It is February and what does that mean? It is I Love to Read Month. (And no, I do not care if you think it is childish- nothing beats the high of hearing the chimes play over the speakers in elementary school to stop whatever you were doing to read.) I have been fortunate to be able to remain a lifelong reader, and a voracious reader. Over the past five years, I’ve read an average of 118 books a year. And one of the questions I get asked is how? It needs to be said: it does not matter how many books you read in a year. No one is judging you! (And if they are, please ignore them.) However, if you do want to make reading a stronger habit, I can help! Let’s get nerdy and answer the big question: how to read more than you do!
How to Read More
These are some of the best ways I’ve been able to build and maintain my reading habit! Again, you do not need to read a certain number of books in a year or a specific number of hours to be considered a reader. This post is for you if you are looking to read more.
Throughout the post, I’ve got the covers of some of my favourite books (with reviews linked) if you are looking for inspiration for your next book. And remember: the library and NetGalley are two easy ways to find books to read without a huge budget.
Read Books (and Genres) That Excite You
This may seem like an obvious suggestion, but read the books that you want to read. Do not read a book because BookTok says it is popular or a celebrity book club reads it if the book does not excite you. Reading as a hobby is not homework- you do not have to slog through a book you do not like.
Also, do not judge yourself for the books you read. (Or the books that others read.) It’s not trashy to read romance, it’s not boring to read economics- read whatever books you want to read. And if you are anything like me, that sometimes means re-reading books that you have already read and loved. (This is also very helpful when I am in a reading slump and have a run of books that simply are not grabbing me.)
Reading Instead of Scrolling
Paired with the tip above, try reading instead of doom scrolling. Yes, we’ve all been there where you have suddenly watched an hour of TikToks, and it typically doesn’t help any of us. When I have a book I’m genuinely excited to read, I want to read instead of scrolling on my phone. I have seen people argue that reading a “trashy” or “fluffy” book is no better than scrolling on your phone, but I usually have far less anxiety (and irritation if I am honest) after reading than I do with scrolling. Sometimes I get out of the habit and have to consciously stop myself and choose to put down my phone, but it is a habit I’ve been able to build.
Look for Author Recommendations
If you really enjoy an author’s book(s), I would really recommend getting some recommendations from them. They will typically know their own genre and can make some great recommendations based on what elements you enjoy in their books. I would start by checking out their social media; many authors will often share recommendations there. And if they do have their DMs open, send them a message letting them know how much you enjoy their books and if they have any similar book recs. Most authors have been incredibly kind about it, and I’ve found some fantastic books by doing this.
Use Reading-Specific Social Media
You can find reading-specific social media networks and groups anywhere, and these can also be fantastic. On Facebook you will have your book clubs (aka Groups), StoryGraph and Goodreads are both dedicated reading apps, on Threads you can find other readers. A lot of Facebook groups will do group reads where you will discuss a book together as you read it (a virtual book club), and StoryGraph has buddy reads for this. StoryGraph and Goodreads both allow you to find people who have read the same book as you- if I can find similar reviews/ratings, I will often check their profile to see if they have similar tastes. (And if they do, I will follow them to see what else they read.) Social media can also be helpful in breaking out of simply seeing whatever is on the best-seller list.
Find the Best Format for You
Format can make a big difference when you are reading. Flashing back to I Love to Read in the 1990s and 2000s, the only option was physical books. However, we have more options now! There are ebooks, and within ebooks, you’ve got dedicated eReaders (like Kobos and Kindles), tablets, and your phone for reading options. There are audiobooks for the listeners out there. And for your physical books, we have hardbacks, trade paperbacks, and mass market paperbacks. (Although apparently mass market paperbacks are disappearing.) All forms of books count as reading, and you have to figure out which you prefer!
For example, I prefer physical books for my research topics but ebooks and audiobooks for my pleasure listening. Unless it is a NetGalley ebook that I read on my tablet, I read my ebooks on my Kobo. This year I also customised my Kobo with a case, a pop socket, and stickers to make it more “me”. Also, I’ve found that I really enjoy pairing audiobooks with dog walks and playing Animal Crossing. It is all about what works for you. Again, there is no right or wrong answer!
♠
Want more book recommendations? You find some of my favourites below…
The Best Royal Historical Fiction
The 10 Best Audiobooks for History Lovers
Books If You Love… (These are book recommendations if you are interested in different period dramas/shows)
My Favourite Historical Fiction Books About Women By Women
How do you help yourself to read more?
Cheers,
The Historian
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