Every January, a wave of enthusiasm sweeps across social media platforms as readers enthusiastically declare their reading ambitions for the year ahead. Whether it’s aiming to conquer 50, 75, or even 100 books, the shared excitement is palpable. Yet, beneath this trend lies a pressing question: can setting reading targets actually reinvigorate our love for literature, or does it risk reducing the joy of reading to mere numbers?
The Rise of Reading Metrics
In an era dominated by digital distractions, the act of reading often finds itself sidelined. Recent statistics reveal a troubling trend: only about 50% of UK adults engage with books for pleasure, a notable decline from 58% in 2015. As the UK embarks on its National Year of Reading, commentators have raised alarms about the potential collapse of book culture, suggesting that a society increasingly disconnected from literature could face a broader cultural crisis.
Against this backdrop, many have turned to reading goals as a means of regaining control. These self-imposed targets offer a semblance of discipline and a clear path towards progress. However, the growing fixation on metrics raises concerns about whether reading is being transformed into another competitive endeavour, stripped of its inherent pleasure.
The Double-Edged Sword of Goal-Setting
Ayesha Chaudhry, co-founder of the Instagram account @between2books, reflects on her own experience with reading targets. “The numbers I see online are wildly unsustainable,” she remarks. After years of setting ambitious yearly goals, she chose to slow down, reading just ten books last year—her lowest tally since childhood. This shift allowed her to engage more deeply with each title, transforming reading from a checklist item into a shared social experience.
Chaudy’s journey echoes the sentiments of philosopher C Thi Nguyen, author of *The Score*, who explores the implications of gamifying everyday activities. Nguyen cautions against reducing complex experiences to mere numbers, warning that this trend may distort our appreciation for the very activities we cherish. “Curiosity, delight and genuine meaning cannot survive translation into a spreadsheet,” he asserts.
Alternatives to Numeric Tracking
Not everyone subscribes to the notion that reading metrics enhance the experience. Ella Risbridger, author of *In Love With Love*, represents a contrasting viewpoint. Last year, she read over 1,000 romance novels but refused to track her progress. “Reading is where I go to escape targets,” she notes, highlighting the importance of maintaining a sense of freedom and enjoyment in the literary journey.
For others, the pressure of metrics can be overwhelming. Journalist Afua Hirsch, who has judged major literary awards, recalls the strain of reading under tight deadlines. “Your brain becomes like a computer. You’re processing, and that’s stressful,” she explains. After such intense periods, she often requires time to rediscover the simple pleasure of reading without the weight of performance.
A Balanced Approach to Reading
While the debate over tracking reading continues, some argue that metrics can serve as useful tools, especially for those struggling to engage with literature. Nguyen acknowledges that numerical goals can provide initial motivation, particularly in light of declining literacy rates. “Metrics can help people get started,” he asserts, but emphasizes that they should eventually give way to intrinsic motivations for reading.
The emergence of platforms like StoryGraph, founded by Nadia Odunayo, further exemplifies this shift. Designed as an alternative to Goodreads, StoryGraph prioritises user experience over competition. Users can set page goals or engage in non-numerical challenges, encouraging a more holistic approach to reading without the pressure of quantifying progress.
Why it Matters
As we navigate a world increasingly defined by metrics and measurable achievements, the way we engage with literature is evolving. While reading goals may spark initial enthusiasm and help reinvigorate a waning culture, it’s crucial to remember that the essence of literature lies in its ability to connect us to ourselves and each other. The challenge moving forward is to balance the desire for progress with the inherent joy of reading, ensuring that our literary journey remains a source of personal growth and pleasure rather than a competitive race.
