For many people, the first thing that comes to mind when they think of books is boredom. Eyes spending hours perusing over pages of words, words, and more words. However, when I think of books, I think of incredible escapism, adventure and fun! That being said – I used to be one of those people who could not stand the thought of having to actually read something, but now my relationship with books is a happy one. I believe that this is something everyone can achieve with the smallest bit of work!
I have found that one of the best ways to keep up with reading is to make it a habit. This can be done by setting goals for the day or the week and allocating a few times to reading when you know you’ll be able to. Usually, I find before bed to be one of the best times, especially if you normally find yourself doom-scrolling on social media instead of going to sleep. As I am sure you have heard time and time again, reading before bed benefits the quality of your sleep – so switch out that half an hour (or God knows how long) of blue light for a few pages of a good book!
I have found that one of the best ways to keep up with reading is to make it
You could also start carrying a book around with you, so that when the unexpected opportunity presents itself, and that friend who said they would meet you at 3, turns up at 3:30, you-can squeeze a few pages in. But if you don’t normally carry a bag big enough to hold a book,audiobooks/ebooks are also a great option. This way you’ll be sure to have a book with you everywhere you go. As for goal setting, there a tons and tons of free apps that can help with this. My personal favourites are Goodreads and Storygraph, where you can set and track yearly goals, leave reviews, and keep up with your friends’ reading. When I see my friends’ reaching their reading goals for that year, this often kickstarts me to pick up that book I forgot I was reading.
If you don’t normally carry a bag big enough to hold a book,audiobooks/ebooks are also a great option."
Now that you know how to keep up with reading, you might be wondering where you should start with books? What on earth should you read? This is where the internet and social media are helpful.
If you’re on TikTok, you have most likely heard of the niche “BookTok”, where people talk all about reading. There are millions of videos not only on TikTok, but also on YouTube where influencers share their favourite books, and some books to help people ease into reading. A few of my favourites include Jack Edwards, Ebony Kenae, and Léa Crumpton.
To conclude, here are some of the best books that I have read over the past few months which I recommend to everyone looking for something to read! First is Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. This contemporary novel follows the life of Olive, a woman in her 60s, and her life in Maine with her husband Henry. Although she leads a somewhat boring life, Olive is such a fascinating character, and Strout tells her story in 30-page long anecdotes. Another is Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway, a classic that is accessible, and such a treat! The novel spreads across one day in June 1923 in London, as Clarissa Dalloway prepares for her party and reflects upon her youth and lost love. Lastly, Bernadine Evaristo’s stellar novel, Girl, Woman, Other which explores the reality of being a black woman in a range of decades.
Now that you’re all set, happy reading and happy World Book Day!