Reading Goals of 2018

New year, new me! In 2017, I read 37 books, a number exactly the same as the number of books I read in 2016. In 2018, I thoroughly plan on reading more books, specifically 40 books throughout the year. Here are some of the books I plan on reading in 2018, and book resolutions I hope to achieve.

To Be Read

 

Girls Will Be Girls: Dressing Up, Playing Parts and Daring to Act Differently by Emer O’Toole

I plan on reading more eye-opening non-fictions such as those relating to feminism, memoirs, nature, and essays. I can’t wait to read this feminist novel that will definitely empower and encourage me. I have also my eye on other non-fictions such as Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman.

Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson

This is a book I picked up in Leiden several months ago and still haven’t read, and I definitely need to because I’ve heard nothing but great things about S.J. Watson. I am also a sucker for thrillers and I know that this book is one of the most well-known ones.

The Power by Naomi Alderman

A book that has had a lot of buzz this year, it’s a dystopian novel that at first I didn’t think I will like. But looking at the reviews, and knowing that this is a very feminist and women-empowering novel, I am very eager to pick this up.

Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari

A book that I’m already currently reading in Audible, I’ve heard so many great things about this as well. As a huge fan of Parks and Recreation and Master of None, I really enjoy Aziz’s acting and his mind. I can’t wait to read more of a research and study-type book to read this year.

Under the Pendulum Sun by Jeannette Ng

I had the pleasure to see and talk to Jeannette Ng in the Dutch Comic Con in November – although I had no idea who she was at that time! This is her debut novel and it’s a fantasy novel that frankly I don’t know much about. But I liked her talk as a person, and I was able to grab a signed copy of this book when I went to Amsterdam in December. I hope it’ll be a new exciting fantasy, it’s been ages since I’ve dived into a new fantastical world that’s amazing to read.

Aquarium by David Vann

I also had the wonderful privilege to meet David Vann, years and years ago in Bali in a writers and readers festival. I’ve only read one book by him so far: Caribou Island, a very uniquely written, atmospheric and beautiful book. This one is quite different but after hearing him talk on a panel and describing his writing process and his personal life, I’ve always wanted to read more of his books.

 

 

General Resolutions

 

Jo Nesbo

I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about this Nordic writer, and as a newbie lover for thrillers, I heard that his books are phenomenal. Mostly recommended by a blog Crime by the Book, I have always eyed his range of books on the bookstore and I think 2018 will be the year for me to read at least one of his books.

Reread old favourites

I miss rereading books I used to love. Last year, I reread only one book, and I intend to read more than one this year. Some books I had in mind were The Secret History (which I read and loved around two years ago), Jane Eyre (which I read back in high school and never reread ever since), and possibly Harry Potter (maybe in audiobook format, something I’ve never tried before!).

Read a non-fiction every other month

Like I mentioned above, I have plans to read a lot of non-fiction to enrich my mind and expand my knowledge through something I love most: reading. I love memoirs, but I also try to read more books related to psychology, nature, animals, and the likes of those.

Read a fast-paced thriller/mystery novel every other month

Something I learned the last few months in 2017 was that a way for me to increase my book count easily is to read thrillers. On occasions when I read thrillers or mysteries, I’d just curl up in my bed and read for hours and hours, and it was mainly how I got to reach my goal of 35 books last year. So, my intention is to read more fast-paced books that are actually enjoyable and well-written and preferably scary for me to read in one or two sittings. Some books that came into mind, other than Jo Nesbo and S.J. Watson, are E. Lockhart’s Genuine Fraud and more books by Patricia Cornwell, Ruth Ware, Gillian Flynn, and Stephen King. Check out my Mystery-Crime-Thriller TBR in Goodreads here.

Read more audiobooks

I jumped into the audiobooks bandwagon early December when I saw that Audible was having a promo for more than 50% off the first three months of our subscription. The regular subscription of $15 per month felt a little too expensive for me, a cheap student. After long consideration and tons of research into audiobooks, I decided to try it out. So far the progress is slow, but I’m trying to get myself used to reading audiobooks in the train and also at home. Hopefully I can add more to my read list through audiobooks. My audiobooks TBR are: A Life in Parts by Brian Cranston, Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, and Yes Please by Amy Poehler, all three which will also complete my goal to read more non-fiction!

What are your bookish goals for this year? Let me know in the comments down below!