How to Read More Books: Practical Strategies to Reignite Your Reading Life
In an era where our attention is constantly hijacked by screens, notifications, and the infinite scroll, many of us find ourselves wistfully looking at the growing stack of unread books on our shelves. Despite a genuine desire to read more, modern life often gets in the way. The good news is that, with a few intentional changes and practical strategies, you can read more books and enjoy the process along the way.
Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or someone rediscovering the magic of reading, we’ve written this piece to help give you some tools that can help you make reading a lasting habit. This is crucial because reading isn’t just a hobby – it’s a way to really connect with ourselves and the world around us.
Why reading more books matters
Before diving into how to read more, it’s worth asking: Why read more books in the first place?
Well, books offer a deeper kind of nourishment than fleeting social media content. They invite us to slow down, to think, to actually feel. Reading can improve empathy, reduce stress, expand vocabulary, and offer an escape that’s richer than any binge-worthy series.
Most importantly, books connect us with the ideas, experiences, and imaginations of others.
Set a (realistic) reading goal
Goals provide structure. Whether it’s reading 12 books a year (one per month) or carving out 15 minutes a day, setting a target gives you direction. But the key is to avoid overwhelm.
Start small. If you’re currently reading one or two books a year, a goal of five is a meaningful stretch. Track your progress using tools like Goodreads or a simple reading journal.
It can often help to break goals down by time or pages. For example, “read 20 minutes before bed” or “finish one chapter a day.”
Always carry a book with you
The old adage holds true: You can’t read if you don’t have your book with you.
Whether it’s a physical copy in your bag or a digital library on your phone or e-reader, make it easy to start reading anytime you find yourself waiting – in line, at the doctor’s office, or during your commute.
Those five or ten-minute reading sprints might not seem like a lot when taken individually, but really add up over time.
Replace screen time with page time
The average adult spends nearly 3 hours a day on their phone. Imagine swapping just half an hour of that for reading a book. The transformation can be profound.
Try these tactics:
- Leave your phone in another room while reading.
- Use app timers or grayscale mode to reduce screen allure.
- Designate a “no-screen” reading window each evening.
Essentially, make reading the default downtime activity instead of doomscrolling, and you’ll probably notice before long that you don’t miss the scrolling.
Create a reading ritual
Rituals anchor habits. When reading becomes a natural part of your daily rhythm, you’re more likely to stick with it.
Some ideas to consider:
- A morning reading session with coffee.
- A nightly wind-down ritual with a book instead of TV.
- Weekend afternoons set aside for uninterrupted reading.
Curate your space: a cosy chair, a warm lamp, a blanket – make reading feel like a luxurious escape, not a chore.
Read what you actually enjoy
Too many of us try to force ourselves to read what we think we should be reading – classic tomes, heavy nonfiction, or the latest bestseller everyone’s talking about.
Instead, follow your curiosity. Try to be aware of what you’re enjoying and read more of it. Read what delights you, intrigues you, or simply entertains you. That might be speculative fiction, poetry, or narrative nonfiction. The more fun you have, the more books you’ll read!
Not sure where to start? The Victoria Freudenheim review archives are full of carefully curated recommendations across genres. A few favourites:
- The Overstory by Richard Powers for the eco-conscious reader.
- Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro for fans of speculative fiction.
- Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason for those drawn to character-driven stories.
Join a book club or reading challenge
Accountability can be a powerful motivator. Joining a book club (whether in person or online) adds a social dimension to your reading life. Discussions help you process what you read and encourage you to finish books you might otherwise abandon, not just for the sake of social guilt but because you tend to want to join the conversations.
Alternatively, try a reading challenge. Whether it’s “Read Around the World” or “12 Women Authors in 12 Months,” challenges add a sense of purpose and play to your reading goals.
Don’t be afraid to abandon a book
Life is too short for books you’re not enjoying. Give a book 50 pages (or less) and, if it doesn’t spark interest, move on. Forcing yourself to finish a book you dislike can stall your momentum for months simply because it takes an awful lot of willpower to continue doing something that you don’t want to do.
Build your reading habit around enthusiasm, not obligation.
Mix formats (audiobooks, e-books & physical)
Audiobooks can transform mundane moments, such as commutes, cleaning, or walking, into reading time. E-books are perfect for on-the-go reading or bedtime convenience. And of course, physical books offer a tactile, distraction-free experience.
Having multiple formats allows you to adapt your reading to your lifestyle, so you’re not always tied to having to read at the end of the day or when you’re sat with a physical book.
Make reading a lifestyle, not a checklist
The goal of reading more books isn’t to rack up numbers, it’s to enrich your life, sharpen your mind, and expand your empathy. Whether you read one book a month or one a week, it’s one of the habits that matter most.
We strongly believe in the deep joy and transformative power of reading – and that’s why our blog is filled with thoughtful explorations on literary themes, genres, and commentary to inspire your next read. And, if you’re looking for some recommendations, check out our book reviews.
