I Read 365 Books This Year, and Here Is Why I Wouldn’t Do It Again

When I fell down the stairs and broke two of my metatarsals on December 31st, 2022, I had a few thoughts. Some were of the irritated and frustrated variety, but one was a beacon of hope during a painful and inconvenient moment. This may finally be the year I read 365 books. Let me put some things in context for you.

Reading 365 books in 365 days had long been a pipe dream of mine for no other reason than I once saw someone else do it on Goodreads and thought it looked cool. I’ve always been something of a prolific reader. Over the past few years, I’ve never not hit 100, but 365 presented itself as a unique challenge to me. Plus, I was at a stage of my life – childless, working from home, free of most major responsibilities – where that goal might be achievable. I decided that 2023 was going to be my year.

Well, fast forward to now, and the deed is done. I hit my goal (a little early, actually), and it feels good – albeit a little strange. Who am I if I’m no longer working towards my obscene reading goal?

Over the past year and throughout the challenge, I think I’ve learned a lot, both about reading and myself. So, if you don’t want to take on 365 books in a year yourself, here’s the inside scoop from someone who actually managed it.

Faster Is Not Better

My first lesson is that reading 365 books in a year is not a good practice. Reading a book to get it finished doesn’t just suck some of the joy out – it also means I don’t read as well. I’m sure there are books from this year that I’ll reread in the future and realise I didn’t appreciate fully the first time around. While I think my reading efficiency has improved, I think that sometimes it’s to my detriment, too.

Different Lengths Have Different Purposes

Because of my enormous reading target, I prioritised the shortest books I had available, particularly at the start of the year. This does mean I’ve gained a newfound appreciation for the tinies – Claire Keegan’s So Late In The Day stands out as a perfect, hour-long reading experience. That said, I’m also looking forward to immersing myself in some long and epic books now my challenge is over. Don DeLillo’s Underworld, I’m looking at you in 2024.

It’s Good To Know What You Like

If there’s anything I can say I’ve gained from my year of reading, it’s that I truly feel in touch with my tastes. I can now pretty much judge a book by its cover. And now, I’m free from my extreme reading challenge; I feel confident knowing that if I’m not enjoying a book, I can trust my judgement and DNF. But I still recommend reading outside of the box.

That said, some of my most loved books this year have surprised me. When I read the blurb of Otessa Moshfegh’s Lapvona, I wasn’t sure it would be for me. I found it one of the most rewarding reading experiences of the year. Would I want every book I read to be Lapvona-esque? Absolutely not. However, experimenting a little with my taste helps me to achieve a more well-balanced literary diet. 

Writing About Reading Is Highly Rewarding

Writing about reading was a new passion I discovered in my year of 365 books. While writing and reading have always been two of the most prevalent passions in my life, for some reason, I’d never combined the two. But going through some of my most beloved books of the year with a fine toothcomb, taking notes, and underlining quotes gave me happy nostalgia for my English degree.

Looking To The Future

Having read 365 books this year, I feel confident in saying I never want to do it again. I don’t think it’s good practice. I don’t think it leads to quality reading, and I think it could negatively affect the enjoyment of what is supposed to be a hobby. That said, I’m glad I did it, and I’ll always look back on this reading year with a fondness and big respect for myself.

Next year, I want to read fewer books and longer books. I want to confidently give up halfway through books that aren’t capturing me. And I don’t want to even consider saying no to a plan because I’m stressed about my reading targets. Reading is one of the most important things in my life – but it’s not more important than life.