How Many Books Should I Read?

How many books should I read in 2024? That is a question that a lot of people ask at the beginning of a new year. Why? Because most of us recognise that reading, especially good literature, is good for our self development. But is there an answer to the question - "How many books should I read in a year?" or even "How many books should I read in a week?"
In this video, we consider what is the correct amount of books that YOU PERSONALLY should be reading. We look at the reasons for why we choose to read and also what we are choosing to read.
What is the WORST reason to try and accomplish a reading goal, that will destroy your interest in reading?
And what if you are a person who would like to read but feel that you are not a "Booky" person?
This video contains advice for all of the above.
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If you love Reading books and want to take your enjoyment of reading them to another level, I encourage you to watch all of the way to the end and subscribe.

[@burntgod7165]

I spend my time wanting to read and thinking how brilliant it would be to read; but then I rarely read. I come here for inspiration. And I do get it. You are so realistic in your goal-setting.

[@brookamos5787]

Your advice to research reviews and other sources on books is excellent. When I sat down to read Cervantes' "Don Quixote" I found Roberto González Echevarría's Yale lectures online and followed up each segment of the book he covered in those lectures, after I'd read the corresponding chapters, and was able to learn a tremendous amount. It took a lot longer than if I'd just read it straight through, but it helped me solidify things I thought I understood, clarify things I didn't, and reveal others I didn't catch. With virtually every book I read, particularly history, I spend a significant portion of time going down rabbit holes to learn about other connected stories and aspects associated with people, places, and things related to what I'm reading. I want to know as much as I can about the subject at hand. I am very blessed that I can afford to do this because I'm retired. I have no time crunch to worry about so I don't concern myself with setting goals. I go out on my lanai every evening after dinner to read and enjoy a fine cigar or two until the wee hours of the morning. I read to learn, enjoy, and relax. Thanks for sharing, Tristan! Keep up the good work. Love what you do.

[@bookhunterrr3973]

Watching your videos is always like getting an education. Never stop creating these wonderful videos, Tristan! Have a lovely weekend and thank you so much for joining the Don Quixote journey! Can’t wait 🐎😊✨

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you so much that is very generous of you. I fear that I do waffle on too much. With comments like yours i will definitely keep making videos. As for the Don Quixotic readalong, I can't wait to start. 😃❤🎩

[@ValeriaKarabelas]

I really appreciate your insights, very inspiring and entertaining. Thank you! 🌹

[@mrsfruity76]

I got back in to reading at the beginning of 2023, and immediately got caught up in the hype of completing as many books as possible. I even attempted to have multiple books going at once. What I discovered, very quickly, was that I was putting too much pressure on myself and reading was no longer enjoyable. I also wasn't retaining anything that I read. Now, I read much more slowly. It's amazing how immersive a book can feel, when you slow down. I'm reading for the full experience, and I'm enjoying myself immensely🙂.

[@pattic6077]

That’s exactly what happened with me. I’ve read a ton but I wanted to slow down and let myself be in the world.

[@PoiemaLee]

I really enjoyed your thoughts. While homeschooling my kids, I found it better to choose one meaty classic to read over a 12 week period, than to read many books quickly. The time to reflect and digest and discuss enriches the experience and the book is much more apt to become a permanent possession of mind and heart.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

You've hit the nail on the head. Much better to delight in, learn from and rambert, than to read a story which has no lasting impression.

[@rebeccabsomanybooks3558]

Another wonderful video. Love the direction of your channel. I read books with a secondary goal in mind. I travel and I choose classic books with a preference -19th century lit that describe the places of interest to me. I read about the Civil War and have walked the battlegrounds. Presently am focusing on British classics(Austen, Bronte, Dickens, Wilde) because I plan to come to England once things settle down. I find this makes reading to me more meaningful. Great work.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

That is superb that you read with "secondary motive" (which is a delicious phrase, by the way.) You are quite right about walking the places you read of, it enhances a great deal ones comprehension of atmosphere. I remember walking Bosworth battlefield to get a sense of that great battle of the Wars of the Roses. The field on which Richard III shouted "My Kingdom for a horse!" It was a shame that years later historians changed their mind and that the actually Bosworth field was located a mile or so from where I had been tramping.😅 When you come over, there are many sights to see which will bring novels to life. In London especially. The historic tour of London from the Thames River is excellent. 😃❤🎩

[@jmsl910]

i quit goodreads for 2023!

[@purplesprigs]

For me, the more I read, the more I read. What I mean is: good literature will ruin watching television for you forever. As a young man, I could not get enough football. I would watch it 12 hours a day, if you let me. Now, I can't watch for more than 15 minutes without wanting to pick up a book. Even at bedtime, I think, "Okay, one more chapter." Doyle, Dickens, and Wodehouse!

[@bangkok_as_is]

man, your passion for books is so contagious, thank you for sharing your opinion. already subscribed to your channel. keep posting new videos, love 'em

[@oswaldreisinger7178]

Hi Tristan, thank you for so many great recommendations, I very much value all your advice of how to get more out of a story, and for me it really works. I would really love to see more in depth reviews on literature. I had read Great Expectations before your review, but after watching your video, I was actually blown away by how beautiful Dickens was writing it!

[@RosilyMayer]

Thank you very much. I get a lot of good information from your videos. All my best wishes.

[@carolynwestlake7670]

100 books in a year😱😱😱I’ll be happy with 20😂😂😂

[@ladyvampire1496]

I agree with you . I often have lots of unfinished books simply because I want to see my readings increase. But in the end, I get frustrated because I couldn't finish them and sometimes I get tired of the readings and I don't even finish them. As much as we like to read, we have to be realistic and it doesn't matter if we read less. Sometimes, it is better because that way we are absorbing much more from reading, especially classics. One of the things that made me like your channel was the fact that you talk about a book in a profound way and analyze it as it deserves, in most cases, it doesn’t happen, people just stay for a slight opinion or for a review that looks more like an extended synopsis of the book. I speak for myself, obviously, I like to hear solid arguments, I like to hear not only if the person likes it or not, but above all, I like to hear the thought behind the reader that made him reflect on what was written. Reading for reading doesn't satisfy me, but again, it's just my opinion. As I read, I know that I will not analyze the classics academically, but I like to think about them, I like to reflect on what the books have to teach me.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Firstly Katarina, may I apologise for my late reply. There have been a few things that life has tangled me up with over the past two weeks. Forgive me. Secondly, may I thank you for such a brilliant comment. It was so elegantly expressed and revealed a temperateness of understanding and thought that cheers the spirits to listen to. I very much appreciate your support for my longer-winded reviews. I fear that I can go on a bit, but my aim was to provide booktube with a channel that, as you correctly observed, goes beyond an extended synopsis of a book, to a deeper review. I do not expect everybody to agree with my conclusions but I also appreciate hearing others explain why they liked or disliked a book. One imagines that you would be a delight to have a chat with over a cup of coffee😀 Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment.

[@ant7936]

But what is "a book"? A 700pp classic is not quite the same as a modern, 200pp novel. One will take 2 weeks, while the other requires a day.

[@Falconlibrary]

I grew up without tv so I read 4-5 a week. Now it's 4-5 a month.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Ain't that the truth 😅

[@billyd10]

What incredibly good advice!! It is evident that you truly love reading. I have watched a number of other channels on books and it seems that they are more about lists for list sake and reading more for meeting goals than truly enjoying the action of reading. I love reading and I love books. One of the things that I do when I read a classiic I read the introductoin that is often included in a classiic book (particularly with Penguin and Oxford World Classics editions) after I finish the book. I really get so much more of an appreciation of what I have just read. Thanks for your insights!

[@lilouloulou1993]

Hi Tristan, what do you think about stephen king’s books ? Do you consider them "great literature "? Would be great to have your opinion

[@turntablesrockmyworld9315]

King's older books are excellent and enjoyable and page turners; he is an excellent writer and story teller and creates suspenseful narratives and his is to create realistic, memorable characters within his genre. Salem's Lot, wow what a great book. Is he the same level as say, Dickens? Of course not but the comparison is not fair. King is one if the best modern populist novel writers especially in the horror genre. But is it what we can consider "literary" fiction? No, of course not. But he writes excellent books for his audience and is one of the most influential modern authors in his genre. A strong point is that his books can be read and enjoyed by hairdressers and academics alike. But his later formulaic stuff? Meh.

[@lilouloulou1993]

@@turntablesrockmyworld9315 I highly disagree with your comment .I think you’re influenced by the fact that he is very popular which alters your judgment .it sounds more "hype and intellectual " to prefer Dickens but I think King is far better. He has a sense a detail that is unmatched and a way of making characters authentic ,he makes you feel like you have met the characters in real life ,there’s something very intimate that I haven’t found in any other author .Have you read "IT" ? I am french and they make us read Zola,flaubert,Hugo,Proust since the age of 12 at school so I do consider myself quite well read in classics but I still think King not only great literature he also is litterary genius . I also think his books (Carrie,IT,misery for ex) are much more profound/meaningful / material for intellectual analysis than people give it credit for just because it sounds "smarter" to find meaning in classics.

[@turntablesrockmyworld9315]

@@lilouloulou1993 Even King himself would not say he is a literary writer of the the usual sort. I already explained why I think he is an excellent writer; popularity has little do with it as Dickens was immensely popular in his time. To state that King is foundational as Dickens is a little silly. I read King's first 25 novels as they were published and he is an excellent writer and is one of the more influential populist writers of the past few decades.

[@lilouloulou1993]

@@turntablesrockmyworld9315 Can you please explain to me why what I said is "silly"? I’m genuinely interested as I think we don’t have the same view of literature in general,don’t hesitate to re read my initial comment to understand why I think King is that great and I truly meant it

[@turntablesrockmyworld9315]

@@lilouloulou1993 Don't get me wrong, King is an excellent writer for his audience in genre (s) it might be fair to say he was at one point, the best populist horror writer (although his writing moves beyond that narrow descriptor). I don't use "populist" as a pejorative, as he has always intentionally written for a very, very wide audience. He is good at setting, character, suspense, and plot-driven narratives and has never, as far as I know, claimed to be writing literary fiction for aesthetic purposes. It is hard to say now as some of his more recent works are somewhat more formulaic. He doesn't attempt to write beautiful sentences for their own sake, he writes them to move the plot. As I have mentioned, I have read most of his works and thoroughly enjoy them.

[@Live_your_Dreams_Everyday]

I saw your sample for a month. It seemed extensive. How many hours do you read each day on average? I try to set one hour a day but sometimes it can be five if I'm reading something amazing.

[@mandyc1280]

Ok my Captain, I am now changing my Goodreads goal. Hahaha. I think I may being trying to overdo it. Why in the world am I trying to out read myself? I'd rather enjoy the process. I sometimes read reviews of books afterward but I like the idea of reading before opening the book. I might try that with Dickens. I struggle with him a little. Thank you for the tips my friend ; )

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Haha. I know what you mean Mandy. I often hope to read a few thousand books a year and then realise by February that I might not hit my target. I understand the difficulty with Dickens. However, when it clicks and one falls into his quirky rhythm, he is amongst the most addictive authors out ther. Let me know how you get on.

[@shabirmagami146]

brilliant ....great insights 💌

[@cherrylady1999]

What an excellent video!

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you ever so much Arianelis. Your kindness in taking the time to comment is genuinely appreciated. I hope you have a great day.🎩❤😃

[@moorcs7043]

This is a fantastic video. The perfect amount of insight and encouragement. It is clear Tristan has worked a lot to put out a quality work. Glad I found your channel today. Thank you for the great work.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Glad you enjoyed it Moorc. And thank you ever so much for taking the time to comment so positively. It is truly appreciated.😀👍

[@Sarah-cd1mj]

Can you please possibly do more videos on underrated classics? Thank you for the positive and up building content!

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Hi Sarah, thanks for being so encouraging and for making a suggestion for content. I will look into making a video of underrated classics. That sounds like a topic that many would like to hear and also something I will love researching. Some already spring to mind. Amazing suggestion. Thank you so much.

[@TheCodeXCantina]

But Goodreads just told me that answer was 12 :D

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

🤣🤣🤣

[@mtnshelby7059]

Another excellent video, thank you!!! I'm a bit floored by the glamorization of numbers at the expense of quality and content. The wheelbarrow is an appropriate metaphor.

[@Tuesdaymayhew]

Hi from Indiana! I just found your channel and have really been enjoying your videos 😃 I like your recommendation to mull a book over for a few days and look up additional material about it. I find when I try to read books quickly that I also quickly forget them. I hate that! I’ve also lowered my reading goal in Goodreads for the year, because it’s feeling like a deadline to read that many versus fun. I’m currently reading The Count of Monte Cristo, so although it’s huge, it still only counts as one book. I want to enjoy the read and not feel rushed. BTW I’m only a few chapters into The Count, but it’s great.

[@marychesire891]

Love your channel so glad I found you

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Oh thank you Mary for your kindness and encouragement. It is genuinely appreciated. I hope that you win the lottery or something. 😀❤

[@muhlenstedt]

What a relief ! I though I had a kind of mental issue , an obsession about books because after reading most of the classics, I spend days thinking about them.Now I heard you recommend that and in addition collecting some information about it.Great!What is your opinion about as audiobooks?Thank you.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

You must get a fine delight in the books that you read if you ponder over them like you say. Do you find that, when you think them over, they move from telling you a story to actually speaking to you? As for audiobooks, I think they are brilliant. Sometimes the intonation of the reader is so different from ones own voice that it causes the tale to sparkle differently, like a gem turned in the sunlight. The only drawback to an audiobook, in my opinion, is that one cannot scribble all over it with a pencil.😅❤🎩

[@muhlenstedt]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 I try to find why the text touched me so deeply or intrigued me. After sometime I conclude then , that the words ressonate with my feelings and toughts but it is something beyond beeing like a mirror, more than a reflection it presents some aspects of other human beings or realities, that I had neglected to see or to think longer about it.It is a shift of perceptions from watching a mirror towards looking at a caleidoscope or a prisma.Each one of these classics enriches my life.Thank you for giving such attention to my comments, I feel honored .

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

@@muhlenstedt That was beautifully expressed. You have an artful soul. And it is a delight hearing your thoughts. There is a little known word which touches on the fringes of the sentiment you are speaking of. That word is "Sonder." It is one of my favourite words.😃🎩❤

[@muhlenstedt]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 thank you for the word gift! " Sonder" in german means special. I am a painter, it is difficult for me to write and in english still more, but I love words, they also have colors.

[@lisarichards1956]

I've been doing the Goodreads challenge for a few years and find it pushes me to read more than I really should. Last year I set a goal of 40 books and actually read 100, but sometimes read for many hours a day to do that. Not really a good idea in my opinion. I think I would enjoy reading more without any pressure to read a lot of books.

[@kendallalvarado9128]

Wow! Simply thanks! Wonderful video! ✨

[@timmathis8789]

Thank you, Tristan. Great ideas, thoughts and guidance for reading.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Glad you enjoyed it Tim! Would you add any thoughts to the answer?

[@gaildoughty6799]

Another excellent video, Tristan! Readers do seem to feel lots of pressure to produce numbers; sometimes on some book sites it feels like a competition-and I’ve never been competitive. Your advice about the type of reading one does is spot on. If I just read mysteries, which I love, I’d read 200 books a year. But I read a lot of Victorian fiction, which I also love. One thing you didn’t mention is audio books. I listen to books I’ve already read. (My auditory skills are way behind my visual skills.) A recent listen to Great Expectations by a marvelous reader not only enhanced my pleasure and understanding, it prompted me to go back and read large parts in a paper copy. Have a marvelous week.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

You are spot on there Gail and I appreciate your bringing up audiobooks. There is far too much snobbery around this topic. I find audiobooks a modern day wonder. I have recorded one, but I chose to do it in a Scottish accent which might not have been the best idea 😂😂😂 Pleased you like murder mysteries too. Have you read And Then There Were None?❤😃🎩

[@gaildoughty6799]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 Oh yes. I started reading Christie when I was about 11. My favorites are The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (she was the very first to use that plot device), and Murder on the Orient Express (another amazing plot device). I still reread her from time to time, just to enjoy the ambience and see if I can find the clues. Looking up your audiobook.

[@garyrobinson8665]

I don't care how many I read I'm not in a race. If i read too quickly I sometimes forget what I've read and have to reread pages again. It takes as long as it takes. I generally can read one or two a month.

[@andrewrussell2845]

Hi Tristan. That was really interesting and insightful. Last year I learnt to read fast and whilst this is useful, it is far harder to apply to classics. With books where I think there is something deeper there, I have decided to read them two or three times, to try and 'extract the marrow' from them - the first time at my normal pace, the second time slower and the third time almost approaching the novel as a reference text, finding pertinent passages and points and making notes.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Wow, with such a diligent approach you must find some gems in what you read. Do you have any favourite books/authors that have really stopped you in your tracks with something they have written? Also, thank you so much Andrew for taking the time to give such a thoughtful comment. Its very motivating and well appreciated. 😃🎩❤

[@andrewrussell2845]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 Amongst classics Frankenstein and Crime and Punishment were two works that have really given me food for thought. Frankenstein, apart from being an excellently written book, spoke of the dangers of trying to scientifically create something without full knowledge of the dangers this may bring. Crime and Punishment was a searing psychological portrait of Raskolnikov and the moral conundrum of how important individual 'success' is, compared to the wellbeing of other members of society. In the modern day, I really like Julian Barnes and Colm Toibin.

[@mustafabarakzai904]

Thank you

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

And thank you Mustafa for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it 🙏

[@stephencharlton2024]

tis a shame your presentation is so pratronising .... however I will continue to subscribe

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you for the feedback Stephen. I am dreadfully sorry if I came across in a pretentious manner, it was definitely not my intention. May I say too, how much I respect your gentle way of sharing your constructive criticism. Also, thank you for continuing to subscribe. 😀👍

[@jmsl910]

i'm glad you are sticking with tristan. he really is a good egg im so sorry you get that vibe. i wonder... do you think it's bc his style is so different from his younger counterparts?