How to Read More Books

Updated on July 22nd, 2026

I loved reading as a kid. However, when I started college, reading was put on the back burner. Instead of reading for enjoyment, I focused on reading textbooks for classes, writing papers, and studying for tests. I spent any free time I had with my friends. However, after graduating from university, I fell in love with reading again. At this point though, I was only reading 10-15 books a year, and I wanted to read more. Now, I read 50+ books a year, and I want to share tips on how you can read more books.

Set a Reading Goal

I have a personal reading goal of one book a month because I do not want to put too much pressure on myself to read continuously. However, I often read more and average around 4 books a month. Furthermore, Goodreads has a Reading Challenge each year where you can set your own goal for the number of books you want to finish in a year. I have participated in the Goodreads Reading Challenge since 2017, but I did not start taking reading seriously until 2021. For 2025, I set my reading goal to 50 books. I have exceeded that goal! On top of having a reading goal, you can make a list of books you want to read each month. Having a list of books ready can motivate you to read more.

To make reading more of a ritual, you can create unique rewards for achieving your goals, such as customizing badges from Custom Lapel Pins Canada.

For example, every time you finish a new book, reward yourself with a small pin featuring the book’s theme. If you reach an annual reading challenge, you can even get a custom pin engraved with the year and your goal. Custom pins have a quick turnaround time. 

Pinning these pins on your backpack or notebook serves as a reminder to keep reading while acknowledging your past efforts.

Set Time Aside to Read

To ensure that you are working towards your reading goal, you should set time aside during the day to read. It can be during your lunch break, on your commute, or in the evening before going to bed. Having a dedicated time to read each day can help you reach your reading goal. Furthermore, instead of scrolling on social media, you can use your free time to read instead.

Read Different Formats

If you want to read more, it can be helpful to read a physical book and an ebook (or audiobook) at the same time—especially when you have got your device safely outfitted with reliable protective Kindle covers so you are comfortable switching between formats. I find it useful to pick different genres because it is easier to switch between the books. I personally do not have a large collection of physical books because English books are not as popular in Denmark and some books are only available as ebooks. Therefore, I read a mix of both formats. When I was on summer vacation, I had a paperback I was around halfway through and an ebook I just started. I was able to finish both during the week!

Try Audiobooks

If you have not tried listening to an audiobook before, I highly recommend it! Audiobooks are great when doing chores like laundry and cleaning, and I also listen to audiobooks when cooking. I find it best to listen to an audiobook when doing a mundane task because if I sit and listen to an audiobook, my mind wanders. Also, I usually listen to audiobooks at 2x speed, so I am able to finish the book in half the time. When I first started listening to audiobooks, I had to keep them on normal 1x speed, but I slowly increased the speed until I could comfortably listen to audiobooks at 2x speed. I do know some people can listen to books at 2.5x speed, but even just a slight increase to 1.25x speed will allow you to finish the book quicker.

If you want to try out audiobooks, I recommend the app Libby, as you can borrow audiobooks for free through your library. I also have shared my ranking of audiobook apps if you are curious about what other apps I recommend. For audiobook recommendations to get you started, I suggest Beach Read by Emily Henry, Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto, Beartown by Fredrik Backman, and I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy.

Read Different Genres

If you find your usual genre not piquing your interest, you should try reading a different genre. I love reading mysteries and thrillers, but at a point, I need a break. I have become interested in poetry, and they are usually shorter than a full-length novel, so it does not take as long to read. If you are interested in poetry, I recommend both Reflections on Healing and Doggolescence by Rachel Oates. You can also read something completely different like a graphic novel, and graphic novels do count as reading even though there are pictures. My favorite graphic novel series is Heartstopper by Alice Oseman, and I have read all 6 volumes.

Read Shorter Books

Another good way to read more books is to read books under 200 pages long, which do count towards your reading goal. Along with poetry, I have been reading classics like Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Lord of the Flies by William Golding. I read these books when I was in school, but they were required reading, and a lot of the focus was on themes and symbolism, which took away from the joy of reading. Now as an adult, I can read them for enjoyment and appreciate them more. As well as classics, I have been reading Japanese-translated books like Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa, and The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai. The books are quicker to read while you are in between longer books.

DNF Books

The last tip I have to read more is to DNF (do not finish) books, which may seem counterproductive. However, there can come a point when you come across a book that is just not for you. Instead of forcing yourself to finish it, put it down and try reading a different book. If you try to force yourself to finish the book, it can take longer to read when you could be reading a book you actually enjoy instead. Also, if you continue reading a book you do not like, you risk going into a reading slump because the book can put you off from reading.

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Do you enjoy reading? What is your reading goal?