Some people like to begin by reading the novel versions of movies that they’ve enjoyed. From ‘’Fight Club’’ to ‘’The Hunger Games’’, you will find that many movies are actually based on books. [1] X Research source One method of determining what kind of book you will like is to figure out what it is that drives you to frequent certain movies or TV shows. People who like biopics usually like biographies. If you like psychological thrillers, you might like murder mysteries or horror stories. If plot drives you, a lot of fiction is suitable for your tastes. If you don’t like fictional stories, try non-fiction. You will learn about real things that happened, gain insights into science, history, other cultures, or what people are doing to try to solve problems in the world, and explore interesting ideas by great thinkers.
Asking people you know is a good way to start out– they can often lend you the books that they enjoyed the most. Talk to English teachers and parents for book recommendations. They can help you find stories you enjoy and may have more book knowledge than your friends. If you like an author that a friend recommends, stick with them! It’s the best way to keep on reading. Use online resources, such as Goodreads, to find book reviews and recommendations.
Some awards are based on what people are actually reading rather than what critics choose. This may be the best place to start since you know that the many people have enjoyed these books. [2] X Research source Award lists that are selected by writers, critics, librarians, and booksellers can give you an idea of what is going on in the literary world. [3] X Research source
Libraries are designed for finding great books and reading! You can grab a book and get started right away in the quiet of your local library branch. Go to a park or somewhere outdoors. If you associate reading with oppressive indoor settings, going outdoors can be a great way to break up the monotony. [4] X Research source Try walking on the treadmill with a book. Some people simply cannot sit still while reading. Some studies say that you can remember more later if you read while walking on the treadmill, and the jolt of dopamine you get from multitasking may encourage you to keep reading. [5] X Research source
If you normally have down time before or after work (extra time waking up or winding down), you can make reading a part of that routine. If you spend time checking your email or playing games as a matter of routine, put your book by your laptop or on the couch to remind you to read instead. Small adjustments make a difference. Getting up a little earlier can make time for reading in your breakfast routine. Getting to the gym earlier can make an extra half-hour for reading before bed.
Go to bed a half hour or hour earlier than usual, so that you have time to read before you get too tired. Reading under the light of a lamp is much healthier than looking at the blue light of a phone screen or e-reader. It’s good to read in the morning as you can get an inspirational and fresh start to your day. Be aware that the light from an e-reader device may disrupt your sleep. A real book might be a better option before bed. [7] X Research source
If you spend a long time commuting, bring a book instead of plugging into your phone. If you usually eat lunch alone, you can take the time to enjoy a chapter or two while you eat. If you eat out for lunch, try packing your lunch instead. This will free up a surprising amount of time. Reward yourself with reading after completing tasks for work or school.
Turn your phone completely off. You might be shocked at how often you reach for it and check your lock screen to find it completely black. This serves as a good reminder to stay focused on your book. Completely get away from your laptop or television. A click of the remote or trackpad will bring you back into the digital world, and you can get stuck there for an incredibly long time. Use your local library. Libraries are built to be quiet, distraction-free places to read. Use them to their fullest! [8] X Research source
Read the first few pages of the first chapter rather than reading the summary on the back of the book. This way you get a better understanding of the author’s writing style. You may find yourself in the middle of a book you really enjoy, but has taken a dry turn. Read topic sentences and final paragraphs so that you get the general idea. Read quickly until you reach a part that holds your interest.
If you use productivity apps on a tablet, you will probably like the convenience of e-books. Downloading your books mean that you have many books in one place. If you already carry a tablet, you won’t have to carry a book as well. If you prefer to go to the library and browse actual books, and enjoy the feeling of turning pages, you probably want to stick to real books.
Use your library. Take advantage of the fact that you can check out multiple books and return them if nothing grabs you. If there are books that you have that you’ve been meaning to read, leave them out! They will serve as a reminder, and you are more likely to pick them up if you are looking for something to do. Purchase books for your tablet online or check out an eBook from your local library. [9] X Research source
Gather a few possibilities and read the first chapter or two of each one, then choose the one that grabs you. [10] X Research source If you feel stuck or bored, try something different! Just because you like biographies doesn’t mean you wouldn’t enjoy some light fiction with a little less substance. It might just provide the break you need to go back to the weightier stuff later. [11] X Research source Use the fifty page rule. If you’ve started a book and don’t like it, you might still feel weird about stopping cold. Fifty pages is usually enough of the book to figure out whether or not it’s worth it for you to keep reading. If it seems like a chore, don’t do it. There are plenty of books out there for you to enjoy.
A log can be a list on your phone, a Pinterest board, or a physical notebook. Just make sure that it’s something that you’re likely to keep around or remember. Keep an ongoing list of what you’ve read: a simple list of titles and author’s names. If you particularly liked a book, mark it. Also keep a list of recommendations and things that you want to read. If you’re the note-taking type, keep summaries and memorable quotes in the notebook as well. This will provide you with concrete examples of your progress and remind you of the knowledge and information that your reading has given you.
Depending on where you live, you may have many genres to choose from. Try sticking to your favorite genre first, just to make sure that you stay on track. You can branch out after you’ve gotten into the swing of things. If you can’t find any near you, you can start your own. You can use Facebook or meetup to create groups easily.
If you do this with friends, it can be easier to stay on track, and you’ll have someone to talk to about the book.
On social media forums like Goodreads, you can see what your friends are reading, read book reviews, and keep track of your own reading so you can see your progress. [14] X Research source There is also an option to find books related to ones you’ve liked as well, which makes finding new books easy.
Take brief summary notes at the end of each chapter to ensure that you can look back and recall what you’ve read. If taking notes interrupts your reading flow, mark key paragraphs with a check mark or star. Later, you can go back to these starred paragraphs and take notes on them for yourself.
Don’t mark up any specific sentences or words right away. Be patient and wait until the final sentence before deciding. If the paragraph seems important right away, mark it with a star. After a difficult or inspiring paragraph, pause for a moment. Explain to yourself what you have read, out loud or in your head. Then summarize that in the margin or on a separate piece of paper.
You may feel a little bit silly if you are alone, but don’t let it stop you. You’ll soon get into the rhythm and forget your circumstances. If you are in public, try covering your ears and mouthing the words. This usually goes unnoticed, and is not really odd behavior for someone reading in a public place.
Use the table of contents to locate what you’re looking for. If you’ve skimmed over a few paragraphs, check for summary words (in conclusion, in summary, furthermore) and pay particular attention to that paragraph. Before you start reading, perform a quick check of a chapter. Take note of its title and any subheadings. Read the first and last paragraph, and check the topic sentences of the body paragraphs. Try to determine from these things the main idea of the chapter and the author’s intention. [16] X Research source
