As the new year begins, there’s something very hopeful about setting a few gentle reading resolutions. Not the kind that feel like chores, but the kind that invite you to slow down and reconnect with the joy of reading. Whether it’s finally tackling that book that’s been on your shelf for months, exploring a new genre, or simply making time to read more often, a reading resolution is a promise to yourself to pause and to escape into something new.
Here are some of our reading resolutions for the 2026. What are yours?
Marianne
I suspect I made the same resolution last year, but this year I want to read some of the backlog of books I have at home waiting to be read. I commit to making time for reading, and for having a book nearby to pick up instead of my phone.
I'd like to read aloud more (who wants to listen?) and I also intend to read out of my comfort zone, whether that's more non-fiction, or giving book club books I'd not necessarily have chosen myself a good go. Reading is very much on my agenda for 2026, I'm looking forward to being properly back in the habit soon.
Olivia
I am starting this year with the intention of reading some classics that little Liv would have been intimidated by! I listened to Sara and Cariad's Weirdo Book Club podcast episode with Juliet Stephenson and now I have the grand idea of tackling some Elizabeth Gaskell and maybe even a George Eliot!
I am aiming to make reading before bed a bit more of a regular habit and to use my commute to listen to audiobooks. I'm currently listening to some short stories and the 40 minute journey time gives me ample opportunity to be absorbed by a tale or two.
I also run a book club and I really want to put a bit more thought and preparation into our discussions. I've really enjoyed the titles we read in 2025, but was often rushing to finish them and didn't have as much time to think on them as I'd have liked! 2026 Liv is organised. Watch this space.
Alisha
I will be making a conscious effort to make more time for reading physical books in 2026, to fight the fight for attention with my phone, where I read a lot, but I have a stack of beautiful paper ones on my shelf, staring at me!
I will also continue with one of my aims for 2025, which was to read a more diverse range of authors and book settings. I've loved this aim and it feels like a really positive one to continue into 2026. I can't wait!
Aishah
In 2026 I want to concentrate on books that I have been gifted. I have a backlog of these waiting patiently on my shelves and I'd like to give them the attention that they deserve.
I also love reading outside, whether it's in a café, watching the world go by, (and people watching!) or in the park in summertime, so I'll be making sure to have books with me as soon as the weather is nice enough to be outside again.
I also intend to join my local library both for access to all the physical branches, as well as all the e-books and audiobooks they offer. If you're not a library member yet, why not?
Nic
I am looking forward to the warm weather when I can enjoy reading a book in my lovely, peaceful garden. I like crime, so I intend to follow my heart and go wherever my fancy takes me, books wise. I may also read more titles of the authors I have liked.
I really like interiors books, but my intention is to enjoy browsing them but not actually buying them. We will see how that one goes...
