Reading Resolutions: September is the “Other” New Year

September marks a season of new beginnings. It is the beginning of an academic year much like the start of a calendar year. Kids go back to school, schedules change, and things feel different as summer draws to a close. As such, September presents the perfect opportunity for readers to set fresh goals and embark on literary journeys.

Let's take a look at ten engaging personal reading goals you can set this month that will reignite your love for books and inspire you to expand your literary horizons. Put the kids on the bus and grab a book; it's time to read.

1. The Classics Expedition: Rediscover Timeless Literature

Challenge yourself to read a selection of classic novels within a specified time frame. For instance, aim to read at least five iconic works before Christmas, such as Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, or F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Or choose a single classic novel and then engage in discussions or write reviews after completion to deepen your understanding and enhance your experience.

2. Genre Exploration: Venturing Beyond Your Comfort Zone

Step out of your reading comfort zone by exploring genres you haven't read before. Set a goal to read books from genres like historical fiction (The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah), science fiction (Dune by Frank Herbert), or graphic novels (Maus by Art Spiegelman). A great goal might be to read three books from three different genres that are new to you.

3. The International Odyssey: Discover World Literature

Immerse yourself in the rich diversity of world literature by reading books written by authors from different cultures and countries. Create a list that includes titles such as One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez (Colombia), Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami (Japan), and Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe (Nigeria). Your goal could be to read literature from five distinct regions around the world.

4. The Personal Growth Pilgrimage: Non-Fiction and Self-Help

Set a goal to read non-fiction and self-help books contributing to your growth. For instance, you might aim to read three self-help books such as Atomic Habits by James Clear, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, and Grit by Angela Duckworth. Reflect on the insights you gain and apply them to enhance your life.

5. The Modern Mastery: Exploring Contemporary Literature

Stay current with the literary scene by reading a series of contemporary novels. Plan to read one book from a critically acclaimed modern author each month for the next year. Your list could include Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, Normal People by Sally Rooney, and The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. Engage with book communities online or join book clubs to share your thoughts on these current works.

6. Page to Screen: Read Books Adapted into Movies or TV Shows

Select a list of books adapted into movies or TV shows and challenge yourself to read them before watching the adaptations. Choose books like The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, and The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. Set a goal to read at least four of these books and enjoy comparing the storytelling approaches in both formats.

7. The Bibliophile's Book Club: Form Your Own Reading Group

Gather a group of friends or colleagues to create a reading club and engage in lively discussions. Collaboratively choose enjoyable books and spark great conversation, such as Educated by Tara Westover, Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, and Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. Set a goal to read a predetermined number of books together within a specific timeframe. Rotate the role of discussion leader and encourage members to share diverse perspectives.

8. The Series Marathon: Delve into a Book Series

Challenge yourself to start and finish a captivating book series that spans multiple volumes. Set a goal to read a trilogy or a longer series, such as J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, or Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. Immerse yourself in the intricate worlds and character arcs that unfold across the series by setting yourself up for a satisfying book binge.

9. Literary Prize Pursuit: Explore Award-Winning Books

Embark on an amazing literary quest through award-winning books by setting a goal to read novels that have received prestigious literary prizes. Choose titles that have won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, Man Booker Prize, or National Book Award, such as The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead, or The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen.

10. Author Deep Dive: Dive into the Works of a Specific Author

Choose a beloved author and dig deep into their bibliography to comprehensively understand their writing style and themes. Your goal might involve reading five or more books by an author such as Jane Austen, Ernest Hemingway, or Toni Morrison. This approach allows you to witness the evolution of an author's craft while uncovering hidden gems in their entire body of work.

Jump at the Joy of Reading Resolutions

As the calendar flips to September, use this time to set personal reading goals to infuse your reading time with excitement and fulfillment. Whether you're rekindling your love for classics, venturing into uncharted genres, or exploring world literature, each goal promises a unique adventure. Engaging with self-help books, diving into contemporary works, and discovering the world of adaptations enriches your reading experience. Forming a book club fosters meaningful discussions and strengthens your reading community.

DiscoverBooks.com provides a vast collection to support your resolutions, making September the perfect time to embrace the joy of reading, embark on unforgettable literary escapades, and pick up all the titles you need to meet your goals in one place. With low prices and free shipping on orders over $12, you can afford to get all the books you need to meet your new reading goals.