Here’s How You Can Learn to Love Reading Again

As a child and young teenager, I loved to read. My nose was buried in a book any chance I got. I can remember staying up late to read when my mom thought I was asleep, and then waking up early to finish just a few more chapters before school. Reading was my passion, my escape from real life, and a crucial part of my identity.

But fast forward a few years and my relationship with reading began to shift. In a world of instant gratification, I started to put down my novels and pick up my cell phone. Required readings in high school and university sucked the fun out of something I had once loved so much. By the time I graduated from university, I realized it had been over a year since I read a book for the pure joy of it.

If you’ve ever felt this way too, don’t worry. We’re not alone. The American Time Use Survey reported that between 2003 and 2016, the amount of time that the average American devoted to reading dropped from 0.36 hours to 0.29 hours daily. As a whole, our world is reading less and less. How can we learn to love reading again?

One of my resolutions this year was to start reading again. My initial goal was 12 books this year – one for every month. But by this September I had already read 12, most of them in the past few months! A few simple tricks have helped me find the joy in reading again. Here’s how you can do it too!

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. That means that if you decide to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your continued support!

Start by reading nostalgic books or genres, but don’t be afraid to branch out.

The easiest way back into reading for me was through my old favourites. Reading books that were so familiar to me helped me fall back into the reading habits I had the last time I had explored these stories.

Even after reading some of my old favourites, I still stuck with YA (young adult) novels, or books that at least had a YA feel. I had loved the young adult genre for so long, it felt only right to pick up where I left off. Luckily, I was able to find some books with a YA vibe, but older protagonists. Rather than reading about 17-year-olds saving the world again and again, I was able to update my bookshelf with some characters a little closer to my age. Here are some of those books I’ve been enjoying:

Recommended Post: 5 Tricks to Help You Reconnect With Your Inner Child

But once I had rediscovered YA, I was itching to try out something new. Reading and I had rekindled our old romance. But now it was time to find a new spark.

Since I write about self-development here on the blog, that seemed like the perfect place to start. I found myself diving into memoirs and self-help books that never would have interested me in high school and discovered that I love them! Reading became not only for fun but also to broaden my understanding of myself, humanity, and the world. Here are some of those titles on my list:

Find a way to fit reading into your schedule.

For me, before bed is my designated reading time. No matter what I’ve got going on during the rest of the day, I know that before bed I’ll have some quiet time to read and unwind. It makes sure I get at least a few pages in everyday.

Besides scheduling in reading time, there are plenty of ways you can make reading work for you. Audiobooks can be an amazing way to read even when you’re on the go. Most of you probably don’t know this, but I have actually done some work as an audiobook narrator! If you’re interested in checking out one of my favourite projects, take a listen to Stanley Park here.

Join a book club or follow reading social media accounts to stay on track.

Joining book communities will not only help you keep up with your reading, but also inspire you to try out new titles! If you’ve got some friends who are also trying to love reading again, why not create a book club so you can all stay on track with your reading goals?

Recommended Post: An Introvert’s Guide to Socializing After COVID-19

I’ve also discovered some amazing book Instagram and TikTok pages that share recommendations and reviews. Finding an account with a similar taste in books to you basically delivers curated recommendations right to your social feed!

Sites like GoodReads are another amazing place to read reviews and find your new favourite book! Here are some of my top picks from GoodReads’ best books of 2019:

Don’t be ashamed to embrace your taste in books… Or to put down something that you’re not enjoying.

Some people like reading 1000 pages of super intellectual non-fiction. Other people like Harlequin romances, or sickly sweet YA. And the best part is that both of these options are totally valid. Reading isn’t for anyone else – it’s something you do to enrich your own life and mind. If you like reading something, read it.

At the same time, if you’re not enjoying a book, don’t be afraid to put it down and pick up something else. You will never learn to love reading again by reading books that don’t bring you joy! Don’t feel bad about closing that chapter and opening up a new book instead.

Pin me for later!

Thanks so much for tuning in to this week’s post! How do you keep your love for reading alive? Let me know in the comments below!

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to finish my book.

With love,

78 thoughts on “Here’s How You Can Learn to Love Reading Again

  1. I always loved to read but somehow have found myself not doing it much anymore. I miss reading and will definitely use these tips to get back into it!

  2. Stephen King has recommended to just commit to reading 10 minutes a day, and you’ll develop a reading habit in no time. I think people think that you have to read for hours on end or give up watching TV or doing other activities in order to be a reader, but it’s really not true. Also, as an adult, you’re free to read whatever you want, and there’s no shortage of content. I like your tip about joining Goodreads. Using that site always gives me ideas for new books to read. Great post!

  3. I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this blog.
    I’m hoping to see the same high-grade blog posts
    from you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my very own site
    now πŸ˜‰

  4. Good day! I know this is somewhat off topic but I
    was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form?
    I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding
    one? Thanks a lot!

  5. I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog.
    Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up
    the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see a nice blog like this one
    today.

  6. I blog quite often and I really appreciate your information. This
    article has really peaked my interest. I am going to
    book mark your blog and keep checking for new information about once per week.
    I subscribed to your RSS feed too.

  7. Excellent post. I used to be checking constantly this weblog
    and I’m impressed! Extremely helpful info particularly the final section :
    ) I deal with such info much. I was looking for this particular information for a very lengthy time.
    Thanks and best of luck.

  8. I’ll immediately take hold of your rss as I can’t to find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or newsletter
    service. Do you’ve any? Kindly allow me recognize so that I may
    just subscribe. Thanks.

  9. Howdy, There’s no doubt that your website may be having
    browser compatibility issues. When I look at your web site in Safari, it
    looks fine however, when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues.
    I just wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Besides that, excellent
    website!

  10. It’s genuinely very difficult in this full
    of activity life to listen news on Television, therefore I only use web for that reason, and get the latest information.

  11. After looking into a handful of the blog posts on your web page, I truly appreciate your way of blogging.
    I bookmarked it to my bookmark webpage list
    and will be checking back soon. Take a look at my website too and
    tell me how you feel.

  12. My brother suggested I might like this blog. He
    was totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t
    imagine just how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!

  13. Hey would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re working with?

    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and I must say this
    blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you recommend a good
    web hosting provider at a fair price? Thank you, I appreciate it!

  14. I was wondering if you ever considered changing the structure of your
    website? Its very well written; I love what youve
    got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it
    better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or
    2 pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

  15. Hey there would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?

    I’m going to start my own blog soon but I’m having a hard time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
    The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for
    something unique. P.S Sorry for getting
    off-topic but I had to ask!

  16. You made some decent points there. I looked on the net for more
    info about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this web site.

  17. Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book
    in it or something. I think that you can do with a few
    pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is excellent blog.

    A great read. I’ll certainly be back.

  18. Excellent pieces. Keep writing such kind of information on your
    blog. Im really impressed by your blog.
    Hello there, You’ve done an incredible job. I’ll definitely digg it
    and personally recommend to my friends. I’m confident they will be
    benefited from this website.

  19. A fascinating discussion is worth comment. There’s no doubt that that you should write more on this subject, it may
    not be a taboo subject but typically folks
    don’t talk about these issues. To the next! Many thanks!!

  20. Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem together with
    your web site in internet explorer, might check this?
    IE still is the marketplace leader and a huge part of other folks will miss your fantastic writing because of this problem.

  21. Hmm it looks like your site ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say,
    I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to
    everything. Do you have any recommendations for first-time blog
    writers? I’d genuinely appreciate it.

  22. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now
    each time a comment is added I get several emails with the same comment.
    Is there any way you can remove people from that service?

    Thank you!

  23. After looking into a handful of the blog articles on your site, I really like
    your way of blogging. I book-marked it to my bookmark website list and
    will be checking back soon. Take a look at my web site as well and tell me what you think.

  24. Hello, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues.

    When I look at your blog site in Firefox, it looks fine but
    when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
    Other then that, excellent blog!

  25. Hi there, I found your website by means of Google whilst looking for a similar matter, your website got here
    up, it appears great. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

    Hi there, simply become aware of your blog via Google,
    and located that it’s truly informative. I am gonna be careful for brussels.

    I will appreciate in case you proceed this in future.
    A lot of other people will probably be benefited
    out of your writing. Cheers!

  26. You’re so interesting! I don’t believe I’ve read
    a single thing like this before. So good to discover someone with a few original thoughts on this
    subject. Seriously.. thank you for starting this up.
    This web site is one thing that is required on the internet, someone
    with a little originality!

  27. Hi there I am so grateful I found your site, I really found you by mistake, while I was searching on Digg for
    something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say thanks for a incredible post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time
    to browse it all at the moment but I have book-marked it and also
    added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the fantastic job.

  28. What i do not realize is in reality how you are no longer actually much
    more well-appreciated than you may be right now.
    You are very intelligent. You understand thus significantly relating to
    this topic, produced me individually believe it from a lot of varied angles.
    Its like women and men don’t seem to be interested unless it is
    something to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your personal stuffs excellent.
    Always deal with it up!

  29. Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web
    site, how could i subscribe for a weblog site?

    The account helped me a acceptable deal. I were tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea

  30. Great article! That is the type of info that are meant to
    be shared across the net. Disgrace on Google for no longer
    positioning this publish higher! Come on over and talk
    over with my web site . Thanks =)

  31. Hey! Someone in my Facebook group shared this site with us so I came to take a look.
    I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers!
    Exceptional blog and superb design.

  32. Undeniably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification appeared
    to be on the internet the easiest thing to keep in mind of.
    I say to you, I definitely get irked whilst people consider concerns that
    they just do not recognise about. You managed to hit the nail upon the
    top and outlined out the whole thing without having side-effects
    , other folks can take a signal. Will likely be again to get more.

    Thanks

  33. Please let me know if you’re looking for
    a article author for your blog. You have some really good articles and I think I would be a good asset.
    If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d
    love to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
    Please blast me an email if interested. Thanks!

  34. Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles?

    I mean, what you say is important and all. However think of if
    you added some great photos or videos to give your posts more, “pop”!
    Your content is excellent but with pics and video clips, this blog
    could definitely be one of the very best in its field. Terrific blog!

  35. Will you be gonna be a betting togel on-line player?
    Start to see the news inside site key to get the virtually all popular information. Many of
    correct predictions and how to enjoy.

  36. I was curious if you ever thought of changing the structure of your site?

    Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
    But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could
    connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or
    2 images. Maybe you could space it out better?

  37. Great blog right here! Additionally your site so much up very fast!
    What web host are you the usage of? Can I get your affiliate link in your host?
    I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol

  38. I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this kind of area .
    Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website.
    Studying this information So i am happy to express that I have a
    very just right uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed.

    I most indisputably will make certain to do not forget this website and give it a glance on a constant basis.

  39. I needed to thank you for this excellent read!! I absolutely loved every bit of it.
    I’ve got you saved as a favorite to look
    at new things you post…

  40. hey there and thank you for your info ? I?ve definitely picked
    up something new from right here. I did however expertise several technical issues
    using this web site, as I experienced to reload the web site lots of times
    previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your hosting
    is OK? Not that I am complaining, but slow loading instances times will very frequently affect your placement in google and can damage your quality
    score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I?m adding this RSS to my email and could look out for much more of your respective intriguing content.
    Make sure you update this again soon..

    Here is my web-site … Captive Skin Face Cream

  41. great issues altogether, you just gained a brand new reader.
    What would you recommend in regards to your publish that you made a few days ago?

    Any sure?

  42. Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News.
    Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
    I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!

    Appreciate it

    Feel free to visit my webpage Renew Brite

  43. I wanted to follow up and allow you to know how , a great deal I cherished discovering your web blog today.
    We would consider it a real honor to operate at my place of work and be able to make
    use of the tips provided on your blog and also get involved in visitors’ opinions
    like this. Should a position of guest author become on offer at your end, you should let me know.

    my web site – NeoBio Health Keto Reviews

  44. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have
    put in writing this website. I am hoping the same high-grade website post from you in the upcoming as well.
    Actually your creative writing skills has inspired me to get
    my own web site now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings fast.
    Your write up is a great example of it.

    Here is my page Viking XL Keto Review

  45. Hi there, I found your website by means of Google
    even as searching for a comparable matter, your website got here up, it appears
    great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hi there, simply become alert to your blog through Google, and
    located that it is truly informative. I’m going to
    be careful for brussels. I will appreciate should you continue this in future.
    Many people will be benefited out of your writing.
    Cheers!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *