#24 read!! and how to do more of that
I typically struggle to read throughout the school year as most of my time is dedicated to studying and participating in school activities. When I’m not studying or doing some other form of work I tend to just sit and relax, which isn’t the most productive way to spend time, but it’s a fair way to spend time(what). I read the most during the summer (like many do) because I have the time to read and be guilt free when doing so. With all of this considered, I read MAYBE 2 books during the year, and 10-20 books in the summer- so maybe I’m not the person to tell you how to read more (but regardless I’m going to do so). Note, now that we’re in quarantine, it’s basically the best time to start reading since we can’t really leave our homes.
Reading: it’s relaxing brain food.
1. Read what you want!: Often, people think that they should read a certain type of book- a more serious read, thought provoking, brain cell itching literature, one might say. Books like “pride and prejudice”, “Of mice and men”, and “Frankenstein”. This is not to say that these are books you shouldn’t read, but if they don’t interest you, don’t read them! If you enjoy sci-fi books about space battles, or fantasy books about faries, or even bad YA romances, reading is reading, and if you enjoy it you should read it (and do so shamelessly).
2.Keep track of what you read & what you like: I recently joined a book lovers website called Goodreads, a free website where you can rate books, make lists of what you want to read, see other peoples reviews, and so on. I find reviewing books is quite fun, and so this site helps me out.
3. Set yourself a goal: Also on Goodreads (I’m not sponsored, although I wish I was) you can make a goal for how many books you want to read in a year. I said 20, because I felt it was reasonable and I don’t want to feel guilty if I don’t reach my goal, so having an attainable goal makes me feel better. You can see how my reading is on my goodreads account. (I should SO be sponsored)
4. Read before you go to bed: When you’re done working and done using your phone, have a stack of books you want to read next to your bed and read a bit before you sleep. Some nights you may end up reading just 6 pages and passing out, while on other nights you may read 200 pages and wonder what happened. This is just an overall good habit to have, it’s relaxing, and before you know it you’ll have read a few books just by reading before bed.
5. Watch a youtube video discussing books: This sounds SO lame, but I’ve recently gotten invested in “booktube” a youtube community where they make videos touring their personal bookshelf's, sharing opinions on books, and sharing what they read this month. I can’t explain why, but I love these videos. Watching other people talk about reading 15 books in a month really makes me want to pick up a book. My favorite booktuber is paperbackdreams , she has fun opinions on books and makes good content. Really check her out!
6. Take notes: No, I’m not saying you take note of the literary choices the author makes, and when themes become most present, absolutely not. I’m saying throw on a sticky note if you really like something, or something really funny happens. This MIGHT help you read more, because well, I don’t know.
No these photos aren’t mine but really nice book photos also give me an itch for reading (does that sound weird?)
I hope you have fun reading! Should we make a book club?
