5 Tips For Reading More Books



Now that I'm a fancy, one-year-old Book Blogger, I thought I'd share some tips for ways to read more! I'm very specific (ie fussy) about the way that I read and recently I think I've finally worked out the best ways for me. Hopefully after reading this post you'll be able to say the same!


1. Establish The Way That You Read Best. By this, I mean the reading format. I personally prefer paperback books compared to hardback books, just because I feel that they're nicer to hold and handle. With bigger books (such as A Game of Thrones) I find it easier to read on my Kindle as it's not as intimidating! Or you may find that reading comics and graphic novels work best for you. My boyfriend is dyslexic but has found that graphic novels are perfect for him and he finished The Walking Dead Volume 1 in just a few days! It's all about experimenting with what you enjoy the most.

2. Don't Force It. Feel free to abandon crappy books. I'm the queen of abandoning books, as seen through these (1 & 2) blog posts. I'm a very emotional reader, and my current mood dictates what book I'm going to read. I could be 75% through a book and suddenly feel like I'm not in the mood for it anymore. Some books just aren't worth your time and effort, especially when there are so many others to read! Don't feel bad about abandoning books - just because you didn't like it doesn't mean that it wont be loved by someone else! 

3. See if any of your favourite films/TV shows are based on books. I have a number of books that I've bought because I've loved the film. Examples for this are Girl, Interrupted, Water For Elephants, Twilight... the list goes on. I also decided to purchase the Sherlock Holmes short story collection because of my love for the BBC Sherlock! If you're just getting into reading, you might find it easier to read something based on a film or TV show that you've watched, as you already know the basis of the story.

4. On Long Journeys, Ban Your Phone. Long train/plane/bus journey coming up this week? Bring a book along to accompany you! Instead of scrolling through Twitter/Instagram, or checking your emails, read a chapter or two of a new book.

5. Join Goodreads. Goodreads is like the Facebook of the book world. You can follow your favourite author, add friends, add books to your 'to read' and 'read' lists and even set yourself a reading challenge! If you join/are already on Goodreads, add me as a friend! Link below x
 

20 comments

  1. I find reading long ones on my kindle a lot less intimidating too! Taking a kindle is always great for plane journeys as well - means you do something productive whilst travelling

    Steph - http://nourishmeclean.blogspot.com

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    1. Totally! A much better size to pop into a bag as well! x

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  2. These are great tips! I have such a problem with #2! I can never stop reading a book once i've started. It would drive me crazy not finishing it! lol

    Renee | Lose The Road

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    1. I have found this with a few books, but eventually I just have to admit defeat! x

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  3. Great tips! I love the movie Water for Elephants. I should try and read the book some day!


    Jessica
    Pyreflies.org

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    1. Thank you! The book is actually really similar to the film, it has the same feel to it if you know what I mean! x

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  4. I always try and read bigger books on my kindle, it's easier to hold and definitely less intimidating! Unlike you I am rubbish at leaving a book half way through, I force myself to finish books even if I am not enjoying them, which is probably pretty pointless!

    Bethan Likes

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    1. Totally agree! Some books are just so big that they're uncomfortable! x

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  5. Really loved this post, Lauren! It's so hard to get variation when posting about books other than doing reviews and hauls - this is really unique & also true. Goodreads is my favourite app ever, I'll have to find you on it x
    Emily
    thebelljarxo.blogspot.co.uk

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  6. I've been trying to read more books especially during this summer break but I can never seem to get to that many books! Maybe it's because I'm such a slow reader :( But I do agree on banning the phone thing, books are a lot better to focus on sometimes! Also, I never could get around to abandoning a whole book. I don't know why but I always feel like it's an obligation for me to finish all the books I started, and that usually results in feeling really burdened and heavy to read it. At the end, I do kind of hate it. Maybe in these cases we should just give the book away to someone else, haha! Thanks for sharing such a beautiful post!

    THOUGHTS IN TIFFANY BLUE

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    1. I always begin to resent books if I force myself to finish them, it really takes the fun out of reading! Aw thank you lovely! x

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  7. I used to always want to finish every single book I started. But after a while I realised it is just not worth the crappy books. I abandon them now and start a new book!

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    1. Go you! It took me such a long time, but it's the best reading decision I've made! x

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  8. I think Number 2 is what I'm doing wrong because I always feel like I've wasted money or gifts, hmm maybe I should just give in :P

    Alice x
    the-rose-glow.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Yeah, I think the amount spent on a book can be a big factor in deciding whether or not to abandon it. You could always re-gift it to someone who would love it! It would be a nice surprise for them too :) x

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  9. When I'm travelling is my best time to read! I'm the same with reading format - prefer paperbacks primarily, but the kindle is great for really long books... It definitely makes it seem less intimidating!

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    1. Totally! A Game of Thrones just feels too heavy in paperback! x

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  10. I've always been a hardcopy book kinda person until last week when I thought I'd get myself a tablet so I can read on the train up and down to uni and not have to pack an extra book. Weirdly I'm really excited for going back now lol, sad? who cares! I am obsessed with goodreads as well :) In terms of abandoning books I just can't do it. I feel like I need to finish it whether I like it or not before I can go onto the next. It can be such a struggle though and totally put me off reading. There is nothing better than wanting to pick up a book though and find out whats happening with a story.

    www.simplysara.co.uk

    x

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