Use These Easy Tips to Read More Books in 2024

So, you want to read more books but find it challenging to squeeze reading time into your busy schedule?

Fear not, because cultivating a reading habit and finding more time to read is absolutely doable. I have a crazy schedule, and I’m able to read 6-8 books per month with relative ease.

It really comes down to making a few simple adjustments to your routine; you’ll be surprised how easy it is to transform yourself into an avid reader.

Whether it’s 30 minutes before bedtime, during your lunch break, or squeezing in a chapter during your daily commute, finding a specific time can make all the difference.

Remember, the key to reading more books is to make it enjoyable and sustainable for you. To that end, here are my best, easy tips to read more books in 2024 and beyond!

Participate in Reading Challenges

Participating in reading challenges is a fantastic way to stay motivated and achieve your reading goals. This is how to become a book worm if you have a competitive streak!

These challenges provide a fun and engaging framework for you to track your progress and share your achievements with others.

One popular reading challenge is the Goodreads challenge, where you can publicly declare your reading goal for the year and keep others updated on your progress.

By setting a specific target, you’re more likely to stay committed and enjoy the journey of reading more books. Plus, seeing the progress of others can inspire you to keep going!

In addition to the Goodreads challenge, there are numerous other reading challenges you can join based on your interests and preferences.

Some challenges have a specific theme or focus on a certain genre, while others encourage you to read diversely.

Find Your Genre

Trust me; discovering the type of books that genuinely ignite your interest can make a huge difference in your reading journey.

Instead of focusing on what’s popular, like the fiction bestseller lists, you should dive into exploring the various genres available.To help you navigate the extensive world of fiction, here’s a table of some different genres and their characteristics:

• Literary Fiction: This genre often explores the human experience and delves into the complexities of emotions, identity, relationships, and culture. If it’s thought-provoking and emotionally rich tales that you’re after, then literary fiction might be your calling.

• Science Fiction and Fantasy: For those of you who are interested in futuristic worlds, advanced technology, space exploration, or alternative realities, science fiction is a fantastic choice. By exploring potential scenarios and innovative ideas, this genre adds an exciting twist to fiction.

• Fantasy: Magic, mythical creatures, and imaginary worlds are brought to life in captivating adventures. My personal favorite!

• Mystery: Solve crimes, untangle secrets, and uncover hidden truths in these enticing thriller novels.

• Romance: Discover the joys, heartaches, and emotional travails of love and relationships.

• Romantasy: A delicious blend of the romance and fantasy genres. (I like these over regular romance novels.)

• Historical: Step back in time and immerse yourself in a captivating narrative based on past events.

Your tastes may vary, and it’s possible that more than one genre can appeal to you. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and sample different genres.

Soon enough, you will find the perfect fit that’ll keep you reading book after book, and say goodbye to those dreaded reading slumps.

Keep Physical Books Around You

When you see books frequently, you’re more likely to pick one up and start reading.

Consider placing physical books in places around your home where you typically spend time. The sight of them will help remind you to grab one and start reading, turning your downtime into valuable reading time.

For example, try placing a few books on your coffee table. Not only will this look aesthetically pleasing, but it will also encourage you to grab a book during your breaks. If you usually watch TV or scroll through your phone, having books nearby will remind you that there’s another option.

Create a mini-library in your bedroom or place a book on your nightstand. This will remind you to read before bedtime, instead of reaching for your phone.

Incorporating this habit can help you unwind and feel relaxed after a long day, while staying engaged with a good book.

Besides your living room or bedroom, you can have books in other areas of your home too. Here are a few more ideas:

• Place a bookshelf in your hallway

• Store a couple of books in your home office

• Put a pile of books in the bathroom

Having physical books nearby encourages a reading-friendly environment and serves as a constant reminder to dive into a great story. Embrace this habit, and watch your reading list start to shrink faster than ever before.

Find Book Rec Lists You Trust

Searching for new book recommendations can be overwhelming, but luckily there are multiple ways for you to discover great reads.

One way to help you choose books you will enjoy is to find trustworthy rec lists.

BookTok and BookTube are excellent places to begin your search. These platforms allow you to find other readers who share your taste in books.

Start by following people who discuss books in your preferred genre or authors you love. Over time, you’ll learn whose opinions align with yours – and whose actual book recommendations you can trust.

Another effective method is to explore the various “Best Of” lists, curated by reputable sources such as The New York Times, Goodreads, or Time Magazine.

These lists highlight some of the most well-regarded books in various genres and can serve as a great starting point for finding new titles.

Listen to Audiobooks

Audiobooks offer an excellent solution for squeezing in more reading time into your busy life.

With this format, you can easily turn everyday tasks, like your 30-minute daily commute or workout, into productive reading sessions.

One major advantage of audiobooks is the ability to multitask.

No longer do you have to choose between exercise and reading; simply pop in your earbuds and press play. This way, you’ll be able to maintain an active lifestyle without sacrificing your love for good books.

Another benefit of audiobooks is the option to customize the playback speed. Jack up the narration speed to cover more content in less time. Just be mindful not to go too fast, as it could affect your comprehension. (I usually find my sweet spot is 1.25x-1.5x.)

When it comes to devices, you have options there too.

Many e-readers support audiobooks, allowing you to switch between text and audio seamlessly.

For instance, if you prefer visually reading a chapter before bed but want to listen to the story during your morning commute, an e-reader with audiobook support makes the transition a breeze.

Join a Book Club

Reading can be a solitary hobby, and sometimes, you might find yourself craving some social interaction related to the books you’re reading.

Joining a book club can be the perfect solution to add a social aspect to your reading routine.

Not only will it motivate you to read more, but it will also give you an opportunity to discuss and exchange opinions about the books you’re enjoying with like-minded individuals.

Nowadays, there are various ways to find a book club that suits your interests. Here are some options to consider:

Local bookstores

Many bookstores host book clubs and events where members can gather and discuss their latest reads. Pay a visit to your local bookstore and inquire about upcoming meetings.

Libraries

Your neighborhood library is another great place to find book clubs. They often have bulletin boards featuring upcoming events and meetings, so make sure to check them out.

Online communities

The internet is a fantastic resource for finding book clubs. Platforms like Meetup, Goodreads, and even Facebook groups offer countless online communities dedicated to book discussions. Some clubs may meet in-person while others take place entirely online, so you can find one that fits your preference.

Fable is also a popular one that I highly recommend!

Joining a book club can also enhance your reading experience by exposing you to new genres and authors you might not have discovered on your own.

Plus, discussing a good book with others can often reveal different perspectives and insights, which can deepen your understanding and appreciation of the story.

Utilize Library Resources

Step in your local library and make the most of it! Libraries offer a gold mine of reading material just waiting for you to explore.

Not only can you find countless books, but often libraries provide access to eBooks, audiobooks, and even workshops to help enhance your reading experience.

Here’s a list of some more suggestions and reasons to take advantage of your library:

Access to a vast collection of books

Visiting your local library is a great opportunity to discover new titles and authors. Skim through the shelves and explore a variety of genres. Apps like Libby makes this even more convenient.

Save money on books

Instead of purchasing all the books you want to read, borrow them from the library for free! Take if from me, you do not need to own a book trophy of everything you read. Save your physical collection for special editions and hardbacks of your favorites!

Librarians can be your personal book advisors

Chat with librarians about your favorite book and they might be able to recommend something new that fits your taste.

Libraries often host a range of events, like book clubs and author talks, that can spice up your reading experience and help you engage with fellow book lovers.

Check the event calendar and make a plan to attend a few!

Lastly, be strategic with your free time. If you find yourself waiting in line, commuting, or having lunch alone, break out a trusty book or audiobook on your phone.

A few minutes here and there can go a long way in helping you hit your reading goals.

Book Time for Your Books

Dedicating time to reading might feel a bit odd, but trust us, it’s a game changer, especially if you struggle to make reading a priority.

You don’t need to carve out huge chunks of time to read multiple books, either. A little goes a long way when it comes to reading more books.

Let’s break it down:

Create dedicated reading time

Start by setting aside just 20-minute reading sessions before work or during lunch breaks.

These mini reading breaks will soon become a habit, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly the pages pile up.

Make it enjoyable

Choose a comfortable spot, grab your favorite beverage, and turn off any distractions. Create a cozy and peaceful environment to fully immerse yourself in your book.

Keep it consistent

Aim for even ten pages a day as regular reading routine. If you miss a day, don’t stress; just make an effort to get back on track as soon as possible.

Choose the right books

To keep up with your reading time, make sure to pick books that genuinely interest and engage you. This will make it far more enjoyable and easier to stick to your reading plan.

Here’s a table to help you see the potential progress you could make by simply reading for 20 minutes a day. (I’m basing this on my own reading speed of about 1.5 pages per minute, which I consider to be very average.)

Week Minutes / Approximate Pages

Week	Minutes	Approximate Pages
1	140	210
2	280	420
3	420	630
4	560	840

You can easily finish an entire book in under two weeks, depending on your own pace.

All it takes is a little bit of discipline, and before you know it, you’ll be flying through your reading list.

Make Reading More Interactive with Annotation

Annotating books can greatly enhance your reading experience, making it interactive and helping you better understand the content. Whether you prefer physical books or e-books, there are ways to annotate effectively without leaving a mess of ink or highlighter all over the pages.

First, ensure that you develop a system of symbols and notes that works for you.For example, use stars or exclamation marks for important points, and question marks for parts that you are unsure of or need clarification on. You can also develop your own abbreviations for common terms.

This will make it easier to skim through your annotations later on and remember the key points.

Physical book lovers can use sticky notes or flags to annotate without permanently marking the pages.

These come in various sizes and colors, allowing you to color-code your annotations for better organization.

Additionally, you can consider investing in erasable highlighters or light-colored pencils for annotations that can be easily removed if needed.

For those who prefer e-books, most e-reader apps have built-in annotation tools, like highlighting and note-taking features.

Do not hesitate to use these tools effectively to make your reading experience more interactive.

As you get accustomed to your e-reader, you’ll find that annotating e-books becomes as natural as annotating a physical book.

One useful resource for learning effective annotation techniques is Exploring Kyoto’s Sagano Bamboo Forest, which can guide you on how to successfully annotate without causing damage to your books.

By incorporating these tips into your reading habits, you’re likely to read more books with improved comprehension and recall of the material.

So make annotating a part of your reading routine and enjoy a more engaging and interactive literary journey.

Conclusion

We hope these tips help you read more books and enrich your life through the power of words.

Remember, the key to reading more is making it enjoyable and fitting it into your routine.

To maintain that excitement, create a reading list with all the books you want to read. This list will be your roadmap to doing multiple books and becoming a more avid reader.

Incorporate these techniques to make the most out of your reading journey:

• Set goals for the number of books you want to read per month or year.

• Make reading a daily habit.

• Explore different genres and authors to find your favorite.

• Utilize book summary apps if you’re short on time.

• Join a book club or share your reading experiences with friends.

By keeping these recommendations in mind, you’ll soon discover the world of literature provides an untapped pool of knowledge, creativity, and inspiration.

So grab a good book and dive into the boundless world of stories and ideas!

Frequently Asked Questions