How I Choose My First Book Of the Year & Why It Matters

Theresa Wilson
20 hours ago
5 min read

There’s something quietly magical about the first book I pick up in a new year. It’s more than just a story — it’s a ritual, a tiny celebration, and a way to mark the transition from one year to the next. After the whirlwind of the holiday season, with twinkling lights, festive music, and the bustle of the past month, the first book offers a much-needed pause. It’s a moment to breathe, to sink into a world of stories, and to reconnect with myself — my reading self.

Sometimes the first book is a new release I’ve been eagerly anticipating, the kind of story that has been teasing my imagination for months. Other times, it’s the top book on my TBR — the one I’ve been circling in my mind, wondering when I’ll finally pick it up. And then there are years when I reach for a comfort reread, a story I already know will feel like home in my hands. Each choice feels meaningful, even if the reasoning is different each time.

Why the First Book Matters

The first book of the year isn’t just another read. It carries a subtle, almost magical weight. It’s the first invitation into a year of stories, a gentle way of declaring: this year, I will read for joy, for comfort, for connection.

A steaming cup of tea on a wooden table with open books, green leaves, and text: "How I Choose My First Book of the Year." Cozy setting.

For me, the first book of the year is a mix of intention and escape. It can set the tone for the months ahead, giving me a sense of the reading mood I want to cultivate. But it’s also a break — a moment to step away from holiday-themed books, glittering pages, and seasonal narratives. By the time January arrives, I’m ready for something different, something that feels like my story, not a seasonal obligation.

Choosing the first book is also a reminder that reading is about joy, not obligation. It’s not about hitting a TBR or finishing a list. It’s about honoring the story you feel like reading. That’s why I always tell myself two things: follow your heart, and if you’re not feeling the book, don’t read it. Some books aren’t meant to be the first book of the year — and that’s perfectly fine.

Cozy Rituals and Little Quirks

What makes the first book special isn’t just the story itself, but the moments that surround it. The coziness of reading in general is comforting, but curating the experience makes it even better. I always curl up in my favorite chair, wrap a soft blanket around me, and pour a warm cup of tea or coffee. The simple act of holding a book, flipping the cover open, and letting myself settle into the story is a ritual I look forward to every year.

I always pick a new bookmark for the book, or if it’s part of a series, I stick with the same bookmark throughout — it’s one of my quirks, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. These small details, though seemingly insignificant, make the moment feel like a celebration of reading, even if it’s just a quiet January afternoon. If you want to see more of my quirky reader habits, I’ve shared them in my November 2025 video.

How I Decide What to Read First

A cozy setup with a cup of coffee on a knit blanket, vintage books with glasses, text "Choosing Your First Read of the Year," and a website URL.

Follow Excitement
More often than not, I choose a book simply because I cannot wait to read it. Maybe it’s a new release I’ve been eagerly anticipating, or a TBR book that keeps tugging at my mind. Placement on a TBR list doesn’t matter in these cases. Excitement is my guiding star — if the book sparks joy, it earns the first-book-of-the-year spot.
Comfort Reads Are Welcome
Sometimes, after the holiday season and the busyness of December, I reach for a story I’ve already read — a comfort read that wraps me in familiarity. These books are grounding and reassuring. There’s a certain joy in rereading a favorite romance, knowing exactly when the swoon-worthy moments are coming and letting them wash over me again.
Mood Over Genre
While I read a mix of romances — from sweet small-town love stories to darker, edge-of-your-seat tales — the first book doesn’t necessarily fit a pattern. It depends on what I feel like in that moment. The key is honoring my mood. Some days I want a gentle, heartwarming romance; other days, I crave tension, drama, or suspense. The first book should feel exciting and inviting, not forced.
Trusting Your Intuition
If a book doesn’t grab me within the first chapter, it’s okay to set it aside and choose another. Not every book is meant to be the first one of the year, and that’s perfectly fine. My two pieces of advice here are simple: follow your heart, and don’t feel obligated to read a book just because it’s on your list. If you’re excited about it, read it — even if it wasn’t planned.

Tips for Choosing Your First Book of the Year

Listen to Your Mood: Don’t overthink it. If your heart leans toward a certain story, let that be your guide.
Prioritize Excitement: The first book should spark joy and anticipation. If it doesn’t, swap it for one that does.
Create a Cozy Moment: Little rituals — a blanket, a warm drink, a candle, or a favorite chair — make reading feel special.
Mix Comfort and Curiosity: There’s no rule against comfort reads. Sometimes a familiar story is exactly what you need to start the year grounded and happy.
Trust Yourself: You know your reading habits better than anyone. Honor them. If a book isn’t the right fit now, it might be perfect later.
Keep a Bookmark Tradition: Something as small as picking a new bookmark or sticking with one for a series adds a tactile connection to your reading experience. It’s a fun, little ritual that adds meaning to the first book.

The Joy of Anticipation

A person reads on a cozy chair by a snowy window. Text: "The First Book Sets the Tone." Mood is peaceful. Website: wanderlustcanadian.com.

There’s a certain thrill in opening the first book of the year. It’s a fresh start, full of possibilities — whether that’s getting lost in a story you’ve been waiting for, savoring a familiar favorite, or discovering new characters and emotions that linger long after you close the cover. That sense of anticipation, the quiet excitement as you turn the first page, is part of what makes this ritual so special. It’s not about genre or plot; it’s about the joy of immersion, the little moments of connection, and the simple pleasure of reading a story that feels right for this exact moment.

I love imagining the next 12 months of reading, the stories waiting on my shelves, and the new worlds I’ll explore. Starting the year with a story that makes me happy is like setting a gentle promise: that this year, I’ll make space for joy, swoons, and the quiet comfort of a story that feels like home.

Choosing the first book of the year is about more than just reading. It’s a pause, a celebration, and a gentle reminder that reading is meant to be joyful. It sets the tone for the year, yes, but more importantly, it honors the present moment. It’s about carving out space for myself, for quiet, for stories that make me laugh, cry, and swoon.

So, whether you’re diving into a long-awaited release, revisiting a favorite comfort read, or discovering something completely new, take a moment to savor it. Curl up with your blanket, pour your warm drink, and let the first pages of the year remind you that reading is a gift meant to be enjoyed on your own terms.

I’d love to hear what book you’re choosing as your first of the year! Share your pick in the comments or on social media — let’s celebrate the stories that start our year with joy.