• Shop
  • Cart
  • Nav Social Icons

             
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Cart
  • Mobile Menu Widgets

    Connect

    Search

Elyssa Nalani

Elyssa Nalani

live well | stay focused

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Coaching
  • Resource Library
  • Courses

15 Ways to Fall in Love with Reading

April 26, 2022 · In: HOBBIES & RECREATION

It doesn’t take long for a person to figure out books are one of my favorite things in the world. I’ve been an avid reader since I was a child and the thought of not loving the written word is an absolutely foreign concept to me.

I do understand that this is not everyone’s experience. Not everyone loves books.

Maybe you’re one of those people. Maybe you’d like to do more reading but you don’t know where to start. Do you just pick up a book and read? Well yes, you could do that! However, there are several other things you can do to become an avid reader.

Here are 15 ways to fall in love with reading!

(this post contains affiliate links. see disclosure here)

1. Make a reading list

I love lists. They have the potential power to keep you motivated and on track. If you have books on your shelves already that you’d like to read, write them down on a list. If there are some book recommendations you’ve been meaning to follow up on, write them down. If you’re not sure what books you want to read, write down the topics or genres you think you’d be interested in and then check out your local library, bookstore, Amazon or Goodreads for titles that you might like!

2. Read short books

One of the first things that has the potential to kill a novice bookworm is a long book. When you’re building the habit of reading, don’t bog yourself down with books that are too long. Every time you finish a book, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment. Reading and finishing shorter books will help you build the motivation to read more consistently.

3. Read with a friend

Ask a friend to read a book with you! Just like a workout buddy, a reading buddy can share in the fun and the challenge and keep you accountable!

4. Don’t finish a book if you don’t like it

I’ve heard it said that there are too many great gooks out there to read books you don’t like. Just because you start a book doesn’t mean you have to finish it. If the book you chose isn’t doing it for you, call it quits and move on to another title. 

5. Take a break

By the same token, just because you don’t like a book right away doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read it. If you’re struggling with a book but want to finish it, put it down and take a break. And a break doesn’t have to mean five minutes. It can be several days, weeks, or months! Read other books, work on other projects, hang out with friends and try again! You never know, it could turn out to be one of your favorites!

6. Try the audiobook

There are several books I know I would never had read if I hadn’t listened to the audiobook. Audiobooks are a great way to get lots of reading done when you’re short on time. I listen to them while I’m driving, while I’m working on projects, or doing chores. As a long time listener, I even have favorite narrators that I’ve grown to love over the years. My go to apps for audiobooks are Libby and Audible.

7. Always carry a book

You will rarely find me without a book or notebook in my bag. A writer should never be without a notebook and a reader should never be without a book! There are always a few minutes here and there in the day to read a page or two. Read on your lunch break or your commute (unless you’re driving – listen to the audio version), the checkout line or waiting room.

8. Browse

I looooooove browsing bookstores and libraries. I also love going to thrift stores and perusing their bookshelves. It’s really easy to just buy books on Amazon (I do this quite often) but there’s something about taking physical books off of physical shelves that online shopping can’t ever replace.

Hit the stacks even if you’re not looking for anything in particular. You’ll come across titles you may never have seen otherwise. Also, shopping at your local indie bookstore is a really great way to support the book industry.

9. Say no

It should be a no brainer when you have a choice between another episode on Netflix or another round of your current game addiction on your phone and a book. Ask any book nerd—book should always win. Say no and open the book. 

10. Create a playlist

Sometimes I’m distracted when I’m reading and my mind wanders. One thing that has helped me stay focused when reading is playing soft instrumental music. Doing this tells my brain that it’s time to concentrate and read.

You can create a playlist of your favorite calm, relaxing tunes. I use one of these two on Spotify –

  • Jazz for Reading
  • Classical Reading
11. Re-read a favorite

Every so often I’ll hit a reading slump. If I’m lucky, I’ll read just the right new book that’ll pull me out but it doesn’t always happen. When that happens, I’ll re-read a favorite. It’s not only fun to visit old “stomping grounds” in a familiar story but it helps get my brain out of the rut and back in reading mode.

12. Engage in other nerdy activities
  • Watch Book Tube (just search “book tube” on YouTube and you’ll discover a whole new world of book-loving people!)
  • Read books about people and time periods that interest you
  • Join a book club
  • Follow book accounts on IG and TikTok (search #bookstagram and #booktok)
  • Read book blogs
  • Listen to book podcasts (my favorite is What Should I Read Next with Anne Bogel)
13. Try a different genre or subject

Sometimes trying a genre or subject that you’re not that familiar or even comfortable with can open up a whole new world of reading that you didn’t realize you’d like! Shake it up. If you only read fiction, read non-fiction. If you only read non-fiction, try fiction. If you only read history, pick up something contemporary. Read books about other cultures. Read backlists and obscure titles that not everyone is talking about. Try poetry or essays. Pick up something in translation. Granted, you like what you like and you won’t necessarily fall in love with something new BUT you could!

14. Blog about what you read

My blogging years started out with book blogging back in my early 20s. I really enjoyed writing about what I was reading – it kept me motivated and made me feel like I was apart of a great community. I actually want to get back to writing about books again!

If you’re starting out in your reading journey, try blogging about your experience. It’s a great way to keep track of what you’re trying and you’ll love looking back at old posts and seeing how you’ve grown as a reader!

You can start a free blog today at WordPress.com

15. Join a reading challenge

Back in my book blogging days, I joined all kinds of reading challenges. They’re so much fun! Simply do a Google search of reading challenges for the year (i.e. 2022 reading challenges) and you’ll find all kinds of fun challenges to participate in!


If you’re a book nerd, what advice would you give a someone who wants to fall in love reading?

If you’re a novice book nerd, let me know what you’re going to try or what book you’re going to start reading!

By: Elyssa Nalani · In: HOBBIES & RECREATION · Tagged: books, reading, reading challenge, the reading life

you’ll also love

My March Reading List
What I Read in February
My February Reading List

Become an insider!

Don't miss updates, & other stuff I don't share anywhere else!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Next Post >

My Classics Club List 3.0

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Welcome
hello!

My name is Elyssa! I’m a Jesus-loving planner babe & book girl and I inspire and equip women of faith to live well and stay focused on what matters most.

Read More

Search

Let's Connect

Browse Categories

  • GOALS & PLANNING
  • FAITH
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOBBIES & RECREATION
  • SPACES & STEWARDSHIP
  • RELATIONSHIPS & ETIQUETTE
  • WORK

Full Focus Planner

become an insider!

Follow Along

@elyssanalani

elyssanalani

Wife • Writer • Bible Nerd• Goals Coach
I inspire & equip women of faith to live well & stay focused on what matters most
Join the Collective 👇🏽

Elyssa Nalani Trujillo
Be the kind of person you want to see every Monday Be the kind of person you want to see every Monday morning. That's not always easy but it is possible to be real and genuine and honest AND kind, generous, & helpful. When you're in a good mood and feeling great, make sure to spread the sunshine at home and on the job! But if you're not feeling particularly sunny, remember to...⁠
⁠
- think before you speak ⁠
- gently and honestly let people know if you're having an off day and need help or space⁠
- apologize if you speak out of turn⁠
- pay attention to the needs of those around you and see how you can help⁠
- make the choice to offer the best you have to give, even on a rough day ⁠
- consider that other people may be having a bad day too and need just as much grace as you do 💕⁠
⁠
If you needed a reminder that you have the choice to be the kind of person you'd want to work with/be around, here it is.⁠
⁠
Good Monday Morning, friend 😊 ⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#goodmondaymorning #mondaymorningreminder #mondaymorning #mondaymotivation #happymonday #livewellstayfocused #livewellenvironmentally #livewellvocationally #livewellphysically #livewellsocially #livewellfaithfully #livewellavocationally #thelivewellsix #bekind #spreadsunshine #grace #thinkbeforeyouspeak #beakindhuman #worklife #homelife #begenerous
I've seen the effects of people neglecting the peo I've seen the effects of people neglecting the people in their homes because they're busy saving the world. It can be devastating & sometimes nearly irreparable. Don't fall into the trap of feeling like everyone else is more important than the care and keeping of your family. They're your first responsibility. Period. It's not as glamorous or sexy. You won't get the same kind of praise, if any at all. But you'll be making the most important investment you will ever have the opportunity and privilege to make. ⁠
⁠
If you needed a reminder to prioritize those closest to you, here it is. It doesn't have to be complicated, it just has to be real and from the heart ❤︎⁠
⁠
Good Monday Morning, friend 😊⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#goodmondaymorning #mondaymorningreminder #mondaymorning #mondaymotivation #happymonday #livewellstayfocused #livewellenvironmentally #livewellvocationally #livewellphysically #livewellsocially #livewellfaithfully #livewellavocationally #thelivewellsix #takecareofyourfamily #familyfirst #prioritize #dontcomplicateit #littlebylittle #itsthesimplethings
Happy Friday, Friend ❤️⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #liv Happy Friday, Friend ❤️⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#livewellstayfocused #livewellfaithfully #fridayreminder #weekend #happyweekend #bibleverse #grace #abundance #weekendreminder #goodworks
God created us to do good work. We don't labor jus God created us to do good work. We don't labor just to keep the lights on (important as that is), we work as a function of being a human being, made in God's image. He created humans to be productive, creative, problem-solvers, community-builders, art-makers, developers, resource-managers, home-makers, educators, and all the rest. ⁠
⁠
If you needed a reminder to do your best work, here it is. You may hate your job. You may not get a paycheck. You may not be in the field or have the career of your dreams. You may not be appreciated. You may be in over your head. It doesn't matter. Whatever your work is, you are answering the call of the kingdom when you give it your very best. ⁠
⁠
Good Monday Morning, friend 😊 ⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#goodmondaymorning #mondaymorningreminder #mondaymorning #mondaymotivation #happymonday #livewellstayfocused #livewellenvironmentally #livewellvocationally #livewellphysically #livewellsocially #livewellfaithfully #livewellavocationally #thelivewellsix #workhardstayhumble  #madeingodsimage #dogoodwork #beagoodhuman #career #dreams #hardwork #workethic #work #doyourbest #worksmarternotharder #dontcomplicateit #littlebylittle #itsthesimplethings
Happy Friday, Friend ❤️ ⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #li Happy Friday, Friend ❤️ ⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#livewellstayfocused #livewellfaithfully #fridayreminder #weekend #happyweekend #bibleverse #steadfast #immovable #weekendreminder #givethanks
Need a breakthrough on a project? Try mapping out Need a breakthrough on a project? Try mapping out your work in color! Digital tools and notebooks have their rightful places but man, when I’m especially stuck, I need to have some fun on a bigger canvas with some markers and favorite music playing in the background ☺️🎨🎶 It’s not an instant fix but it’s pretty magical and breakthrough comes much more quickly that banging my head against the keyboard 🙃
.
.
.
#creativework #creativeworkspace #breakthrough #contentcreator #coursecreator #gettingunstuck #inspriation #workfromhomelife #livewellstayfocused #livewellavocationally #work #writerlife #writersblock #creativebrain #keeppushing #coloring #stuck #itgetsbetter #outofthebox #playtime
Happy Monday! I have a huge favor ☺️ I'm work Happy Monday! I have a huge favor ☺️

I'm working on a project and I'd like to know what are some of the things that keep people from reading & studying the Bibles. I'd love to hear any assumptions, pre-conceived notions, and myths you've come across, struggle(d) with, or otherwise experienced! 
No wrong answers ☺️

Thank you in advance! I appreciate it 😎
It's easy to get excited about making all kinds of It's easy to get excited about making all kinds of changes in your life but don't overload yourself or you'll be in danger of burn out. Make a list of the changes you want to make and then tackle them a little at time. Change doesn't have to happen all at once in order to be good!⁠
⁠
If you needed a reminder to focus on little by little progress, here it is. Don't burn yourself out. Work at a steady pace, and watch what happens! 😃 ⁠
⁠
Good Monday Morning, friend 😊 ⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#goodmondaymorning #mondaymorningreminder #mondaymorning #mondaymotivation #happymonday #livewellstayfocused #livewellenvironmentally #livewellvocationally #livewellphysically #livewellsocially #livewellfaithfully #livewellavocationally #thelivewellsix #littlebylittle #progressnotperfection #yougotthis #momentum #reminder
Happy Friday, Friend ❤️ ⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #li Happy Friday, Friend ❤️ ⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#livewellstayfocused #livewellfaithfully #fridayreminder #weekend #happyweekend #bibleverse #youarethelightoftheworld #bealight #glorify #weekendreminder
Happy March! If you're like me and you're trying t Happy March! If you're like me and you're trying to spend more time in the Bible this year, then maybe tuck this away for the days when you simply don't feel like reading or studying the Word.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#livewellstayfocused #livewellfaithfully #thelivewell6 #priorities #makeithappen #goals #clutter #readthebible #readyourbible #biblestudy #prayer #biblereading #studythebible #balance #timemanagement #spiritualdisciplines #prayerlife
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Footer

Info

  • About Me
  • Affiliates
  • Contact
  • Disclosure
  • Terms and Conditions

become an insider!

         

Copyright © 2023 · Theme by 17th Avenue