Planning for 2025? Don’t Forget to Have a Little Fun, Too!

Published almost 2 years ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader,

What's already on your 2025 reading list? Are you heavy in a particular genre or author?

A few of the 30ish titles in my 2025 reading folder

My 2025 book folder is a mix of biographies, fiction, and an ambitious literary classic or two. Some are about personal growth, but most of what I read next year will be just for fun—because I've learned that a lot of growth happens when I stop trying so hard. Especially when it comes to reading.

Studies show that reading for pleasure reduces stress by up to 68% (University of Sussex, 2009) and improves empathy (Science, 2013).

In 2024, I pretty much ditched personal and professional growth titles. In fact, next week I'll share a list of books I paused or said, "Nope. Not finishing this one."

And in the coming year, I’m aiming to add a couple of growth and productivity reads, while still maintaining a more relaxed approach — allowing curiosity to lead my reading choices.

What about you?

I’m curious about whether or not you're casting a vision for your 2025 reading choices.

Are you more interested in escaping into fiction or exploring real-world stories next year?

Hit reply with 'fiction' or 'non-fiction'!

Your insights will help me create content that speaks to what you want most from Unhustled in the coming year.

What I've been reading:

Thanks to reader recommendations from a couple of weeks ago, I just finished re-reading To Kill A Mockingbird. I'm hip-deep in the 1861 run-up to the Civil War, by way of Demon of Unrest. Soooooo good!

Looking forward to hearing from you!
—Tracy

P. S. about next week:

I'll share a list of books I hated, paused, or didn't finish in 2024.

I hated one book so much I took vicious (for me, anyway) and snarky notes. And it's a well-known author! 😬

For your reading in 2025, which best describes you?

I want happy endings.

I want page-turning thrillers!

I'm looking for entertaining bios and history

I want to read award-winning novels

I don't know. Just something good!

P. O. Box 224, Lavaca, Arkansas 72941
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