When I was a kid I could read books for hours. I would curl up under the comforter in my twin-sized bed and read way past my bedtime. At school, I’d get in trouble for bringing the latest Hunger Games or Twilight books to class instead of paying attention to the lesson. I challenged a classmate in 5th grade to speed-read all 40 of the Left Behind series in 9 months. (Yes, I won.) My friends and I would chat about our fan casts for future movies and theories about how a series would end. We’d stand in a line for book releases at Barnes & Noble at midnight (gosh, remember when?) just so we could be the first ones to get our hands on that crisp, hardback copy. So when did that childlike joy for reading leave us?
It’s difficult when we already have so much information to read at our fingertips. And like most adults, I think the loss of reading came with additional responsibilities. No longer can we come home to a quiet house and a book. We balance full-time jobs, chores, pets, kids, partners, etc. Personally, I hit the wall before I even entered true adulthood. After being forced to read so much for college and graduate school, reading for pleasure was the last thing I wanted to do.
In 2020, it occurred to me that I didn’t have a true hobby. Because of my health, I spent so much time indoors and was sick of staring at a screen. Everything that I had come to love outside of work I somehow transformed into a stream of income or obligation, thus removing the fun. Reality TV Shows? I recently started a podcast on pop culture. Photography? I planned and shot photoshoots every week for work. Even absent-mindedly scrolling through social media could turn into a SWOT analysis of my fellow influencers. It was time for a change. And it was time for something fun- just for me.
Books can be used for educational purposes, self-enlightenment, and escape. But at its core, shouldn’t it be entertaining as well? I think it’s time to put the fun back into reading and make it a priority in your life. Since 2020, I’ve read an average of 100 books a year. And I promise it’s easier than it sounds! In this blog, I’m sharing how to read more in 2024. From setting specific reading times to finding books that are so good, you’ll want to read them in one sitting. Even if you’ve never been much of a bookworm, I’m sure these tips will work for you. I’m here to help you break through the barriers and fall in love with reading all over again. So, grab a cozy blanket, and your favorite hot beverage, and let’s get into it.
Just because you’re over 25 doesn’t mean you have to settle for boring books! People assume you can only read about finance, self-help, and classic literature that would make your AP English teacher cry tears of joy. But no one is grading you for choices, so choose freely! In fact, it’s the perfect time to explore different genres and find the one that speaks to you the most. Currently, I can’t get enough of fantasy novels. The worlds and characters are so rich and captivating, it’s like taking a mini vacation every time I pick one up.
But don’t take my word for it, try out a few different genres like mystery, romance, or science fiction until you find the one that makes your heart sing. Of course, non-fiction is enjoyable to many. But I find that when you’re trying to get started reading for fun it’s easier to experiment with fiction books first.
Do you like shows like House of The Dragon, The Walking Dead, Severance, or Yellowstone? I promise there’s a book for that! I binged the Bridgerton series on Netflix, and let me tell you, it was love at first Duke. So naturally, I had to dive into the source material. Contrary to the status quo, the books were not better than the show. But I still read all 8 of them! That’s when I discovered the world of historical romance novels. From regency England to the American West, I’ve been swept off my feet by dashing heroes and strong heroines.
But this did help me discover what I enjoyed about the show in the first place! I realized it was more romance and happy endings that pulled me into their stories vs. the historical fiction. From there I searched for a series that followed cameo characters throughout their journey just like Bridgerton. That’s how I stumbled upon authors like Jasmine Guillory and Talia Hibbert. And boy was I HOOKED!
And it doesn’t have to just be tv shows or films. Did you enjoy a certain story as a kid? If you liked books like Percy Jackson or Gossip Girl as a pre-teen like me, start there. I found “Circe”, “Song of Achilles” and “A Touch of Darkness” scratched the Greek mythology itch I had been searching for. And “Big Little Lies” and “The Shadow Box” gave me the rich, white mess that Blair Waldorf would be proud of.
So, if there’s a specific show or movie you love, why not try diving into the books? You never know what you might discover
Another way to make it more enjoyable and accessible is to ditch the physical books and explore the world of ebooks and audiobooks. While I do enjoy prefer the smell of a freshly cracked paperback spine, sometimes you just can’t beat the convenience. I recently got a Kindle Paperwhite for Christmas and will switch between physical, audio, and ebooks depending on availability and my mood. You don’t have to lug around a heavy hardback or wait for the next book delivery to your mailbox. And they’re often cheaper than physical copies! With ebooks and audiobooks, you can take your reading on the go and even multitask while you listen. And the best part? If you have a library card, you can get them for free! I’d also suggest trying out a Kindle Unlimited subscription for the small subset of books that might not be available at your library.
Let me let you in on a little secret. The key to reading more is to set a specific time each day for it. *Shocking* I know. I’ve even started to enjoy it more than watching reality tv (don’t tell my Bachelor fantasy team.) So unless your main hobby is reading like mine, it’s essential to make it a priority in order to change. You’ll be impressed with how much you can read in such a short time! Each night, I set aside time to read for 30 minutes or 50 pages, whichever comes first. That simple habit is what allowed me to read 75+ books in one year. It’s been a game-changer! Not only have I been able to read more books, but it’s also a much more enjoyable way to end my day than doom-scrolling.
There’s nothing like a book slump. You’ve just finished a series you thoroughly enjoyed. You’re convinced you can’t find something close to that feeling again, so you don’t even try to look for it. Thus, continuing the cycle of poor reading habits. I’ve learned that if I have a sufficient TBR (or a “to-be-read” list as the book community says) I can be just as excited for the next read. I keep book suggestions in my notes app or on GoodReads so I have an idea of what to reach for in the future!
Do you really want to know how to read more in 2024? Set practical and attainable reading goals for yourself. If you’ve already read a few books a year, try 12-24 books. That’s only 1-2 a month! And don’t be discouraged when another person may read more than you. Even I, a self-proclaimed book nerd, fall victim to comparing how much others are reading. But here’s the thing, reading is personal and it’s not a competition. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on reading what you love and can accomplish. Whether it’s a chapter a day or a book a week, as long as you’re enjoying it, that’s all that matters. Also, your book goals don’t have to just be number based. Do you want to read more about systemic racism, your family heritage, or your religion? Center your goals around the small steps to make that a reality!
Remember, reading is a ticket to new worlds, new perspectives, and new adventures. So, don’t be afraid to branch out, try different genres and formats, and always keep an open mind. I can’t wait to see what you end up reading this year. Good luck to my future fellow bookworms. And happy reading!
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