I’ll admit it, every December when people share their “Books I Read This Year” lists, I feel two things at once: inspired and a little guilty. Inspired, because I love discovering new titles, but guilty, because sometimes I don’t hit the number I thought I should. At one point, I even set an unrealistic goal of 100 books a year. Spoiler: I burned out by May.
That’s when I realized something important: the question “How many books should you read in a year?” doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, it’s about your goals, your pace, and the kind of reader you want to be.
Let’s break it down in a practical, guilt-free way.
Why Do You Want to Read More Books?
Before picking a number, think about your why.
- For learning: If you’re diving into self-help, personal finance, or professional development, even 12 well-chosen books a year (one per month) can transform your mindset.
- For enjoyment: Fiction lovers don’t need to keep score, whether it’s 5 epic novels or 50 short ones, joy matters more than quantity.
- For building a habit: Sometimes, it’s not about the number at all, it’s about creating a daily ritual where reading becomes second nature.
What’s a Realistic Number?
Here are a few benchmarks to help you figure it out:
- Casual reader: 6–12 books per year (about one every month or two).
- Engaged reader: 20–30 books per year (roughly 2–3 per month).
- Avid reader: 50–100+ books per year (one or more per week).
Personally, I’ve found my sweet spot at around 25 books a year, enough to learn, enjoy, and grow without feeling like I’m racing against the clock.
Tips to Read More Without Stress
If your goal is to read more, here are strategies that actually work:
- Mix formats: Audiobooks, e-books, and paperbacks all count.
- Carry a book everywhere: Those “waiting moments” add up.
- Read before bed: Swap 20 minutes of scrolling for a chapter.
- Choose books you want to read: Not just ones you think you should.
- Set a flexible target: A range (e.g., 20–30) feels less like pressure.
The Hidden Trap: Reading vs. Absorbing
Quantity is impressive on paper, but are you really absorbing what you read? I once rushed through 50+ books in a year, but looking back, I can barely recall the key lessons from half of them. Now, I’d rather read fewer books and actually apply what I learn.
So, How Many Books Should You Read in a Year?
Here’s my take: read as many books as help you grow, relax, or bring joy, no more, no less. For some, that’s 12. For others, it’s 120. What matters is that your reading life feels enriching, not like another productivity contest.
At the end of the year, you won’t remember the number, you’ll remember the stories, lessons, and emotions that stayed with you. And honestly, that’s the whole point.
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