Whether you’re a former reader who hasn’t picked up a book in a while, or someone who’s never really read for pleasure at all – we offer a range of tips for getting into reading.
Reading for pleasure is a transformative experience. Books take us to different worlds, teach us new things, and help us connect with others and the world around us. Plus, research shows, regular reading for pleasure is good for our physical and mental health.
Haven’t picked up a book in a while? Here are some tips and tricks to help kickstart your reading journey.
Try out different formats
When we think of reading, we often think of hard copy books that need to be read in a quiet place. But there are a range of other book formats that may be more accessible, engaging and convenient for you.
Audiobooks are a great way of listening to books on the go, and are ideal for those who want to engage with reading while commuting, exercising, or just multitasking around the house. If you’re someone who loves podcasts, or struggles with text-based reading, audiobooks might be for you.
Ebooks are another convenient (and lighter!) way of carrying around multiple books at once, and include functionality – such as screen brightness and text size adjustments – that can make reading easier on the eye.
Struggle to concentrate on long passages of text? Graphic novels and comics are another great way to engage with books and stories, with options available for adults, teenagers, and children alike.
Visit your local bookshop or library
Want to get into reading, but not sure what kind of book you might like? Booksellers and librarians are a valuable and friendly resource for all your book recommendation needs.
Head to your local bookshop or library and seek out someone to discuss your interests and tastes, and let them help you discover books that might appeal to you.
Borrowing multiple books from the library is also a free and easy way to trial a range of books, and see what takes your fancy.
Take the pressure off
Haven’t read in a while? Don’t beat yourself up about it. Reading is a habit we can pick up at any stage of our lives. Ease yourself in, and read things that are enjoyable and engaging to you, rather than books you think you ‘should’ read.
Similarly, don’t force yourself to finish a book you’re not enjoying. Not every book can appeal to everyone who reads it, even the best sellers! Allow yourself to put aside the book without judgement on yourself, and put your energy into searching for your next great read.
Join a book club
Book clubs are a fun and social way to get into reading. Books are chosen by the group (taking some of the pressure of having to choose your next read), and brought to life through conversation at regular in-person or online meetings.
You may want to join an existing book club through friends, community groups, or your local library or bookstore – or start your own. We’ve compiled some top tips for starting a running a book club here as well as some handy conversation starters.