Our staff share their literary resolutions for the new year.

‘I so enjoyed the books that my workmates recommended to me this year that one of my resolutions for 2017 is definitely to read more of the books that other people rave about – even if they’re a bit outside what I would normally read. I also probably need to get over my phobia of leaving books unfinished, since every not-so-great book that I slog through until the final page is time that would have been better spent discovering new and exciting reads.’ – Lian Hingee, digital marketing manager

‘Last year I resolved to read books as I bought them but looking at my to-read pile now, I can see that failed miserably! This year I think I really discovered the joys of non-fiction, having mostly only read novels in the past – so in 2017 I’ll try to continue on that journey. I also want to try and read more fun books. Sometimes I get so caught up in reading important and enlightening books that I can forget books can also be great fun. I’m thinking some really good crime or sci-fi might fit the bill.’ – Alan Vaarwerk, editorial assistant for Readings Monthly

‘As with most years, my reading goal is to try and achieve the perfect balance between experimenting with books outside my comfort zone, and indulging in the ones I love best. The former, because new authors, genres and ideas can be surprising in the best of ways, and the latter because I don’t want to forget about the reason I fell in love with books in the first place.’ – Bronte Coates, digital content coordinator

‘In 2016, I was a judge for the Readings Prize, so I read a lot of Australian fiction. I also read quite a lot of American fiction, because I always tend to read quite a lot of American fiction (here are my top five American novels of the year, FYI). This meant I really neglected my non-fiction reading, so in 2017 I want to make sure I read a wide range of quality non-fiction. I imagine there will be lots of post-US election books to read, plus I already know of some memoirs due out in 2017 that I want to read (Roxane Gay’s Hunger, for a start). I would also like to challenge myself to read more history and science books – areas I tend to neglect.’

‘My other resolution is to read more young adult books – I read quite a few in 2016, but I’d like to double that number in 2017, particularly when it comes to Australian YA, which, in my humble opinion, handily outclasses young adult books published in the rest of the world.’ – Nina Kenwood, marketing manager

‘I have a pile of books by my bed bought with the best intentions, that I’m now a little bit embarrassed about. It’s my ‘Why don’t you try to be a better person?’ pile. The top three books currently on top of the stack are Marie Kondo’s The Life-changing Magic of Tidying, Graham Allcott’s How to be a Productivity Ninja and Scott Pape’s The Barefoot Investor. All of these books look useful, accessible and potentially life-changing, and yet I keep picking up fiction to read instead…’

‘So I’m resolving right now to finally knuckle down and give them a go in 2017 – I’ll report back once I’m wealthy, tidy and organised!’ – Stella Charls, marketing and events coordinator

‘I’m sure someone says this every year, so I suppose it’s my turn this time, but can I please keep track of all of the books I read throughout the year?’

‘I see so many books come through the shop and I talk about so many books with people every day. But as soon as someone asks me what I read for book club last month, or what book I liked the most in June, I open the door to my reading-memory-closet, gaze deep into the dark corners… and a tumble-weed drifts past. I literally have no idea what I read for book club last month or what book I liked the most in June. What did I read and have a full discussion with my book club about a week ago? What was it? I’m certain I was there. (Wasn’t I?)’

‘So, as well as probably doing some memory exercises, I will start making a list and keeping track of all the books I read. I’m definitely going to.’ – Amy Vuleta, St Kilda shop manager