How to Get Back to Reading Books Again

In recent years, I’ve transformed from a non-book reader to a book enthusiast, thanks to my friend Salwa, who inspired me to become one.  So now it’s not a secret; reading books is my favorite way to spend time away from the physical hustle.  I am not snobbish about my reading habits; I try to read at least 2 books every month. Yes, I know that is too little for a book lover like me to read in a month. There are ebbs and flows every month, especially those weeks when I binge-watch some vampire series on Netflix and don’t want to do anything but keep clicking the next episode tab. I admit, that I am a dedicated Binger. Once I dive into something, it becomes, to me, like a second skin.  Surprisingly, my reading life offers a more serene escape compared to my real life. It’s filled with a myriad of characters, drama, plot twists, and mysteries, as well as some psycho killers. Oh, I didn’t mention that I am a crazy fan of the thriller-horror genre. But here’s the catch: It’s strictly limited to books. Horror movies with intense brutality aren’t my cup of tea.  I find them too overwhelming to watch.   

In between work and volunteering at events, I often dive nose-deep into a book. My friends commend my reading habits and confess how they are struggling to rekindle their relationship with books. The culprit? is time—the notorious thief stealing our little joy. It’s a familiar tale. With our lives so surrounded by gadgets, social media, responsibility, and work commitments, we all just get so trapped that we don’t want to think about whether we can make that little time for us to pick up a book and read.  So  I thought of writing a blog post about how you can start reading again. These blog posts have ideas and hacks that will bring you back to your bookish self.  I hope I can inspire you to turn it in and open that book again. 

P.S. Share in the comments the book that has recently captured your attention. Let’s inspire each other to dive back into the world of books.  

How to Get Back to Reading Again

1. Choose shorter books to Read 

I remember reading the book No Exit by Taylor Adams. As a busy being, you can start reading this for 15 minutes, and the plot will take its course. The book is about a man stranded by a blizzard at a Colorado rest stop, who discovers a kidnapped child in a van. With no way to call for help, she must identify the kidnapper among the strangers she’s trapped with. I finished the book in two days, and by the end of it, I was left wanting more to read. So, tip no. 1: choose a shorter book of your favorite genre and even your favorite author so that will ease back into the reading routine.

If you want reviews for quick reads, I share thoughts on exciting thriller books on my social media handle bookish_nora

2. Schedule Your Reading Time 

Being a 9-to-5 corporate employee and an active volunteer, it becomes challenging to think about and choose any place to sit and read, but if you give it a thought, you might think of a time when you can de-stress, like maybe after work hours, after dinner, you can just light a candle of some soothing oil with your favorite tea to sip and your book. Pictured it? Then you can do this one. 

For me, the best time to read a book is before or after dinner while sipping green tea, and then the best one is everyone’s best time: next to the beach or an open cafe.  Find a time for your daily routine and schedule a 10-minute reading session.  

PS: I bet once you start, you won’t notice the time, so keep a reminder on time. 

3. Headphones in Audio Books  of your Favorite Book 

While on the treadmill, I noticed my friend was listening to something very focused. I asked her what it was, and she said I was listening to an audiobook. That’s a good idea to listen while you are working out. Audiobook listeners have this perk that we physical book readers don’t.  They can do all their activities, like driving, doing laundry, and doing house chores, and still be able to read the book.  I mean, it’s fun, isn’t it?

4. Carry a Book 

Now that reminds us of our school days, but think about it, we are always out at work, parties, events, meetings, and salons. Carrying a book would serve as a reminder to read. You can read in a waiting room, during your break, or in a mani-pedi session; the list is big. One can go on.

5. Make a To-Be-Read (TBR)  List  

This one is such a savior; it will help you save the time you spend walking in a bookstore or browsing the best thriller books to read on the internet.  If you have a TBR list prepared, all you have to do is just open it, buy the book, and game on.  My TBR is so long, and that makes me feel so happy to have so many books to read. Lifes short!