If you didn’t notice, I have been reading quite a lot lately. I decided that I wanted to read more this year and so far so good! So I am sharing what I have been doing to read so much more than the past.
Make Your Reading Portable
When your reading material is portable, you can then read when you have downtime. I personally got a Kindle to be my portable reading device and I have loved reading with it. You can also get the Kindle app on your phone or tablet if you want a digital solution but can’t get a Kindle.
Traditional physical books work too, with paperbacks and smaller sizes being easier to take with you. The downside of physical books is if you finish it and want to start reading another, you would have to then carry more books which is hard for the more casual of readers. Thus why I went with a Kindle.
Use Your Library
Books cost money and not everyone can justify buying them regularly. So use your library! I found that my local library has an eBook catalog online through Overdrive so I can get free library books on my Kindle! This is how I finally got to read They Both Die at the End. Plus you can make a wishlist of books to remember for later and also put holds that will automatically go to you when available. And if you prefer physical books, your local librarians will thank you for visiting.
Read What You Can Handle
With this tip, I don’t mean reading difficulties perse. I have found that, depending on a variety of factors, it can become hard to finish longer or more difficult books. When I am mentally not 100% is when this usually occurs. And when I am in this state, I read books that are easier for me like graphic novels and poetry collections. When you want to read more, any reading is good reading. Plus I have found some wonderful works by reading these “lighter” books.
Seek Community for Accountability
There are a few ways to find accountability and support on your reading journey. You can join Goodreads and set a challenge for yourself for the year. My challenge is currently set to 24 books in the year and watching your progress in the challenge is really motivating. You can also find book clubs, both online and off, if that helps you out. I’m a member of the Bad Bitch Book Club, which focuses on reading books by women with a female protagonist. Even just having you and a friend read the same book together can help a lot, plus you get to bond with a friend!
And if you are a blogger, you can create accountability by making content about what you read. Whether you write reviews on the books or share reading tips like I am, pledging yourself to make content is also a good motivator.
Make It A Routine
This is probably the most common tip, but it is said a lot for a reason. If you make reading a part of your routine you will read more. So whether you read before bed, over lunch, or in the morning with your coffee, that incorporation will help.
What are your tips for reading more? Share them in the comments below!
These are great tips! “Read What You Can Handle” resonates with me deeply. I was a massive bookworm growing up but over the past few years I’ve barely touched any books. It was breaking my heart and it was only recently that I was able to get back into a reading routine by first tackling books that were physically shorter and more “light” in terms of themes and topics.
Routine is important. I read every night before bed and it’s a perfect way for me to unwind before going to bed.
I’m old school. I like to snuggle up with a physical book in bed and read at least one chapter before lights out. Having an e-reader just won’t be the same.
Love this post! I also find audio books really great for getting in a lot of reading since you can throw one on while you’re doing other things.
I’ve been listening to audiobooks to go to sleep for years now and it’s literally the best! It’s like having someone read to you as you fall asleep, plus sometimes it influences my dreams. The only downside is when the book gets too interesting so I usually go for classic literature 🙂
More and more discords are beginning to do read alongs as well. Which is another way to connect over novels. Especially if you don’t have a local book club to join.
Good luck with the 24 books Goodreads challenge, it’s what I usually set each year and have managed pretty well.