How I Beat My 2024 Goodreads Challenge and Tips for 2025

I absolutely love Goodreads! It’s an excellent platform for keeping track of everything I’ve read and reflecting on my favorite novels from the past year. One of my favorite features is the Goodreads Challenge. It inspires me to establish reading goals and push myself to discover more excellent books this year. In 2024, I’ll be pleased to report that I not only met, but much exceeded, my Goodreads Challenge! It was an incredible experience, and I can’t wait to tell you how I did it and which books made it so memorable.

Beating My Goodreads Challenge (2024) + Tips for 2025

How Setting a Realistic Reading Goal Helped Me Succeed

Every year, Goodreads asks me to join in their Reading Challenge. Before making a goal, I always take the time to consider what types of books I want to prioritize for the coming year.

In 2024 I hoped to finally tackle some great masterpieces that have been on my list for years. Along with these, I included other annual favorites like How Grinch Stole Christmas! This method assisted me in setting a realistic target of 52 books, one every week. It felt doable while still providing for time to enjoy each read.

By fall, I realized I’d underestimated my progress and was only a couple of books away from completing the challenge. With plenty of time left, I adjusted my goal to 70 books, which aligned better with past years, where my targets ranged from 51 to 82.

I’d like to read more, but setting a simple goal makes it more fun and stress-free. It’s about enjoying each book, not rushing to a number.

How Balancing Long and Short Reads: My Key to Reading Success

In 2024, I read a wide range of books, with my longest being a hefty 1,368 pages, and the shortest just 28 pages. On average, my books were around 211 pages long. Balancing between shorter and longer titles was key for me—not just to meet my Goodreads Challenge but also to keep things interesting and give my mind fresh things to think about.

We might dream of reading long novels like War and Peace, but we shouldn’t rush through them. Reading books of different lengths keeps it fun.

I mix up formats too: novels, non-fiction, graphic novels, omnibuses, and scripts. Omnibuses are long, but scripts are short, and both are enjoyable. This variety kept me engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

How Reading Multiple Books at Once Boosted My Reading Journey

This may be a controversial idea and it is not for everyone, but I frequently read several novels at the same time. This gives me a range of options based on my mood or whenever I have a few extra minutes.

For example, I can’t take a giant novel on the bus without it weighing me down, but I can easily carry a novella or a poetry book. When I’m in the mood for something more meaningful, a heavy book about Van Gogh works perfectly.

Some people worry that reading multiple books will make it hard to remember the storylines, and I understand that concern. But it’s easier to keep track if you’re reading different genres or formats. If you’re reading a romance, you won’t confuse the characters with those from a thriller. Similarly, a non-fiction book won’t make you forget about Scrooge from A Christmas Carol.

Even if you can only manage reading two books at a time, that’s better than sticking to just one, and it will help you make quicker progress toward your Reading Challenge goal. Plus, there are apps that can make it even easier to read more each year.

How Checking ISBNs Made My Reading More Organized

During my visit to Greenway, Agatha Christie’s holiday home, I picked up a small guidebook about the place. It was a pleasant read, and I made sure to add it to the My Books section on Goodreads.

You might be surprised by how many things have an ISBN, which is the barcode you often find on the back of books. It is often used by retailers to monitor products, but it is also a useful tool for identifying certain versions of books on Goodreads, particularly when searching by title alone is ineffective.

What surprised me even more was the variety of items I could add to Goodreads beyond just books. I could add comics, audio dramas, and even visitor guides to my collection.

I’ve set some personal rules for this. For example, I read so many comics that listing all of them would turn into a full-time job, so I don’t do that. But graphic novels definitely count. It’s all about making your own rules, and you might be surprised at how many different items have ISBNs that you can add to your Goodreads library.

How Audiobooks Boosted My Reading Journey

Does listening to an audiobook count as reading? It depends on personal preference, but you’re still enjoying the story or learning from it, so it counts for many people.

Spotify Premium has audiobooks, making it easier to hit your reading goals. If a book is hard to find or expensive, you can just listen to the audio version.

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Local libraries also offer free audiobooks and audio dramas to borrow. Checking out your library is a great way to enjoy more books and finish your Reading Challenge for 2025.