Reading Goals refers to the practice of setting annual book reading targets, gamifying reading through platforms like Goodreads and social media tracking.
Popular Goal Formats
- Goodreads Reading Challenge: Set annual book number goal (most common: 52 books)
- 52 Books in 52 Weeks: One book per week
- 100+ Books: Ambitious reader goal
- Genre challenges: Read X books from specific categories
- Diverse reading: Authors from underrepresented groups
The Goodreads Effect
Goodreads Reading Challenge (launched 2011):
- 4+ million participants annually
- Creates social pressure/motivation
- Tracks progress publicly
- Generates friendly competition
Debates
Reading goals spark controversy:
- Pro: Motivates consistent reading, tracks accomplishments
- Con: Prioritizes quantity over quality, creates reading anxiety
- “DNF guilt”: Fear of quitting books when behind on goals
- Speedreading concerns: Racing through books without absorption
Alternative Approaches
Readers suggest:
- Pages read vs book count (no short book gaming)
- Reading time vs titles
- Quality-focused (no numeric goal)
- Genre diversity over numbers
Social Media Sharing
#ReadingGoals features:
- Progress updates
- “I reached my goal!” celebrations
- Mid-year check-ins
- Year-end wrap-ups
Sources:
- Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/
- Book Riot: https://bookriot.com/