For Bryan Thompson of Muldrow, the start of a new year is more than just a fresh calendar— it’s a chance to push himself toward a personal goal that means more than just finishing a list. After suffering a stroke, Thompson has set an ambitious resolution for 2025: to read 24 books before the year is over.
“I wanted a challenge, something that would keep my mind engaged and help with my recovery,” he explains. “Reading has always been something I enjoyed, but after the stroke, it became harder to concentrate. This goal is about proving to myself that I can do it.”
The stroke, which hit in early 2023, left Thompson struggling with speech and memory at times, making reading more difficult than it once was. But instead of letting frustration take over, he decided to use books as both therapy and motivation.
“My doctors told me that keeping my brain active was important,” he says. “And I figured, what better way to do that than with books?”
Thompson’s reading list is a mix of genres— from classic literature to history, mystery novels, and even self-improvement books. “I like to keep it interesting,” he laughs. “If I’m stuck on one book for too long, I move to something completely different. It keeps me going.”
One of the first books on his list for 2025 was, To Kill a Mockingbird, a novel he hasn’t read since high school.
“I wanted to start with something familiar,” he says. “Something I knew I’d enjoy but could see in a new light.”
To keep himself accountable, Thompson has been tracking his progress, jotting down notes on each book he reads. His wife, Lisa, and a few close friends have joined in to encourage him, often checking in to see what he’s reading next.
“They like to quiz me,” he jokes. “I think they just want to make sure I’m actually reading and not just watching the movie version.”
Thompson says that this goal is about reclaiming a part of himself that he felt he lost after his stroke.
“At first, I was scared I wouldn’t be able to enjoy books the way I used to,” he admits. “But I’ve realized that even if I have to slow down, it’s still worth it.”
His story has inspired others around him, with friends and neighbors offering book recommendations and even suggesting a small reading group.
“I didn’t expect that,” he says, smiling. “But it’s great to have people cheering me on.”
By the end of 2025, Thompson hopes to have all 24 books checked off his list—and perhaps even more. But for him, the real victory is in the journey.
“It’s not just about reading books,” he says. “It’s about challenging myself, proving that I’m still moving forward, and enjoying every story along the way.”
