Have you ever walked into a bookstore and felt like you couldn’t decide what to get? Do you feel like you just don’t have the time to read each day?
Reading is a habit that can be very fulfilling. Personally, I’ve always been a reader ever since I learned how. I was very shy as a kid, and books allowed me to venture into new worlds using my imagination. I remember being in middle school and spending so much time at my school library. In college, I had a brief stint doing a work-study at the library, and I loved it. Even going to school full-time, having a bunch of textbooks excited me, even if I didn’t enjoy the class much. Reading can allow you to become a lifelong learner.
So, how does one start reading? I totally understand feeling intimidated looking around a bookstore for something. You don’t want to waste money, especially when a brand-new book could cost you upwards of $20. But I like to think of it this way: even if I don’t like a book that I bought, I can always donate it so someone else can enjoy it.
Discover books you enjoy
Before you venture to your local bookstore or browse online, you’ve got to find books that you are interested in. It doesn’t have to be fiction. Do you have a favorite celebrity who wrote a memoir? Or maybe there is a historical figure you are fascinated by. If you don’t know how to begin on your book quest, you’ve got a few options:
Take inventory of books you already own
Do you have any books in your possession that you bought years ago but never actually finished? Take inventory of what books you currently have. Are there any that still spark your interest? If so, I suggest starting with the shortest one and see how long it takes you to finish it. This can give you an idea of how fast (or slow) you read.
Start with a book club
There are actually quite a few celebrities and political figures who have book clubs. Reese Witherspoon has a book club online that makes it really easy to browse her recommendations, and it’s kind of cool feeling connected to other readers who are all reading the same book at once! Of course, Oprah’s book club is still extremely popular. Former president Barack Obama has been known to share his reading list on social media.
Join a book subscription service
A book subscription is another way you can find a curated collection of books. Book of the Month is one that I use, but there are others. I didn’t think I would enjoy choosing from only 5 or 6 books each month, but because the collection is small, it makes it so much easier for me to pick one. If I’m not interested in any of the choices, I skip the month. That alone has made it easy for me to read more books throughout the year because I don’t physically have to take myself to a bookstore.
Research books online
My favorite way to discover new books is to check my Goodreads account. Goodreads is a social website with thousands of books that people can review. You can find books you’ve read and add them to your “Read” list, and based on that list, Goodreads will give you recommendations. If you want to know more about a book, you can click on it, find a brief description, and discover other readers’ reviews. You can even add your friends, and see what they’ve been reading. I’ve found that the general consensus about books on Goodreads is pretty spot on when it comes to my tastes. Of course, there are outliers. Sometimes, I will really not like a book, even though it might have a 4 or 5 rating on Goodreads. Still, websites like Goodreads are worth checking out.
Not interested in Goodreads? Check out this list of alternatives.
After you’ve got some books you want to read, it’s time to start reading!
Set a time to read
Reading doesn’t have to be a marathon. If you spend 10 minutes reading per day, that’s 10 minutes closer to your goal. I recommend reading before bed because it can help you wind down from your day and help you relax so you can enjoy a good night’s rest. But of course, it’s up to you how you decide to fit reading into your schedule. But once you develop this habit, trust me, it will become second nature. You can set a timer on your phone or create an event in your calendar to remind yourself that it’s time to read.
Set a reading goal
Setting a reading goal is not about putting pressure on yourself. It’s about inspiring yourself and encouraging yourself to keep going. Now, I’m not gonna lie, I do try to finish books I don’t enjoy just so I can check them off my list, but you don’t have to do that. Maybe you want to read one book per month, or if that’s too much for you, try reading four books per year – that’s one book every 3 months – totally doable!
Don’t forget about audiobooks and ebooks
If you’ve got a dusty old Nook or Kindle you haven’t fired up in a year or two, bust that bad boy out and get to reading. One advantage of ebooks is that they tend to be much cheaper than buying a physical book. E-readers have come a long way when it comes to the blue light technology to avoid eye strain. I was an e-reader hater until my dad got me a Nook. Although I prefer physical books, I love taking my Nook with me on vacations because it fits into a small space, and I don’t have to worry about keeping up with multiple books. Audiobooks are another great way to get your reading done without actually cracking open a physical book. I haven’t found them to be as cheap as ebooks, but they are just as good on road trips, plane flights, or your daily commute to work.
Overall, how you want to spend time reading is up to you. Whether you’re looking to delve into something new or rediscover long lost literary loves, I hope this post helps you on your reading journey. Also, if you’re reading this post, odds are you’re already a reader! I’ve got plenty of book recommendations on my blog to help you get started!
As always, thanks for reading. Be well, fellow bookworm!
What Jas Reads 