So You Want to Read More

Whether you want to read more in an effort to improve your comprehsnion skills or as a way to understand all the hype about dragons, there are a few tips that may help you.

First, go to your local library. Most libraries allow you to join for free and either have an app that you can utilize, or a physical library card that allows you to rent or borrow a certain number of books.

Libraries are free to enter and spend time in. Not to mention, the smell of books is an irreplaceable one. Sometimes, taking a walk through the rows of books will inspire you to pick up something new and give it a read.

Second, if you have a smart phone, be sure to download some apps that will help you on your reading ventures. Your local library might be linked with an app called Hoopla, which is perfect for borrowing eBooks and audiobooks.

Another option is Libby, which is also connected to your local library. See, this is why step one is so important. I hope that you're reading my steps in order. Libby also allows you to borrow eBooks and audiobooks. Both apps, I believe, also have options for comics and graphic novels. They count as reading, too!

Third, if you're able to afford a paid subscription based platform, I would suggest downloading Audible to your computer and phone. Audible makes listening to audiobooks anywhere, at any time, super easy and comfortable. They also have the largest library of audiobooks available, and the most talented narrators.

Another option that also costs money due to purchasing the actual audiobook, would be Graphic Audio, which is said to be like a movie in your mind. It really might ruin you for all other audiobooks, though, so be aware of that possibility. You have been warned!

Fourth, once you have your multiple different methods of collecting books; physical, digital, and audio, you can start reading. This is the fun part.

I would suggest finding out what sort of a reader you are. And this might take you some time to do. Are you a mood reader? A seasonal reader? A genre reader? A series reader? A juggling reader? Or another type of reader?

If you're like me, you're a mood reader. This means that you choose books based on the mood you are in when you're ready to pick up something new. I have to be in a very specific mood to want to read certain genres - like horror - for example.

A seasonal reader might only want to read summery books in the summertime, and so on, for the rest of the seasons. A genre reader might only like certain genres, and therefore would decline to read other genres. A series reader would not be able to move on from a series until they have finished every book in that series, whereas a juggling reader is able to read multiple books at the same time.

Whichever type of reader you are, work around that. Don't try to become a different type of reader. So, play to your strenghts and pick the titles that you're actually interested in reading. This will likely keep your attention and motivate you to continue reading.

With that being said, we do need to move onto the fifth tip, which is to DNF books when they don't speak to you. DNF stands for 'did not finish,' which is what you would label a book that you did not finish on your reading log or tracker, if you keep one.

Life is simply too short to force yourself to read a book that you don't even find enjoyable! Drop the book you don't like, and instead, pick up one that you might actually finish.

Lastly, use your time well. I tend to listen to audiobooks while doing other things; laundry, driving, walking the dog, etc. But I have to make time to sit with my Kindle or a physical book to read, usually in the evenings or on the weekend when nothing else is going on.

If you want to read more, you can certainly do it. I hope these tips help you, and that the next book you pick up is a 5 star read!