There are only a few things I love more than snuggling up in a blanket and diving into a great book … usually. But how easy is it these days to trade in our books for another dinner party, another movie night out, or a few extra minutes of sleep? Lately I’ve been craving some quality time with that ever-growing mound of books that I have been “meaning to get to.”
Click through for 7 tips to get you back into bookworming!
*featured image via anthropologie
1. Find your reading nook.
The first step to falling in love with books again is finding your perfect reading spot and making it your own. Mine is an oversized armchair in the corner of my bedroom with plenty of natural light. By creating a space in my home that is dedicated to reading, away from the noise and busyness of the everyday, I find it much easier to sit down and center my focus on the pages in front of me. Just add in a cozy throw and a glass of fresh lemonade – my summertime treat of choice – and I’m ready to dive into a great read.
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2. Take advice from others.
Whenever I begin a fresh reading list, I always start with recommendations. (Hint: following #CSbookclub on Instagram is a great place for ideas!) I love asking my friends to borrow a book they love, or keeping an ear out for reviews on the hottest new reads. Chances are, if a friend you trust enjoys it, you just might love it too!
3. Make it a date.
If you’re like me, you get your energy from time spent with others. Oftentimes, what distracts me from a quiet afternoon of reading is my fear of missing out on another social event. (Yes, I have a FOMO problem. The first step is acceptance, right?)
The easiest way around this is to merge the two…make an afternoon of reading into a social event! I love inviting one or two friends to try out a new coffee house, and we all settle in to peruse our own reads – occasionally breaking for coffee chats, of course!
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4. Always have a book on hand.
Lately I’ve taken to carrying a book with me as I head out the door for the day. My paperback edition of Truman Capote’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s slips effortlessly into my daytime purse, and it makes those waits at the doctor’s office or airport fly by! (Call me old fashioned, I have yet to buy a Kindle.) Whenever I find a couple minutes of downtime, I pull out my book and peruse the next few pages. It may not seem like much, but those pages will begin to add up!
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5. Mix it up!
Have you ever started off eager to break into a new book, but less than halfway through, feel your interest starting to fade? I have. My solution: If you discover you’re losing interest in one book, set it down and pick up another.
My reading interests are like my food cravings….ever-changing. Sometimes I crave a lighthearted love story ala John Green (have you read Paper Towns yet?) and sometimes I long for a taste of the classics, like Ernest Hemingway or Mark Twain. The trick, as I’ve learned, is to follow your cravings. Don’t be afraid to mix it up! You might just find within a few days – or hours – your cravings have changed again, and you’re back to barreling through that classic!
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6. Give yourself a break.
Some days I may find time to read an hour or two. Others I can only squeeze in ten minutes before I’m swept away to the day’s next event! Don’t sweat it if you skip a day … reading is meant to relax the mind. But no matter how much time I set aside, I always feel relaxed after those few moments of stillness. Making even a couple minutes before switching off the light at night can be enough to flip through a few more pages and set the stage for a peaceful night’s sleep.
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7. Join a book club.
A tried and true solution for a number of reasons. Sharing thoughts on the latest chapters we’ve read over wine and appetizers is always enjoyable, and the regular gatherings motivate me to keep up with the pace. Reading the same book with a group of friends not only holds me accountable for getting through a book – it gives me the chance to throw a great dinner party when it’s my turn to host!
