5 Effective Ways to Rekindle Your Passion for Reading

Staff at my local library are usually cheerful, but when I asked them about a recent report showing a decline in people reading for pleasure, their enthusiasm noticeably dimmed.

They confirmed they had noticed the same trend.

The study found that the number of Americans who read for enjoyment on any given day has dropped by 40 percent over the last twenty years. Researchers suggest this decline may be linked to the rise of digital media among other factors.

This is unfortunate. Beyond the joy of immersing oneself in a good book, reading offers several health benefits. Studies indicate that reading can help keep memory sharp, improve sleep quality, and that fiction reading may boost empathy and overall well-being.

However, maintaining a regular reading habit can be challenging. That’s why I sought advice on how to incorporate reading more consistently into daily life.

Set Aside Regular Time for Reading

Librarians recommend always carrying a book and reading during moments you might otherwise spend on your phone, such as waiting rooms or bus rides.

Establishing reading as a ritual can also help. For instance, I now enjoy a few minutes with a novel right after waking, which gently eases me into the day before checking the news.

Try to pick a cozy spot—like a porch or a comfortable chair—and pair your reading time with something pleasant, such as a cup of tea.

Revisit Books You Love

Starting with a favorite old book can ease you back into reading, especially if you’ve been away from it. Don’t hesitate to read the same book multiple times if it brings you joy.

Some experts admit they were initially reluctant to reread because they felt it wasn’t ‘progressing.’ However, rereading often reveals a fuller understanding of the story’s bigger picture.

Your perspective may also evolve; what once aligned you with rebellious young characters might now lead you to sympathize with their parents.

Embrace Audiobooks

Although audiobooks grow in popularity each year, some wonder if they count as ‘real’ reading.

Experts dismiss this concern, emphasizing that listening is simply another way to enjoy literature. Research shows no significant difference in comprehension or retention between reading physical books and listening to audiobooks.

Audiobooks also free up your hands. Some readers switch between audiobooks and physical copies, allowing them to engage with stories while doing chores or driving.

This flexibility helps fit more books into busy lives, and a skilled narrator’s voice can add depth and character to the story’s world.

For many, listening to fiction rekindles the warm childhood feeling of being read to.

Know When to Move On

There’s no obligation to finish every book you start. One helpful guideline suggests reading about 50 pages before deciding to continue or abandon it if you are under 50 years old. For older readers, subtract your age from 100 to determine the number of pages to try.

Books aren’t meant to be ‘finished’ out of duty; they are meant to be enjoyed.

Find Inspiration in Diverse Places

If you need book recommendations, public library blogs and interactive tools can offer creative ideas, including titles linked to popular cultural events and literary awards.

Following prize lists like the Booker Prize, New American Voices, and Nigeria Prize for Literature can also spark inspiration.

Additionally, exploring your local library’s shelves or consulting librarians can uncover unexpected gems. Libraries excel at offering serendipitous discoveries that no algorithm can replicate.

When I asked my librarians for advice, they shared extensive handwritten notes. They requested anonymity, explaining their sole aim is to encourage a love of reading. I share their passion.