Happy is the person who has learned to love reading.
Every year, I plan my annual reading. My goal is simple and realistic: 12 books a year, one book each month. I have a friend who reads 52 books a year. I admire that, but I know myself well enough to set a pace I can sustain.
My Reading Habits Over the Years
Based on past experience, I usually start strong. The first quarter goes well, and I often get ahead of schedule. Then life happens. My reading slows down. By December, I find myself staring at three or four unfinished books with only a week or two left in the year.
Each year, I promise myself I’ll read more consistently. And each year, I struggle with that balance. Still, I keep trying.
My Reading Goals for 2026
In 2026, I’m trying again.
I already have several books to read in 2026 in mind. Some are books I didn’t finish in 2025. Others are books I never got around to starting. A few are brand-new additions. My plan is to compile a clear reading list and stick to one book per month as much as possible.
This slower pace helps me enjoy the process instead of rushing through it.
Fiction vs. Nonfiction: How I Read Differently
I read fiction much faster. I enjoy stepping into another world and following a story to see what happens next. Fiction pulls me forward.
Theological and nonfiction books are different. I often read the same sentence several times until it finally clicks. When that light bulb turns on, I slow down and explore everything else the author is offering. Those moments are worth the time they take.
Reading a Variety of Authors
I try to keep my reading list varied. This year, I read books by authors I had never heard of before. That variety keeps reading fresh and challenges the way I think.
Reading Together, Even from Far Away
One of the highlights of this year was reading a book with my son. He invited me to read Relationship: A Mess Worth Making by Tim Lane and Paul David Tripp with him. We read one chapter each week.
He lives about 7,500 km away, so this shared reading time eases the pain of missing him. We’ve also learned valuable lessons about relationships along the way. I suspect he noticed I was digging myself into a hole and wanted to help pull me out.
A Final Word on the Joy of Reading
Reading continues to shape me, challenge me, and comfort me. As I look ahead to my reading goals for 2026, I’m reminded that progress matters more than perfection.
I pray you find as much joy in reading as I do.
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