Finding The Time To Read

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!