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Elyssa Nalani

Elyssa Nalani

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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

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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.

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What do you do to cultivate your relationship with What do you do to cultivate your relationship with Jesus? What do you want to try/do more of this week or next? Let me know in the comments! 👇🏽⁠
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Confession: Bible nerds absolutely get distracted. Confession: Bible nerds absolutely get distracted.

Okay, well I don't know every Bible nerd buuuuuuuut Bible nerds are humans and humans get distracted, therefore, Bible nerds get distracted. What I probably can't speak to is how often and to what degree. I can only speak for myself.

As someone who loves the Bible & teaches the Bible (both online and in person at my local church), it would make sense that I'm often reading and studying and just loving all things quiet time and devotions. The truth of the matter is that isn't always the case. I absolutely get distracted in my relationship with Jesus.

Here's the deal: I have the ability to trick my brain into thinking that creating faith-based content or resources (scripture writing plans & Bible studies, etc.) is the same as spending time at the feet of Jesus. And while there can be some overlap, it's not the same thing. That's actually a short-circuited version of what it should be -

Spending time with Jesus results in rich, honest content and resources I can share with others.

But the pressure to perform at the same speed and level as I see on social media constantly tempts me to short circuit the process, cut corners with God, and have the nerve to think that I can point people to a Savior that I don't value enough to give the best of my time and attention.

Wuuuuuuuuut. Let that sink in.
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Today on the blog, I’m talking about getting back on track with Jesus when you’ve distracted yourself from Him. Link in bio 😊
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I think balance is more about awareness than perfection. When you know who you are and what you’re capable of, you know your boundaries and limitations. Couple that with the knowledge of what needs to be done and can better navigate when to say “yes”, “no”, “not right now”, or “I actually know someone else who is much better at that than I am, lemme hook you up”. You’ll know when it’s time to take a break or hit the gas, when to involve others or fly solo. But all of this takes time to develop and the patience and humility required to listen to God, yourself, those you trust, and what’s going on around you. 

I don’t know what you need today, friend, but here’s what I’ve got - take what you need: 

— Permission to let go of perfectionism

— A reminder to listen more carefully

— Encouragement to graciously and confidently pursue balance in your life
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#livewellstayfocused #balance #lifestyle #awarenessnotperfection #awareness #reminder #perfectionismrecovery #listen
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. . .

• LIVE WELL FAITHFULLY - 
Cultivate a relationship with Jesus

• LIVE WELL PHYSICALLY - Take care of your body & mind

• LIVE WELL SOCIALLY - Nurture relationships & practice good etiquette

• LIVE WELL ENVIRONMENTALLY - Care for your spaces & steward your resources

• LIVE WELL VOCATIONALLY - Do your best work

• LIVE WELL AVOCATIONALLY - Recharge & play hard

. . . 

What areas in your life needs a little extra attention these days? Let me know in the comments! Personally, I’m currently focusing on faith & environment.

#livewellstayfocused #lifestyle #livewell #livewellfaithfully #livewellphysically #livewellsocially #livewellenvironmentally #livewellvocationally #faith #work #workhardplayhard #spiritualgrowth #livewellavocationally #home #habits #routines #routine #mentalhealth #thelivewell6 #physicalhealth #relationships #etiquette
Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers, grandfath Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and fathers-in-law, as well uncles, role models, brothers, teachers and friends that have stepped in when most needed. You are so appreciated and loved. God bless you and thank you for all you do ❤️
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#happyfathersday
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New scripture writing plan, GLORIOUS, starts tomorrow. Go to elyssanalani.com for all the deets (link in bio 😊).⁠
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#bible #psalms #worship #club119writers #scripturewriting #scripturewritingplan
I’ve had this song on repeat all week. It’s su I’ve had this song on repeat all week. It’s such a reminder that everything I am, everything I do, everything I say should all be for the glory and magnification of Christ. He is always worthy, always wise, always good, always true, always righteous, and always glorious. ⁠
⁠
. . . ⁠
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Were creation suddenly articulate⁠
With a thousand tongues to lift one cry⁠
From north to south and east to west⁠
We'd hear Christ be magnified⁠
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Were the whole earth echoing His eminence⁠
His name would burst from sea and sky⁠
From rivers to the mountaintops⁠
We'd hear Christ be magnified⁠
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O, Christ be magnified⁠
Let His praise arise⁠
Christ be magnified in me⁠
O, Christ be magnified⁠
From the altar of my life⁠
Christ be magnified in me⁠
⁠
. . .⁠
⁠

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#christbemagnified #avalonworship #codycarnes #glorious #worship #praise #heisgood #livewellstayfocused #lyrics
Have you seen the 2022 Modern Mrs. Darcy Summer Re Have you seen the 2022 Modern Mrs. Darcy Summer Reading Guide yet? It’s beeeautiful and packed with great looking titles 😊⁠
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Summer days are long and hooohhhhhhhhhhht here in Texas. Long summer nights mean I should have a bit more time for reading. I’ve pulled a few titles off my shelves to keep on my nightstand. I need some good fiction to balance the heavier non-fiction I’ve got planned for myself for the rest of the year. Two of my titles are BOTM picks aaaaand on the Summer Reading Guide*. ⁠
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. . . ⁠
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- The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion⁠
- The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict⁠
- Take My Hand - Dolen Perkins-Valdez*⁠
- The Cartographers - Peng Shepherd*⁠
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(These aren’t recommendations since I haven’t read them yet. They’re just on my TBR list ☺️)⁠
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If you haven’t checked out the Summer Reading Guide, check out @modernmrsdarcy or go to the link here -  https://modernmrsdarcy.com/the-2022-summer-reading-guide/⁠
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What’s on your summer reading list? I’m always open to recommendations!⁠
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. . . ⁠
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#bookstagram #summerreading #modernmrsdarcy #bookish #summertbr #summerreadingguide #iratherbereading #fiction #books #readersofinstagram #booknerd #readmorebooks #historicalfiction #bookaddict #reading #readingmatters #bookworm #booknerdlife #readingcommunity #bibliophile #bookblogger #booksbooksbooks #bookofthemonth #botm
Happy birthday to my baby brother! 🥳 ⁠ ⁠ I Happy birthday to my baby brother! 🥳 ⁠
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I thank God for giving me such a wonderful, smart, talented, generous brother and awesome friend. I wish you a fantastic new year of adventure & accomplishment. Keep doing great things - you deserve the best. Thank you for being my buddy! I love you ❤️
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