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!
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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 –
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!
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