People frequently ask me how I find the time to read so much. Having been an avid reader all my life, that’s like asking me how I find time to breathe. But on further reflection, I recognize that I have some habits that encourage reading. What are your reading habits or tips?
If you don’t love it, don’t finish it
For years, I determinedly finished every book I started, whether I liked it or not. Now I cheerfully close an uninteresting book after 10 pages. Try this; it is quite liberating!
Don’t feel obligated to read every book that is recommended
Fellow readers recommend books to me often. I love suggestions, but I don’t read the book if doesn’t appeal to me (after 10 pages!) Reading tastes are intensely individual. Just because my dearest friend loved Eat, Pray, Love, for example, doesn’t mean I will.
Take a book (or Kindle) everywhere
I always have a book with me. There are many pockets of time throughout the day when you can read a few pages. Resist the temptation to check your Blackberry during this down time!
Mix it up
I generally read more than one book at a time. Perhaps a murder mystery and a work of nonfiction (not easily confused!)
Talk about books & read about books
I ask people what they are reading, and I read the book reviews.
Join a book club
A book club provides the opportunity to read a book not of one’s choosing. This is a good thing. In my book club, we have read several books that I might not have even purchased! I’m usually glad I did. Conversation about books deepens my understanding, and gives me the benefit of the other readers’ perspectives. Talking about books is almost as much fun as reading them!
Turn off the TV
Enough said!
Allow for surprises
Having said all this, I am frequently entranced by a book that received a horrible review, on a seemingly boring subject, by an author whose work I usually hate. There is the serendipity in reading. You just never know until you start to read!
Print This Page
I am terrible about not dropping a book that I dislike. Why? Stubborness. Pride. I make an effort to pick out a book. Look forward to it and ..ugh.. disappointment. Surely, it’s me and not the book! I know it is a swell book! Given the topic/author/whatever, how can it disappoint? I want to brag to other folks that I found a great book! Bummer.
It is not unlike looking forward to a sporting event on TV. I set aside the time (even if it is recorded, you still have to make time to see it), I get all situated & comfy (or whatever, if exercising) and ‘boom!’ it is 12-2 in the 7th inning (my team losing) and I am likely faced with a total waste of time. But shouldn’t I stay? What if I miss the greatest comeback of the decade!?
Another key factor in a reluctatance to discard a half-read book is the prospect of finding another book. Particularly if what you hoped you were reading was thought to be an ‘A’ grade and the unread items on your bedside table are thought to be ‘B’ grades. Whatever. I know my life will be more fulfilling if I try harder in this area. Thanks for your thoughts!