I have a deep love for reading. In fact, over the last month, I’ve read 32 books, each averaging more than 200 pages. I share this not to boast, but to encourage others and offer some helpful tips that have allowed me to fit reading into my busy schedule. While I recognize that everyone has different commitments, I personally work a full-time job that typically takes up 50 to 70 hours of my week. I’m also a parent to three boys, two of whom have special needs, which means a significant portion of my time outside of work is spent driving them to various appointments and therapies.
With that said, I understand that finding time to read can be a challenge for many. So, I’d like to share some practical tips and encouragement to help you discover the magic of reading.
As Christians, we, above all people, should be known as readers. Our God wrote a book that encapsulates His wisdom and everything we need for life and salvation. We have the freedom to own and read it daily. Moreover, we are blessed with an almost unlimited resource in America, allowing us to deepen our faith and expand our knowledge of the world. With this in mind, I have listed some key insights that have changed the way I read, and I believe that, if adapted to fit your life, they can help you as well.
Read Only Good Books
One of those insights is to prioritize quality over quantity in your reading choices. Life is too short to read mediocre books. Even if you read at a breakneck speed and manage 100 books a month, over a long lifetime, you might read between 6,000 and 8,000 books. With over 169 million books in print as of 2024, plus countless historical works available, you need to choose wisely. Make sure you consume things worth learning and that you enjoy.
If you look at my ratings on StoryGraph, a site I use to track and rate books, you’ll see I don't have a single rating below 3.0 within the last year. This reflects my commitment to only reading and finishing books that I find enjoyable and valuable. If a book is not worth your time, don’t let it take your time. If you're not enjoying it or finding anything worth learning, stop. There are many good books out there, so don’t waste your time on those that aren't for you.
The best way to start is by looking at recommendations from people with similar tastes. If you enjoy certain kinds of movies, read books recommended by others who share your taste in films. If you work in a specific field, find books related to your interests. However, balance is crucial, which brings me to my next tip.
Read Balanced
Along with choosing quality books, it’s also important to diversify your reading habits. I have a policy of reading about 50% non-fiction and 50% fiction books. Among my non-fiction reads, I alternate between Christian and non-Christian authors. This approach provides a well-rounded personal education and prevents boredom or tunnel vision. Additionally, read books for both adults and children, new books, and old books.
My specific encouragement is to read deeply in a few areas while also reading broadly in all areas. Focus deeply on topics related to your faith and occupation to ensure personal and professional growth. Then, read widely to build a broad knowledge base.
Find the Format That Fits Your Lifestyle
All forms of reading count. Physical books, ebooks, and audiobooks each have their own advantages. Physical books allow for annotation and tracking progress. Ebooks save space and are affordable, enabling faster reading. Audiobooks let you engage with books in situations where traditional reading isn't possible. Personally, I use all three formats depending on my needs.
Audiobooks and ebooks enable you to fit your reading in just about anywhere. I spend hours on the road and so I will always have an Audiobook playing. I keep ebooks on my phone and kindle which are normally always with me so I can take advantage of any downtime I have.
Cut Back on Other Media
While I enjoy shows and movies, my TV time is limited because my three little boys prefer different content. They aren't interested in SportsCenter or Marvel movies; they prefer Bluey or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. This has forced me to cut back on other media, using that time for growth and enjoyment instead.
Get Access to Good Books
Though I spend money on books, I've found ways to save and access a wide variety of titles. Here are a few tips:
Get a Library Card: Public libraries are a great resource. Even if you live in a small community, you can use library apps to access a broader selection.
Use Library Apps: I recommend Libby and Hoopla. Libby lets you check out and hold books, while Hoopla has no wait but limits you to 10 books a month.
Subscription Services: Consider Kindle Unlimited, Audible, or Everand. These services offer unlimited reading for a monthly fee.
Shop Sales: Look for sales on all formats. I often find physical books on sale online or at thrift stores.
By following these tips, you can make reading an enriching and enjoyable part of your life. I’d love to hear your own reading tips or experiences—feel free to share them in the comments!