Asra Yousuf

I love books. But at times I love the idea of books more. I buy more than I can read. My to-read list grows at a much faster rate than my “read” list. Bookstores are my happy places. But I often fall short of my reading goals- struggling to hold attention, jumping from one book to another, and at times, life just gets in the way. I crave to be that 11 year old again who could immerse herself in the adventures of Famous Five and Nancy Drew, and forget that the world existed. Over the years, I have discovered certain ways to keep the love for books alive and thriving. If you find yourself wanting to read more, but struggling- maybe these ideas could help you.

1. Don’t let a genre define what you read

People often categorize themselves as “fiction” or “non-fiction” readers. Some only read sci-fi while some simply abhor the preachiness of self-help books. To those, I would say- don’t let a genre define you. I mostly read non-fiction books but when I am running low on motivation to read, I often pick up a fiction book. There is nothing like a gripping novel that can make you turn the pages.

2. Don’t let a medium define you

I have often heard people say- “Oh I can’t do audiobooks!”, “I can no longer read a physical book”. And if you feel similarly, you are missing out on so much that each medium has to offer. You can open your ebook anywhere you are- be it on the subway or even on the toilet seat. You can multi-task with your audiobook, while cooking, running or simply staring into nothingness. And physical books? It’s just the sheer joy of the cover design and the smell that only physical books can have. Different books work well on different mediums. Personally, I have found hearing autobiographies in the voice of the author to be such a delightful experience (Eg. Becoming by Michelle Obama, Born a Crime by Trevor Noah). Books, like The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday and The Comfort Book by Matt Haig, are excellent choices for paperback buys because you can open to them on any page and start reading.

3. It’s alright to have a shelf of unread books

This is something I tell myself to justify my impulsive purchases. I truly believe that some books have their own time and come to you when you are ready to truly appreciate what they have to offer. One of my favorite books of all time, “Sometimes Brilliant” by Larry Brilliant was recommended randomly at a book club meet in 2016. I saved the title and completely forgot about it. In 2018, I was looking for something to truly inspire me and I came across the title in my to-read list. It turned out to be just the thing I needed to lift me out of a hopeless state.

4. Join a Book Club

Book Clubs are great because they introduce structure and accountability. But even beyond that, they help you look at the same words from a whole new lens. “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley was the last book I read with a book club, and I am not exaggerating when I say that it ended up being a life-changing book because of the discussions and perspectives offered by the people I was reading it with. If you aren’t able to find a book club, just talk to people about the books they are reading and what led them to it.

5. Maintain a list of books you want to read

Anytime you hear about a book that peaks your curiosity, make a note of it on your to-read list. I use Goodreads to keep track of the books I wish to pick up sometime in the future and it serves the purpose. Browse through your to-read list periodically and prioritize it- picking out books that you would like to read next. This way you are never left without a book to read.

6. Browse Bookstores

Nothing rekindles a love for books like browsing through bookstores, exploring titles you would otherwise be unaware of. You would wish we had something as good as Netflix to recommend us books but sadly we don’t. However, the silver lining is that bookstores don’t base their recommendation off the last book you read but instead introduce you to genres and titles you would not have explored otherwise. Tip: Even if you don’t end up buying books, add titles that you find interesting to your to-read list.

7. Leverage free resources before shelling out the $$$

Read samples of books before taking out your credit card. If you make it to the end of the sample and want to know more, go ahead and buy the book. Check out your local library. Discovering Libby and the San Francisco Pubic Library system has been one of the best things that happened to me last year.

8. Surround yourself with books

Don’t keep your kindle stashed away in your drawer, forgotten. Put it on your nightstand to remind you to read a little before bed. Place your ebook app on your Home Screen, so that you choose to open it over instagram on your commute.

9. Abandon, Finish or Revisit- the choice is yours

How you read a book is a personal choice. I would often push through books even long after I stopped enjoying it, just to add it to my list of completed books. Life is too short to read a book that you don’t enjoy. It’s okay to abandon a book halfway. It’s also okay (& recommended) to read the same book again and again. The same book, read a few years apart, can be a totally different experience because although the book remains the same, you would have changed.

10. Reflect

Before you jump on to your next book- take a moment to reflect on the book. Flip through the pages. Ask yourself what struck you most about the book and if there was one thing that you would take from it, what would it be.

11. Go on a date with your book

Find a nice shaded spot in the park or a cozy cafe, and have a date with your book- immersing yourself in it, as the world around you fades.

Would love to know what you are reading now or what is that one book you would highly recommend, in the comments. Till then, happy reading!