Ever been a kid who LOVED books so much you’d read with a flashlight under the covers? Or maybe you hid a super interesting book under your desk in a boring class?
For many of us, reading was like magic. It took us to all sorts of places and let us experience tons of cool stuff, all through the pages of a book.
But as we grow up and get busy, that love for reading can sometimes disappear.
This was definitely my experience.
As a child, I was an absolute bookworm. I devoured anything I could get my hands on, from fantasies to biographies.
Reading was pure enjoyment, a way to lose myself in another world and forget about everything else. However, during my teenage years, things changed.
My attention span seemed to shrink, and the books that once captivated me now felt overwhelming or even boring. The joy of reading, that constant companion of my childhood, had somehow slipped away.
Fast forward to when I turned 18. I missed that feeling of getting lost in a good book, of letting my imagination run wild alongside the characters.
I knew I wanted to rediscover the magic of reading.
So, I decided to follow a few habits that would help me to become a reader again. This wasn’t just about reading a few books here and there; I wanted to truly fall back in love with the process.
The good news? It worked! By developing some simple habits, I managed to read 43 books in just one year.
Now, I’m here to share the habits that helped me become a bookworm once more.
Whether you’re a former reading enthusiast who’s feeling disconnected or someone who’s curious about the magic of books but hasn’t quite found the right fit, this post is for you.
Find Your Why?
Why do you want to read more?
Is it to learn new things, escape reality, or simply enjoy stories? Figuring out your “why” will give your reading habit purpose and keep you motivated.
When starting as a reader, you can get overwhelmed by the choices available and you might feel lost.
The key is figuring out what makes YOU want to pick up a book. That way, you can find stories you’ll really enjoy.
Your reasons for reading can be wildly different from mine and you may have more than one or two.
Either way, Choosing books that resonate with your interests and goals is important if you want to read consistently.
So, the next time you find yourself surrounded by books, don’t just pick one at random.
Think about what you’re hoping to get out of your reading experience.
Set a Reading goal
Decide how many books you’d like to read in a certain period—like a year—and challenge yourself to reach that target.
This is because a reading goal will help you to stay focused and motivated.
Setting a reading goal can be simple: just sign up on Goodreads and join their reading challenge.
You pick a target number of books to read in a year. Goodreads will keep you posted on whether you’re ahead or behind.
Plus, you can share your goals and progress with others, which will help you stay on track and accountable.
Start small
If you’re new to reading regularly, start with manageable goals.
Don’t hold yourself to unrealistic expectations like reading 20 books a month and finishing off War and Peace in one (or 20) sittings.
While these goals are achievable, they might be challenging, especially if you struggle to read without giving up.
You can begin with shorter books or dedicate a certain amount of time to reading each day.
As you build your reading muscle, you can gradually increase the complexity and length of the books you read.
Here is a list of my favorite short books.
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- Kim Ji-young, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-ju
- Animal Farm by George Orwell
- The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Notes on Grief by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne
Read more books by Making Time for Reading
Consistency is key.
Choose a time that fits your schedule and commit it to reading.
Just like with any habit, reading requires building momentum.
When you read consistently, even if it’s for short periods, it becomes easier to pick up the book again and keep going.
This makes it more likely you’ll finish the book you start and move on to the next.
The best way to be consistent is to have a designated reading time, which makes it simpler to make reading a regular part of your routine.
Here’s how I’ve made reading a part of my daily routine and how you can too.
- Right after you wake up: Instead of immediately reaching for your phone when you wake up, grab a book from your nightstand. This will contribute to better mental clarity and focus for the rest of your day.
- Lunchtime: Set aside a few minutes from your lunch break to read.
- Before Bed: Replace screen time with reading before you hit the pillow. This can help you unwind, disconnect from digital distractions, and signal to your body that it’s time to relax and prepare for sleep.
- On your way: If you have a daily commute, whether it’s by bus, train, or subway, use this time to read.
Carry a book with you
You never know when you’ll have a few unexpected minutes on your hands, stuck in line, waiting for an appointment, or on a short commute.
You can use these moments for reading instead of scrolling through your phone.
As long as you have an interesting book at hand, you will never be alone or bored
Mix up your reading list with different genres
Switching between genres is what keeps reading interesting.
When you read books from different genres you are essentially broadening you’re horizons.
Experiment with different genres – fiction, non-fiction, mystery, science fiction, biographies – to keep your reading experience fresh and engaging.
Limiting yourself to just one or two genres could mean missing out on the book that could become your all-time favorite.
Here are my favorite books from the six most popular genres on Goodreads.
- Fiction – The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini
- Historical fiction – The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Mystery and thriller – Gone Girl By Gillian Flynn
- Fantasy and science fiction – Circe by Madeline Miller
- Young Adult Fiction – The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
- Romance – Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Check out reading challenges
Reading challenges give you a set of prompts or themes to follow, encouraging you to explore a wide variety of books you might not have picked up on your own.
The beauty of reading challenges is that they come in all shapes and sizes.
There are challenges based on themes, like “read a book set in a different country” or “read a book with a strong female protagonist.”
Others might focus on formats, encouraging you to try audiobooks or graphic novels. Some challenges even have a time component, giving you a set amount of time (like a month or a year) to complete the prompts.
Here are some of the reading challenges I like to check out when I am unsure about what I want to read next.
If you’re feeling a bit nervous about taking on these challenges as someone who’s just starting to read, don’t worry. Here are some easy-to-follow reading prompts that are perfect for beginners.
Invest in an E-reader
I’m a huge fan of E-Readers.
Ever since I got my Kindle, I’ve noticed that I’m reading much more than before.
One great thing about the Kindle is its portability – it’s much easier to carry around compared to a regular book. Plus, you can have a whole bunch of books at your fingertips all at once.
You can even download free books from sources like Project Gutenberg, which offers free books in the public domain. And let’s not forget, that using Kindles is also a more environmentally friendly choice.
Listen to audiobooks
Audiobooks have really changed the game, especially for busy people, those who aren’t into traditional reading, and auditory learners.
You can enjoy them while you’re commuting, working out, or doing chores.
They’re also a great option if you want to read more than one book at a time.
What’s cool is that many audiobooks come with a full cast for fiction stories, and if it’s a memoir, you might even get the author narrating it to you. It’s a whole different experience.
And now, here are a few audiobooks that I really love:
- Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
- I know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
- I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jenette McCurdy
Follow book Influencers
Following book influencers on social media is a great way to discover popular and underrated books as well as to explore diverse perspectives, make informed choices, and stay updated.
And when your social media feeds are filled with book recommendations, pictures of annotated paperbacks, cozy sweaters, and fireplaces you will be inspired to read more often.
Here are some book influencers I love to keep up with
Remember that not all influencers are the same, and it’s a good idea to curate your list based on your preferences.
Engage with those whose content resonates with you and who provide value to your reading experience.
Don’t be afraid to give up on books that you find uninteresting
Life is too short to spend on books that don’t engage you
If you’re finding a book to be dull or uninteresting, don’t hesitate to put it aside and explore something else that captures your attention.
I used to push myself to finish reading books that made me feel sleepy. Learn from my experience and avoid making the same mistake.
Your reading time is precious, and there are countless books out there that might align better with your preferences.
Remember, the goal is to explore and enjoy books, so don’t hesitate to move on from a book that doesn’t hold your attention.
Read what you love and enjoy the experience
Don’t let intellectual snobs discourage you from exploring the books that bring you joy. Everyone’s reading preferences are unique, and what matters most is the connection you feel with the material.
Whether you enjoy classic literature, science fiction, romance novels, fantasy epics, or any other genre, your reading choices are valid.
The goal of reading is not just to impress others or conform to certain standards of literary taste, but to expand your horizons, inspire your imagination, and find comfort within the pages of a book.
The Bottom Line:
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t transform into a superreader overnight.
Remember, the goal here isn’t just to speed through books like a race. It’s about enjoying the amazing ideas and stories they contain.
What are your thoughts on setting reading goals, exploring different genres, using technology in your reading journey, and making reading a part of your daily routine? Your thoughts matter—share them in the comments below.
Hope this helps and happy reading!
