30 Game-Changing Tips to Read More Books This Year
Want to read more books but can’t find the time? Discover 30 practical, real-life tips to help you read more books—even on the busiest days.
30 Game-Changing Tips to Read More Books This Year
I know how it feels—your TBR’s exploding, life’s nonstop, and you can’t remember the last time you finished a book you loved. Over the years, I’ve tried every trick in the book (pun intended!) to carve out reading time, stay motivated, and actually finish what I start. Here are 30 practical reading tips—from tiny habit tweaks to social hacks—that helped me read more books. Let’s dive in!
Make Time & Build the Habit
1. Schedule Daily Reading “Appointments”
Block 15–30 minutes on your calendar—just like a meeting. Morning coffee, lunch break, bedtime: pick a sweet spot and stick to it.
2. Always Carry a Book (or E-Reader)
Stash one in your bag, car, and nightstand. When life pauses—waiting in line, a delayed train—you’re ready to read.
3. Leverage Audiobooks for Multitasking
I power through chores, commutes, and workouts by listening on Libby or Audible. Suddenly, “busy” becomes “bookish.”
4. Set a Yearly Challenge
Aim for “12 books in 12 months” (one a month) or “50 books in 2025.” Watch your motivation skyrocket as you tick them off.
5. Break Big Goals into Bite-Sized Tasks
If 50 books sounds scary, target one per week. Small wins build momentum.
6. Create a Cozy Reading Nook
A comfy chair, a soft throw, warm lamp—your little sanctuary tells your brain, “Time to unwind.”
7. Turn Off Distractions
Phone on Do Not Disturb, tab closed, TV off. Protect your reading time like you would a precious gift.
Curate & Prioritize
8. Keep a “Must-Read” List
Jot down 20 books you’re genuinely excited about. When you finish one, choose the next—no endless scrolling required.
9. Mix Genres & Lengths
Alternate a short mystery, a memoir, and a sprawling epic to keep your interest piqued.
10. Buddy-Read with Friends
Pick a book together and discuss it weekly. Accountability + shared excitement = unstoppable reading.
11. Rotate Formats
Swap print, e-book, and audiobook. Different formats keep your brain engaged and help you power through whatever life throws at you.
12. Library Hacks
Get a library card and reserve bestsellers online. I’ve scored hot titles the day they drop—at zero cost.
13. Thrift & Used Bookstores
Discover hidden gems for pocket change. Every great read doesn’t have to be brand-new.
14. DNF Without Guilt
“Did Not Finish” is perfectly fine. Life’s too short for books that don’t spark joy.
15. Pre-Read for Context
Skim intros, chapter summaries, or Wikipedia to get oriented. A little primer makes the actual read smoother.
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Deepen Your Engagement
16. Keep a Reading Journal
Track progress, jot quotes, and record thoughts. It’s like a reading scrapbook that fuels motivation.
17. Use Book-Tracking Apps
Goodreads or StoryGraph: set goals, log finishes, get recommendations tailored to your tastes.
18. Join Online Communities
#BookTok, Reddit’s r/books, or dedicated reading Discords offer endless recs and that communal buzz.
19. Host Mini Book Parties
Invite friends, provide snacks, and chat about the latest novel. Turning reading into an event amps up the fun.
20. Reward Yourself
Finished a tough classic? Treat yourself to coffee, a new bookmark, or a guilt-free binge of your favorite show.
Stay Flexible & Inspired
21. Embrace Micro-Reading Moments
Two pages while waiting for water to boil, five pages before bed—little bits add up.
22. Try Readathons & Challenges
NaNoWriMo has readalongs, summer reading Bingo, and seasonal “24-hour readathons.” It’s a blast.
23. Follow Your Reading Mood
Some days demand a thriller, others a sweet romance. Honor your vibe.
24. Add Non-Book Media
Pair an audiobook with fan art, playlists inspired by the story, or a themed snack—multi-sensory engagement keeps you hooked.
25. Revisit Old Favorites
A beloved childhood book read as an adult can reignite that spark.
26. Track Your Reading Stats
Pages per day, hours logged, genre breakdowns—seeing progress in graphs is weirdly addictive.
27. Celebrate Every Finish
Share a mini-review on social media or with friends. That final page is worth a small victory lap.
28. Read “Outside Your Lane” Occasionally
A graphic novel, classic play, or poetry collection refreshes your palate and expands horizons.
29. Personalize Your Space
Surround your nook with items that make you smile: photos, candles, favorite mugs.
30. Keep It Fun!
If reading ever feels like a chore, pause. Return when it’s joyful again. You’re in this for love, not obligation.
Do you have any tips for how to read more books?
Have you tried any of these tips? What tips or routines have worked for you? What tips would you add to this list? Please share them with us in the comments below so we can learn how to read more books.
