Enhancing Your Reading Habits: Expert Tips

Image Credit: Paper Trident/Getty Images

Reading under a tree in a park with the sun shining might sound ideal, but reality often falls short. You might have experienced this: sitting on tree roots, sweating, forgetting snacks, and losing focus. It’s easy to close the book and turn to TV instead.

Many envision reading as a romantic part of the day. Kevin Nguyen explains, “If you wait for perfect moments, you’ll never finish a book.” Nguyen, author of My Documents and New Waves, encourages reading whenever possible. In a 2017 GQ article titled “How to read a whole damn book every week,” Nguyen shared strategies to foster reading habits.

Utilize Small Windows for Reading

Find brief moments to read. On the train platform, in line at lunch, or during school pickup, these are opportunities to read a few pages. Nguyen advises incorporating reading into your commute: “Driving to work is audiobook time. On the subway? Open the book, instead of using your phone for games or podcasts.”

Keep Books Accessible

Juanita Giles, Virginia Children’s Book Festival executive director, suggests keeping books nearby to encourage reading. “Have a book in every room, the car, even the bathroom,” Giles says. This way, you’ll naturally start reading more.

Choose Paper Books to Avoid Distractions

Maryanne Wolf, a cognitive neuroscientist from UCLA, recommends reading paper books. Devices can distract with notifications or tempt exploration of browsers or social media. Wolf notes this can disrupt deep reading, leading to superficial skimming. For more deep reading strategies, check out her Life Kit interview.

Match the Book to Your Available Time

Select books that suit the situation. Opt for lighter reads during short gaps, like at the DMV. Wolf explains that some books, like Siddhartha, are quicker reads compared to deeper works like Narcissus and Goldmund or poetry.

Don’t Hesitate to Stop Unenjoyable Books

If a book isn’t capturing your interest, put it down. Traci Thomas from The Stacks podcast cautions, “If you’re tired or distracted, it might mean you don’t enjoy the book. Save yourself and find one that suits your taste.” Thomas offers more tips in her Life Kit episode.

Contact us at [email protected]. Listen to Life Kit on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.