Name something more upsetting than knowing you will die with books still on your to be read shelf?! Immortality only appeals so I have more time to read more books. If you're finding yourself lacking the time to complete your reading challenge, or maybe you just can't get enough of anything and everything book, then this blog post is for you!
1. Take a book with you everywhere
It may seem obvious, but you should never ever leave the house without a book. I recently bought myself a new stylish mini backpack. I took a hardback with me on my shopping trip to make sure it would fit – because what is the point in buying a bag that cannot fit a book inside it?! Read a book on any form of public transport, whenever you're waiting for an appointment to start (even if it's just 5 minutes. Bring your book to the restaurant or bar before your friends or date arrive. If they're late, no harm done: just read your book! But consider that being late to a first date is very rude and they should have a stern talking to. I even read whilst I walk on occasion. It's safer in a park where there are less people in the way, and you're less likely to be heckled on the street by the lads outside the pub calling you a nerd (this has happened to me twice now).
2. Read books you're excited about, not what's popular
The more you read, the more you'll learn what you like and what you don't like. The best thing you can do is trust your instincts. I'm a member of a few book clubs to occasionally push myself out of my comfort zone and read something I would never choose for myself. But basing your choices on whatever BookTok is plugging is often a mistake. If you know that certain storylines, authors or genres are not your cup of tea, just avoid them. There are too many books and not enough time to be wasting it on something that likely won't be up your street!
3. Know when to give up
Everyone gets a bit funny about DNFing a book. But know when you're beating a dead horse. If I reach the halfway mark, and I have no interest whatsoever in what's to come, it's probably time to call it quits. Otherwise, there's a danger of you not being in the mood to read at all...
4. Read multiple books at once
I'm usually a one book at a time kind of gal. But a lot of studies have shown that having multiple books on the go allows you to read much more and more often. If your next read is a non-fiction WWII history book, you might not be in the mood for that 24/7. It's worth having something completely different on the go to always avoid the dreaded reading slump.
5. Start your book the right way
When I start a new book, I try to read around 50-100 pages in the first sitting. This allows me time to get into it, start being invested in the characters and the storyline. If I only read 10 pages of a new book, my interest to continue is considerably lower. So when it comes to a fresh read, carve out some considerable time to get yourself hooked!
6. Use concentration apps
The use of concentration apps such as 'Forest' is an absolute must for me. The app is sadly no longer free but it's a worthwhile one time payment to kick your phone addiction and stay focussed when reading and working (or blogging). The premise: you plant a tree and if you swipe away from the app and start using your phone, you will kill the tree. In theory, it sounds like it's not that big of a deal. But in practice, dead trees really really hurt your soul. For the time spent 'planting trees' you are given points that you can eventually spend on real trees being planted. It's a fab little app, that also allows you to help out the planet a little too!
7. Listen to audiobooks
Audiobooks can be expensive. Check out if your local library has audiobooks available to loan. I am a member of Lambeth Libraries, where I can access thousands of free audiobooks from the Libby app. You can also consider subscriptions from Audible or Scribd to make reading on the go much easier. I don't have a car, but if you drive for your commute, you can get plenty of reading done to and from work! I tend to listen to audiobooks when completing chores or whilst I get ready in the morning.
Hopefully some of these tips have been helpful! Importantly, reading is to be enjoyed. Don't put pressure on yourself to read more books if you don't want to. This is just a handy guide for anyone that just can't get enough!