Explore upcoming events
With a fresh year unfurling, a reading goal lends focus and intention to your bookish pursuits for the months to come.
From ambitious challenges and new habits to subtle mindset shifts, here are the readerly resolutions the Sydney Writers' Festival team are bringing into 2026.
Kate Chalker, Finance Manager
I set a target at the beginning of 2024 (when I finished my master's) to read 150 books by my 40th birthday. I've just finished Luke Kemp's Goliaths Curse and If He Hollers Let Him Go by Chester Himes – rounding out the 100. Now I've got 50 books to read in under five months!
Sarah Hunt, Head of Marketing & Digital
2026 is the year of backlist reading – is this a rebrand from last year when I set out to read the books on my shelf? Absolutely. But there are so many books I haven't read and I always get swayed by the new shiny book in the office so I still haven't read plenty of enduring backlist books.
Julia Clark, Marketing Coordinator
In 2025 I read 103 books and had a ball of a time. Rather than push for more, I'm aiming for another century in 2026.
Michelle Sverdloff, Associate Producer
Coming to an open space in Sydney soon, my 2026 reading goal is to read outside more. Rather than just reading in bed or on the couch I want to take a book to the park, the beach or the beer garden at my local pub.
Viv Crowle, Digital Marketing Coordinator
This year I intend to read 20 previous Booker Prize–winning books because what's life without a challenge.
Connor Phipps, Philanthropy and Partnerships Coordinator
After a year-long reading slump I barely cracked 10 books in 2025. This year, I'm setting a (hopefully) manageable goal of two books a month which should see me read double. To broaden my reading, one book a month will be a translated work.
Myranda Thomas, Digital Marketing Manager
This year I'm going to make more use of my local library. I also received a subscription to Overland so in 2026 I'm hoping to read more local writing from Australian literary journals.
Iain Shand, Ticketing & Customer Service Manager
In 2026 I intend to read the books behind one of my most-watched series, The Lord of the Rings. Having never read them before, I feel it is absolutely overdue!
We're full of excitement for the year of reading to come! What's your 2026 reading goal?
If you're after some inspiration for which books to pick up first in 2026, check our Summer Reading Guide.