20 Bookish New Year's Resolutions

Have you made your New Year's Resolution yet? If not, take a look at our 20 Bookish New Year's Resolutions:

Go to a new bookstore

We are creatures of habit and tend to stick with what we know. But why not try heading over to a new bookstore, and see what gems you can unearth?

Try a new author

We all have our favourite authors, whether it is J.K. Rowling, George R.R. Martin, or Stephen King. But maybe it's time to give a new author a go? You never know, you might just surprise yourself and find a new author to love.

Branch out into a different genre

Now, some of us are horror-heads, whilst others love a good romance or fantasy. But, if you stick to the same genre all the time, it's going to get a bit same-y. So, why not try a different genre instead? If you like horror, maybe give fantasy or sci-fi a go. Or if romance is your thing, maybe try reading a poetry book - mix it up!

Try to have a diverse reading collection

Much like the resolution above, we tend to stick with the same authors, same genres, same book-styles; it's easy to fit into a comfortable niche and stay there. But having a diverse collection is definitely the better option - perhaps try reading some more female authors? Or books written by minority authors? Whatever you do, just try to have a bit of everything.

Join a book club

If you love books as much as we do, then consider joining a book club! You'll be able to discuss your favourite books with like-minded individuals, and you could spark a friendly debate over plot points, characters and symbolism!

Use your local library

Before you could just order books online from Amazon or Waterstones, most of us got our books out of the local library. Consider supporting yours by joining up and heading down to see what you can take out. Just remember to return the book afterwards!

Try a different format (audio/e-book/paperback)

Again, this one is about breaking out of your comfort zone and trying something new. You might feel like paperback is the only way to go with a book - but maybe you should try listening to an audio-book? You don't have to sit down to do it - you can listen while you do other things as well! Or maybe, the next time you're on holiday, kick back with a Kindle and give e-books a shot.

Attend a book signing

If nothing else, you can get a signed copy out of it! Attending book signings is a good way to meet other people interested in similar books to you, get to know the author a bit more, and get yourself a nice, new book. It doesn't even have to be a big signing - there are plenty of local authors with smaller signings that you could go and support.

Start a book blog

Any reader has a strong opinion about the books they've read, whether you've loved them or hated them. So, why not start a book blog? You can review books and express your opinion for reads online; this not only promotes yourself, but promotes the author as well (whether it's good or bad promotion depends on the book). You can even contact publishing houses and authors themselves, and request a free review copy of a book, in exchange for an honest review.

Leave reviews for the books you’ve read

Much like the point above, this is something to consider if you're an avid reader. There are plenty of websites out there, where you can leave your own review on a book that you've read. Whether it's Goodreads, Amazon, Waterstones or your own blog, try to leave a comment and your thoughts about the novel, it's good and bad points, and what you thought on the whole.

Read the books you should have read in school

If you ever took English Literature at school (which most of us have), then you were assigned a book to read for class. It might have been Of Mice and Men, Romeo and Juliet, A Streetcar Named Desire or An Inspector Calls. Either way, we can bet you didn't read it...or you read parts of it at most. Maybe it's time to go back and read those assigned books and see what all the fuss was about.

Re-visit some old favourites with new eyes

We all had our favourite books when we were young, but you probably haven't re-read them in several years. Try going back with fresh eyes and reading them again with a new perspective. Do they still hold up?

Try a classic

Classics are classic for a reason - how many have you read? Try giving one a go, whether it's Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, or Little Women, you might find that you actually enjoy them.

Try a children’s book to chill out

It's nice to chill out with a book after a long day, but sometimes, you just can't face anything heavy. So, why not try a children's book? It could be Alice in Wonderland or maybe Wind in the Willows, or even a small, picture book. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to read and wind down, without giving yourself a headache or tiring your eyes.

Read bedtime stories to your children

Obviously, this only applies if you have children (or young siblings). There's nothing better as a child, than being snuggled up in bed and having Mum or Dad read you a bedtime story. It's great for bonding and allows you to spend some quality time with the kids, as well as encourages them to read more as they get older.

Try to read more in your spare time

When you have some spare time, rather than switching on the television or staring at your phone, try picking up a book instead. Not only is it better for your eyes and your brain, it's also a great way to get some more reading time in and a nice way to relax.

Read something self-published

Rather than sticking to the big publishing houses and imprints (Penguin, Ladybird, Puffin, etc), maybe try reading something self-published instead. You might be pleasantly surprised and find a real gem - just because it's not under a big name, doesn't mean that it isn't good.

Buy books from charities shops and donate the ones you’ve finished reading

Not all the best books are found in bookstores and online; it's always worth visiting your local charity shop and having a browse. You can find some real, lost gems, if you take the time to look, and you'll be supporting a good cause as well. You can even take this further and donate your finished books to charity, and give someone else the chance to enjoy them as well.

Design your ideal bookcase

Great literature needs a great home - so why not design your ideal bookcase! There are some great ideas online for inspiration, so just have a look and you're off! Whether you cover the whole thing in fairy lights, arrange your books by genre, or paint the shelf neon pink, make it your own!

Swap books with friends

If you're stumped on what to read next, try swapping a book with a friend. Not only do they get a chance to read something that you've enjoyed, but you get a new story to read and it might help you branch out into new genres and authors. True, what they're reading might not be to your taste, but you might end up enjoying something you'd never considered before.