Kristin talks Reading Habits

My sister asked me a while ago “What advice do you have to help me read more?” I’ve been asked how I read all the time and of course I get people saying “reading is boring,” or “I can never find anything interesting to read.” So I have decided to address the issue of keeping reading interesting.

First, if you are reading as a hobby, remember it’s not school work. Don’t bully yourself into reading a book that you find mind-numbing just because you think you should read it. You’re not in high school anymore (unless you are, but I’m not talking about assigned reading), and no one is requiring you to do this! I find a big issue with many readers is that they’re looking at it the wrong way. Yes, reading is one of the best ways to advance your skills, intellect, and understanding, but you can enjoy yourself too! Put down the tome you’ve been slogging through for the past five years and find something that makes you giddy to read it. For the most part, there are interesting and enjoyable books on most subjects (maybe not molecular biology, but most subjects).

It’s perfectly okay to take breaks. Sometimes you’re just not in a reading mood. Maybe this lasts a day, a week, months, but that’s all right too. I work with a librarian who goes through phases. Sometimes she just wants to play a video game and doesn’t really find a book that interests her. That’s fine! Take a break. Once you find something that interests you, you’ll hop right back in. This leads me to my next point: it’s all about the book!

Read the trashy romance. If that’s what tickles your fancy, go for it! If you’re like me, next week something else will catch your eye. Just like I said in the first paragraph, it’s not required reading, so have fun. Pick out an armful of books when you go to the library and read the first few pages of each. If you’re not hooked set it aside. Life is too short for books you’re not into, so skip them. Nowhere does it say you must finish every book you start. Just remember, reading is food for your brain, whether it’s literary fiction, nonfiction, romance, sci-fi, mystery, or anything else--it’s good for your brain to read.

Lastly, some people can read anywhere at any time, but some of us are more particular. Find a place that you’re comfy, and a time that works for you. I always wake up a little earlier so I can drink my cup of coffee (or 3) and read for about 30-60 minutes in the morning before work. Just like exercise, if you keep it up, it becomes a habit, and a very enjoyable one at that.

So what do you do to keep yourself reading? Do you have a reading routine? Do you keep lists of books to read?  Do you have a favorite reading spot?

~Kristin M.