I hated reading. Not only was it quite literally homework, but I would prioritize anything and everything else above it.
At least, that was how I felt when I was younger. It began in elementary school, where we had mandatory "Accelerated Reader" tests that would quiz us over our reading comprehension. Summer reading books were later introduced in middle school. They were usually packaged with our first graded work of the year: an essay or project based on the book we chose from the pre-approved selections. I vividly remember being at my grandma's, lying down on the couch and watching TV when I'd get a bit of prepubescent anxiety as a movie trailer would appear for something that was coming out in August. It was an evil and persistent reminder of the reading project I was actively putting off.
Sure, there were some books and series that broke through: A Series of Unfortunate Events, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Harry Potter, Eragon, and various comic books. As you may notice, though, these were stories tied to an adaptation made for the screen. Movies, TV—those were my favorite mediums for experiencing a story.
However, my outlook on reading shifted a little bit in high school. Call it cliché, but it started out with romance. As a young guy, I found a copy of a Nicholas Sparks book randomly in storage (I believe it was Safe Haven) and started reading it out of curiosity and perhaps some boredom. Later, a classmate lent me a DVD of The Notebook, and another friend surprised me with a copy of the book. Not only did I fall in love with Rachel McAdams, but I began to appreciate the words that came before the screen and inspired the images caught on film—it was something I hadn't entirely grasped when I was a kid. My developing brain and maturing soul began to hold literature with more caring arms than before. Eventually, I got into a relationship of my own, and she happened to be a reader. We'd read different books, swap, and discuss, the pages scattered with little notes and annotations about the story and each other.
By the time I reached college, I was stumbling my way through finding a degree program that made sense. I thought I knew what I wanted, but then I learned I didn't. Slowly but surely, the stories I were reading started shouting at me. I walked into my academic advisor's office and made yet another change to my major declaration: English. The career path of a writer was one I wanted to begin pursuing.
But even after that revelation, in complete transparency, throughout my studies as an English major, I didn't do a majority of the assigned reading. I'd do enough to get a grasp of the assignment, study up online, and call it a day. Again, like in my youth, I'd rather play ball at the rec. center or hang with friends. After graduating and reflecting, it eventually started to make sense: All along, it wasn't reading that I was opposed to—it was prescribed and mandated reading. Perhaps I had an issue with authority, or it was my way of "sticking it to the man," being able to skim and still earn excellent grades without really doing the reading. It helped that, ever since high school, I could write my way around the parts I didn't want to do. Either way, it's something I'm now aware of when I look back on my history with reading.
Now, I have no issue with reading. In fact, I'm aware that as a writer, I need to read. But even so, I have sincerely developed a deep and appreciative love for reading. Two years ago, I read 25 books in a year, marking the first time I actually hit my annual Goodreads reading challenge goal. In 2024, I read 50 books. I had come up with the idea of trying to double the goal every year, but that's insane, considering I have a full-time job and am writing my own book. So, I'm aiming for 55 books this year.
I've recently had some friends who wanted to begin reading for pleasure, and they asked for my advice. So, why not write down what I shared with them? Whether you are an avid reader or someone who'd like to get started, you may be able to glean some tips from how I'm currently doing it.
Reminder: This isn't a prescription or law etched in stone. It's for pleasure, a hobby. Keep reading light and fun, with as little pressure on it as possible. It's no longer homework, so do it your way.
The Formats 🤓
There are three main ways to read today:
Physical/Print Editions
Although this is the most romantic and aesthetically pleasing way to read, I have recently backed away from reading hardcover and paperback editions. Moving and packing books is a pain, and I became disenchanted with physical editions as a result. I do still have a dream of having a personal library one day, but that'll have to wait until I have a house before I begin collecting again. However, I do get physical copies of first editions or signed books from my favorite authors or highly anticipated reads, but that's it for the most part.
When I read physical books, I always have a pen nearby. I love highlighting "Golden Lines" and making annotations for future reference, both for potential re-reads and for my commonplace book.
Additionally, I've heard of studies suggesting that reading retention is better with physical copies, and anecdotally, there's something to that. Especially because there's a "spatial" component to reading physical books, but the difference between physical and other editions isn't enough for me to go back to buying physical copies at this time. (Yes, I know about and love the library—a bit more on that next—but because I read with a pen, borrowing books isn't ideal for me.)
Whenever I do shop for books and something catches my eye, I read the synopsis and the first sentence. As a writer, I love a well-crafted first sentence. But I've heard of some people reading the last page—which, no. That is a rule. Don't do that. Because why?
Ebooks
Reading ebooks is probably the most convenient way for me to read. I bought a Kindle a couple of years ago and absolutely love it. It's primarily because I can access "free" ebooks through Libby/Overdrive, a platform that can be used with your public library card. I've been a huge proponent of it since learning about it while working at the library a few years ago. Seriously, Libby is great, and if all you take away from this newsletter is to look into it or get a library card, then I've done my good deed for the day. (On top of ebooks, you can also borrow magazines on Libby!)
Also, in the name of highlighting Golden Lines, the Kindle makes this easy and convenient on-device. Not to mention traveling with an ereader is so pleasant.
Audiobooks
There's been a boom in audiobook editions lately, especially since Spotify has entered the space. And I do personally listen to a lot of audiobooks through Libby, Spotify, and Audible (I only use Audible when there's a worthwhile deal or free trial for Audible Originals because most everything I've searched for is available on Libby and Spotify).
It's pretty quirky, but I mostly listen to nonfiction on audio. That's because, as a writer, I enjoy seeing how fiction is laid out on the page. I've also worked up to listening to audiobooks (and podcasts) on 2x speed, sometimes more, which is the most significant benefit of listening on audio.
Juggling Multiple Books at Once 📚
At the very least, I do like having a fiction book, a nonfiction book (most likely through audio), and a writing memoir or craft reference book going at once. I just hop back and forth whenever I feel like it. Sometimes I'll read a few pages of nonfiction before delving into a large chunk of fiction. Again, no real rules, I'm just doing whatever I'm vibing with at the moment.
I also have an endless TBR (To Be Read) list that I track on Goodreads. Goodreads, also owned by Amazon, is integrated into Kindle devices, which is a helpful feature. I've had Goodreads since high school, and I track everything I read religiously. So, when I finish one of the genres, I return to my list and pick a new read and keep it rolling.
When To Quit a Book ✋
This is something I'm working on. To DNF (Did Not Finish) a book is to reach a mature stage of readership. However, as a completionist and someone prone to FOMO, it's challenging for me to put a book down that I'm not enjoying. Especially because reading a book can be quite an investment. If I'm a third of the way through, I feel like I'm in too deep to put it down. It's also a catch-22 because why would I take time away from something else that I'd like better? Why not take what I've already read as a sunk cost and move on?
On the topic of quitting books, I've heard Ryan Holiday talk about the "One Hundred Pages Minus Your Age" rule, which I'm trying to implement. He writes, "The best readers actually quit a lot of books. Life is too short to read books you don't enjoy reading." I'm working on it, y'all.
Goals and Gamifying Reading 🎯
Now, based on my experience, I believe there's something to be said about "gamifying" reading. That's where my annual challenge comes in. Again, it's a mixed bag because if I get too caught up in the "rules" of it all, I get overwhelmed and can stop reading for a period. But there's also a silver lining because, when I am falling behind on my goal, I'll knock out some quick audiobooks to catch up. Is this absurd and potentially defeats the whole point of the "pleasure" part of reading? Maybe. However, I have gained some valuable insights from books I've only picked up or read in one sitting, with my reading goal in mind, so I try to remember that, too.
Book Clubs and Community 🤝
We know that I appreciate the importance of community. I'm part of an in-person book club through a writing nonprofit here in San Antonio, as well as some online book communities. This is probably one of my biggest "reading hacks" because it not only helps with accountability for completing a book, but it also helps me discover new things while discussing those reads with others.
In Conclusion 🤘
Whether you set an ambitious goal, pick up one book, or look into joining a book club, I hope you attempt something new when it comes to reading. It's a fantastic way to unplug and engage in some intentional meditation, not to mention a brilliant way to ease oneself into bed after a long day.
Simply put, reading is magic.
