While we’re pondering the year behind us and looking forward to the year ahead, one consistent theme for me has been to continue my love of reading and make more time for it. My book goal for 2019 was 19 books (you have to write down or share those goals, to help you be accountable, “they” say, whoever they are…) and I fell shy of that. I read 17 books which is pretty awesome considering that’s more than 1 book/month which itself is a pretty good goal. See? I’m not down on myself about it, but I am inspired to smash my goal of 20 books in 2020.
If you’d like to join me on my reading goal, please do! I’m going to hashtag it on Twitter (#FFF20in20) and that way I’ll be keeping myself accountable, while sharing my new reads and progress with you!
If you need some inspiration to get started in 2020, here are my top 5 reads from 2019:
The Testaments – Margaret Atwood
Yes, if you’re a fan of The Handmaid’s Tale chances are you’ve already devoured this book. But, maybe you’re new to the fandom – I myself didn’t read The Handmaid’s Tale until I heard the excitement about the TV series and wanted to ensure I read the book first. I have friends who are loyal to the book and refuse to stream it, and that’s OK. The Testaments follows The Handmaid’s Tale beautifully for those who are staying true to the literary form and those who are fans of the series.
This book has a similar theme to The Handmaid’s Tale and that makes people either love it or hate it. I loved it. If you wear a FitBit or similar device, if you watch political chaos on the news, it will make you glance down at your device several times and ponder where technology is heading in the years to come.
Ladies Who Punch: The Explosive Inside Story of The View – Ramin Setoodeh
A departure from fiction, I wanted to include this book on my list not only for fans of The View like me, but also for women working in any type of media, or frankly any office/business setting. It’s eye-opening, funny, insightful, and shocking. Sadly, though, it reflects experiences many of us have had in our lifetime. I really enjoyed the “backstage” look into The View and appreciate the men and women who shared their own tidbits in the book.
The Turn of The Key – Ruth Ware
I’m surprising myself by not simply making a list of 5 suspenseful “Girl On The Train” type books because they really are my favorite, so if you like that particular theme, I have many more to share. However, in 2019 this one was my favorite because it creeped me out. The question I wondered about in The Vox, how is technology going to impact us in the years going forward, was asked in this book as well. Except, in this book it might involve the paranormal.
Southern Discomfort: A Memoir – Tena Clark
Again, a departure from fiction but a story so outrageous in some ways that it felt like it was a fictional account, though it’s not. It’s a true story set in rural Mississippi during the Civil Rights era about a white girl coming of age in a repressive society and the woman who gave her the strength to forge her own path—the black nanny who cared for her. Many compare it to the beautiful storytelling in Educated which is one of the books I have not yet read, but is on my list for 2020. So, if we’re opposites and you’ve read Educated already, this one’s for you.
In the spirit of giving back, I’m sharing a $50 Amazon.ca gift card giveaway with my readers, so you can stock up on some reads for 2020!
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I set mine for 50 every yr on goodreads…like the Atwood book, I’m curious why she did the 2nd one…like did she feel compelled to do it (like pressure from readers) or was it something that just rolled around inside her and it finally burst forth?
I only read at bedtime and while waiting in the car line at my daughter’s school, however I would like to read more. So my goal is to set aside an hour once a week during the day strictly for reading. My goal is 6 books this year.
I would like to read any number of books. With 4 kids, including a 3 yr old and 8 mth old, when/if I have free time, i usually sleep. I do miss reading a book in a relatively short period of time so I can actually remember what’s going on lol
My goal is to read 100 books this year.
My goal is a book a month, hopefully more. Unless it involves children’s books then I will crush this challenge. 😂
I’ve got a few personal finance books on the go and a couple of fiction on my ‘to read’ pile – so if I can continue with that for 2020, it’ll be a good reading year!
I would like to read Michelle Obama’s book!
My reading goal would be to read one book a month. I only read at bedtime so it takes me a little while to finish a book.
My goal is to read much more then I have been, I love reading and will have to set the time aside to do it in 2020
I don’t set a goal even though I do enjoy reading. In fact, I have never logged the books I’ve read in any given year. I used to read at bedtime but now I find myself on my tablet playing games instead (or catching up with family and friends on Facebook). Right now I’m working with an employment consultant who has given me reading material but it is not interesting at all.
I have a huge stack of books I still need to read and many on my e reader also…and my goal is to read at least one a week or so. Great set of books to read in the new year!
My goal for 2019 was to read 12 books. It was an attempt to reduce screen time on my iPad.
I am about to finish #17 for a total of 6000 pages.
My goal for 2020 is 18 books.
I didn’t reach my goal this year of 100 books so I am going to try again for 100 in 2020.
I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump this past 2 months.I hope that all changes soon.
I have a lot of unread or partially read books that I would like to read this year. My goal is to leave a book by my bed and read a bit each night before I fall asleep.
I never thought of setting a goal for reading books I think that this is a fantastic idea I am going to set one at reading one book a month I would love to read The Testaments
Last year my goal was 24 books I surpassed it by reading 35, I keep track in good reads. This year I’m making my goal 30 books
My reading goal this year is to take time to read more books
in 2019 I read 135 books – I am not sure if I will reach this goal in 2020 – hopefully though!
I love reading so, so much! My reading goal for this year is to record and count all of the books I read. I know I read a ton of books in 2019, but I didn’t keep track.
Happy 2020 to you and your family! I am excited to read your 5 picks!
I would love to read all of these books, especially The Turn of The Key by Ruth Ware. My sister introduced me to this amazing author, her books are so good, real page turners!
Would it be wrong to admit that I don’t have any reading goals set for the new year?
My 2020 book goal is 12 books. My family loves to read and we also frequent the library often.
I plan on reading 10 books this year. I also love audio books for long car rides.
I have been telling myself I haven’t read as much as I would like because the kids keep me too busy, but really I can carve out 30 minutes a day before bed to get back in the habit, plus it promotes good sleep!
I usually set a goal of 50 books a year but it’s getting harder to find the time to read. This year I’ve only made it to 43. 2020 will be 45.
I have a few books here that I bought and haven’t even started them, think I need to change that and get them read!
I am choosy with my books and only read a couple a month, but I always have a book on the go. I received one book for Christmas from my daughter, by a local author based on a true story, my kind of book.
Mine is to obtain some physical mangas and read them.
Shockingly I have not read any of those books you listed! So , my goal this year is to read at least two books a month again and two of them will be “The Turn of the Key” and “Vox” from your list.
My reading goal for 2020 is to not pressure myself to get through a book. I’m busy and it’s supposed to be something enjoyable not more work to do! Haha
My reading goal is to read 25 books in 2020.
I’m going high this year and setting mine for 200. This isn’t as crazy as it sounds!
Last year I aimed for 50. I only came up to 21. Hopefully in 2020 I can read at least 25!
I love reading. I find it relaxing. I usually read more in the colder weather but I can be found hidden in a quiet place in the summer too.
oh mine is to read more i want to try to read one book a month for the next year
I’m planning on reading more books in the Outlander Series, by Diana Gabaldon.
Im not a big reader but I do enjoy my cookbooks. I have a couple new cookbooks I need to look at
My reading goal is one book a month as I also ‘read’ as part of my job. It is just nice to read for fun and personal satisfaction!
My goal this year is 12 books. I would like to read at least one book a month.
I read 44 books in 2019; so I am hoping to at least match that!
I have never set a reading goal for myself. I love reading and always have a book on the go!
I don’t have a reading goal but love to read when I have the time and have just started a book that I received at Christmas.
I don’t have an actual number, but I read every night before bed!
My reading discipline has disappeared over the last few years and I’d love to get back to reading actual books for at least an hour each day.
I aim to read some serious books this year. I tend to go for comedies, YA supernatural stuff, or scary stories. I need to read some from the grown up bestseller list. Sigh.
12
I’d like to have a reading goal of 24 books next year 🙂
I haven’t read any of your choices for 2019 but i’d like to. I read a total of 2 books this year so i’d at least like to double that. That’s my goal.
My reading goal for 2020 is to read at least 5 books.
i want to read more diversely this year ☺
My reading goal for 2020 is to set aside some time each day for reading no matter what!
My goal is to actually read more books, I have a shelf full of books plus a loaded Kobo!
My reading goal is to branch out more and read things that I don’t usually choose. This will be the year I read a romance novel for example 😉
My goal is to read 12 books this year. With 4 kids and working full time it is hard to get much time to read
I will continue reading books in 2020. Not sure how many I will read. I seem to read more during the winter months.
I never really set a goal but I try at least reading 1-2 a month
I have a few unread books that id love to read!
My goal is 100 books for 2020- that was my goal for this year as well and I almost got to 140. I am a fast reader and love to read!
My reading goal is 24 books two book a month.
I’m hoping to read 20 plus books this year, as I didn’t get much reading done this year.
Last year my goal was 100 books and I reached 95. I’m sticking with 100 this year!
My reading goal for this year is 130 books. I hit 128 in 2019 so I’m looking forward to trying to hit 130 in 2020.
Would love to hit 50. I’m a pretty avid reader so I have no idea how many I did last year but I think I’ll make keeping track one of my goals for this year.
I would like to be able to read a novel each month. Right now I am stuck in a cycle of 1-2-3, A-B-C books for my grandson.
I read every night in the tub and will continue to do so this year. I am also going to carry a book in my purse for when waiting for doctors appointments etc.
I don’t really have a goal set for myself….just read as much as possible when the chance comes up!!
I must say that I never set a reading goal other than if I don’t read everyday I am not a happy person 🙂
I love to read and I always have a book on the go. I don’t really set a goal as to how many books I want to read I just read constantly even if it’s only a few minutes at a time. I think the library is my favourite place to get the books I read and I’ve picked up books from many different authors although thrillers and suspenseful novels are my go-to choices.
My goal is to read more books especially mystery ones.
I would like to expand my reading beyond tweets and facebook headlines this year lol
My goal for 2020 is to read the three biographies I have in bookshelf. ❤️❤️Books 📖
Love to read my self help books
Can’t wait to read something for pleasure instead of school! My goal is reading the 2nd Outlander book!
I used to read so much, always before bed every night. But with the addition of Netflix to our home, I have gotten away from reading due to binge-watching tv shows & staying up too late, which then I’m too tired to read. My goal is to shut the TV off by 9:30pm & retire to my room to read until I’m ready to sleep. I do miss my books!
my reading goal for 2020 is to become a regular at my local library!
I’d like to read a few biographies this year. Hoping to read at least 3 books.
Would love to aim for completing a book a month!
I think I may go with 20 also, seems achievable.
My goal is to read a book a month!
Well I have a two year old and a baby due in 2020, so I’m not sure how much reading I’ll get done – but I already finished one book I got for Christmas! I’d love to get at least 5 more in before baby comes this summer. Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
Last year was all over the place and I didn’t have much time to read, so this year I would like to try to get back to it and tackle my “to read” stack – I am hoping to read at least 6 books this year.
I would absolutely love to read a half dozen books this year – especially while on vacation this summer, if I have time off from renovations! I’m the painter in the family, so once the room is almost ready, that’s when I will take time off reading 🙂
my goal is to read one book a month.
I would like to read at least a book a month.
I usually read about a book per week.
Id like to go back and read some of my faves like Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland
I am a HUGE bookworm!
My goal this year is to get out of my genre comfort zone and explore more non fiction.
i’d love to win. i’m looking for new books to read in 2020!
My reading goal for 2020 is to read a book a week.
i don’t have a goal, i should make one! reading used to be one of my favorite things to do but i haven’t finished a book in YEARS.
Simply put my goal is to read more. I find myself always running here and there and this year and want to stop and take time for myself and read.
A book a week,I hope 🙂
I belong to two book clubs so do read quite a lot, but I don’t really set a number for the year. I do try to read outside my comfort range for at least thirty percent of what I read.
my goal is one book a month
Usually my goal is to read 1 book a month. Last year was not very good, but the year before I read 2 a month. It’s hard with kids!
My goal was to read 12 books in 2019 and I read 11, just couldn’t get one in the month of Dec. I want to read Ladies who Punch only because I watch the view and I wonder how well these ladies get on off camera.
I’d like to read more Canadian fiction this year.
I still have a couple of books that I bought in summer that I need to read.
I hardly ever have time to read so my goal this year is to read at least 1 book a month.
My goal is to read 2 books a month; one fiction and one nonfiction. I have my first 4 books picked and I’m halfway through my first fiction book.
I would like to get back into reading again. 2019 was a crazy busy year, and I could use some down time. I have to remember to take it!
I would like to read every day even if just a few pages.
I would like to read at least 15 books this year.
My goal is to read a book a month.
It’s my goal to read 150 books this year. I read 201 in 2019.
love to read a few more books this year.
My reading goal is to read for 1/2 hr a day. Taking some time for myself outside of work and the kids!
I do unlimited books every year sometimes 1 a week because I love reading new romance novels
When I read it is usually at the exclusion of everything else. This year I’m trying to set a daily time slot for reading & then stop so I can actually cook or clean house or get my exercising done. What the idea is to possibly read a little less.
I haven’t been able to read for the last 10 years (properly), but finally got cataract surgery. My goal–to catch up! LOL.
My reading goal is a book a month. I hardly read at all last year and I love reading. I have about 15 books on the headboard of my bed…
I used to LOVE reading as a child. I want to reignite that passion so my goal for 2020 is to read one book a month!
My reading goal is to start a new series and complete it before years end.
I would love to read more non-fiction memoirs.
I love getting lost in a good novel, but I’d love to start reading more non-fiction books too.
I only read at bedtime but when I retire I hope to read more. My goal is to finish a book a month plus more if I have time.
I seriously don’t read much anymore I want to try to read The Testaments and the new one by Cecilia Ahern who wrote P. S. I love you.
hope to read 5 books this year.
My reading goal is to read 10 books this year
I looooove reading. I read a lot. My goal is to do more genres
I have about 20 books in my kindle waiting to be read, I plan to read at least one a week.
My goal is to at least read 5 books a month.
I hope to read more suspense books !
I want to continue enjoying Geddy Lee’s Big Beautiful Book of Bass!
I’ve got a stack of stuff yet to read. I need to catch up.
24 books is my goal.
I hope to read at least one book a month. Some months I read faster than others.
My goal is to read 1 book per quarter 🙂
My goal this year is to read a new book once a month. It doesn’t seem that ambitious to most people but for me I really have to make time to read.