I’m a fast reader. I don’t do many things quickly (hello! Math!), but I do read quickly. As a result, I read a lot. I am frequently asked how I read so much. If you’re looking for ways to add more reading into your life, I am happy to share what works for me. 

I do think, though, that it’s important to think about why we want to read more and make sure our reasons are bringing us joy and not adding stress. 

Sometimes I get caught up in the number of books I read each year, and if I have a slower reading week, I feel a bit stressed. It’s then that I have to work on some grounding exercises and remember why I read–because I love it. So if I’m not reading the amounts I usually read that’s ok, as long as I know that what I am reading I am enjoying, and that I remember to make space for time to read. Reading and snacks. Without those I can get a little cranky. 

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book!” (Jane Austen)

I remember when my daughter was born, I could not figure out how to fit reading into my life, and it was messing with my mind. I needed my escape. Especially while I was nursing. It was hard for me to nurse and not have my mind occupied. Never having been a big TV watcher, the TV was not cutting it. (And this was before I discovered audio and ebooks. In my defense it was 13 years ago…)

My mother-in-law brought me a little thumb page holder and a stack of mass market paperback books, and I was in heaven.

This is when I read all the White House Chef Mystery Series by Julie Hyzy.  I specifically remember one very snowy day when my daughter only wanted to be held, so I read one entry in the series that perfectly described the cherry blossoms in Washington DC on a beautiful spring day. I remember looking up from the book, surprised to find it so gray and cold outside because I was transported by the book’s descriptions.

This is all to say: read how much and what you want. That’s all that matters. 

Here’s how I work reading into my day:

After I make kid lunches in the morning, I have about 30 minutes before another kiddo will be up and need breakfast. I use this time to read or to write in my journal. 

I read when I take a lunch break. 

I read in the car pick up line at school.

I never leave home without a book or two. 

I listen to audiobooks whenever I have the chance (making lunches, cleaning the house, folding laundry, etc.) 

I read before bed (although sometimes that’s only a page or two…lack of sleep is another thing that makes me cranky).

I don’t watch much TV aside from a few shows with my family and our weekly family movie night. 

How do you work reading into your life? 

Wishing you many happy reading experiences!