Beyond the TBR Pile: How to Set Reading Goals

Setting reading goals isn’t about racing through a checklist of books—it’s about shaping the kind of reading life you want this season (or this year). For us book lovers, goals can add intention to the stack waiting on our shelves.

Maybe you want to extend yourself with a new genre, soak up something that helps you grow, escape into a story that feels like wrapping up in a warm blanket, or join a buddy read with friends or a book club.

Whatever your reason, reading goals are less about the numbers and more about creating a richer, more meaningful experience with the books you choose.

Why set reading goals?

Of course, you could just grab whatever book catches your eye in the moment—and sometimes that’s half the fun! But if you’ve ever looked back and thought, “Wow, I meant to read so much more this season,” then a reading goal can make all the difference.

It’s less about pressure and more about making space for something you love, like carving out time for a favorite hobby or a weekly coffee date with yourself.

Here’s why setting reading goals feels so rewarding:

• They give your reading life a little structure, nudging you to actually schedule time to curl up with a book.
• They add purpose, encouraging you to stretch into new genres or stories you might not normally pick up.
• They help you dust off those long-forgotten books waiting patiently on your shelves.
• They affirm your “me time” and remind you that reading isn’t indulgent—it’s soul care.
• They keep your mind sharp and curious, fueling both lifelong learning and little everyday insights.
• They give you a sense of accomplishment (yes, finishing that book counts as a win!).
• And maybe best of all, they make reading social—you can swap notes, join book clubs, or dive into challenges with friends.

When you set reading goals, you’re not just planning what to read—you’re weaving books into the rhythm of your everyday life in a way that feels intentional, cozy, and completely yours.

How to know how many books you can read.

Challenging & Growth Goals

Read a certain number of books this season or year.

Setting a number gives you a gentle goalpost to aim for—whether it’s 9 books this fall or 50 over the year. Think of it as a way to celebrate your progress, not pressure yourself.

Tackle that stack of unread books on your shelf.

We all have a TBR mountain waiting for us. Make it a goal to finally dust off those titles and let them have their moment in the spotlight.

Read one classic you’ve always meant to get to.

There’s a special satisfaction in finally experiencing a story that’s stood the test of time. Pick one and let yourself soak in its world. Project Gutenberg has a library of over 75,000 free eBooks, including the classics.

Explore a new genre you rarely touch.

Maybe it’s fantasy, poetry, or a gripping memoir—step outside your usual comfort zone. You might stumble upon a new favorite you didn’t expect. Broaden genres focusing on horror novels in October. If you’re into sci fi, try a mixed genre like the horror Star Wars Legends: Death Troopers with zombie stormtroopers, or the Doomsday Book: A Novel of the Oxford Time Travel Series, where the main character Kivrin travels back in time to the 1400s for an amazingly accurate historical fiction.

Read more diverse voices.

Expand your shelves with authors from different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. It’s one of the richest ways to grow as a reader.

Read a whole series.

There’s something so satisfying about immersing yourself in a whole world across several books. Make it a goal to finally complete one that’s been calling your name.

BIG Challenge: Be a mindful reader.

Be a conscious shopper, or a minimalist, and challenge yourself to read every book you own before you buy another one. It’s a tough challenge for any bookworm, but a fun one! You’ll rediscover forgotten gems sitting quietly on your shelf. And finally get rid of the TBR pile.

Cozy & Comforting Goals

Revisit a childhood favorite.

Picking up a book you loved years ago can feel like meeting an old friend. You’ll notice new layers you didn’t see before. (In Canada, we all loved reading Anne of Green Gables. There’s also an 8 book series about Anne’s charming life, and a TV series based on the first book.)

Or, how about Harry Potter? Hunger Games? Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants? A Series of Unfortunate Events? Isn’t it time to re-enjoy those moments? And of course, watch the movies that go with the book.

Set aside 20 minutes of reading before bed.

Instead of scrolling, let a book be the last thing you do each night. It helps you wind down and makes reading a natural part of your routine.

Read aloud.

Whether to a child, a grandchild, someone in the hospital or a senior’s home – or even yourself – reading aloud slows you down to savor every word. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and surprisingly grounding.

Listen to audiobooks.

Fold more stories into your life by listening while cooking, cleaning, or walking. It turns everyday tasks into little bookish escapes.

Fun & Playful Goals

Do a themed reading month.

Spooky mysteries in October, cozy holiday stories in December, travel adventures in summer—seasonal themes make your reading feel festive. It’s like curating your own bookish celebration.

Pair your reading with real-life experiences.

Read a hiking memoir while camping. Read fiction about gardens or gardening during the summer while you toil away in your flower bed or vegetable patch. It makes the stories spill over into your everyday life, and come alive in a wonderful way.

Conversely, read Diane Mott Davidson’s books about a caterer who solves mysteries at her venues – and includes her recipes for you to try.

(I once read about a plane crash before flying. Don’t recommend it. It does play on your imagination!)

Try a book-to-screen challenge.

Read the book, then watch its adaptation. Comparing the two makes for fun discussions and lets you see the story in a new way. The comparison I’ll never forget is Random Hearts. Book by Warren Adler, movie starring Harrison Ford and Kristin Scott Thomas.

Another interesting comparison is Forrest Gump. Book by Winston Groom, movie with Tom Hanks. The movie and the novel are very different. So different that when Groom wrote the sequel, Gump & Co., he brought the story up to the point of the movie ending, and added more Gump adventures in hopes of a movie sequel. Alas, it was not to be. (But it does make for an interesting read.)

Read More Non-fiction

Are most of your books novels? Why not set a goal to read more non-fiction? Learn about a topic that interests you. Pick up a biography. Enrich your knowledge by studying something that helps you grow, fix your house, or move up the corporate ladder.

Of course, if you’re an avid non-fiction reader, switch it up. Find a genre of fiction that interests you, or study the classics.

And the most fun of all? Read a novel about someone living the experience of your non-fiction choice – at the same time! (Did you know home reno romance is its own genre?)

Complete a Reading Challenge

Most book stores (online & brick-and-mortar) feature a reading challenge, especially in January. Just do a search to find a challenge. They usually prompt readers to select books based on specific criteria, like a book set in each continent or a book from each century for the past five, or to read a set number. Some are very fun.

Social & Community Goals

Start or Join a Book Club.

Sharing stories with others adds a whole new layer of meaning. You’ll read books you may never have picked yourself and have conversations that bring them to life. Your local bookstore or library will probably have a book club you can join. It’s a great way to meet new locals!

Did you know that Amazon has book clubs? Join one or start your own! They are all online, so it’s easy breezy.

Read Books by Local Authors.

Support local authors, and support your community. This is a great way to discover hidden gems & boost the voices of lesser-known writers. And you never know who you’ll meet! (We have an ultra-famous author living in our community.)

Check with your local library. They’ll tell you the local authors & their book titles.

Swap books with a friend.

Let someone else’s taste surprise you, and then talk about it after. It’s a sweet way to connect over stories.

Write a Book Review for Every Book Read.

Write a book review for every book you read this year. This helps refine your thoughts and reminds you of an author you love (or love to hate) if they have a new book coming out.

Take it to the next level: You can start a blog, write on Medium.com, or review your book wherever you bought it, such as online at Amazon.

This isn’t meant to be a to-do list. Just choose one that feels exciting (or comforting) right now, and let it guide your reading life, adding little sparks of joy and purpose to your days.

Whatever you choose, may your books feel like companions, your goals like gentle invitations, and your reading life like a cozy adventure you get to savor, page by page.