.

So consider joining a book club or discussion forum this year through Goodreads, Reddit, Facebook, or other platforms. Connecting with fellow book lovers can propel your passion for reading to new heights. Having the support and camaraderie of a like-minded community as you read makes all the difference.

Explore Local Bookstores to Discover New Genres

As someone always looking to read more and dive into new book genres, one of my favorite hacks is browsing the shelves at local bookstores. While online descriptions are helpful, nothing beats exploring physical books in-store to stumble upon hidden literary gems across genres.

Independent bookstores in particular tend to curate unique, intriguing novels you may not encounter on bestseller lists. Letting the vibrant book covers catch your eye and reading samples of random books introduces you organically to authors and topics you otherwise never would have known about.

Chatting with knowledgeable booksellers provides personalized recommendations too. They can point you toward lesser-known novels and niche genres that align with your reading tastes. With infinite online book options, local bookstores still provide an irreplaceable hands-on joy of discovery.

So support your local bookshops this year while uncovering delightful new reads! Wandering the shelves with an open mind is one of the best ways to reinvigorate your passion for reading. Let local bookstores inspire you.

Follow Bookish Accounts on Social Media for Recs

As an avid reader looking to explore even more good books this year, one hack I love is following bookish accounts on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok. Doing so provides a never-ending stream of reading recommendations perfectly catered to my tastes.

From authors to publishers, bookstores to librarians, there are so many accounts sharing book reviews, hauls, exciting news, and more. When I come across a reviewer with similar reading interests as me, I make sure to follow them. That way their latest favorite sci-fi discovery pops up in my feed, or a thriller they couldn’t put down.

Beyond reviews, following writers and book-related accounts gives awesome behind-the-scenes peeks into the literary world. It feels like having an inside scoop into the publishing process and getting to know authors as real people.

Social media allows fellow bookworms to easily connect as well. You can chat with readers worldwide about books you’ve both enjoyed. And by posting your own thoughts, you can get personalized recommendations too.

So tap into the vibrant book lover community on social media this year. Follow accounts that intrigue you across platforms. Discover thrilling new page-turners and join in exciting bookish conversations. Let your digital feeds become an endless source of reading inspiration.

Take Bookish Quizzes to Find Perfect Next Reads

As a book lover aiming to read more variety this year, I suggest taking fun bookish quizzes and surveys to uncover the perfect next reads tailored specifically to your tastes. Over the years, I’ve discovered amazing new novels and authors through personalized reading recommendations thanks to these quick online quizzes.

Trusted sites like Goodreads and Buzzfeed offer quizzes that you can take in just a few minutes to receive custom book suggestions based on your interests and reading history. Public libraries often have readers’ advisory surveys too to match you with titles and genres you’ll love.

The specific questions range from favorite authors to preferred pacing speed to deal-breaker plot points. The magic is how the quizzes then crunch that data to offer up book options you likely wouldn’t have found or chosen yourself – but turn out to absolutely adore.

So if you’re feeling stuck in a reading rut, give one of these quizzes a try! Embrace the experience of a book appearing in your life at just the right moment thanks to a fun quiz. It’s a refreshing way to shake up your reading routine this year.

Check Out Award Nominees for High Quality Titles

As an avid reader striving to expand my literary horizons this year, one great way I discover stand-out novels is by exploring books nominated for major awards like the Pulitzer Prize or National Book Award. Works chosen as award nominees tend to be exceptionally well-written titles with engaging characters, thoughtful themes, and creative prose.

For example, looking into Pulitzer winners introduced me to some of my all-time favorites like The Goldfinch, The Overstory, and The Orphan Master’s Son. Since prestigious literary award judges highlight the cream of the literary crop each year, it serves as a shortcut to finding truly phenomenal reads across genres.

In addition to fiction, major book awards honor stellar nonfiction works spanning categories like history, biography, poetry, and more. Perusing nominees allows you to sample writing styles and topics you may not otherwise seek out or consider. It’s a great way to expand your literary palate by going outside your typical tastes.

So this year, utilize major book awards as guides to quality literature. Check your local library catalog to browse nominees and winners from the last decade. Discover what critically-acclaimed titles you’ve been missing. Letting seasoned literary judges act as curators is a smart tactic for finding your next memorable read.

Join a Book Club for Community & Accountability

As a fellow bookworm striving to read more this year, one of my top recommendations is joining a book club for the built-in community and accountability. Beyond just reading alone, being part of a book club enriches the experience tremendously by sharing it with others.

Having a circle of bibliophiles to discuss characters, plot twists, and themes with provides a depth and perspective to each read. And knowing my fellow members are counting on me to finish the monthly selection helps motivate me to actually follow through, instead of letting books languish on my nightstand after chapter 1.

Book clubs also expose you to new genres, authors, and titles you likely wouldn’t select on your own. It pushes you outside your typical literary comfort zone. Give it a try – whether an in-person club or online group, your fellow bookworms will motivate you to read more this year!

Reread Old Favorites for Comfort Reads

As an avid reader striving to enjoy more novels this year, I suggest revisiting old favorite books for comfort reads. Rereading a beloved novel provides a soothing sense of familiarity while also letting you rediscover subtle details you may have forgotten.

We all have those special books that touched our hearts years ago and still linger in our memories. Mine include childhood classics like A Wrinkle in Time and Anne of Green Gables. When life gets stressful, returning to treasured novels from my past feels like wrapping myself in a warm literary hug.

Beyond just nostalgia, rereading offers the chance to gain new perspectives you may have missed on a first read. Looking at the novel through more experienced eyes allows you to pick up on deeper meanings. And details you only vaguely absorbed the first time can suddenly resonate.

Don’t feel pressured to always read new releases. Take the time to reread 2-3 favorites this year. Whether you space them out or tackle them back-to-back, immersing yourself again in a beloved fictional world is reading at its most cozy and enjoyable. Dig out an old gem and rediscover why you fell in love with reading in the first place.

Explore Local Bookstores to Discover New Genres

As a fellow bookworm looking to expand my reading diversity this year, I highly recommend exploring the shelves at local bookstores. While online browsing has its perks, nothing beats wandering the stacks in-person to uncover hidden literary gems across new genres.

Independent bookshops in particular tend to hand-pick intriguing, unique titles you won’t see on mainstream bestseller lists. Letting vibrant covers grab your attention and flipping through random books introduces you organically to niche topics and overlooked authors.

Chatting with knowledgeable booksellers provides personalized recommendations too – they can point you toward lesser-known genres and quirky novels that align with your tastes. Local bookstores bring back the irreplaceable joy of hands-on discovery in the digital age.

So support your local indie bookshops in 2023 while finding delightful new reads! Letting your curiosity guide you through the aisles reinvigorates your passion for reading. Keep an open mind and let local bookstores inspire you.

Explore Local Bookstores to Discover New Genres

As a fellow bookworm aiming to expand my reading diversity this year, I highly recommend exploring the shelves at local bookstores. While online browsing has its perks, nothing beats wandering the stacks in-person to uncover hidden literary gems across new genres.

Independent bookshops in particular tend to hand-pick unique, intriguing titles you won’t see on mainstream bestseller lists. Letting vibrant covers grab your attention and flipping through random books introduces you organically to niche topics and overlooked authors.

Chatting with knowledgeable booksellers provides personalized recommendations too – they can point you toward lesser-known genres and quirky novels that align with your tastes. Local bookstores bring back the irreplaceable joy of hands-on discovery in the digital age.

So support your local indie bookshops in 2023 while finding delightful new reads! Letting your curiosity guide you through the aisles reinvigorates your passion for reading. Keep an open mind and let local bookstores inspire you to explore different genres and topics you wouldn’t normally pick up.

Start a Book Journal to Deepen Connections

For fellow bookworms striving to read more meaningful titles this year, I recommend starting a book journal to deepen your reading connections and reflections. As an avid reader and journaler myself, taking the time to record favorite quotes, big ideas, and insights right after finishing a book truly enhances my reading experience.

Your journal entries can include brief summaries, aesthetics you enjoyed like imagery or pacing, contemplations sparked by the themes, and your honest opinions. Make note of how the book made you feel. The journaling process solidifies the story and messages in your mind.

Looking back on these book journals shows me how my perspectives have grown over time too. It’s incredibly rewarding to flip through and relive all the ways stories have shaped me. So grab a notebook and give journaling a try after your next read. Your future self with thank you for capturing the lasting impacts great books made.

Take Bookish Quizzes to Find Perfect Next Reads

As a bookworm aiming to read more variety this year, I highly suggest taking fun bookish quizzes and surveys to uncover personalized reading recommendations tailored to your tastes. Over the years, these quick online quizzes have introduced me to amazing new novels and authors I likely never would have picked up otherwise.

Trusted sites like Goodreads and Buzzfeed offer book quizzes you can take in just a few minutes to receive custom suggestions based on your interests and reading history. Many public libraries also have readers’ advisory surveys to expertly match you with titles and genres you’ll love.

The quizzes ask specific questions about favorite authors, preferred pacing speed, deal-breaker plot points, and more. That data is then crunched to offer up book options catered to you – ones you probably wouldn’t have found yourself, but end up adoring.

So if you’re feeling stuck in a reading rut, give one of these quizzes a try! Embrace the serendipity of a perfect book for this moment in your life appearing thanks to a fun quiz. It’s a refreshing way to shake up your reading routine this year and discover your next great read.

Don’t Be Afraid to DNF a Book That Isn’t Working

My final hack for reading more enjoyable novels this year is to DNF – Did Not Finish – any book that just isn’t working for you. As avid readers, we feel pressure to stubbornly finish every book we start. However, life is too short to force your way through a story you’re not connecting with or enjoying.

If the plot feels dull or rambling, the writing style irritates you, or you simply aren’t in the mood for that genre anymore – it’s absolutely okay to ditch a book unfinished. There are so many amazing reads out there waiting for you. Why waste time slogging through one that feels like a chore?

Give yourself permission this year not to finish books that you’ve lost interest in after giving them a fair shot. Having a DNF mindset reduces feeling overwhelmed and helps you enjoy reading more fully. Focus your precious reading time only on books that truly resonate with you. Follow your bliss to become a happier reader!

Start a Book Journal to Deepen Connections

For fellow bookworms striving to read more meaningful titles this year, I highly recommend starting a book journal to deepen your reading reflections. As an avid reader and journaler myself, taking time to record favorite quotes, big ideas, and insights after finishing a book truly enhances my reading experience.

Your journal entries can include brief summaries, aesthetics you enjoyed like imagery or pacing, contemplations sparked by the themes, and your honest opinions. Make note of how the book made you feel. The journaling process solidifies the story and messages in your mind.

Looking back on these book journals shows me how my perspectives have grown over time too. It’s incredibly rewarding to flip through and relive the lasting impacts great books have made. So grab a notebook and give journaling a try after your next read. Your future self will thank you for capturing how stories shape you.

Schedule Set Reading Times to Make It a Habit

One of the best pieces of advice I can give any fellow book lover aiming to read more novels this year is to schedule set reading times daily or weekly to turn it into a consistent habit.

In the past, I’d just try to squeeze in reading whenever I found a spare moment. But without protecting dedicated time for it, it was easy to get to bed without having read at all that day. Setting specific portions of each day as “reading time” changed my consistency for the better.

I now treat reading time as non-negotiable, just like I would an important work meeting or appointment. After all, reading nourishes my mind just as much as work and social commitments nourish my career and relationships.

Find schedules that work for your lifestyle – maybe 30 minutes in the morning, before bed, and a longer session on weekends. The key is being intentional to make reading a daily habit, not an afterthought. Your inner bookworm with thank you for the consistency.

Don’t Be Afraid to DNF a Book That Isn’t Working

My final hack for reading more enjoyable novels this year is to DNF – Did Not Finish – any book that just isn’t working for you. As avid readers, we feel pressure to stubbornly finish every book we start. However, life is too short to force your way through a story you’re not connecting with or enjoying.

If the plot feels dull or rambling, the writing style irritates you, or you’re simply not in the mood for that genre anymore – it’s absolutely okay to ditch a book unfinished. There are so many amazing reads waiting for you, so why waste time slogging through one that feels like a chore?

Give yourself permission this year not to finish books you’ve lost interest in after giving them a fair shot. Having a DNF mindset reduces feeling overwhelmed and helps you fully enjoy reading. Focus your precious reading time only on books that truly resonate.

Follow Bookish Accounts on Social Media for Recs

As an avid reader looking to explore even more good books this year, one hack I love is following bookish accounts on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok. Doing so provides an endless stream of reading recommendations perfectly tailored to my tastes.

From authors to publishers, bookstores to librarians, there are so many accounts sharing book reviews, hauls, exciting news, and more. When I find a reviewer with similar reading interests as me, I make sure to follow them so their latest favorite sci-fi discovery pops up in my feed, or a thriller they couldn’t put down.