I used to buy books in bulk, stack them on my nightstand, and maybe finish one every three months. Then I realized the problem wasn't my desire to read — it was my approach. I was treating reading like a chore, something I had to schedule and complete. So I flipped it: I made reading the easiest thing to do, not the hardest. Here's what actually worked.
I doubled my reading by changing one habit — here's how
Quick Answer
Read more books by making reading frictionless — keep a book nearby, set a 10-minute daily minimum, and quit books you don't enjoy. Track your progress loosely, and use audiobooks during commutes.
former book-buyer who actually reads now
"Last year I set a goal of 24 books. By April I had finished 3. I was about to give up when I noticed that I read 2 books during a week-long vacation — not because I had more time, but because I always had a book within arm's reach. So I started keeping a paperback in my bag, one on my desk, and one by the couch. I finished 28 books that year."
🔍 Why This Happens
Most people want to read more but treat it like a productivity task. They set huge goals, buy aspirational books, and then feel guilty when they don't read. The real issue is habit design, not willpower. You don't need more time — you need to lower the barrier to start. Also, quitting books is a skill. Nobody talks about that.
🔧 5 Solutions
1
Keep a book in every room
Reduces friction so you read during natural pauses instead of reaching for your phone.
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Place a book where you usually scroll — Put a book on your nightstand, on the coffee table, in the bathroom, and in your bag. The goal is to see a book before you see your phone.
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2
Choose thin or engaging books — Pick books under 250 pages or with short chapters. A 400-page dense history book is intimidating. A 180-page memoir is inviting.
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3
Set a 10-page minimum — Tell yourself you only have to read 10 pages. Most days you'll read more. But 10 pages a day = 3,650 pages a year = about 12 books.
I use a small book light (Vekkia clip-on LED) so I can read in bed without disturbing my partner — makes it even easier to grab a few pages before sleep.
Recommended Tool
Vekkia LED Clip-on Book Light
Why this helps: Lets you read in dim light without disturbing others, making it easier to read before bed.
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2
Use audiobooks for dead time
Doubles your reading capacity by using time you already spend on other activities.
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Get a library card and Libby app — Libby lets you borrow audiobooks free from your local library. I saved over $200 last year. Just need a library card number.
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Always have one audiobook queued — Before you finish a book, borrow the next one. I keep 3 holds active so there's always something ready.
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Listen at 1.5x speed — Most narrators speak slowly. 1.5x sounds natural after a few days. You'll finish a 10-hour book in under 7 hours of listening.
I listen during my 25-minute commute each way — that's 50 minutes a day, or about 3 books per month. Pair with wireless earbuds that have good battery life.
Recommended Tool
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Why this helps: Comfortable for long listening sessions, great battery life, and easy to use with Libby or Audible.
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3
Quit books without guilt
Stop wasting time on books you don't enjoy so you can focus on ones you love.
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Apply the 50-page rule — If a book hasn't grabbed you by page 50, put it down. Life's too short. I once slogged through 200 pages of a popular sci-fi novel before realizing I hated it. Never again.
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2
Donate or swap books you abandon — Put them in a Little Free Library or sell them on BookScouter. Out of sight, out of mind. Clears mental clutter.
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Track only finished books — Don't count abandoned books as 'started'. Your reading goal is about finished books. This removes the pressure to finish something just because you started.
I use Goodreads to track books I quit — there's a 'did not finish' shelf. Seeing that list grow actually feels liberating, not shameful.
4
Read two books at once
Prevents burnout by letting you match your reading to your energy level.
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Choose one fiction and one nonfiction — Fiction for winding down, nonfiction for learning. I read a thriller in the evening and a productivity book during lunch. Keeps both fresh.
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Keep them in different formats — One physical book, one ebook on your phone. That way you always have something to read — even if you forgot your book at home.
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Switch when you hit a slump — If you're dragging through the nonfiction, pick up the fiction for a few days. No rules. The goal is to keep reading, not to finish fast.
I use the Kindle app on my phone for the second book — it syncs with my Kindle so I can switch devices seamlessly.
5
Set a monthly theme instead of a yearly goal
Creates focus and curiosity without the pressure of a big number.
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Pick one topic per month — January: space exploration. February: short stories. March: Japanese authors. I pre-pick 3-4 books around that theme.
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Tell a friend about your theme — Accountability works. I text my buddy my theme each month and he sends me book recs. Made me read books I'd never pick otherwise.
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Write one sentence after each book — Not a review — just 'what I learned' or 'why I liked it'. Helps retention and makes reading feel purposeful.
I use a small notebook (Moleskine Classic Cahier) to jot down one-sentence takeaways. It's not a journal — just a memory aid.
⚠️ When to Seek Professional Help
If you consistently feel anxious or guilty about not reading, or if you've tried multiple strategies for months with no change, consider talking to a coach or therapist. Sometimes the block isn't about reading — it's about perfectionism, ADHD, or burnout. Also, if you can't focus on a page for more than 30 seconds even when you want to, that's worth checking with a doctor.
Reading more isn't about willpower or big goals. It's about making the next book the easiest thing to pick up. Start with one change — maybe put a book on your nightstand tonight. Don't try all five at once. That's how you burn out. Pick one, try it for two weeks, and see what happens. I promise you'll read more than you did before. And honestly? Even if you only finish one extra book this year, that's one more than last year. That counts.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many books does the average person read per year?
The average American reads about 12 books per year, but the median is closer to 4. Many people read zero. So if you read 1 book this year, you're already above the median.
How can I read more books if I have no time?
Use audiobooks during commutes, chores, and walks. Also, replace 10 minutes of scrolling with reading. That's 10 pages a day = 3,650 pages a year = about 12 books.
What is the best way to keep track of books I've read?
Goodreads is the most popular. You can set a yearly goal, add books, and write reviews. Some people prefer a simple notebook. The key is consistency, not the tool.
How do I stop buying books I never read?
Before buying, ask: 'Will I read this in the next 30 days?' If no, don't buy it. Use the library for impulse reads. I also unsubscribed from book deal newsletters — they triggered FOMO purchases.
Is it cheating to count audiobooks as reading?
No. Listening is reading — your brain processes the same information. Studies show comprehension is similar. Count them proudly.
💬 Share Your Experience
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