Dan Reads and Writes

I know the first quarter of 2024 is already over but I think it’s not too late to set some reading resolutions to improve one’s reading life this year. As a reader, I have been fairly consistent in setting (and meeting) my reading goals for the past few years. But that didn’t come easy to me as I, like everybody else, can struggle to juggle competing priorities in life and work. I sometimes would read non-stop, hop from one book to the next. Other times, I’d go for weeks without even turning a page. It was sporadic at best best, but that was before until I made the commitment to put in the effort and stuck with it.

Now that’s not to say that there is a certain number of books you SHOULD read in a year. You can read 10 books or 40 books, either way is fine. It’s just that for me, I feel a sense of accomplishment when at the end of the year I am able to finish just enough books to meet my targets. But for as long as you’re reading and enjoying your books, then you’ve accomplished your mission.

But I know there are folks out there who struggle to find the time or even resources to read as not all of us have the same situation. You could be doing multiple jobs to support your family or have very limited budget to acquire new or used books. I think what I intend to share in this post is that no matter your situation is, I think you’d find some tips here that can apply to you. So here goes my:

Tips on How to Read Better in 2024

1. Set Realistic Goals: Setting achievable reading goals can significantly enhance your reading habits. Start by determining how much time you can realistically dedicate to reading each day or week. Then, set a goal for the number of books you want to read within a certain period. Remember to keep your goals attainable and flexible to adapt to your schedule and preferences. In my case, I gradually increased my reading goals over the years. Before I would about an average of 20 or even less a year, but now I would set the goal to 40 books a year. Now do I normally achieve that? Not ready, lol. But most of the times I would come close to it. Whether it’s one book a month or a chapter a day, setting targets will keep you motivated and focused on your reading journey.
   
2. Prioritize Reading Time: In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to read can be challenging, but it’s essential to prioritize reading amidst your busy schedule. Identify pockets of time throughout your day where you can fit in some reading, such as during your daily commute – I call these the in-between moments of life. You can also read during lunch breaks, or before bedtime. Minimize distractions by creating a cozy reading nook or turning off notifications on your devices. Look at the screen time you have on your phone and set a goal to minimize that, the screen time you save can be converted to reading time! By consciously allocating time for reading, you’ll gradually develop a habit that becomes an integral part of your routine.
   
3. Diversify Your Reading Material: Exploring diverse genres, authors, and topics can enrich your reading experience and broaden your perspectives. Don’t limit yourself to a single genre; instead, venture into uncharted literary territories. Try alternating between fiction and non-fiction, exploring different themes, or delving into genres you haven’t explored before. You can also opt to read novellas as they tend to be shorted, or even a short story collection. Works like the Murderbot series by Martha Wells are very short and can be finished in one sitting. Reading non-fiction books can also help beef up your reading time as some of them tend to be on the slimmer volume side, you can try a funny memoir – something written by Roxanne Gay for example. Joining book clubs or online reading communities can also expose you to a variety of recommendations and discussions, further diversifying your reading repertoire. This can help you stick to the habit especially if you know that there’s an upcoming meet to discuss the books. Plus, readers talking about what they’re reading is always time well spent!
   
4. Make Use of Audiobooks and E-books: Incorporating audiobooks and e-books into your reading routine can offer flexibility and convenience, especially for busy individuals. Utilize audiobooks during commutes, workouts, or household chores to maximize your reading time while multitasking. I like to listening to audiobooks that are in the mystery and thriller genres – the Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano is a fine example of a fun listen. E-books allow you to carry an entire library with you wherever you go, eliminating the need to lug around heavy physical books. Embrace these digital formats as complementary tools to traditional reading, enhancing accessibility and enabling you to consume more literature in different formats. I don’t know about you but I’ve started reading faster when I got my Kindle, I guess having easy access to the book helps? There’s also a feature on the Kindle that tells you exactly how many hours is left on the book, so if you’re trying to achieve your reading goal it helps a lot. By the way, there is no need for you o buy a Kindle device if you want to start e-reading, the Kindle app can be downloaded on your phone or tablet! Did I already mention how you can use Libby to borrow ebooks and audiobooks straight to your mobile device? I will make a separate post for this because this subject matter deserves its own spotlight.
   
5. Reflect and Review: Make a habit of reflecting on your reading journey and reviewing the books you’ve read. After finishing a book, take some time to contemplate its themes, characters, and your overall impression. Consider jotting down your thoughts in a reading journal or sharing them with fellow readers. Engaging in book discussions or writing reviews can deepen your understanding of the material and foster a sense of community with other book enthusiasts. This is the same reason why I started this blog, I plan on sharing my thoughts on my recent and past reads. It does help you distill the subjects and themes of the books you’re reading.

Hopefully by incorporating these tips into your reading routine, you can unlock the full potential of your reading habits and embark on a fulfilling literary journey. Remember, reading is not just about consuming words; it’s about exploring ideas, nurturing curiosity, and fostering personal growth. It’s about learning empathy, traveling to new worlds, cocooning yourself so you can relax and not think about the real world. It’s about learning something new you can share with your real or virtual friends. It’s about connecting and disconnecting!

So, pick up a book, immerse yourself in its pages, and let the magic of reading transform your life.

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.” 

George R.R. Martin