We still can’t believe that it’s 2026. It’s a brand new year, and along with it come so many possibilities and opportunities. Yes, we’re busy with our lists and plans for the year and are so excited at the thought of all those new books we’re going to be diving into. 

For many of us, trying to slot in reading time can feel like an impossible feat, and even though it’s right there at the top of our list (read more), we just seem to get lost in our day-to-day routines. Those reading goals seem to slip away without us even realizing it.

If you fall into that category, you can breathe a sigh of relief as Once Upon a Book Club is your new bookish superhero! Our book box subscriptions are the perfect way to get into the wonderful habit of taking time out with a great book every month. Remember, as they say, “Consistency is key.”

Why Most Reading Resolutions Fade by February

We start the year off with a bang, and before we know it, half of our reading goals have slipped through our fingers by Valentine’s Day. The problem is all of that enthusiasm, which leads us to the biggest culprit: overcommitment. 

So many of us start too big, setting goals like “a book a week” without even considering the time, attention, and energy required. Add social media and streaming services to the mix, and it’s no wonder most of us struggle to stay consistent. And we haven’t even mentioned daily chores like figuring out what’s for dinner or remembering to throw a load into the washing machine.

Research shows that when we’re overwhelmed by too many options or rigid goals, motivation fades faster.¹ The key isn’t to push harder but rather to make reading feel rewarding again. That’s the magic secret: when we look forward to something, it makes it so much easier to stick to. 

So get ready for the drum roll, the solution to your reading goals is just a click away! A monthly book box helps add structure to your reading routine. It removes the “What am I going to read?” decision, and if that’s not enough, a whimsical book box that arrives every month is beyond exciting and something you will be waiting in anticipation for!

 

Your Monthly Reading Routine Blueprint

Step 1: Make Reading a Ritual, Not a Resolution

As soon as you think of reading as a task or something you have to do, it loses its appeal, which is why we like to think of it as a treat. You don’t need to carve out huge chunks of time; you can start small by adding reading to habits you already have. Genius! It’s called habit stack and makes it so much easier to add something new to your routine.

You can read while having that fabulous cup of morning coffee, or while winding down after dinner (easy-peasy—instead of reaching for the remote, grab your book!), or as part of your bedtime routine.

Make it special! We’re all about attention to detail, and you can turn your nightly routine into something that oozes self-care! Light a candle, make a cup of tea, and open your OUABC box to see what surprises are packed inside. When you associate reading with relaxation and comfort, you’ll begin to crave those moments every day. Reading becomes less about discipline and more about joy, and that’s what keeps it going long after the New Year motivation fades.

Step 2: Start Small With Books Under 300 Pages

If you’ve been in a reading slump or are just beginning, shorter books are your best friend. They’re manageable, approachable, and give you that satisfying sense of accomplishment faster. 

We definitely recommend choosing engaging reads with strong characters and a quick pace to get you back on track. We are known for picking stories that balance page-turning plots with emotional depth, usually around that sweet spot of 300 to 400 pages. The key is to build early wins. The more success you feel early on, the more likely you are to keep reading. A short book finished with a smile beats a long book abandoned halfway through every time.

Looking for a recommendation while you wait for your book box? Try The Maui Effect by Sara Ackerman, which is 352 pages! Even better, we have a ready-to-ship option waiting for you!

Step 3: Track Progress + Reward Yourself

We love tracking and celebrating our progress. That saying, “Success breeds success,” is so true. Nothing fuels motivation like seeing how far you’ve come. We definitely recommend keeping track of your reading journey with a journal or tracker (try our sticker collector water bottle for some extra fun) where you can jot down thoughts, quotes, or your favorite lines. 

You definitely need to make it fun with small celebrations along the way. Finished one book? Treat yourself to a new mug or bookmark. Hit three? Post your stack online or reward yourself with our Self-Love Box. Progress should feel joyful, not pressured, and if you need some science to back up the theory, research shows that engaging our minds in enjoyable, meaningful activities reduces boredom and increases fulfillment, and that’s exactly what a good book should do.²

Step 4: Replace Scrolling With Story Time

Let’s be honest, we all lose hours to endless scrolling and binge-watching series. Half the time, we can’t even remember what we saw. And then there are those clips that have you thinking, “I can’t get back those 3 minutes of my life.”

But on the upside, reading offers us the same escape while leaving us with something much more meaningful. Simply swap 15 minutes of nightly screen time for a single chapter. You’ll sleep better, focus more easily, and feel more grounded. 

And if you need a reminder, just keep that beautiful, whimsical OUABC book box by your nightstand as a visual reminder to unplug and unwind. When that gorgeous pink box shows up at your door, take it as your cue to recharge with something better than a glowing screen: a story that’s yours to savor.

Step 5: Join our 40 Book Reading Challenge

Accountability is the secret ingredient for turning good intentions into lasting habits. Don’t worry, accountability in the form of a challenge makes it fun, and our 40 Book Reading Challenge does just that. 

At the beginning of the year, we give you 40 prompts, and you can move through the challenge at your own pace while enjoying a shared sense of community as progress, thoughts, and recommendations are shared on StoryGraph throughout the year. You can even grab the printed challenge poster in our Up All Night Box and mark your accomplishments along the way. There’s even a prize for completing the physical challenge, which makes the whole experience even more exciting. It’s not about perfection; it’s about staying on course while immersing yourself in a reading experience like no other. It’s like our surprise gifts that add that little bit of magic while bringing the pages to life!

Best Book Subscription for Every Reader

Our book subscription boxes are the perfect solution to your New Year’s reading resolutions. We love to feature new authors and different genres. We have everything from romance and historical dramas to those thrillers that will keep you up all night. 

We have something for everyone, from adults to young adults and tweens. For adult and young adult readers, we offer four monthly subscription options, making it easy to find the perfect fit. Choose from month-to-month plans or 3, 6, and 12-month book subscriptions. And for tweens, we have two book box subscription options: bi-monthly subscriptions or plan ahead with our 3-box plan.

A Once Upon a Book Club subscription is a gift everyone deserves.

Create a TBR You’ll Actually Finish

We love TBR lists, but we’ve all been there—staring at a mountain of unread books, not sure where to start. The secret to a manageable TBR is keeping it simple. Choose one or two books per month and stick with them, put the rest on your bookshelf, and stop putting pressure on yourself!

If you’re dealing with decision fatigue, alphabetize them and start at the top, arrange them in colors, or start with your favorite. Make it fun, and on a serious note, take a long look at that TBR list; you may even find some books aren’t that appealing anymore.

Turning Resolutions Into Rituals

Building a reading habit that lasts isn’t about finding more hours in the day; it’s about making small changes. Keep it fun and enjoyable, and get ready for a year with exciting stories that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page!

Make this the year you finally keep your reading resolution. Subscribe today and let OUABC help you turn your love of stories into a lasting, year-round habit. For even more inspiration, check out The Benefits of Monthly Book Subscriptions: Unbox the Magic.