Read More Books This Year: Easy Tips for Busy People

If you want to read more books this year but don’t know where to start, this article is for you!

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10 Ways You Can Read More Books

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1. Find time for reading

Set aside time each day. Even if it’s just 10 or 15 minutes, this regular reading time will help you get into the habit of reading.

If you can’t find a block of time in your schedule, try reading in smaller chunks throughout the day. For example, you could read a few pages while eating breakfast or on your lunch break. Read while you exercise or during your commute.

Or, figure out a specific time each day when you could fit in some reading. Whether first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or right before bed, setting aside a dedicated reading time will help ensure you get some reading done.

If you’re still having trouble making time to read, try scheduling it into your day like you would any other activity. Put it in your calendar or to-do list and treat it like an appointment you can’t miss.

2. Keep books with you wherever you go

If you’re like most people, you’re always on the go. Whether you’re running to meetings or running errands, you don’t always have time to sit down and read a book. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find time to read.

Try keeping a book with you at all times. That way, if you have a few spare minutes here or there, you can always get some reading done.

Here are a few tips for keeping a book with you on the go:

1. Keep a small book in your purse or bag to read when you have a few minutes to spare.
2. Download a book to your phone or e-reader to eliminate carrying something extra.
3. Keep a book in your car. This way, you can always have something to read when you’re stuck in traffic or waiting for an appointment.

3. Try different formats

Make use of technology. There are now many different ways to use technology to help you find time to read. For example, you can download e-books or audiobooks onto your phone or tablet to read (or listen to) them while commuting or doing other activities.

4. Take advantage of your commute

Your commute to work can offer a wonderful time to read and may make your commute a little more enjoyable. As I mentioned above, make sure you have a book or ebook with you. Keep it in your bag or backpack so you can easily grab it when you’re ready to read.

If you’re driving each day, you can always listen to audiobooks. There are a ton of great audiobooks out there, and you can usually find them for free or very cheap.

5. Discover books you enjoy

You’ll be motivated to read more when you’re reading a book you enjoy. Plus, you’ll reap several mental health benefits. Reading can help reduce stress, improve your memory and focus, and even help fight depression.

Ask friends or family for recommendations. If you know someone who enjoys reading, ask them what some of their favorite books are. This can give you a starting point for finding books you may enjoy.

Look at lists of recommended books. These lists can be found in magazines, online, or even in the library. Once you find a list, take a look at the titles and see if any of them look interesting to you.

Try a book subscription box. Every month you’ll have a new book curated by experts that can match you with the genres you love. Plus, these boxes often come with bookish goodies! (To find one for you, check out my post on the Best book Subscription Boxes for Adults.)

Try browsing in a bookstore or library. Sometimes, the best way to find a book you’ll enjoy is to simply pick one up and start reading. Not all books are for everyone, but by trying out a few, you’re sure to find some that you really enjoy.

Grab your favorite books here:

• Get fantastic titles from my curated shop on Bookshop.org.
• Try Audible Plus.
• Find books via Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans.
• As a member of Amazon Prime, don’t miss Amazon First Reads for early access to Kindle books.

6. Create a reading list

Once you’ve discovered books that have piqued your interest, create a “want-to read” list. You’ll save time searching for a new book when you could you reading.

Start by deciding what type of books you want to read. This could be books that are related to your hobbies, interests, or goals. If you’re not sure where to start, try looking at bestseller lists or Goodreads’ Must Read Books page.

Once you know what kind of books you want to read, create a list of titles. You can use a physical notebook, a Google Doc, or even the notes app on your phone.

Add new titles to your list as you discover them. This way, you’ll always have something to look forward to.

7. Set reading goals

One way to make reading a priority is to set reading goals.

If you’re not sure where to start, try setting a goal to read one book per month. This is a manageable goal for most people, and it will help you get into the habit of reading regularly. Check out the 2023 Reading Challenge for monthly booklists to help you read one book a month!

If you find that you’re able to read more than one book per month, great! But don’t put too much pressure on yourself – remember that the goal is to enjoy reading, not to complete a certain number of books.

Remember that you don’t always have to read an entire book to get the benefits of reading. If you’re short on time, try reading articles, short stories, or even just a few pages of a book. No matter how much time you have, there’s always a way to fit in some reading.

8. Join a book club

Joining a book club can be a great way to combine finding time to read with connecting with other like-minded people. Book clubs typically meet once a month to discuss the book they’re reading, so you’ll have a set time each month when you’re required to do some reading.

9. Discuss what you’re reading

If you’re an avid reader, you know how great it feels to get lost in a good book. But did you know that discussing what you’re reading with others can actually enhance your reading experience?

Here are four reasons why you should consider talking about your latest read with friends, family, or even strangers.

1. It helps you better understand the book. You’re able to get different perspectives on the story. This can help you better understand the book as a whole and can also give you a new appreciation for it.

2. It allows you to connect with others, especially if you’re discussing a book that you both enjoy. You can bond over your love of the story and can also share your own thoughts and feelings about the book.

3. It can make reading more enjoyable. If you’re struggling to get into a book, talking about it with someone else can help. Hearing someone else’s excitement about the story can make you more interested and make reading more enjoyable overall.

4. It can help you retain information. Discussing a book with others makes you more likely to remember the information. This is because discussing the book helps to solidify the information in your mind and can also help you better understand it.

10. Keep a reading journal

To help you stay on track with your reading goals, get a reading journal. This type of journal can be as simple as a notebook where you jot down your thoughts and impressions, jot down questions to look up later, or highlight quotes.

Also, use your reading journal to keep a list of the books you want to read to help you remember what you want to read, celebrate the books you’ve finished, and keep you accountable to your reading goals.

Check out a great selection of reading journals for book lovers like this Romance Book Reading Journal with everything an avid romance reader wants and needs!

How many books per year is a normal amount?

This is a difficult question to answer as it depends on a person’s reading habits. Some people may read one book a year, while others may read several books a week. There is no definitive answer, but the average person probably reads around nine to fifteen books per year.

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