7 Tips to Read More Books While Still Enjoying Reading Banner

This content is written for informational purposes only. All opinions are my own. This blog may contain affiliate links; if you purchase through my affiliate link, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. View our full disclaimer policy.

Are you looking to read more books this year and not get overwhelmed or in a reading slump? It can be super challenging! I can’t tell you how many times in past years I have thought I would easily be able to read 100 books in a year and only ended up with 30–40 books read. Reading more books takes a lot of self-control and strong reading habits!

Luckily, we have these 7 tried-and-true tips on how I was able to read more books in a day and year, how to reach your yearly reading goal, and the most important: how to enjoy reading books while doing it.

How to Read More Books in a Year

1. Start and End Your Day With Reading

The best way to start and end your day is by reading! It personally helps me destress and clear my mind (unless the chapter ends in a cliffhanger😅) and also helps me drastically lower my phone’s screen time. I mean, what more can you ask for as a book lover?

Instead of immediately scrolling on your phone when you wake up or get in bed for the night, try picking up your book or e-reader instead. Not only will this make you have a better and healthier start to the day, you will also be able to read some pages right at the start of your day.

If you are not a morning reader, you might enjoy grabbing your book for an hour or two before you go to bed instead. According to WebMD, not only does reading before bed help destress you, but it has also been proven to help you achieve higher-quality sleep.

Personally, I have found myself being able to read around 25–50 pages in the morning and 100–200 pages per night just by not mindlessly scrolling through my phone instead. This tip has been one of the biggest game-changers for me when it comes to reading more books in a year.

2. Listen to Audiobooks More in the Car, Working Out, & At Work (If Possible)

Audiobooks are a great way to read more books. Do not listen to the people who say, “Audiobooks don’t count as reading.” They absolutely do count and are an amazing source of reading and enjoyment!

Audiobooks in the Car

Over the past couple years, I started actively listening to more audiobooks in my car, and it has truly changed the reading game for me! I have even purposely taken the long way or the scenic route to places just so I can listen to another chapter. This was the only time I did not mind my boyfriend living 45 minutes away from me 😅.

It truly allows me to immerse myself in the book world and minimizes the distractions that I typically face with audiobooks. However, this may be difficult to do if you do not find yourself frequently in the car by yourself or with your other book lover friends or family members.

Pink headphones

Audiobooks While Working Out

One of my favorite workouts is walking on the treadmill. I used to solely listen to music while I worked out, but over the past couple years, I have swapped it for listening to audiobooks or reading on my Kindle. Not only have I been able to get more reading done, but I started to get even more excited to workout if it means I get to continue listening to my audiobook. So, it truly is a win-win situation!

Audiobooks During the Workday

I also started listening to audiobooks while I work throughout the day. I cannot do this every workday, but depending on the type of tasks I have to do, I really enjoy listening to an audiobook throughout my workday and in between work meetings. It also helps to minimize my stress throughout the workday, which is very important to me.

3. Start a Book Club with Your Friends or Family

If you are lucky enough to have friends and/or family members that enjoy reading, starting up a book club with them can be a lot of fun and engage you to read more! It can be a great way to stay motivated and be more accountable in your reading goals.

Also, it is just more fun to read the same books with friends or family. Having a book club gives you the opportunity to talk and gush over the book and the characters together!

4. Use a Book Journal & Fun Reading Challenges

Book journaling is such a fun outlet for book lovers. Whether you are creating your own or purchasing a book journal, both are great ways to bring more fun back into reading and help you read more books.

Imagine that every time you finish a book, you get to mark something off in a journal, whether that is adding your book review, marking off the books in a series, or coloring in your book’s cover on a bookshelf. The opportunities are endless when it comes to a book journal! It truly gets me excited once I am ready to finish a book!

Some Book Journals to Check Out:

Reading Challenges

One of my favorite yearly reading challenges is having an A-Z title and author challenge. This gets me to expand my horizons on which authors I read, and I have been able to even find some new favorite authors just because their last name matched up with one of the letters I was needing for the reading challenge!

I highly recommend starting your own reading challenges, it is a super fun way to engage yourself in your reading.

Goodreads Reading Challenge

The reading tracker app, Goodreads, is a great way to reach your reading goal. It allows you to set a yearly reading goal, or more well known as Goodreads reading goal. More than just setting and tracking a goal, you are able to create reviews, make lists for books you want to read, keep track of your TBR, and so much more!

My favorite part of using the Goodreads app is keeping track of the books I am currently reading. There is nothing more satisfying than updating how far along you are in your book or marking it as read!

It also helps you keep in touch with your reading friends or family and see what they are currently reading, what they want to read, and their book reviews.

5. Download the Libby App

The Libby app is a great way to make your reading more accessible, portable, and FREE. Libby, the library app, allows you to borrow books and audiobooks for free directly from your library. It is seriously a game-changer when it comes to reading on the go. Using a more portable reading option allows you to read whenever and wherever you go. Whether you are waiting at the doctor’s office, reading at night, on a plane, road tripping, etc., it truly is the perfect reading companion.

Also, if you have a Kindle, you can send books directly to your device or Kindle app from Libby! All you have to do is borrow the book and use the “Read on Kindle” option. Most books support Kindle, but there are still some books that are only able to be read directly through the Libby app.

6. Join Kindle Unlimited

If you have a Kindle or a device that supports the Kindle app, I highly recommend you to join Kindle Unlimited! Kindle Unlimited is a great solution if you have been wondering how to enjoy reading again.

Kindle Unlimited is a subscription service offered by Amazon that allows members to access a vast library of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines. With a Kindle Unlimited membership, you can explore new genres, discover new authors, and dive into bestsellers without having to worry about book prices.

We all know reading more books does not equal saving any money. This is just another reason why Kindle Unlimited is so amazing. Their library has so many unique and truly interesting books to choose from, but you could also potentially save a lot of money!

Also, the Kindle Unlimited library has a variety of indie authors and books that helps open up endless possibilities when it comes to reading!

Check out these romance books on Kindle Unlimited, if you are interested:

7. DNF Books You Do Not Enjoy!!

Last, but certainly not least, it is important to know when to DNF a book. DNF, or did not finish, is when you start reading a book but do not finish it. Ever since I have adapted this into my reading habits, it has truly changed how I read more books and my overall reading habits.

Whether you are a couple chapters in or halfway done with the book, you can always DNF a book with no judgment! Even if you think if I just finish this book, I will reach my reading goal for the month, but then it takes you over a couple weeks or a month to just finish it, this helps.

Even if you think I am already a third or halfway through the book, I might as well just push through and finish it. This is just setting yourself up for a reading slump. Trust me, from experience, it is never worth pushing your way through a book you are not enjoying. I have even DNF’d a book where I was 80% the way through, and to be honest, I was better off and have never thought about that book again.

Just because you want to read more books this year does not mean you have to eventually lose the enjoyment. Start and end your day with reading, listen to more audiobooks, start a book club, write in a book journal, get a Kindle, and join Kindle Unlimited!

So, if you have been in a bad reading slump and have been wondering how to enjoy reading books again, these are all ways to help you read more and have fun while doing it! We hope these reading tips help keep you out of a reading slump and that you have your best reading year yet!

Share it with your friends!

7 Tips to Read More Books While Still Enjoying Reading Banner

This content is written for informational purposes only. All opinions are my own. This blog may contain affiliate links; if you purchase through my affiliate link, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. View our full disclaimer policy.

Are you looking to read more books this year and not get overwhelmed or in a reading slump? It can be super challenging! I can’t tell you how many times in past years I have thought I would easily be able to read 100 books in a year and only ended up with 30–40 books read. Reading more books takes a lot of self-control and strong reading habits!

Luckily, we have these 7 tried-and-true tips on how I was able to read more books in a day and year, how to reach your yearly reading goal, and the most important: how to enjoy reading books while doing it.

How to Read More Books in a Year

1. Start and End Your Day With Reading

The best way to start and end your day is by reading! It personally helps me destress and clear my mind (unless the chapter ends in a cliffhanger😅) and also helps me drastically lower my phone’s screen time. I mean, what more can you ask for as a book lover?

Instead of immediately scrolling on your phone when you wake up or get in bed for the night, try picking up your book or e-reader instead. Not only will this make you have a better and healthier start to the day, you will also be able to read some pages right at the start of your day.

If you are not a morning reader, you might enjoy grabbing your book for an hour or two before you go to bed instead. According to WebMD, not only does reading before bed help destress you, but it has also been proven to help you achieve higher-quality sleep.

Personally, I have found myself being able to read around 25–50 pages in the morning and 100–200 pages per night just by not mindlessly scrolling through my phone instead. This tip has been one of the biggest game-changers for me when it comes to reading more books in a year.

2. Listen to Audiobooks More in the Car, Working Out, & At Work (If Possible)

Audiobooks are a great way to read more books. Do not listen to the people who say, “Audiobooks don’t count as reading.” They absolutely do count and are an amazing source of reading and enjoyment!

Audiobooks in the Car

Over the past couple years, I started actively listening to more audiobooks in my car, and it has truly changed the reading game for me! I have even purposely taken the long way or the scenic route to places just so I can listen to another chapter. This was the only time I did not mind my boyfriend living 45 minutes away from me 😅.

It truly allows me to immerse myself in the book world and minimizes the distractions that I typically face with audiobooks. However, this may be difficult to do if you do not find yourself frequently in the car by yourself or with your other book lover friends or family members.

Pink headphones

Audiobooks While Working Out

One of my favorite workouts is walking on the treadmill. I used to solely listen to music while I worked out, but over the past couple years, I have swapped it for listening to audiobooks or reading on my Kindle. Not only have I been able to get more reading done, but I started to get even more excited to workout if it means I get to continue listening to my audiobook. So, it truly is a win-win situation!

Audiobooks During the Workday

I also started listening to audiobooks while I work throughout the day. I cannot do this every workday, but depending on the type of tasks I have to do, I really enjoy listening to an audiobook throughout my workday and in between work meetings. It also helps to minimize my stress throughout the workday, which is very important to me.

3. Start a Book Club with Your Friends or Family

If you are lucky enough to have friends and/or family members that enjoy reading, starting up a book club with them can be a lot of fun and engage you to read more! It can be a great way to stay motivated and be more accountable in your reading goals.

Also, it is just more fun to read the same books with friends or family. Having a book club gives you the opportunity to talk and gush over the book and the characters together!

4. Use a Book Journal & Fun Reading Challenges

Book journaling is such a fun outlet for book lovers. Whether you are creating your own or purchasing a book journal, both are great ways to bring more fun back into reading and help you read more books.

Imagine that every time you finish a book, you get to mark something off in a journal, whether that is adding your book review, marking off the books in a series, or coloring in your book’s cover on a bookshelf. The opportunities are endless when it comes to a book journal! It truly gets me excited once I am ready to finish a book!

Some Book Journals to Check Out:

Reading Challenges

One of my favorite yearly reading challenges is having an A-Z title and author challenge. This gets me to expand my horizons on which authors I read, and I have been able to even find some new favorite authors just because their last name matched up with one of the letters I was needing for the reading challenge!

I highly recommend starting your own reading challenges, it is a super fun way to engage yourself in your reading.

Goodreads Reading Challenge

The reading tracker app, Goodreads, is a great way to reach your reading goal. It allows you to set a yearly reading goal, or more well known as Goodreads reading goal. More than just setting and tracking a goal, you are able to create reviews, make lists for books you want to read, keep track of your TBR, and so much more!

My favorite part of using the Goodreads app is keeping track of the books I am currently reading. There is nothing more satisfying than updating how far along you are in your book or marking it as read!

It also helps you keep in touch with your reading friends or family and see what they are currently reading, what they want to read, and their book reviews.

5. Download the Libby App

The Libby app is a great way to make your reading more accessible, portable, and FREE. Libby, the library app, allows you to borrow books and audiobooks for free directly from your library. It is seriously a game-changer when it comes to reading on the go. Using a more portable reading option allows you to read whenever and wherever you go. Whether you are waiting at the doctor’s office, reading at night, on a plane, road tripping, etc., it truly is the perfect reading companion.

Also, if you have a Kindle, you can send books directly to your device or Kindle app from Libby! All you have to do is borrow the book and use the “Read on Kindle” option. Most books support Kindle, but there are still some books that are only able to be read directly through the Libby app.

6. Join Kindle Unlimited

If you have a Kindle or a device that supports the Kindle app, I highly recommend you to join Kindle Unlimited! Kindle Unlimited is a great solution if you have been wondering how to enjoy reading again.

Kindle Unlimited is a subscription service offered by Amazon that allows members to access a vast library of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines. With a Kindle Unlimited membership, you can explore new genres, discover new authors, and dive into bestsellers without having to worry about book prices.

We all know reading more books does not equal saving any money. This is just another reason why Kindle Unlimited is so amazing. Their library has so many unique and truly interesting books to choose from, but you could also potentially save a lot of money!

Also, the Kindle Unlimited library has a variety of indie authors and books that helps open up endless possibilities when it comes to reading!

Check out these romance books on Kindle Unlimited, if you are interested:

7. DNF Books You Do Not Enjoy!!

Last, but certainly not least, it is important to know when to DNF a book. DNF, or did not finish, is when you start reading a book but do not finish it. Ever since I have adapted this into my reading habits, it has truly changed how I read more books and my overall reading habits.

Whether you are a couple chapters in or halfway done with the book, you can always DNF a book with no judgment! Even if you think if I just finish this book, I will reach my reading goal for the month, but then it takes you over a couple weeks or a month to just finish it, this helps.

Even if you think I am already a third or halfway through the book, I might as well just push through and finish it. This is just setting yourself up for a reading slump. Trust me, from experience, it is never worth pushing your way through a book you are not enjoying. I have even DNF’d a book where I was 80% the way through, and to be honest, I was better off and have never thought about that book again.

Just because you want to read more books this year does not mean you have to eventually lose the enjoyment. Start and end your day with reading, listen to more audiobooks, start a book club, write in a book journal, get a Kindle, and join Kindle Unlimited!

So, if you have been in a bad reading slump and have been wondering how to enjoy reading books again, these are all ways to help you read more and have fun while doing it! We hope these reading tips help keep you out of a reading slump and that you have your best reading year yet!

Share it with your friends!