5 Ways to Read More (with GIFs!) Part II

Ah, hello 2018. And with it, comes all those New Year’s resolutions to make change in your lives and be better people in general.

Although your resolutions about dieting already went down the drain and other topics can’t be helped by my advice, resolutions about bookish things is something I’m surely able to do.

I did a post a while back about 5 Ways to Read More (with GIFs) and this is the part II to that post! Coming back with more recommendations on improving your reading on a day-to-day basis. So, without further ado, here are five more ways to read more & make sure those resolutions get done!

1. Get competitive.

I absolutely love participating in reading challenges, but I know it’s definitely not for everyone. Reading challenges can be stressful and especially when they’re at a bad time for you. Which is why it’s always a very good policy to pick and choose what reading challenges and goals you have for yourself, not compared to others, but on a personal level.

You don’t have to look at the 400 books your Goodreads friend is reading. Pick a goal that’s right for you–whether it’s one book for the year so you don’t get stressed, or 50, or 250.

As for more seasonal challenges, do something that interests you. Don’t just join every challenge out there; that’s no fun! If you’re interested in mental health, participate in Mental Health Book Bingo. If you like seasonal reads, look at the Summer/Winter/Fall/Spring Book Bingos. Pick reading challenges that you think will inspire you to read, not push you into a reading slump.

You know your own limits which is why you should pick things you like, not jump on the bandwagon with this. It’s supposed to help you read more (unless you play for prizes etc.) and so work on achieving your goal!

2. Don’t be afraid to DNF books.

Sometimes, books won’t work for you. It’s good to familiarize yourself with the signs of an impending reading slump, one of which is a book making you not want to read. Unless you have an obligation to read it (i.e. ARCs), but sometimes even if you do have an obligation, consider DNFing a book. There are thousands of great books out there that can help rekindle your love for reading–you just need to find the right one.

If the words “did not finish” are scary for you, then do what I do and ignore all my problems call it “setting the book aside for another time.” This helps lessen the pressure of the big D(NF) and allows you to come back to a book. If you’re not in the mood, you’re not in the mood and there’s not much you can do about that.

3. Buddy read a book.

Buddy reading has helped me a lot in getting through books I didn’t really want to read. But it can be used for so much more. Buddy reads are a support group, a discussion buddy, a personal cheerleader. Listening to a friend rave about the book you want to read but don’t really want to read is a great motivator.

It’s like a kick in the butt–“Hey you! I’m having a great time reading this book. I can’t believe so-and-so died in Lord of Shadows this plot twist!”

There are a ton of awesome YA Goodreads Groups that can help you find a buddy to read a book. I assure you, fellow booklovers are not below reading their favorites!

4. Multitask.

You might be thinking, But Vicky! I don’t want to hit a truck. And that’s a great concern. But reading & multitasking doesn’t always have to involve walking in dangerous places. (Although it does for me. I’ve had numerous punks bump into me while I’m reading and walking. I’m lookin’ at you *squinty eyes*.)

Something that you might want to consider is reading through an audiobook and multitasking. Taking a dump? Listen to an audiobook! Cooking dinner? Listen to an audiobook? Too tired to open your eyes? Listen to an audiobook and try to stay awake! Trying to wake up in the morning? Listen to an audiobook after your alarm beeps!

This might not be the best solution if you have a living arrangement with multiple grumpy Debbie Downers, but that’s what earbuds and headphones are for! You might be concerned that you can’t afford an Audible trial (which is well and good because $15 could buy me three books from Book Outlet), which brings me to…

5. Use your library’s resources.

A lot of libraries (sorry INTL readers who don’t have as much access to English books 😬) have digital resources that let you check out ebooks and audiobooks (they also have disc audiobooks, but these are harder to find). This is a great way to track down a book you’ve been dying to read. Instead of reading War and Peace, the only book in your house, for the tenth time, use your library’s resources and find that book you’ve been dying to read! It might just pull you out of that slump. I’m sure they’ve got a gazillion copies of The Art of War available for your pleasureable perusing.

What are some techniques you use to read more? I hope this book helped kindle your desire to go out and conquer your TBR.