One day, you're twelve years old and the shining star of your local library's Summer Reading program. Then, you're in high school or college and struggling to read for pleasure between assignments…then you're a grown woman, juggling a daunting workload or children or both, wondering where the time went as you scan the unopened books on your bedside table.

If your personal library is collecting dust, don't be disheartened. It's possible to rekindle your childhood reading habits—I know because I did it. After failing to reach my 2023 reading goal—and seeing some of my literary friends' impressive book collections—I decided that a change was in order. Now, four months into 2024, I've already read more books than I did throughout the entirety of last year.

Here are some tips that helped me on my journey toward a more consistent reading practice. Use them to draw your own road map, and you'll be on your way in no time.

PART ONE: GETTING STARTED

Make a reading list

So, you want to read more—that's great. But do you know what you want to read? Take some time to record all the books you've been looking forward to cracking open. Not only will seeing all the titles in one place help curb indecision, but it'll also remind you that there's so much exciting material out there. The only way to work through everything on your radar is to read often and consistently.

Get into the right headspace

It sounds silly, but it's true: if you haven't picked up a book in a while, you might have forgotten that reading is fun. Ideally, it's not something you have to motivate yourself to do—when you're in the zone, you should be turning pages so quickly you're constantly at risk of a gnarly paper cut. Of course, you can't reach that flow state until you've optimized your environment for focus and serenity. That means no phone! Put it on silent and set it face down to prevent attacks on your attention span.

Music can help or hinder you. Classical tracks or movie scores might keep your eyes glued to the text as the world falls away—or you might find yourself distracted, itching to play DJ. Experiment and see what works for you.

Finding the right location is also crucial. Maybe you'd prefer to curl up in bed or by a window (very quintessential of you). Perhaps you can concentrate better in a public place. The world is your oyster.

PART TWO: HELPFUL RESOURCES

Take the Goodreads pill

In many ways, the human brain is a machine, and gamifying any experience makes its bells and whistles screech with delight. This knowledge can be deployed for harm or for good…or for GoodReads. The website's Reading Challenge feature allows you to set a yearly reading goal and tracks your progress visually—so you can feel the satisfaction of watching your progress meter fill up as you log books. If you add friends on the site, you can see how their Reading Challenges are going, which could spark some friendly competition.

Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card

Arthur the Aardvark was right: Joining your local library has plenty of benefits! You'll save money on books—and, depending on the perks that your local branch offers, you might even get access to eBooks or streaming services like Kanopy.

Peruse the Internet Archive

If you're not familiar with the Internet Archive, I urge you to get acquainted. It's a digital library anyone can use—just make a free account to check out any text for an hour at a time. Bonus: you can renew as often as you'd like.

PART THREE: ONWARD AND UPWARD

Set a time…

Stick to a ritual for a while, and it'll become an instinctive habit. Setting aside a designated time for reading each day is one of the most tried-and-true ways to fix it into your schedule. This could mean waking up 30 minutes earlier than usual to enjoy a more laid-back breakfast experience instead of rushing out the door, or simply deciding to wind down with a book before going to bed each night (your eyes will thank you for giving them a break from blue light). Other options include reading around lunchtime or reading when you get home from work.

Or set a timer

You probably haven't thought about the Pomodoro method (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break, repeat) since you had homework, but setting a timer can be a helpful way to make space for anything that requires tunnel vision. While the clock is ticking, don't let anything distract you. Of course, if you find yourself getting particularly sucked into a book, the timer might become a distraction itself—in which case, shut it off and allow yourself to transcend material reality.

Vary what you read

If you read three epics in a row (or three fantasies, or three of anything) you run a higher risk of getting burnt out. Try varying your roster with books of different lengths, books from various genres, and books from different eras; you get the picture. I have a friend who alternates literary fiction with memoirs and self-help books, and I've come to enjoy breaking up theory with poetry—maybe a similar strategy will work for you.

Challenge yourself

We talked about the Goodreads Reading Challenge, but it can be fun to design your own challenges. Discovered a new author you can't get enough of? Put on your “completionist” hat and try to make it through her entire bibliography. Obsessed with a particular band? Read every book you can find on them. You could even make yourself a syllabus based on the novels they allude to in their lyrics.

Worship at the altar of the slim volume

Grimes, Bella Hadid, Addison Rae: What do these celebs have in common? They've all been spotted sauntering around town with books in hand. These ladies are on to something—think about how much idle time you have to contend with when you're out running errands. Waiting for your coffee or lunch order, taking public transit … what if you whipped out a book and started reading instead of scrolling through social media during those moments?

To pull off this strategy most practically, you'll need the right bag to carry your paperback companion. The canvas tote is a tried-and-true choice for literary types, but there are other options—any roomy over-the-shoulder bag will do. The bigger, the better, honestly—you'll hopefully inspire onlookers to ask what you're hiding in there, in which case you can pull out your book of choice and start a conversation. You might even make some new friends, which will come in handy for the next step…

Harness the power of friendship

The sun is out, and the temperature is rising… so plan an al fresco reading date with some fellow bookworms. Get a group together and head to a park, beach, or cute cafe with your favourite reads. You'll discover that parallel play isn't just for toddlers—side by side with your noses in novels, you and your friends will collectively cultivate an atmosphere of concentration.

Try out the book club model if you're looking for more structure. Make a plan to meet with several friends once a month—or simply commit to reading a certain title alongside a friend whose tastes align with yours. After you close the cover, the promise of good conversation will keep you hooked.

Bonus tip: Get into the habit of swapping books with friends! You'll both expand your libraries, and the knowledge that you'll have to finish the book at some point in order to give it back might help you stay on track.

Frequent your local indie bookstore

This one's the kicker. Whether you live in a city or a small town, chances are there's a wonderful indie bookstore not too far from you. If you become a regular to the point where the staff knows your name, not only will you have access to a wealth of reading recommendations, but chances are you'll meet other avid readers to be in community with, some of whom might share or expand your tastes. Lots of bookstores also host fun events such as readings and book signings, which will introduce you to new authors and remind you that being a book nerd doesn't have to sentence you to a solitary lifestyle.

Happy reading!

Brittany Menjivar is a cultural critic and the author of poetry and prose collection Parasocialite.

The Busy Woman’s Guide to Being Well-Read