By Janssen from Everyday Reading

1. Audiobooks

I live for the books on my iPod. I download them from my library (which has subscriptions to both NetLibrary and Overdrive) and they stay on for a couple of weeks and then the licensing terms require you to delete them. You can also get two free audiobooks from Audible if you sign up for a trial membership. Or you can check out a book on CD from your library and upload it on to your MP3 player (just delete it when you are done). My husband knows when I’m in the middle of a good book because the toilets get scrubbed and the dishes stay done. I listen to things while I cook, clean, sew or do laundry.

2. Keep a stack of books you want to read on hand

If it’s easily available and visible, I’m far more likely to think about reading then if all my books are buried on the bookshelf or in my library basket. I try and keep two or three on my bedside table.

3. Read multiple books at one time

I know some people hate this. But if I’m reading something dense, it really slows me down to have that be the only thing I’m reading. On the other I hand I don’t necessarily want to read nothing but fluff. Being able to read 10 pages of a classic and then switch to something light means I’m much more likely to actually read. Otherwise I think I’m not in the mood to read, when it’s really that I’m just not in the mood to read that book at the moment.

4. Maintain a list of books you want to read

I find nothing as frustrating as going to the library and wandering aimlessly around and then going home with a book or two that I have no real interest in reading. When someone recommends a book to you or you hear about a book you’d like to read, jot it down somewhere and keep that list with you. Then when you’re at the library or bookstore, you’ll have somewhere to start.

5. Keep a Book on CD in your car

I do very little driving since we only have one car and I’m at home most days and even so, I manage to get through a book every month or two while I’m going to the grocery store or running errands. I usually keep my car books fairly easy reading so that I can easily pick up where I left off and so that I don’t completely tune out the narrator when I’m driving. Maybe you are more focused than I am, but the car is not the place for me to attempt War & Peace (although, let’s be honest, it’s not like I’m attempting War & Peace outside of the car either).

6. Carry a book in your purse

How often do you find yourself waiting for the doctor or for a child to be done with a music lesson or a friend to meet you somewhere? Having a book to pull out and read a little bit of makes that time less irritating and slow for me.

7. Join a bookclub

Having a deadline is so motivating to me to actually pick the book up and make progress. I belong to two book clubs - one reads pretty fluffy, fun things, the other reads more classics and non-fiction. I love the balance between the two.

How do YOU fit more reading into your life?

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