I have read only 18 books so far in 2025. And honestly, I am perfectly okay with it.
Does it make me any less of a book blogger? Absolutely not! We, as book bloggers, are expected to read at least a hundred books a year. Add to that the pressure of reading the next big title as soon as it is released (or earlier if the ARC Gods are kind) and sharing reviews as soon as possible. Being on top of the book lists for the theme of the month. In all this rush, shortcuts are tempting and the reader somehow takes a back seat.
Taking It Slow
This year has been a year of reset for me. A year of taking stock. Of setting priorities. And among other things, a year I stepped back to gauge if the reader in me was getting lost in the blogger and content creator.
The reading goal at the top of my list for 2025 was to take it slow. I didn’t sign up for any reading challenges this year or set a Goodreads goal until a couple of months in. I wanted to return to the basics. Taking it slow. Picking up the books I want to read. No added stress of reaching the x y z goal. One of the goals I stuck to and could not have been happier.
Letting Go Of The Pressure
As book bloggers and content creators, our success is measured by how many books we have read in a month. Like it or not, the pressure does creep in when we are struggling with just one or two books and the others have finished almost ten.
In the past few years, I have done myself a favor and ditched the guilt. DNF-ing the books that were not working. Or as I like to call it, putting them on the back burner. Above all, I stopped comparing myself with others. We all have our journeys. This came in handy than ever before.
I may not have shared as many book reviews this year. And barely posted on Instagram. That still makes me a book blogger. And more so, a blogger is a reader first.
Reading Is Not A Race
FOMO is real. And not just when it comes to books. The pressure to constantly consume content wears us down. It has slowly become less intentional and more mechanical.
I have said it umpteen times and will say it again. Reading is not a race. A book is not a number. An item to check off the list. What is the point of reading x number of books if you cannot remember half of them? Judgemental much? Maybe. But I feel it is a disservice to the author to treat their book as a number.
What I Have Been Reading
I have been reading, but at a much slower pace this year. The Secret Lives of Colour by Kassia St Clair (recommended by Suchita @ Tales of Suchita) took me almost a month to finish, and I loved every minute of it. Legally Yours by Manasi Chaudhari had me highlighting every other page. A book that I plan to keep returning to. Not to miss the books by the authors from the Blogchatter community. Some of whom are dear friends. Last but not least, a bunch of Archie’s comics too! I am currently exploring the #BlogchatterBookList of 2025 longlist featuring Indian authors.
It has also been a year to upgrade my skill set. That included tons of course material. AI is here to stay, and we do need to keep up with it.
The Road Ahead
There is still more than a third of the year to go. I do not plan to make any drastic changes. Maybe next year, I will be back to the regular updates and reading lists. Maybe not. As long as I continue to read, I’m sorted.
As for book blogging, it is not about the number of books you read in a year. It is about authenticity, your opinions, and your voice.
This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mads’ Cookhouse.
Photo credit: Canva.com
August 11, 2025 @ 1:58 pm
Glad to read this post. I am a slow reader and can totally relate to what you’re saying.
August 20, 2025 @ 4:22 pm
Thoughtful post. And so relatable. I like to read at my own pace. I have read just 13 books so far (and left 15 books unfinished, so embarrassing and annoying).
August 22, 2025 @ 9:32 am
True, sometimes coping with the number of books you want to read in a period can become a source of stress.
I’m waiting for your reviews on the Blogchatter long list.
August 22, 2025 @ 1:12 pm
Loved reading this post. It was as if I was reading my thoughts.
“for book blogging, it is not about the number of books you read in a year. It is about authenticity, your opinions, and your voice.”
I think this is so important. To have your own voice when you are writing a review. I read so many reviews that are either saccharine sweet . Too often, people forget that reviews need to be balanced. So many people read books based on what we recommend, and it is our responsibility to be honest.
August 29, 2025 @ 6:41 pm
Everytime I read a positive and compelling book review I would get the book and keep it till one day the pile looked threatening and engulfing. I had to remind myself that it is O.K. if I cannot read every good book or watch every good film. It is like a hoarding habit which I am now being mindful about.Your posts help me stay mindful and feel okay about not being able to write a book review every day.
September 8, 2025 @ 12:37 pm
I am exactly at the same spot where I feel DNF-ing is fine, earlier I would complete the book no matter what! Now I just need to stop falling for the buzz around a book and keep picking the ones that I am purely interested in. Thanks for this wonderful post!
September 19, 2025 @ 10:27 pm
Agree. Reading should be enjoyable, and one should not be under pressure. That spoils the whole fun. I have long exited reading challenges. I choose books, savor them, and enjoy the whole process.
September 21, 2025 @ 11:07 am
I am so glad you wrote about this. If it is any consolation, I have only read 2 books this year, so far. These reading challenges took the joy out of reading for me.
I am glad you are using this year to reset yourself – It’s always the best story we write and others read. More power to you!
September 21, 2025 @ 1:46 pm
I am in the same space. I got so exhausted with writing A2Z and other challenges that I just took a backseat. I read what I enjoy, didn’t write for almost 3 months! and now, have moved on to things that make the blog worthwhile. I’ve so many posts that I haven’t recirculated that I am now working on those one-by-one at my own pace. Reading and writing has to be quality and not push and shove, only then it is therapeutic.
September 21, 2025 @ 7:47 pm
Yes there was a time I was getting panic attacks because I was hoarding too many books , adding books as per suggestions in the book clubs having FOMO but I have slowed down. I will only take up buying fresh books once I exhaust my reading list and it is OK to not being able to read all the books that other find fascinating.
September 22, 2025 @ 10:52 am
This is fantastic. Finally, someone admitting that treating reading like a competitive sport can turn a library into a literary anxiety-den. It’s a relief to know we can just enjoy a book without feeling the need to immediately conquer another one right after.
September 22, 2025 @ 2:33 pm
I was sharing the other day that all these lists of books that come out takes the joy of reading what we would want to. I liked my younger reading days way more than the present. Today it is more to show to the world the reader in us rather than enjoy the process. Hence your post stands out to remember the joy to take it slow
September 22, 2025 @ 2:36 pm
Your post reminded me of a conversation in recent times. I enjoyed the reader in me during my younger days. These days trying to keep up with the lists is taking away this simple pleasure of reading . I am glad about this reminder of taking it slow
September 23, 2025 @ 11:37 am
I can so relate and agree with this blog. It’s a personal space choice and interest. Love the way you highlighted all the points.
September 23, 2025 @ 12:23 pm
Reading Is Not A Race – The most powerful line of the post. And I am the one who falls in this category who dont race. Do you there are mentors who teach you how to read 200 books faster in some stipulated days if I am not wrong in a month and people are getting trained by them… My god where is reading going… Its not a competition guys …. its literature you need to feel what you read and then write a review if you really wish to. 30 secs reel reviews are also coming these day…. Is this reading and reviewing in real terms?
September 24, 2025 @ 12:29 pm
completely resonate with this! Reading should be about joy, not numbers. Your reminder to savor books, DNF without guilt, and prioritize authenticity over speed is empowering and refreshing.
September 24, 2025 @ 12:37 pm
Reading is my comfort zone and escape and I love to do it only for me. That’s one of the reasons I don’t sign up for challenges or write a lot of reviews. I’m happy you’re enjoying taking it slow. I love your recommendations and would be ready for them when you are!
September 24, 2025 @ 2:27 pm
I have always loved reading at my own pace. Although joing a reading challenge for the first time this year has helped me read regularly but I am planning to return to mood reading next year. Your post highlights the reading race that we see in IG these days. I sometimes wonder how the bookstagrammers keep on posting reviews so quickly, may be that’s their style but glad to read your post!
September 24, 2025 @ 4:15 pm
Reading this post was a great relief, Ritu. In fact, I sighed out loud. It means that even I have maxed out the books I have read almost all my life and I do not have to compete with anyone. I have reduced social media posts as well. It is getting too toxic for me. The constant numbers and the new ways of creating content. I just cannot keep up the pace anymore. Thank you for making me feel I am normal.
September 25, 2025 @ 12:45 am
I am nodding along as i read this. I too have slowed down and am more conscious about savoring the read than just completing it to add to my goodreads challenge!
September 25, 2025 @ 1:00 am
I truly resonate with your perspective on slowing down and embracing intentional reading. The pressure to read more can be overwhelming, but your approach reminds us that quality and authenticity matter more than numbers. Thank you for sharing this refreshing outlook.
September 25, 2025 @ 7:53 am
It’s always great to take a step back. Although Ritu I thought that you are a voracious reader. Both paces are good because reading should be for the soul and not for reviews or numbers.
September 25, 2025 @ 8:24 am
I can very much relate to this
I read to unwind myself or get lost in another world. But this has seriously become a rat race
September 25, 2025 @ 9:14 pm
Oh I agree wholeheartedly. Numbers have never mattered to me but as I grow older I am learning to be okay with DNFing books, even the highly recommended ones. I am learning to be guided only by what I enjoy – keeping it simple.
October 6, 2025 @ 8:39 pm
Such a refreshing reminder that reading should be for joy, not tallies. Your slower pace, genuine connection with each book, and letting go of comparison was so well said. Keep doing you
October 9, 2025 @ 12:21 pm
Reading slow has its own charm and allows us to live with a character and story for longer. Glad you’re enjoying it..