Happy Friday!
I’m continuing my hop back into blogging with more lighthearted bookish content! It seems strange to do a New Year’s book tag on the last day of January, but hey – it’s still the first month of 2025, right?
I copied these tags from the lovely Katja at Little Blossoms for Jesus (you can find her post by clicking HERE!). She frequently shares fun bookish book tags, and I couldn’t pass up the chance to hop in on some New Year’s themed ones. I encourage you to go read her answers too!
Let’s jump in!
New Year’s Resolution Book Tag
1. An author that you’d like to read that you’ve never read before.
Bethany Atazadeh is one! She’s an indie author with an intriguing series of fairytale-inspired fantasy novels, and I’ve had my eye on them for quite a while now. In addition, she’s such a lovely person to interact with, so I’m hoping to try out her books and support her this year.
2. A book you’d like to read.
Ignite by Kara Swanson. I picked this one up on a crazy holiday sale but haven’t had a chance to read it yet. Look at that cover! I’ve read Kara’s Peter Pan duology and enjoyed that, so I have high hopes for this.
3. A classic you’d like to read.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I’ve had a copy of this for a while now and recently read another of her books – A Little Princess, which I LOVED – so I really want to read this one too. I’ve read quite a few classic, mostly middle-grade stories so far this year.
4. A book you’d like to reread.
Operation Grendel by Daniel Schwabauer! I read this twisting science fiction a while ago, but it’s the type of book that requires at least one reread to truly grasp everything, so I’m aiming to dive into it again soon. I’m not typically a science fiction reader, but this one is so well-written. I’m glad I tried it!
5. A book you’ve had for ages and want to read.
Confession: I’ve never actually read the Lord of the Rings series. I have all of the books now and am committed to getting through them soon, unlike middle-school me trying to read my parent’s copies. The movies are so good, I can’t believe I still haven’t read the books!
6. A big book you’d like to read.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. I picked up a copy of this massive book on a holiday sale and need to stop procrastinating just because of its size, haha. I’ve been told that if I can push through the first bit, it’s really hard to put down, and I’m very intrigued.
7. An author you’ve previously read and want to read more of.
Alissa J. Zavalianos! I read her fiction and poetry collection Aliferous last year, and it was so lovely and heart-warming (almost as sweet as she is – which is quite). I have two of her other books and am really looking forward to diving into them. Her stories are very cozy.
8. A book you got for Christmas and would like to read.
The God of the Garden by Andrew Peterson. This was a secret Santa gift for Christmas, and I’m so looking forward to reading it! I also have a copy of Peterson’s Adorning the Dark, and both books sound so uplifting and full of valuable reminders for Christian creatives.
9. A series you want to read from start to finish.
I’d say the Legends of Neverland series by Mary Mecham. I read the first book, Becoming Hook (a Peter Pan retelling), last year but have yet to read the rest. They sound very intriguing though, and I love the themes Mary incorporates seamlessly into her books, so I’m looking forward to the rest of the series!
10. Any other reading goals?
In general, I want to read more. If I learned anything from the crazy burnout last year, it’s that I’m not very good at recognizing when my creative well is sapped dry, but it sure makes a huge difference in my productivity and mental wellbeing! I want to take in lots of well-written fiction, as well as read at least one writing/publishing craft book each month. I find they really inspire me so I want to ensure I’m staying motivated and continuing to learn and grow. Also, I need to read more of the Bible – for obvious reasons.
The New Year’s Blog Tag
1. How many books are you planning to read in the new year?
Planning is a funny word, but my aim is 75. That’s quite a few more than I’ve read the past couple of years and I’m not sure if I’ll make it or not, but the year is off to an encouraging start. The specific number doesn’t matter much to me this year, as long as I’m consistently reading good books.
2. Name 5 books that you didn’t get to this year (2024) but want to make a priority in the new year (2025).
Hmm…. I’d say: A Noble Past by Anna Augustine, A Silent Hope by Madisyn Carlin, A Bond of Briars by Erin Phillips, Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel by Jessica Brody, and Heart of the Sea by Moriah Chavis.
3. What genre do you want to read more of in the new year?
Ooh, good question! I’ve been reading a lot more fairy-tale retelling and medieval adventures lately, which I want to continue, but I’m aiming to prioritize a lot more middle-grade books this year too. This year my heart is really craving those simple, often lighthearted, but really meaningful little stories.
4. Name 3 non-book-related goals for the new year.
I want to take a lot more walks with my husband, prioritize taking an intentional rest/Sabbath day as many weeks as I can, and garden! Last year I managed to grow a ridiculous excess of cherry tomatoes, but I’d like some other vegetables this year, haha.
5. What’s a book you’ve had forever that you still need to read?
Atomic Habits by James Clear. I keep saving it for when I’m ready to “really take everything in”, but I’m realizing that’s just more procrastination on my part. I’ve heard so many good things about it!
6. One word that you’re hoping the new year will be:
Healing. Joy is my growth word this year, but I think my longing largely boils down to healing, and I’m sure joy will naturally be part of that process.
Thank you again for the fun tags, Katja!
How would you answer these questions? I’d love to know, so please leave your answers in the comments below (or if you’re a blogger, on your own blog)! What bookish goals do you have for 2025?
Until next time!
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Oo, I just got Adorning the Dark too! Let me know if you need a buddy read. 😉
I would love that! <33
Love seeing you do the tag, Bella! 😊 You have some great books listed here. I really want to read Atomic Habits soon…
Thank you so much for sharing it! 🙂 Me too! If you ever want to do a buddy read, I’d definitely be up for it <33
Oooo, what a good idea!!! I might take you up on that.
Ooh, yay! <33