Top 10 Tuesday: 2025 Bookish Goals
Hello, everyone! Today I am joining The Artsy Reader Girl Top 10 Tuesdays, and it is my first time in a while participating in a blog linkup, and that’s because for the past few years, I’ve focused solely on my garden blogging. While I absolutely love my garden, I’ve realized that it feels a bit one-dimensional, and I’ve missed the broader conversations that come with discussing books and other passions. Which is why I started this new blog— Garden Feast was solely focused on food and gardening, and I wanted a space to explore more of what truly makes me who I am. Books are definitely a big part of that, and I love sharing that passion. So, allow me to introduce ourselves—
My name is Angie, and welcome to Bloom and Bark, a blog that celebrates the joys of gardening, food, and the things that help us cultivate a fulfilling life. It’s a place where nature, nourishment, and personal stories come together—offering gardening tips, delicious recipes, and heartfelt canine tales. Whether it’s digging into the dirt, savoring a homegrown meal, or sharing life’s little moments with a furry companion, Bloom and Bark inspires readers to embrace the simple pleasures that nurture both the earth and the soul.
A bit about us in 2024. Last year truly tested my resilience. From enduring the stress of a toxic workplace to facing the devastation of a house fire, it felt as though reading—one of my greatest joys—was pushed to the farthest corner of my life. When the fire struck in the middle of the night, it not only destroyed my home but also severely damaged a vast portion of my beloved book collection. Despite these challenges, I’m grateful that 2024 is now behind me, and with that, I’m choosing to embrace 2025 as a year of renewal and growth, especially when it comes to my reading journey.
For 2025, my goal is to expand my horizons beyond the cozy garden and kitchen-themed fiction that has always been my sanctuary. While those stories will forever hold a special place in my heart, I feel inspired to dive into new genres and explore different perspectives, voices, and settings. Whether it’s fantasy, historical fiction, or contemporary narratives, I’m excited to immerse myself in books that challenge me and broaden my literary world.
Without further ado, these are my 2025 bookish goals! Here's to a year of rediscovery, personal growth, and the joy of reading once again.
Find the Joy of Sitting Still and Just Reading: In 2025, I’m making a conscious effort to embrace the simple joy of sitting still and getting lost in a book. Life can be so fast-paced, and sometimes I forget how wonderful it is to just pause, find a quiet space, and immerse myself in a story without distractions. It's a habit that brings peace and a sense of mindfulness, and I’m looking forward to making more time for these uninterrupted reading moments.
Read more books in Spanish: I want to read more books in Spanish to reconnect with my native language and improve my language skills. Despite Spanish being my first language, I’ve found that I don't read as much in it as I would like. Ultimately, this goal will help me rediscover the joy of reading while reinforcing my connection to my roots.
Repeat Reading My Favorite Books: There’s something so comforting about revisiting my favorite books—they’re like a warm blanket, offering familiarity and solace. In 2025, I’m making a point to reread the stories that hold a special place in my heart, as they always bring me peace and joy. After the fire, one of the first things I did in the weeks that followed was reorder the copies of my beloved books that were lost in the fire (hello, Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen!). These cherished stories have a way of grounding me, and I look forward to diving into them again and again.
Take Time for Reading Before Bed Instead of Watching a Movie: This year, I’m making a conscious effort to replace late-night movie sessions with reading. Not only does reading before bed allow me to unwind in a more peaceful, calming way, but it also helps reduce screen time, improving my sleep quality. It’s a healthier habit for both my mind and body, and I look forward to making it a part of my nightly routine.
Continue to Embrace My "Mood Reading" Habit: One of my favorite reading practices is mood reading—picking books based on how I feel in the moment rather than sticking to a set list or schedule. In 2025, I’m excited to keep this spontaneous approach, as it makes reading feel more intuitive and enjoyable. It’s a flexible and stress-free way to keep my love for reading alive!
Write More Reviews on My Blog: Since books are such a big part of my life, I’ve decided to dedicate more time in 2025 to sharing my thoughts and reviews on my blog. Writing about the books I read not only helps me reflect on them more deeply, but it also allows me to connect with others who share my love of reading. It’s a great way to combine my passion for books with my desire to express my thoughts and engage with fellow readers.
Join More Book Blog Linkups: In 2025, I’m excited to get more involved in the book blogging community by participating in book blog linkups. These linkups are a fantastic way to discover new books, share my thoughts, and engage with fellow book lovers. By joining these events, I’ll not only expand my reading list but also build connections with other bloggers and readers. ’m looking forward to becoming more active in these communities and exchanging ideas with fellow book enthusiasts.
Only Buy a Book After I Finish Reading One: This year, I’m adopting a more mindful approach to book buying. Instead of accumulating piles of unread books, I’m committing to only purchasing a new book once I’ve finished the one, I’m currently reading. This will help me focus on the books I have, reduce clutter (especially now that we are at my mothers-in-law until our house is rebuilt), and make my reading experience more intentional.
Finish the Book I Started Writing in College: This year, one of my most personal goals is to finally finish the historical fiction book I started writing in college. I’ve let it sit unfinished for far too long, but I’ve decided it’s time to revisit and complete the project. Writing that book was a labor of love, and I’ve always felt a deep connection to the characters and story. I’m determined to see it through to the end, whether it’s for myself or to share with others. Completing this book is not just about finishing a long-standing creative project, but about reclaiming a piece of my passion that’s been dormant for years. I can’t wait to bring it to life in 2025.
Keep Up with My Goodreads Reviews: One of my goals for 2025 is to stay on top of my Goodreads reviews. I’ve let this slip for far too long, and it’s time to get back on track! Writing reviews helps me reflect on the books I’ve read, track my progress, and connect with other readers. I love being part of a community that shares a passion for books, and keeping my reviews updated will help me stay engaged and accountable.
