9 Tricks to Help You Read More

Don’t pick up what you’re not interested in

Just because a book came highly recommended or was written by a Pulitzer Prize-winning author doesn’t mean it’s right for you. If you don’t like romance novels, don’t try to dive into one. And if you absolutely are not interested in anything even remotely in the sci-fi genre, steer clear of pieces in that genre. "Choose books that genuinely interest you; reading shouldn’t feel like an obligation,” says Sandra Morgan, co-founder of Morgan Pierce Media & Publishing.

Make it a social affair

Join a book club or start your own. You can ask your local library if they host them, or you may find online groups to join on platforms like Facebook as well. A book club doesn’t have to be big either. It can consist of yourself and your neighbor, you and your son or daughter, or can even be a hobby you do with your grandkids. You can also start a Goodreads account (which helps you to track books you’ve read and to keep a running list of books you’d like to read), and encourage your friends to do the same so that you can keep up with each other’s reading virtually as well.

Be consistent

Aim for a chapter or fifteen minutes a night. Can’t hit that? Even one page a night works. The point is to be consistent. If you make reading part of a habit, you may find that you look forward to doing it daily. Plus, it can be a great way to relax before bed. 

Bring a book with you

"One approach to reading more books is integrating reading into your daily routine,” says Morgan. This, she says, is all about making books a natural part of your day-to-day life. For instance, carrying a book with you can turn unexpected delays or waiting times into opportunities for reading. Next time you find yourself in a waiting room, instead of scrolling aimlessly through social media on your phone, sneak in a chapter or two.

Try an audio book

Don’t have time to sit down and read? Pop in an audio book, which can be purchased on platforms like Amazon's Audible or even loaned out on apps that connect with libraries, like Libby.

Tune out distractions

Have you ever set out to read a book, read a page and then had your phone ding with a new text message? Before you know it, you’re onto a full-on text message conversation and your reading time is out the window. When you read, try to shut off all distractions for a while.

Keep a dictionary nearby

Don’t be afraid to take a pause while reading to look up any words you don’t know. This can help you to expand your vocabulary and deepen your understanding of what you’re reading.

Get the lighting right

Ever try to read in poor light? It can cause short-term eye fatigue, and possibly dry eye. Check to make sure that you have ample lighting in the room that you’re reading in, or some nice daylight to read outdoors in. If you share a bed with someone else and want to read when they’re sleeping, you may want to purchase a book light so you can illuminate your pages without disturbing your partner.

Take breaks

Remember that when it comes to reading, it’s not a race. Sure, your friend may have read a book in two days, but that doesn’t mean you have to. Start slow and take your time. Read at your own pace. If you want to do 20 minutes and then take a break to pick the book back up the next day, great. If you go a full hour and then don’t return to your book for another week, that’s OK too. Whatever works best for you—and keeps you reading.