Want to read more books? Here is how I finished 50 in one year

My love for books, knowledge, and stories has brought me so much joy (and occasionally, a crying wallet - but we won’t talk about that today).

Here are 50 books I have finished so far and my overall thoughts on how I managed to do that.

How to read more books

1. Start off light
   not ever book needs to have 900 pages for it to “count”. Novellas, short stories, graphic novels, etc. - they all deserve a spot on your reading list.

2. Find a format that fits you best
   For me personally, I have come to love audiobooks - especially through Libby or Spotify. Find what feels good and convenient for you.

3. Read for fun
   Reading should feel joyful, not like a chore. Don’t force yourself through that one book that was gifted to you 5 years ago that you just can’t seem to finish. Read what excites you.

4. DNF (did not finish) books
   If you’ve started a book three times and still can’t get into it - let it go. You don’t owe any book your time just for the sake of finishing it.

5. Make time
   You read that right - make time! Have 2 minutes? Read a page! I’m not saying that you should do that any time you have free time - but most of us rarely notice that a train rides, waiting for a bus, etc. offer great slots to read stories. You don’t need hours to start reading :)

6. Make it a habit
   Try reading before bed or right after waking up. Start with one page and build from there. The goal: Make reading easy and enjoyable! :) If the book is great, you’ll naturally want more.

7. Support your local libraries
   a reading habit doesn’t have to break your bank! Check out your local libraries and find treasures there - many even let you request books.

8. Presents
   If you are a book lover, ask friends and family to gift you titles from your wishlist, or check out local book exchange events

9. Join a community
   Reading gets even more fun when it’s shared. Join a book club or start one with friends - online or in person. The conversations will enrich your experience.

My overall thoughts

I honestly can’t remember every piece of advice or characters’ names from all the books I have read, but these things I can tell for sure:

Even if some stories felt familiar (especially within the same genre), no two books were truly alike. I’ve lived through 50 stories this year - each one sparked by a single idea, one word that turned into thousands. And I still can’t get enough.

The more I read, the more “AHA” moments I encountered. I was moved by plots, surprised by twists and sometimes….left wondering how certain books got published.

I believe that there is a right book for everyone out there - and hope that you find as much joy in reading as I am.

Stay curious and BE BOLD,
Soso