How to Read More in 2025

I read 275 books last year, here's my secret

I read 275 books in 2024. That’s an absurd number of books.

I’m not advocating for others to read this much, but I’d love to inspire more reading. Lucky for me, many people aspire to this as well. Reading more is a common New Year’s resolution.

So here’s my secret for how to read more:

Scroll less.

That’s it. Scroll less.

Consider the amount of time you waste scrolling on your phone, decide how much of that time you’d rather spend reading and then read. This is truly my number one recommendation for how to read more.

Other tips:

Make reading a part of your routine. Consider your day and when you can reliably pick up a book. Perhaps you can begin your day with 20-30 mins of reading time, and/or do the same before bed. Read on your lunch break, or listen to an audiobook while taking a daily walk.

Dedicated time is nice, but it’s not always possible. Don’t discount the amount of reading you can fit in sporadically throughout the day. Always have a book nearby or an audiobook queued up so you can read while you do household chores, sitting in a waiting room/in your car/at your kid’s activities.

Keep track of books you would like to read. I joke my never-ending TBR is my motivation for reading, but there’s truth to this. I have so many books I’d like to read (and more always publishing) I never have to think long about which book to pick up next. Knowing what to read is half the challenge. Goodreads or Storygraph are great resources for tracking; I will always happily provide the recs!

Find a bookish community. Reading with friends is fun, motivational, and rewarding. Whether it’s an online or IRL book club, a single bookish buddy, or just book enthusiasts always willing to chat books in any and all capacities, finding your way to reader companions is the absolute best way to stock your TBR and get inspired to read, read, read.

Challenge yourself. Some people like to just go with the flow, reading whatever catches their fancy - this is fine! But some readers enjoy some structure or a little push; reading challenges are an excellent way to accomplish this. Join an established challenge like those hosted through Goodreads or Storygraph, POPSUGAR has a good annual challenge, there are tons of little challenges floating around the online bookish world, or create your own!

Get acquainted with your local library. There is no greater resource for readers than a public library.

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Tell me:

• Do you have any tips to add?

• Will you be participating in any reading challenges in 2025?

• Anything, let’s chat!

What I’m…

Reading

• Devil is Fine by John Vercher. I spent much of New Year’s Day immersed in this Aspen Words Longlist selection and it was an excellent kickoff to my reading year! A Black biracial father grapples with the recent death of his teenaged son. At the same time, he inherits a plantation from the white side of his lineage. An ambitious and compelling story exploring grief, fatherhood, race, and the intertwined complexities of belief, heritage, and identity. Devil is Fine is unique, emotional, and a surprising page turner due to its structure, with elements of surrealism, metafiction, magical realism, and moments of true humor. Highly recommended for fans of Jason Mott’s Hell of a Book. Bookshop | Libro.FM

Watching

• The Ultimatum, Season 3 (Netflix). This show really just makes me miss Love Is Blind if we’re being honest. The superior Nick and Vanessa relationship reality show.

• Squid Game, Season 2 (Netflix). Just started this. I’m not yet convinced the story needs a second season.

• Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy (Netflix). If you’re looking for motivation/support for lowering your consumption this is for you.

Eating & Drinking

• We have been feral this holiday week living off leftovers, scraps of whatever can be found in the fridge and pantry, plus takeout, basically the opposite of real life. I’m officially to the point where I’m looking forward to regular meals and fresh vegetables 😂

Links + Loves

• I have used Rakuten since it was called Ebates and that changed happened in 2014 so… a long time. Whatever you want to call it, they’re the original affiliate marketer offering special deals as well as cash back if you shop through their links. I’m never more into this site than I am during the holiday shopping season. Who doesn’t want to earn cash back on purchases they’re already making?! But I always check Rakuten first before making a purchase. My referral offers additional perks for joining.

• Recently purchased my second bottle of this lotion. I use it as a body moisturizer, especially needed this time of year. I tried a different brand when my first bottle ran out and I missed what I had. Deeply moisturizing, but not heavy or greasy. I’m sensitive to smells and this is at the heavy end of what I can tolerate, but the scent itself is pleasant: nutty and not too perfumey.

• While on the subject of moisturizers, I also recently picked up a new tube of my favorite Trader Joe’s hand cream. I keep this on my nightstand and apply it before I go to bed. Can you tell it’s winter?! It’s a thick cream, but it sinks in quickly and doesn’t feel sticky. It’s deeply moisturizing and lightly scented.

• The Hottest Trend in Publishing: Books You Can Judge By Their Cover (NYT) This whole special edition trend is only beginning and I’m already fatigued by it.

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Until next time!