A lot of people ask me how I read so many books so quickly, so I thought I’d share about that today!
First of all, let me say that my employment status hasn’t really affected my reading speeds. Currently I’m self-employed making custom gold foil paper goods, but working from home doesn’t really mean I’m reading much more than when I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off as a personal assistant. So with that in mind, here’s how I read so much!
Diversify what you read
I’m one hundred percent that girl who’s reading six books at once.
Seriously though. I have a system that I’m always reading at least three (but usually five or six) books. But the catch is, I’m not reading 6 of the same type or genre. I would lose track if I’m reading three whodunnits or two Elizabethan novels or four theology books that err on being dry or hard to engage.
At any given time, I’m reading at least one fiction book, one nonfiction book, one theology/Christian book, and possibly one classic. The fiction is often an audiobook – it’s what I burn through the fastest.
I try to read a Christian book every morning, when I read my Bible and spend a little time praying. I don’t read these very fast, but I love getting a bit of time growing in my faith on a regular basis, and along with my Bible I like to let what I read roll around in my head as I go the day.
I read fiction every night before bed, either on paper or via audiobook. This is also the book I’m most likely to tuck into my purse for dentist waiting rooms and the like.
Finally, I’m usually reading a nonfiction book that’s usually some kind of self-development. This can be professional or personal, but reading these typically takes a certain mindset for me and I’ll plan to read a chapter every few days. I try to read this when I’m fully caffeinated alert and ready to absorb whatever it’s teaching me.
Audiobooks get it done
I listen to audiobooks like it’s going out of style! Check out your local library to see what audiobook app they subscribe to, allowing you to access for free. My favorite app is currently Overdrive, which has a ton of fiction and a fair amount of brand new selections. But my NC library has about three subscriptions, so you have the selections of multiple apps. Make sure you do explore your options! I always have five audiobooks on hold with my local library (the max). Confession: I still get stuff from my previous local library as well as my Oklahoma library! I especially love it for nonfiction/memoirs, because those are often read by the author. There’s nothing quite like listening to the author read their work: you get such an authentic feel for what they’re trying to communicate, without reading in or having an actor guess at the author’s intended interpretation.
Catch up on the classics
Have you discovered the audiobooks app? It’s free, and it has public domain books available for free download. It’s read by volunteers, and I love finding the dramatic reading (books read by a different actor for each character).
If you want to make yourself more well read, check out Librivox. You can download public domain books for free from the website or listen to them via audiobooks (also free) on your iPhone.
Build it into other activities
I seriously listen to audiobooks all the time. Any activity that doesn’t use my intellectual side, I listen to books. Commuting? Throw on the audiobook. But also vacuuming, running, cooking, or even falling asleep. Don’t overestimate how much you can listen to while doing things that don’t actively engage your brain.
Since I’ve gotten into podcasts, I confess I listen to books a little less. But they’re fulfilling a similar need, just not adding to my goodreads book counter.
Ask your friends
I have no idea why this isn’t more of a thing, but some of my best book recommendations I’ve ever gotten have come from my friends. Ask what people you love are reading! I think this is a great get-to-know-you question: if they don’t read, move on to TV shows, but if they do, I know we can instantly connect over great books. Since living in Oklahoma, I’ve had several people recommend – and then lend me copies – of great books based on what we’ve each read lately! Raiding friends’ bookshelves is a fantastic way to broaden your book horizons, or find your next favorite!
Check out the thrift store
I’m a huge fan of visiting the library. It’s free, for goodness’ sake! What more do you want? I can always buy my favorites on amazon if I fall in love with them.
That being said, one of my favorite ways to get cheap books is at thrift stores. I’ve discovered that this is especially great in college towns – people are constantly buying and then discarding great books. But check out your city’s thrift shops to see if they have a book section. At least half of the fiction I own came from there, and I’ve never paid more than a quarter per book. That alone has kept me working through books I own rather than spending more money on books.
Those are my bookworm tendencies in a nutshell! Most of all, my type-A self is learning not to force it. I haven’t been reading nonfiction lately, mostly because it hasn’t sounded appealing and I haven’t wanted to keep up with it. So I’m learning to not pressure myself by adding that nonessential expectation, and enjoy my beach reads if that’s what is caring for me right now.
What are you reading? Are you a four-books-at-once kind of person, or stick to one at a time??
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[…] This year, I read an all-time high of 110 books. Let’s keep in mind that I’m mostly reading fiction, and often it’s easy fiction too – not many tomes 2017. For those wondering, here’s the secret to how I read so much. […]
LOVE this post! I’m awful at being ‘too busy’ and not making time for doing things I love, like reading. Recently started making a point of reading before bed again. But this audiobook idea is so great!!! Autobiographies are probably my fave books to read and I have never even thought about getting the audiobooks read by the authors – genius! 🙂
I looooove reading and make sure I set aside time for it every day – even if its just 10 mins! xo
Yes! I love it! I’ve starting doing it right before bed – if nothing else, it’s my way to unwind before sleeping.
Thanks for sharing the Overdrive App! I’ve been wanting to try audio books because I think they would be best for my busy schedule. Growing up, I used to love reading! Although I’ve always read just one book at a time. 🙂
Seriously, that app is AWESOME – I’m currently logged into it with two different libraries so I have double the selection!
Waiting rooms are a great idea, as they’re usually boring, and I’d rather read a good book than one of the magazines they bring. Which makes me think: How about reading at the hair salon? I’m not really into women’s magazines, so while I sit there with the hair dye just waiting, I might as well use that time to continue reading a book! 🙂 I think the key is to just have a book handy for when you might have time to read.
That’s a fantastic idea! Seriously, I don’t want to read Teen Vogue from 8 months ago that 1389754 other people have touched. I’ve gotten in the habit of always carrying a purse big enough to throw in a paperback.
I would love to be able to read more than one book at a time but I don’t seem to be able to manage it! But I’ve always been a big reader I find it very relaxing.
I hear you, it’s hard. That’s what I love about audiobooks, I can multitask if it’s a mindless thing!
I am a reading addict and usually read a new book every 48 hours. Now that I don’t commute to work by bus, my reading time is reduced but I always find time to read. Glad to see there are still book addicts out there!
48 hours!! So impressive!! Yes, book addicts unite! 😉
Great post! I love to read – and I always have at least one book going. I’ve definitely read three or four at once, but lately I’ve kept it to around two!
-Lauren
I hear you – my retention ability shifts sometimes, especially if I’m reading multiple fiction books. But I feel odd if I’m not reading ANYTHING at the moment!