The Tyranny of the Number
In our quantified world, it’s easy to believe that anything worth doing is worth measuring. We track our steps, our screen time, and our calories. So, when it comes to reading, we set targets. The Goodreads Annual Reading Challenge, for instance, saw
millions of users sign up to read hundreds of millions of books in recent years. While these goals can provide an initial burst of motivation, they often transform a source of pleasure into a source of pressure. Reading becomes a task, a race to a finish line. The focus shifts from the internal experience of the story to the external validation of ticking another book off the list. This can lead to what some call the 'chorification' of reading, turning a beloved hobby into homework.
Choosing Depth Over Distance
When the goal is to read a high number of books, our choices can become compromised. We might subconsciously favour shorter, simpler books over longer, more complex ones. An 800-page historical epic or a dense philosophical text becomes a liability in a race against the calendar. This is a trade-off between quantity and quality, not of the book itself, but of our engagement with it. True reading, the kind that changes us, requires time. It involves pausing to reflect on a beautiful sentence, re-reading a confusing passage, or simply putting the book down to think. This 'deep reading' activates critical parts of our brain responsible for empathy and critical thinking, benefits that are often lost when we prioritise speed.
The Social Media Scoreboard
Platforms like Goodreads, Instagram, and TikTok have created vibrant communities for book lovers. They are wonderful spaces for discovering new authors and sharing recommendations. However, the public nature of these platforms can also create a performative pressure. The reading challenge can feel like a competition, not just with ourselves, but with everyone on our feed. There's a subtle anxiety that can creep in when you see you are 'behind schedule' on your goal. This can lead to a sense of guilt or even shame, emotions that have no place in a leisure activity meant to bring joy and enrichment. The goal should not be to build a library of books you’ve rushed through, but to build a life enriched by the stories you’ve truly lived in.
A Gentler Approach
So, what’s the alternative? Instead of a resolution, cultivate a ritual. Instead of a number, focus on consistency. Try reading for just 15-20 minutes a day. This small, achievable habit is more sustainable than a lofty annual goal. Always have a book with you, whether physical or digital, to turn idle moments—waiting in a queue, commuting—into reading opportunities. Give yourself permission to abandon a book you're not enjoying; life is too short to read something out of obligation. Explore different genres, from poetry to short stories, to match your mood and energy level. The aim is to integrate reading into your life so seamlessly that it becomes as natural as breathing, not another task to manage.
