How To Read More Books, If You Want To Start + Books To Get You Back Into Reading
When I think about my bookstagram in the past three years (I created it in December 2020!), I remember how it ignited my love of reading. I used to be an avid reader when I was growing up, always carrying a book around—and I’m sure this is the case for a lot of people. You fell in love with reading at a young age, but life got in the way: school, job, relationships, friendships, social life … ya know?
And then the pandemic happened, and everyone was sent into lockdown, where people suddenly had the time to read! Everyone started picking up their books they always meant to read but never had time to.
But maybe that wasn’t you. Maybe you’re just seeing the explosion of books and readers and want to join in on the action. Or maybe, you just want to read more books and pick up a new hobby instead of binge-watching the same show.
Whoever you are, whatever your reason is, WELCOME. I hope you stay a while.
Okay … how do I read more books?
GREAT QUESTION. Let me give you a few tips on how to read more books.
Read what you love.
I wrote a similar blog post on this maybe a year ago and this was the first tip. First things first, what do you like watching on TV? Do you like true crime docs? Rom-coms? Nostalgia? Horror? Thrillers? Can you not stop obsessing over the latest true crime doc or are you really into The Summer I Turned Pretty series? If the first one is you, maybe head towards the thriller and mystery recs in the bookstore. If the second one is you, then maybe head towards the romance section! (If you like TSITP, then head to the YA romance.) Find what you love watching on TV (scroll through your Netflix queue for this one) and then head towards that specific section in the bookstore.
Find a time during the day to read.
Some people love reading at night and just need to stay awake until 2 a.m. to finish that book. Me? Not so much. I need my sleep. For me, I love to read in the morning. My quiet time includes: journaling, and then reading—either a non-fiction book or whatever fiction book I’m reading. Either one, whichever I’m feeling that morning. My point is … find an ideal time of the day to read. Don’t force yourself to read at night if that’s not for you. Don’t force yourself to make time in the morning if you simply love sleeping in. Maybe you don’t have time in the morning. Maybe for you, you read best after work to unwind or during the evenings. Or on your commute. In addition to picking a time to read, pick a cozy spot in your house or apartment to read in. Comfy chair? Your bed? Couch? The floor? Make a cozy spot and bring a comfy blanket. Then, set it a part of your morning routine. Set it a part of your evening routine.
Bring a book with you everywhere.
This is my chance to convince you to start listening to audiobooks. When I go on a long walk or road trip, I listen to audiobooks. Sure, podcasts are great, but to hit my reading goal or to enjoy a nice, long book? Audiobooks! I love listening to celebrity memoirs (Lauren Graham’s is my favorite!) because the author themselves are narrating it themselves (seriously, Lauren Graham’s memoir is literally another episode of Gilmore Girls). But even if audiobooks aren’t your thing, bring a book with you everywhere. This may be your e-reader (#BringYourKindleEverywhere), but if you’re like me and physical books are your thing, bring one of those with you everywhere! People will say, “Oh you can read in the grocery line!” But honestly? I have never brought out a book in the grocery store line (I’ve tried). My ideas? Bring it on your commute, if you take public transportation. Bring it on your lunch break. Bring it in your backpack at school. Bring it to a restaurant and have a solo date. Just bring a book with you everywhere, just like Rory Gilmore.
Follow BookTok and Bookstagram accounts.
Or don’t. You don’t need to read books solely based on these recommendations … However, when I scroll through these hashtags, I am almost always motivated to read. (I usually scroll on my couch with a book right next to me.)
Make a habit of it.
It takes 21 days to form a habit. So, try reading for 21 days. Find the time in the day that works best for you, maybe this is the morning or evenings, and read during those times. Read only a set amount each day—maybe it’s only 20 pages, maybe it’s 100 pages. That’s up to you, either one doesn’t make you any more or less of a reader. (Sometimes I only read about 6 pages and then end up going on my phone.)
