10 librarian tips to help reach your reading resolutions
New year, new books! If you've set yourself a goal to read more this year, we're here to help you embrace the challenge. The beauty of reading resolutions is that they're not ironclad contracts; they're reminders to explore, learn, grow and sometimes stumble a bit in the process.
Instead of stressing over goals,
remember that reading isn't a race; it's a journey. Slow down and give yourself
space to enjoy each page. This could be the year you rediscover the joy of
losing yourself in a story.
Let’s turn those pages together!
To help you get started, our librarians have ten simple tips (and a few title
suggestions) to get you back on track:
1. Start off short and sweet
Long, hefty novels can be
daunting even to the most dedicated readers. Grant yourself easy gratification
with quick reads that your mind can glide through. There are plenty of short
books and novellas that will quickly grip your attention and leave you feeling
accomplished.
Top
picks
- The last one by Fatima Daas
This short but impactful novella
follows the introspective journey of a young Algerian woman in
France. Torn between the traditional expectations of her family and her
own burgeoning desires for independence, Nadia embarks on a personal
exploration of self-discovery.
- The beaver theory by Antti Tuomainen
Amidst family chaos and a rival
park's shady tactics, an insurance mathematician turned adventure park owner
must solve a murder and save his business in this hilarious and thrilling
trilogy finale.
- The housekeeper and the professor by Yoko Ogawa
A mathematician with 80-minute
memory loss and a young housekeeper forge an unlikely bond through math
puzzles, where numbers reveal an emotional connection deeper than memories.
2. Pick something popular
If everyone’s talking about it,
maybe they’re onto something! Top trending titles are popular for a reason.
Some of us like to feel cool by keeping off the bandwagon. But your next
favourite could be hidden in plain sight. Give yourself permission to follow
the path most travelled and find out why the latest best-borrowed books are so
loved.
Top
picks
- Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
In the wake of their father's
death, Peter is torn between his first love and a new relationship, while his
brother Ivan, a chess prodigy, begins an affair with an older woman. Their
journeys force them to confront their past and their bond as brothers.
- The women by Kristin Hannah
War is just the beginning for
Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a
changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants
to forget Vietnam.
- We solve murders by Richard Osman
A brand new series by a beloved
cosy crime author. An iconic new detective duo and a puzzling new murder to
solve...
3. Niche is nice
And now for something completely
different. If you're someone who goes back to the same old genres, it's time to
break free and try a new niche. Shake things up and you might discover your
reading interests lie elsewhere. Venture off track with these tales of unique lives and locations.
Top
picks
- Bunny by Mona Awad
Driven by an outsider's
curiosity and drawn into a clique of eerily perfect girls, Samantha enters a
world of dark secrets, sinister rituals and chillingly twisted friendships in
this darkly funny and unsettling novel.
- The Lincoln highway by Amor Towles
Four runaways, one
roadtrip. Seeking a fresh start in California, Emmett and his brother
Billy's post-prison plans are derailed by two cunning escapees. Together, they
embark on a cross-country road trip in the opposite direction, navigating
unexpected challenges and chasing their own dreams in this captivating
coming-of-age adventure.
- String theory by David Foster Wallace
Tennis aficionado David Foster
Wallace dissects the sport, its stars and its deeper meanings in his acclaimed
essays, offering a literary love letter to the game.
4. Switch to audiobooks
Don't be afraid to switch to
change the format of your story. Struggling to concentrate on a book? Let
someone else read it to you! Many books in every genre are now available to
borrow for free online as eAudiobooks. You can even download most titles to
listen on the go. For an extra wellbeing boost, find a quiet moment to listen
to expert storytellers while your eyes get to rest. It’s good for your mind and
body – take a break from scrolling-induced eyestrain.
Top
picks
- Over the top by Jonathan Van Ness
A raw and honest account of his
journey from a misunderstood child in a small town to the self-loving and
flamboyant star of Queer Eye, revealing the pain and passion behind his radiant
personality.
- Dracula by Bram Stoker
A timeless gothic horror
masterpiece that transcends generations with its chilling story of Count
Dracula, a bloodthirsty immortal terrorising the innocent, reflecting both the
darkness of its era and the enduring human struggle with temptation.
- Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum
Burned out by her corporate
life, Yeongju opens a bookshop in Seoul, where she and her customers find
solace, connection and the healing power of books.
5. Read for the thrills
One way to guarantee you’ll get
through a whole book is to jump on a thrill ride. Be brave and strap in,
because thrillers offer a literary adrenaline rush that sends you hurtling
headfirst into heart-pounding suspense. Set aside some time for these reads –
you won’t want to put them down!
Top
picks
- My sister the serial killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Stuck between love for her
sister and fear for her coworker, Nurse Korede navigates dark family secrets as
her serial killer sibling targets a new victim, forcing a life-altering
decision.
- Exiles by Jane Harper
Federal investigator Aaron Falk
delves into the disappearance of a young mother from a wine festival, exposing
long-held secrets and fractures within a seemingly close-knit community.
- Going zero by Anthony McCarten
Secrets and motives collide as
ten people vanish off-grid to escape a cutting-edge tracking system, playing a
deadly game with a $3 million prize and a $90 billion contract at stake.
6. Spook yourself back into reading
Hey, it works for hiccups,
right? Give yourself a fright you can’t look away from. Scary stories can truly
take your mind away from your reality and you’ll find yourself racing through
the pages. But don’t stress if you’re new to horror – here are our top picks to
ease you into spooky reads without leaving too much of a scar.
Top
picks
- Come closer by Sara Gran
Haunted by strange dreams,
disturbing voices and impulsive actions, a successful architect navigates a
descent into chaos, suspecting demonic possession as she fights to reclaim
control of her life before it's too late.
- The wild coast by Lin Anderson
Forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod
investigates chilling campsite murders in Scotland's remote northwest, facing a
personal crisis as she uncovers a killer targeting lone campers and grapples
with disturbing rumours about a trusted colleague.
- Red Queen by Juan Gómez-Jurado
Reclusive Antonia Scott, known
for solving crimes from her attic, faces a new challenge when a visitor
disrupts her solitude, potentially bringing danger and forcing her back into
the world she left behind.
7. Hey, have you met Romance?
Let’s introduce you to your next
fictional crush. Romance novels come in countless flavours, from steamy
contemporary to cosy historical to adventurous sci-fi. These passionate
journeys will remind you why you fell in love with reading in the first place.
So, open your heart and let the characters whisper their secrets in your ear.
Top
picks
- The love hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
A cynical scientist finds her
fake relationship with a charming professor dangerously blurring the lines
between experiment and reality.
- A court of thorns and roses by Sarah J.
Maas
A fierce huntress's defiance
sparks a simmering romance with a powerful faerie lord, but their bond faces
perilous trials as they fight to unravel an ancient curse and rewrite the fate
of their intertwined realms.
- Best men by Sidney Karger
Sparks fly between the bride's
best friend and the groom's brother as they clash over wedding planning,
leading them to discover a love that's anything but best man material.
8. New year, new knowledge
Non-fiction reads can take the
pressure off finishing a book from beginning to end. Try looking at the
contents list and start wherever piques your interest. There’s a world of
knowledge out there, and you can make endless discoveries for free at your local
library.
Top
picks
Ditch the willpower struggle and
unlock the science of habit change with groundbreaking techniques from a
renowned researcher, finally breaking free from unwanted patterns and achieving
your dream lifestyle.
- Astrophysics for young people in a hurry by
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Unveil the mysteries of the
cosmos with this humorous and accessible guide to astrophysics, exploring
fundamental rules, mind-bending questions and the wonders of science.
- Wawata moon dreaming: daily wisdom guided by Hina, the
Māori moon by Dr Hinemoa Elder
Through 30 ancient wisdoms tied
to the Māori moon goddess Hina, "Wawata Moon Dreaming" explores
personal growth, modern healing and reconnecting with ourselves, others and
nature.
9. Re-read an old favourite
Remember when you used to spend
hours galivanting in imaginary lands? Let nostalgia kick-start your reading
habit. Think back to a story that stuck with you and give those special
characters a visit after all this time. Sometimes, you just need to take the
gentle hand of familiarity to find yourself immersed in stories.
Top
picks
- The whale rider by Witi Ihimaera
Denied her birthright as the
sole heir, Kahu defies tradition and seeks the ancient whale rider's guidance
to become the first female chief and lead her tribe to a brighter future.
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
For many, The Hunger Games is a nostalgic reminder of a time when Katniss’s courage and the fight for freedom inspired a generation. Its themes of resistance and survival continue to make it a beloved classic.
- The lion, the witch and the wardrobe by
C.S. Lewis
Join the Pevensie children as
they discover a magical wardrobe leading to Narnia, a land where animals can
talk, trees can listen and a cruel witch has cast a never-ending winter. This
is the second book in 'The chronicles of Narnia' - you can also jump into the
prequel 'The magician's nephew' to discover how this enchanted land came to
be.
10. Explore hobbies and skill-building
Enjoy the instant gratification
of reading books that help nurture a passion, master a new craft, or even
transform your home. It's the perfect blend of learning, entertainment and a
sense of accomplishment – a powerful motivator to rekindle your love for
reading and conquer those New Year's resolutions with renewed enthusiasm.
Top
picks
- Slow AF run club by Martinus Evans
From couch to marathon, embrace your body and find running joy with practical advice and humour, even if you come in dead last.
- Treasure bookmaking: crafting handmade sustainable journals by Natasa Marinkovic
Upcycle household items into
beautiful and personalised journals using this guide, filled with step-by-step
projects, creative prompts and materials lists that ditch expensive tools for
everyday objects like cereal boxes and buttons.
Budding plant parents, sprout
your skills with this guide to growing happy, healthy houseplants! Learn tips,
tricks, and even propagation secrets for a thriving indoor jungle full of
beauty and benefits.
Remember, no matter who you are
or what you’re interested in, there are no rules on what you read! Devour a
chapter before bed or just skim a few pages if that's all your mind can handle.
Every page turned is a victory. Let books be your passport to a happier,
healthier you, one page at a time.
Want more reading inspo? Check out our recommended reads, hand-picked by Auckland's own librarians.
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