How to Read Books You Love (Not Just What Everyone Else Is Reading)

I’ll admit it: I used to feel FOMO every time a bestseller dropped. Yet my shelves overflowed with titles I actually wanted to read. Over time I learned how to read books I love, not just what’s trending, and it improved my reading life tremendously. Here are five friendly, actionable reading tips that helped me—and can help you—rediscover reading for pleasure.

1. Make Your Personal TBR List

Crack open your reading journal or notes app and list the books you’re genuinely excited about—classics you’ve always meant to try, backlist gems from favorite authors, or that indie novel a friend raved about. I try to tackle one of these every month, which guarantees I always have something I truly want to read next.

2. Tune Into Your Reading Sweet Spots

Pay attention to past reads that lit you up. Do you devour atmospheric fantasies? Memoirs about resilience? Cozy mysteries? Mapping your favorite genres and themes made it effortless to seek out similar titles. When I realized I thrive on stream of consciousness literary novels, problematic main characters, and lush historical fiction, I finally powered through my half-forgotten set of novels with these themes.

3. Branch Out Beyond Bestseller Buzz

Instead of scrolling bestseller lists or #BookTok, chat with local booksellers and librarians. They pointed me to small-press discoveries and overlooked backlist treasures that never trended online—novels that felt like secret gifts. Give your neighborhood shop a visit and ask, “What are you loving lately?”

4. Give Yourself Permission to Quit Unenjoyable Reads

Life’s too short to slog through a hyped thriller that doesn’t click. I now give a book 50 pages or one audiobook session before deciding—then I set it aside without guilt. That freedom means I spend my reading time on stories that truly resonate.

5. Support Indie and Small Press Voices

Diving into small and independent presses unlocked worlds I’d never found in mainstream lists. I fell in love with debut authors and niche genres that feel fresh—plus, I love knowing my support directly helps passionate writers. If you’re craving something new, browse indie catalogs or local press showcases.

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Reading should always be about joy, not pressure. Try these tips to read books you love, shrink that TBR guilt, and turn your next reading session into a treat. What’s the first title on your personal list? Share in the comments below!