Hi all and Happy Saturday!
This week I’m doling out some bookish advice. This is a prompt I gleaned from “60 Blog Post Ideas for Book Bloggers” by Jo Linsdell. I’m not the most prolific reader of my book blogger friends, but I do manage to read quite a lot. I’m offering some tips for those looking to read more!
Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you click on and/or purchase from some links, I make a portion of the sale. This helps keep Bitch Bookshelf running.
1. Drop any of your snobbier tendencies.
Are you a book snob? Really think about it. What preconceived notions do you have about what counts as reading? In my opinion, all reading is reading. (I even count picture books towards my Goodreads goal, though I am not arguing that you should start reading picture books just to argue you read 1,000 books this year.) What I am saying is this:
- Audiobooks count as reading.
- You can read any genre or book that appeals to you. Stop being a snob about romance/YA/anything you think is beneath you. (Though you don’t need to read it if you don’t want to!)
- If you want to read and count books for children, you can. I personally love middle grade fiction.
If you get rid of these snobbish ideas, you’ll open yourself up to more books and more methods of consuming them.
2. Read more than one book at a time.
Personally, I like to read a few books at a time. I know this can be confusing for some folks, so I’ll provide more information on how I successfully do this in the next few tips.
3. Use different formats – and remember, audiobooks count!
I generally read three books at a time – usually one audiobook, one print book, and one ebook. (Though lately I’ve been reading mulitple ebooks at once – one for work and one for pleasure/blogging.) The audiobook is for my commute, when I’m getting ready, or when I’m doing chores. Depending on the content, I might put it on while working out too. The print book is for when I’m at home. The ebook is for when I’m at work, travelling, or at home.
These different formats make reading accessible to me at all times. I am able to read just about every spare moment of my day if that’s what I choose to do – and some days I do!
If you’re looking to get into audiobooks, I highly recommend Audible. If you try Audible Premium Plus, you can get up to two free audiobooks. If you’re still on the fence, check out my review of Audible. Of course, not everyone likes audiobooks, but you may surprise yourself by enjoying them! Personally, I only like nonfiction audiobooks. I feel like I’m listening to a podcast with them.
4. Befriend fiction/nonfiction.
Do you only read fiction or nonfiction? It’s time to make friends with the other. Personally, I think there is both a fiction book out there for everyone and a nonfiction book out there for everyone. Do some browsing – in person if you’re able (at the bookstore or library) or online. Find out which genres and topics interest you.
I encourage you to read both fiction and nonfiction because this is a method that allows me to read two or more books at once. Many individuals, myself included, may confuse the details in two books. If one book is a fictional story and one has factual information, you’re less likely to be confused.
5. Read different genres.
I’m a huge historical romance fan, but I would never read two historical romances at once. I know I would get the plots and characters confused. I usually listen to a nonfiction book (history, memoir, or self help) while reading an adult fiction book and a children’s fiction book, all in different genres. I’ve been doing this for a little over a year and haven’t gotten confused or thrown off track yet.
6. Don’t be afraid to DNF.
DNF stands for “did not finish”. I know this sounds counterintuitive for reading more, but trust me – it makes sense! Why waste your time with a book that isn’t working for you? This only holds you back from reading more excellent books today instead of tomorrow or next week. Read my thoughts on when it’s time to DNF a book here.
7. Take a break if you need to.
As much as I love reading, sometimes I go a few days without picking up a book or listening to my audiobook. Sometimes, your brain just needs a break so you can return to your book refreshed and interested.
You can also take a break from a book you’re reading by picking up something else. Sometimes I’m enjoying a book but get in a slump and need to turn to an old favorite or beloved genre to get back on track.
8. Rereading counts!
If you have that series or book you just keep coming back to, embrace it. Every time you reread a book, you can get something different from it. If rereading is something you enjoy doing, allow yourself to relive your favorite books over and over again. Rereading almost always gets me out of a reading slump.
9. Make use of all the services out there.
Books can be expensive! Use your library and library apps to borrow books for free. You can also look into programs like Kindle Unlimited and Audible for all of the books that come with your membership.
Also, remember that a ton of the classics are open source! A simple Google might get you the full text online.
10. Remember: Reading is fun!
I know you want to read more, but if reading ever becomes stressful or boring or feels like work, it’s time to take a step back. Reading is supposed to be fun, and that’s probably one of the reasons why you want to read more! Reconnect with your favorite books, genres, subjects, and authors. Pick up a book that makes you smile or with an appealing cover. This is for your enjoyment!
I hope these tips help you enjoy more books more often!
