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See all Posts in the Book Nook Series
(Note: Carver County Library branch managers are providing updates on exciting programs and new services for Carver County Local News. This month, Chaska location manager Kevin Spencer shares some exciting news about the new year.)
A new year means new goals and what could be a better resolution to set than choosing to read something completely different? Start planning now for a year of discovery. The Chaska Library staff challenges you to pick up something new in 2026—something out of the ordinary, something you wouldn’t normally choose for yourself. Library manager Kevin Spencer is already ahead of the game. He decided to take the plunge and read a genre he never imagined he’d explore—Amish romance!
Why step outside your reading comfort zone? Because reading beyond your usual picks expands your thinking, sparks curiosity and builds empathy. Every book offers a window into someone else’s world—different cultures, perspectives and even ways of seeing familiar truths. The more diverse your reading, the richer your understanding of the people and places around you.
If you’re not sure where to begin your resolution, here are a few genres to explore this year:
- Cli-fi (Climate Fiction): Stories where the environment takes center stage, driving the plot and exploring the consequences of climate change.
Try: All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall. - Bizarro Fiction: A blend of surrealism and absurdity, where the bizarre and grotesque rule the page.
Try: The Loop by Jeremy Robert Johnson (available as an eBook). - Romantasy: Where fantasy and romance intertwine—think dragons, danger and desire, all in one.
Try: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. - Narrative Nonfiction: True stories told with the vividness of a novel—real-life insights wrapped in gripping storytelling.
Try: One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad. - Nordic Noir: Recommended by Chaska Library shelver Mindy, this Scandinavian subgenre of crime fiction offers atmospheric mysteries often told from a police point of view.
Try: The Last Grudge by Max Seeck.
Additional resources
Need a little push to help you stick to your reading resolutions? Librarian Kerry recently read the Aug. 29, 2025, New York Times article “How to Rekindle Your Love of Reading,” which suggested building small, intentional reading habits:
- Swap your bedtime doomscrolling for 15–20 minutes of reading—your brain will thank you, and you might even sleep better.
- Short on time? Try an audiobook on the Libby app while driving or doing chores.
- Want to meet new people? Join a Carver County Library book club—there’s one for nearly every taste.
- Not sure what to read next? Ask a librarian. We love helping you discover your next favorite story.
Bonus tip for keeping your resolution on track
You can now opt in to track your reading (or at least your checkouts!) directly in the Carver County Library app. Turn on reading history in your account settings to see what you’ve already borrowed and what genres you’ve explored. Not sure how to activate it? The librarians at the information desk are always happy to help you get started.
So next year, don’t just make resolutions, make discoveries. Wander down a new shelf, open a new cover and see where the story takes you.
