As 2025 approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our personal and professional growth - and what better way to do that than by setting ambitious goals for 2025? For me, reading has always been more than just a hobby; it’s a way to stay connected to fresh ideas, explore new perspectives, and relax. Even as someone who loves to read, I was surprised that I read over 200 books in 2024, and I’m excited to try to beat that number in 2025! Whether you’re aiming to read a certain number of books like me or simply want to expand your horizons, the keys to achieving your reading goal are consistency and book selection. 

Modern Reading: Options for Every Lifestyle

Before diving into some book suggestions, it’s important to recognize the many ways we can engage with books today. Whether you prefer the feel (and smell!) of a physical book, the convenience of an eBook, or the multitasking potential of audiobooks, there’s no wrong way to read. I once had a colleague tell me that “audiobooks don’t count” - but I firmly disagree! 

Personally, I find that switching between reading modalities helps me stay consistent with my reading habits. I like to keep copies of physical books that I’m likely to read again and again - books related to my profession and all-time favorites. I bought a Kindle Paperwhite in 2021 to cut down on the amount of space books take up in my home and have the flexibility to read on the go. It took me a while to adjust to this new format, but I love my Kindle now, especially when traveling. I also listen to audiobooks often, especially while driving, exercising, cleaning, and sometimes even while working! 

Additionally, there are so many ways you can access books in 2025. Check out your local library! Not only do they have physical books, but they also likely have eBooks and audiobooks through a platform like Libby or Hoopla. Supporting your local library by using these apps (and their in-person selection of books) will also save you time and money. Of the 200+ books I read this year, about 80% of them came from the library at no cost to me. Considering the average book is approximately $16, I saved over $2,500 by supporting my local library in 2024!

Tips for Achieving Your Reading Goals in 2025

While setting a reading goal each January is exciting, consistency is key to making it achievable. Here are some strategies that have worked for me:

1. Set Daily or Weekly Goals: Rather than focusing on the big number of books you hope to read in a year, think about how many pages you want to read each day or how much time you can commit to reading. For example, reading 30 minutes or 30 pages a day may be a useful way to start chipping away at your reading goal in a consistent fashion. 

2. Mix Formats: As I mentioned earlier, combining different types of book formats can make it easier to read consistently. Keep an audiobook on deck for when you’re commuting or at the gym or a physical book on your desk for downtime between meetings. 

3. Join a Reading Group or Book Club: Accountability can go a long way toward sticking to any goal, and reading is no exception! Book clubs often involve members reading the same book and meeting to reflect on it. Alternatively, reading groups usually read their own books independently but check in regularly to see how each other’s reading is going. Today, both book clubs and reading groups can be found in-person or online. Check out your local bookstore or coffee shop for in-person opportunities, or head to Facebook or Reddit to find global or regional groups of interest. 

Aubree’s Suggested Reads for 2025

If you work in education, leadership, or any field that involves strategic thinking and change, the right books can provide both inspiration and practical advice. Here are some must-reads to consider adding to your list for 2025:

1. “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek. Sinek’s exploration of leadership emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of trust and safety. This book is great for those who work in an environment where fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace is key to success. 

2. “Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard” by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. This book is packed with practical advice on how to lead change in organizations. Whether you’re part of a strategic planning committee or leading a project at your organization, “Switch” offers insight into understanding resistance to change and how to build momentum for transformation. 

3. “Dear Committee Members” by Julie Schumacher. For a lighter read with an academic setting, Schumacher’s witty epistolary novel captures the quirks of academic life through a series of recommendation letters and other correspondence written by a disillusioned professor. This satirical take on university bureaucracy offers plenty of laughs while still highlighting the pressures of working in higher education. If you like it, you can also check out the second and third books in this trilogy: “The Shakespeare Requirement” and “The English Experience.” Notably, all three are excellent in the audiobook format! 

As you set your own reading goals for 2025, consider what books will help you grow both personally and professionally. Whether you’re diving into leadership strategies or just picking up a novel to relax after a long day at work, books can be an excellent tool for growth and change. Here’s to a great year of great reads!