Reading books is always something I want to do, but not always something I actually do. Why? There are probably a million reasons, but they all boil down to 3 basic things: I’m bored, tired, or busy. Feeling this way is less than inspiring. That makes it hard to keep up with my usual plan to read one fiction and one nonfiction at a time. I shared about my reading rut and how I got out of it a while back. Today, I want to give you three tips to help you read more books.
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Are you bored with your reading?
I will always love reading things. The idea that I could be bored offended me. Until I thought about it. I was reading a lot of books because I should read them. You know the ones. The new release that everyone is raving about, the author you always read, or even that book that you planned to read because it came in at the library or you finally dusted it off from your shelf. If you are reading because you think you should, you miss out on the joy.
What to do about it: Read something different. Don’t read what you always read. Consider what type of book you’re in the mood for and go with it. Sometimes we need to shake things up to rediscover our passion for reading.
Are you too tired to read?
This can seem like a hard thing to fix. If I have to choose between sleep and a story, I know sleep should win. The more you can develop good sleep habits, the better off you’ll be. Easier said than done, right?! Reading can be part of good sleep routines. If you need to wind down at night, reading a book can help. The key is to choose wisely.
What to do about it: Read something that calms you and won’t keep you turning pages late into the night. For some people, nonfiction is better at night because it’s more informational and doesn’t hook you like fiction does. Try heading to bed ten minutes early and opening a book instead of your phone. The book can help your brain calm down and feel more ready to sleep.
You can also try reading at lunch or another time during the day when you’re more awake. There’s no rule against reading in the middle of the day! Try a few things and see what feels best.
Are you too busy to read?
We live in a busy society. But I realized I’m not nearly as busy as I think I am. Hear me out.
There are plenty of times in the day when I appear busy. I’m doing something on my computer, waiting for an appointment, or checking things on my phone. I’m busy. But am I really? Could I use that time differently?
The biggest changes I made to fit reading into my schedule is less scrolling and pairing it with something else. You may not be able to read chapter after chapter, but you can probably read a few pages here and there. Even a few pages make a big difference.
What to do about it: Instead of picking up your phone when you’re waiting for something open a book. Even an audiobook is a great option. Just choose the book over socials, checking email, or clicking on news articles.
You can also pair reading with something else. Read a page while you wait for your coffee. Listen to an audiobook while you get ready for the day. Read while you wait for a meeting or appointment. Little slivers of time add up to chapters read every day.
Books I’ve Read Lately
Here are some of the books I’ve been reading. Remember, not every book is for everyone, so see what piques you are interested in and give it a try!
The Rhythm of Fractured Grace by Amanda Wen
My mom gave me this to read and I did not expect to like this book at all. The cover threw me off. I am so glad I gave it a try! It tackled some complex spiritual and relationship issues with surprising authenticity. My only regret is not starting with book 1 in the series. (Don’t worry, it’s on my nightstand ready to go!)
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
This book completely surprised me. I kept hearing about it, but the premise seemed too odd. (A great way to break out of a reading rut, btw!) My mother-in-law told me it was worth reading so I gave it a try on Audible. The characters in this story (even the octopus) were truly remarkable.
The Wings of Poppy Pendleton by Melanie Dobson
A time-slip mystery that has something for everyone. A missing girl, a deserted castle, an apparent runaway, and even the possibility of a love story kept me interested in this story that goes back and forth between 1907 and 1992. The bonus is that the setting is a real place that has me thinking about my next road trip!
The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
I picked this up to shake up my reading routine. Having read and enjoyed a previous book by Foley (even though it was outside my typical reading genres) I expected this book to be similar. Unfortunately, the story was too dark for me. The characters and storylines were interesting, but there was too much to keep track of with not enough plot. I wanted to love this book, but it just wasn’t for me.
The Way Back by Heidi Chiavaroli
There is something special about reading a book that takes place somewhere you’ve been. It helps you picture things so much better. Chiavaroli’s latest starts with tragedy and leads the reader to the coast of Maine where relationships, the past, and the future collide. I loved this and can’t wait for book two in the series. Until then, I can read The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series and revisit some of the characters from The Way Back.
I’ve noticed that I allow my phone to steal those smaller chunks of time when I could be reading a book. It’s such a trade-off. I guess technically I am reading when I’m scrolling through instagram. ha. But it’s not as satisfying as reading a book. Thanks for these tips!
It’s so easy to get lost scrolling! But if my goal is to read more books, curtailing scroll time is a good way to make that happen. So nice to see you here today 🙂