Last year, I read about 35 books. While it’s not a huge amount, it’s more than the average American reads (please don’t Google that statistic; it’s pretty sad). Here are some tips I learned along the way that will absolutely help you read more.
1. Turn Off the Television
While I enjoy watching movies, television shows can waste away the days of your life without remorse. How many reruns of “Friends” and “Frasier” can you watch? If you don’t have time to read a novel, pick up a short story.
2. Find Something You Actually Like Reading
Don’t try to read a novel just because a critic said it was good. If you don’t like something, don’t force yourself to read it. It’s okay. If you enjoy reading about dragons and castles, go for it. Whether it’s Harry Potter, sci-fi, crime, or vampires, it doesn’t matter—just read what you love.
3. Read Shorter Books
Don’t start by tackling a lengthy book like Stephen King’s “The Stand.” Start small and work your way up. Look for books that are 100-150 pages long. It feels good to finish reading a book. Read shorter books, feel good about your accomplishments, and continue reading. I currently avoid books over 400 pages because I know my limits. “The Great Gatsby” and “The Old Man and the Sea” are great short books. H.G. Wells also comes to mind.
4. Have a Few Different Books Around
When people watch TV and get bored, they change the channel. You might not always be in the mood to read a particular book. Try reading something else. Any given week, I have at least 3-4 books out from the library. Some weeks I read straight through without switching; other times, I switch 3 times in a single day.
5. Find a Quiet Place
This can be tough, but do the unthinkable: turn your cell phone off for an hour. Close the internet browser on your computer. Shut down Twitter. Enjoy the silence for a moment. Take a breath and start reading.
6. Read Books with a Decent Size Font
Reading pocket-sized paperbacks from Walmart or the grocery store can be frustrating. Go to the library and borrow a full-size book with a decent font. If you’re using a digital book reader like an iPad or Kindle, you can increase the font size to a comfortable level for your eyes.
7. Ask Others What They Have Read
Talking to someone about a book can make the experience much more enjoyable. Social networking is great for this. Search Twitter right now and find someone who is reading what you’re reading.
Read More. You Can Do It.
Do you have any tips to share on how to read more? What are you reading right now?
That’s all I have to say.
Peter Weis