2021 Reading Goals

I usually create a list of the specific books I want to read each year and then read strictly from that list; I will then add to the list as “spaces” open up. However, this year, I’m going to switch things up a bit and not read from a set list. I do have some books, authors, and genres I definitely want to get to this year, but again, I’m just going to “wing it” a bit more and see where I’m naturally led as the year develops. I’m also not going to set a specific number of books I want to read; I’ll just read what I’m able to and see what the total is at the end. 

I have seven books here, all of which I definitely want to read this year, but they also represent the various categories I’ll be gravitating towards. 

• The Brother’s Karamazov, Fyodor Dostoyevsky - This is the book that’s at the top of my list this year; it also represents continuing to read as many Classics as possible. 

• Outline, Rachel Cusk - I’ve been on the fence about reading the Outline Trilogy, as I’ve come across mixed reviews. I decided to just go for it! This also represents my goal to read more contemporary literary fiction. I have my eyes on Hamnet and ducks, Newburyport (if I can squeeze in another 1000 pager).

• Bleak House, Charles Dickens - Victorian Classics are my jam and I will continue reading them in 2021. Also, Bleak House is one of those massive novels I find intimidating, so I’ll be tackling it this year. 

• Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel - I love historical fiction and Wolf Hall is a must read for me in 2021. I’ll also be reading more historical fiction from Anya Seton and Rachel Weir.

• Mrs. Dalloway, Virginia Woolf - I’ve stayed away from Woolf in the past, thinking I wouldn’t “get her.” However, I’m very intrigued, so I’m starting with Mrs. Dalloway. This also represents reading more modern classics this year. I specifically have my eyes on Iris Murdoch, Evelyn Waugh, and more Barbara Pym and Elizabeth Taylor. 

• A Little Life, Hanya Yanagihara - Ahhh, books that you’re mildly terrified to read because of the content. I don’t shy away from the tough/traumatic stuff so, here we are... This book also represents a discussion I want to have about realism in fiction, because people actually have experienced life to this degree. 

• The Secret History, Donna Tartt - I’ve had this book on my TBR for years (before I even knew it was a cult classic), but wasn’t sure if I wanted to really read it or not. I also want to read more dark academia/campus novels. 

Have you read, or do you plan to read any of these novels? What books are on your 2021 TBR?

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