Attempting the 50-Book Challenge in 2025
As 2025 begins, I've set myself a goal to read 50 books by the end of the year. It’s a classic New Year’s resolution among book lovers, but this time, I’m determined to follow through. My secret weapons? Good Reads and Story Graph. Here’s how I’m planning to tackle this challenge and why these tools are essential for anyone diving into a reading journey.
Why 50 Books?
Reading 50 books in a year may sound daunting, but breaking it down makes it manageable: roughly one book a week. For me, this challenge is about more than just numbers; it’s an opportunity to explore new genres, discover authors I’ve never encountered, and make reading a consistent part of my life. It’s also a way to build a habit of reflection—taking the time to engage deeply with the ideas, stories, and perspectives that books offer.
Using Good Reads for Tracking and Motivation
Good Reads has long been a staple for avid readers. With its user-friendly interface and extensive database, it’s perfect for:
Setting Goals: The platform’s Reading Challenge feature lets you set a yearly target and keeps track of your progress.
Discovering Books: Recommendations tailored to your past reads and genres you’ve enjoyed make it easy to find your next favorite book.
Engaging with a Community: Sharing reviews, joining groups, and discussing books with friends add a social aspect to what can otherwise feel like a solitary hobby.
Tracking Progress: The simple ability to mark books as “Want to Read,” “Currently Reading,” or “Read” helps organise my list and gives me a sense of accomplishment.
Why I’m Also Using Story Graph
While Good Reads is excellent, Story Graph offers features that complement it beautifully:
Mood-Based Recommendations: Story Graph’s ability to recommend books based on mood, pace, and themes is unparalleled.
Detailed Stats: For data nerds, Story Graph’s detailed breakdown of your reading habits—from genres to page counts—is addictive.
Custom Challenges: You can create or join challenges tailored to specific themes or goals, which adds an extra layer of motivation.
Independent Feel: Unlike Good Reads, which is owned by Amazon, Story Graph is an independent platform, and its minimalist, distraction-free design is a refreshing change.
My Strategy for Success
Mix It Up: I’m planning to balance fiction and nonfiction, sprinkle in audiobooks for commutes, and tackle shorter books during busy months.
Set Milestones: Breaking the year into quarters, I’ll aim to complete at least 12-13 books every three months.
Engage with Community: I’ll share reviews and updates on both platforms to stay accountable and get inspired by others.
Prioritise Joy: While it’s tempting to focus on “serious” or “worthy” reads, I’ll ensure there’s plenty of room for fun, lighthearted choices.
The Joy of the Challenge
Beyond the numbers, this challenge is about rekindling my love for reading and discovering stories that resonate. Whether it’s through Good Reads’ community or Story Graph’s insightful data, these tools are helping me stay organised, inspired, and excited for the journey ahead.
So, here’s to a year of turning pages and expanding horizons. If you’re embarking on a reading challenge of your own, I’d love to hear about your goals, strategies, and recommendations. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember—one book at a time.