Increasing your reading

[litskispeciality]

Hello! I'm behind on my reading goal this year. I'm trying to let it go as I want quality, but it helps keep me on track with reading more than 1 book a month. Do any of you voracious readers have any tips on how you read so many books in a month/year?

So far I'm trying to read two books at a time (any tips on how you keep them straight?), borrowed a 3rd I want to read knowing I can't read that until I finish these 2.

• Sometimes adding an audiobook, but I find my mind wanders, and I can't really focus on the content at work (even podcasts are too hard to follow).
• Using the Goodreads challenge to show me how many a month I have to read moving forward to hit goal.
  
• I fill my Overdrive with 5 holds at a time, but at least 2 always come up at the same time and I end up returning 1 or both depending on what else is going on.

Anything else I can do to try to get a few more pages a day, which should equal an extra book or 2 a year?

[kelliebeans104]

I always have multiple books going at a time that are usually pretty different from one another so it's easy to keep track. I also read them in different spaces and times of day. Like right now, I have a poetry book that I keep next to the couch so I read a few poems a day during commercials or in between tv shows. I have a comfort reread that I usually read on my phone when I'm in the lunch line or have a few minutes here and there. Then I have a new book that I usually read when I have bigger chunks of time during the day/evening and I also read that at night to fall asleep.

Reading on my phone, even in just a few minute increments throughout the day, really helps go through books pretty quickly. I would try that. You'd be surprised how much you can get through during those little down times (think waiting in lines, bathroom breaks, while dinner is cooking, traffic, etc).

[kelliebeans104]

Mar 20, 2019 9:23:24 GMT -5 litskispeciality said:

Hello! I'm behind on my reading goal this year. I'm trying to let it go as I want quality, but it helps keep me on track with reading more than 1 book a month. Do any of you voracious readers have any tips on how you read so many books in a month/year?

So far I'm trying to read two books at a time (any tips on how you keep them straight?), borrowed a 3rd I want to read knowing I can't read that until I finish these 2.

• Sometimes adding an audiobook, but I find my mind wanders, and I can't really focus on the content at work (even podcasts are too hard to follow).
• Using the Goodreads challenge to show me how many a month I have to read moving forward to hit goal.
  
• I fill my Overdrive with 5 holds at a time, but at least 2 always come up at the same time and I end up returning 1 or both depending on what else is going on.

Anything else I can do to try to get a few more pages a day, which should equal an extra book or 2 a year?

You can suspend holds in Overdrive.  This way if it looks like two or more are going to come available at the same time, suspend one and it will hold your place in line until you're ready to read it.  That way you won't lose it and have to wait all over again.  

[wildrice]

I don't read as many as some here, but I usually read 35-45 a year. I'm currently on #12 for the year.

I don't think reading 2 books at once will make a difference, unless that also means reading twice as many minutes.

What helps me is having a Kindle and bringing it with me. So I read on public transit, at the gym, when waiting for an appointment, while making dinner, before bed, and any other time I find myself not otherwise occupied. I do not generally set aside large chunks of time for reading, because that won't happen. But a few minutes a few times a day adds up quickly.

[tacokick]

I generally read 2 books at a time, one physical book and one Kindle. This is mostly because I don’t like to read (physical) library books in bed because people are gross.

I always read in bed before going to sleep.

I have a book with me at all times in case of unexpected downtime.

I stop reading any book at any point if it doesn’t grab me and move on. I read 250+ books last year but must have given up on 75+ anywhere from 2 paragraphs in to 2/3 of the way through.

I watch a lot of tv and occasionally read during commercials.

When I was working at an office/teaching, I read during lunch.

I read on my commute when I had one.

I read on any public transit.

I’m often early so I read when I wait.

I read when dinner is cooking.

I go to parks (preferably ones with beaches) to read and eat lunch when possible.

I don’t have kids.

[tacokick]

When reading 2 different books, I try to pick ones that are pretty different like a memoir and a mystery or something. I don’t have issues mixing things up though.

[minzy]

If I can, I maximize “me time” by reading while I ride a stationary bike at the gym. Challenges and book clubs help keep me motivated - I did a few of each last year, and finished 76 books, 24 more than the year before. I also always take a book with me in case I have to wait somewhere.

[litskispeciality]

These are awesome suggestions that you so much! I need to make more time to actually eat lunch. I try to carry a book or Kindle so I can read 5 pages "at lunch", then read more at home. I love the idea of having the book on your phone to read while you're waiting, I have the Overdrive app on my phone. I've tried suspending books, I need to get better about logging in and see where I am, I think that's part of my issue only logging in when I get the email that the book came up. I have to learn to let go of bad books, I'm such a sucker for I'm 50 pages in, I have to plow through, then that book sits there for a month and a half because it's so painful to pick up.

I should try reading between commericals. I don't watch a ton of TV, but hate not being able to fast forward so it's a better use of time. I watch something on my kindle before bed, but find when I can read on the Kindle before bed I tend to sleep better (pending the content isn't scary or too depressing). Speaking of which The Wedding Date seems like a great, light before bed book.

I shouldn't be so hard on myself, if I get through all 3 books (which I'm close to the end of one) I'll be at 6 for the year. Just once I want to read 24 books in a year. I'll look into challenges too, which I know have been recommended here. The group reads really help, even if I'm late it motivates me to read that book.

[dontlook]

Mar 20, 2019 11:26:10 GMT -5 litskispeciality said:

These are awesome suggestions that you so much! I need to make more time to actually eat lunch. I try to carry a book or Kindle so I can read 5 pages "at lunch", then read more at home. I love the idea of having the book on your phone to read while you're waiting, I have the Overdrive app on my phone. I've tried suspending books, I need to get better about logging in and see where I am, I think that's part of my issue only logging in when I get the email that the book came up. I have to learn to let go of bad books, I'm such a sucker for I'm 50 pages in, I have to plow through, then that book sits there for a month and a half because it's so painful to pick up.

I should try reading between commericals. I don't watch a ton of TV, but hate not being able to fast forward so it's a better use of time. I watch something on my kindle before bed, but find when I can read on the Kindle before bed I tend to sleep better (pending the content isn't scary or too depressing). Speaking of which The Wedding Date seems like a great, light before bed book.

I shouldn't be so hard on myself, if I get through all 3 books (which I'm close to the end of one) I'll be at 6 for the year. Just once I want to read 24 books in a year. I'll look into challenges too, which I know have been recommended here. The group reads really help, even if I'm late it motivates me to read that book.

Hey, look at it this way, it’s 2 books a month. When you finish these three you will close to or right on track! Keep going!

The best thing I did was stop getting physical books and read on my phone. I always have my phone which makes it possible for me to read anytime anywhere.

I will sometimes read two books at once but they have to be wildly different. I usually only do this when I’m reading a non-fiction book. I like to pair it with an easy fluff read.

When I get too far behind on my goal I start making daily reading goals. I need to read x chapters or x number of pages today. It helps me get back on track.

Find good fun books. Sometimes I pick something because I think I should read it. I’ve learned to just stop reading bad books. It’s no fun and I don’t win anything by suffering.

Good luck and happy reading!

[litskispeciality]

One more thing because I'm really gettting inspired, I just downloaded the Kindle app and read while I was waiting for a sandwhich. Granted I got through a page, but that's one page closer. Next time I might look for a long line just to get more reading in lol.

[msmerymac]

Plays. Plays are very short. Also, novellas. Shopgirl by Steve Martin, to start.

I've read books that are 30 pages that count as a title towards my goal and books that are 1200+ pages that count towards my goal (very slowly count towards my goal I might add). It does seem unfair to judge number of books vs. number of pages read, but it gives you more ways to "cheat." I've also started reading the entire Babysitters Club series in order. I can get through one of those puppies in a day or two, so they're good when I'm behind.

Also, I have a few Amazon echos, and I listen to audiobooks (at 1.25x speed) while cooking, folding laundry, or driving. My commute is 1-hour roundtrip, so I can get a chunk done if I'm consistent.

I also try to get ready for bed waaay early, like 8:30, so I can have about an hour to read. And no phone in the bedroom/near your bed while reading.

Also, keep your kindle on airplane mode and you can still read books you've downloaded, even after they expire.

[wesleycrusher]

I read ebooks at work- I spend a lot of time on hold, so I just keep my browser open to the ebook and flip there while waiting.

I usually listen to an audiobook while doing laundry or cleaning- folding laundry, putting clothes away, doing the dishes, etc. I am not a huge TV watcher and it's easier because I can transport my phone from room to room. Also I listen in the shower sometimes.

[Nonny]

Mar 20, 2019 9:23:24 GMT -5 litskispeciality said:

Do any of you voracious readers have any tips on how you read so many books in a month/year?

So far I'm trying to read two books at a time (any tips on how you keep them straight?), borrowed a 3rd I want to read knowing I can't read that until I finish these 2.


Anything else I can do to try to get a few more pages a day, which should equal an extra book or 2 a year?

I'm part of two IRL book clubs, so having a set day twice a month to meet and discuss books means that I'm reading with a goal and a deadline for about 20-22 of my books each year (we don't always meet every month, and I try to pick the same book for both book clubs when I host so that its easier on me).

I don't have any problems keeping multiple books straight, but usually I'm reading things in different genres.  So for example, maybe I'm reading one sci-fi novel and one non-fiction book about politics.  I probably wouldn't choose to read two Stephen King books at the same time just because I want more variety, but if for example if I was reading The Cuckoo's Calling and Harry Potter (both by JK Rowling) they are very different in content it would be fine. 

You probably watch more than one TV show at a time right?  You wouldn't confuse Master Chef with Hell's Kitchen even though they both star Gordon Ramsey because the format and tone are very different.  It can be the same with books.

I do most of my reading in bed before I sleep, but I get in extra books by reading graphic novels on my laptop in the evenings and on weekends when my H is playing video games or we just have on mindless background TV.  Even the longer ones are usually under 250 pages (and I find most that I read are about 180).

[pinotgrig]

tacokick - I think of you and your “no books in bed” policy when I read my physical library books in bed. 😂 But I ended up with the flu last week and am now side-eying the library books on my nightstand. So, I think I’m joining your camp. 😷

OP, you’ve gotten great suggestions so far. I’ll just ditto the advice that it adds up. A few minutes here and a few pages there - don’t discount that! I always have an audiobook going as well as a physical book and a kindle book. I also love keeping up with every thing on Goodreads.

[tacokick]

Mar 20, 2019 17:08:38 GMT -5 pinotgrig said:

tacokick - I think of you and your “no books in bed” policy when I read my physical library books in bed. 😂 But I ended up with the flu last week and am now side-eying the library books on my nightstand. So, I think I’m joining your camp. 😷

😂 I’m glad I made an impression! My parents read library books in bed but I stopped after I found a Cheeto(!!!) in one. No thank you!


I hope you’re all recovered!

[rainbowchip]

I always suspend my holds to the max allowed (I think its 180 days) as soon as zi put them on my hold list. Then when I start reading a book, I unsuspend the next one I want to read and that one will come available sometime while I'm reading the current book.

I do keep track of my holds on a spreadsheet only because it seemed like the hold list would get stuck for me and I've confirmed that with my spreadsheet. I have 2 books that I have been 2 on the hold list since 11/28/18.

[ssmjlm]

I basically read in my downtime either on my kindle or on my phone. I don't watch a lot of tv, so that helps. I basically read every night before bed as my way to unwind from t he day. I also get in a good hour of reading on Saturday and Sunday mornings before my kid is up.

It helps that I'm a fast reader as well.

[aurora]

I commute by bus (and don't get motion sick) and listen to audiobooks while walking the dog every day. So, it's not so much that I set out to read a lot of books, but more that I'm filling those times in my life. I definitely "read" more since audiobooks became a thing I could get from my library easily.

I also generally prefer reading to watching TV, so when I have free time in the evenings that's what I gravitate towards.

[aurora]

Mar 21, 2019 11:31:24 GMT -5 rainbowchip said:

I always suspend my holds to the max allowed (I think its 180 days) as soon as zi put them on my hold list. Then when I start reading a book, I unsuspend the next one I want to read and that one will come available sometime while I'm reading the current book.

I do keep track of my holds on a spreadsheet only because it seemed like the hold list would get stuck for me and I've confirmed that with my spreadsheet. I have 2 books that I have been 2 on the hold list since 11/28/18.

Oh, that's an interesting idea!

[rainbowchip]

Mar 21, 2019 16:31:57 GMT -5 aurora said:

Mar 21, 2019 11:31:24 GMT -5 rainbowchip said:

I always suspend my holds to the max allowed (I think its 180 days) as soon as zi put them on my hold list. Then when I start reading a book, I unsuspend the next one I want to read and that one will come available sometime while I'm reading the current book.

I do keep track of my holds on a spreadsheet only because it seemed like the hold list would get stuck for me and I've confirmed that with my spreadsheet. I have 2 books that I have been 2 on the hold list since 11/28/18.

Oh, that's an interesting idea!

I think it might be because certain libraries purchase books so the people from that library get prioritized and can cut on front of people not with that library.

ETA: I totally misread your comment. I blame it on feeling crappy yesterday.

[mx27]

Mar 20, 2019 10:17:13 GMT -5 kelliebeans104 said:

Mar 20, 2019 9:23:24 GMT -5 litskispeciality said:

Hello! I'm behind on my reading goal this year. I'm trying to let it go as I want quality, but it helps keep me on track with reading more than 1 book a month. Do any of you voracious readers have any tips on how you read so many books in a month/year?

So far I'm trying to read two books at a time (any tips on how you keep them straight?), borrowed a 3rd I want to read knowing I can't read that until I finish these 2.

• Sometimes adding an audiobook, but I find my mind wanders, and I can't really focus on the content at work (even podcasts are too hard to follow).
• Using the Goodreads challenge to show me how many a month I have to read moving forward to hit goal.
  
• I fill my Overdrive with 5 holds at a time, but at least 2 always come up at the same time and I end up returning 1 or both depending on what else is going on.

Anything else I can do to try to get a few more pages a day, which should equal an extra book or 2 a year?

You can suspend holds in Overdrive.  This way if it looks like two or more are going to come available at the same time, suspend one and it will hold your place in line until you're ready to read it.  That way you won't lose it and have to wait all over again.  

i never paid attention to the "suspend" feature, but could certainly use it!  thanks for mentioning it! 

[litskispeciality]

Mar 21, 2019 18:46:33 GMT -5 mx27 said:

Mar 20, 2019 10:17:13 GMT -5 kelliebeans104 said:

You can suspend holds in Overdrive.  This way if it looks like two or more are going to come available at the same time, suspend one and it will hold your place in line until you're ready to read it.  That way you won't lose it and have to wait all over again.  

i never paid attention to the "suspend" feature, but could certainly use it!  thanks for mentioning it! 

I'll check this out as well. I just refilled a few holds and it shows me where I am on the list, so when I get close I can suspend if I'm not ready.

[expectantsteelerfan]

I read a decent amount (usually 2 books a week), but I can't handle reading more than one book at once usually. There are exceptions (when I was doing the 4th grade battle of the books with my son, I could read those books along with my own, and occasionally I'll have to start a book for my irl book club before I finish whatever else I was reading).

Things that do work for me are: carrying my kindle everywhere and reading during times when I'm killing time when I'd be playing randomly on my phone if I didn't have my kindle.

I read before bed. If you don't want a book in bed, then read outside of bed before going to bed? I read for at least an hour every night, and I don't mind having books in bed, although more often than not I read on my kindle.

I also find requesting a lot of books at a time means I'm never without something to read (and I save the kindle first reads for times when I've fun out of everything else to read usually). I don't know how kindle differs from overdrive, but I don't think there is a limit on how many you can request or check out at a time.

Sometimes, if I know I'll be somewhere where I won't want to start something new, I make sure to start it right after I finish my last book. If I can read for 10 extra minutes to start something new at home, I'm much more likely to pick up my kindle instead of my phone when I have a few extra minutes while I'm out.

Mostly though, my life lends itself to having time to read. I have time to read at work, I have time to read on days I don't work, and I have time to read while waiting in the car to pick up my kids/during their practices/dance classes etc.

[snshne322]

I'm curious about wanting to read quality books. What for you determines which are quality books? I see that pop up here and other places from time to time.

I read on my commute ~1.5 hours a day, about 30 minutes in the evening and during work (audio) as my tasks allow. I try to ready 2 books at a time, one audio and one print.

[msmerymac]

snshne322, for me personally, I'd say books that are widely regarded to have literary merit, either by critical acclaim or longevity. Modern literary fiction, like Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch, or classics like To Kill a Mockingbird. Occasionally well-regarded non-fiction/current events, but non-fiction about historic events that has aged well would definitely fit (Hiroshima, All the President's Men).

Which is not to say that I DON'T read YA or adult fluff, but I try to balance it. I'm reading The Remains of the Day (and I've previously read his later work, Never Let Me Go), and I'd say an author who has won the Nobel Prize for Literature would count.

[litskispeciality]

I need to let go of judging myself on what I read. This year so far I feel like I've read a lot of fluffy or YA, or both. As long as I'm reading what should it matter if it's the first lady's autobiography or 50 shades of gray? I'm learning that I'll read more if I like it rather than if I'll feel "smarter" or whatever for reading it. So far this year I've put down two books that aren't catching my eye which is helping too.

I guess I'd define quality as something that's on the best seller list, serves a purpose if you will (think Celeste Ng addressing issues of culture) or is written by someone famous such as the first lady or someone who cured a disease.