How to Read More Books in a Year Without Forcing It

Let’s be honest—many of us love the idea of reading more books, but when life gets busy, books often end up gathering dust on the nightstand. We start the year with good intentions and ambitious reading goals, only to lose momentum by March (or... January 3rd, no judgment!).

But here’s the truth: reading more books doesn’t have to feel like a chore, a competition, or something you "should" do. It can be effortless, fun, and even addictive—in the best way. Here's how to actually read more in a year without forcing it.

1. Make Reading Easy to Access

If your book is buried at the bottom of your bag or left on a shelf across the room, chances are you’ll reach for your phone instead. Keep your current read visible and within reach—on your desk, coffee table, or even in your car.

Tip: Download the Kindle or Libby app on your phone so you always have a book with you while waiting in lines, commuting, or in those 10 spare minutes between tasks.

2. Read What You Actually Like

This might sound obvious, but so many people give up on reading because they feel stuck with books they’re not enjoying. You don’t have to read classics, self-help, or that book everyone’s talking about on Instagram.

If you love cozy mysteries, spicy romance, graphic novels, or YA fantasy—go for it. Reading should bring you joy, not guilt.

3. Create Tiny Reading Rituals

You don’t need to carve out an hour a day to be a reader. Instead, tie reading to an existing habit:

• 10 pages with your morning coffee

• 15 minutes before bed

• A chapter during lunch breaks

• Audiobooks while walking or doing dishes

These mini moments add up fast—and feel way less intimidating than trying to block off huge chunks of time.

4. Give Up on Books You’re Not Into

This is your official permission slip: DNF (Did Not Finish) that book.

If a book isn’t grabbing you by page 50 (or even 20), set it aside. There are millions of books out there—don’t waste precious time forcing your way through one that’s just not clicking.

5. Use Audiobooks to Your Advantage

Audiobooks are a game-changer. You can "read" while cooking, commuting, working out, or cleaning. That’s time you’re already spending—might as well turn it into reading time.

Bonus tip: Increase playback speed (1.25x or 1.5x) to fly through audiobooks while still understanding them.

6. Join a Reading Challenge or Book Club (But Make It Low-Pressure)

Sometimes, a little gentle accountability helps. Goodreads, StoryGraph, or even a group chat with friends can motivate you to read more consistently. But remember: it’s not a race. Choose challenges that inspire you, not stress you out.

7. Track Progress, Not Perfection

Keep a simple list of books you finish—it’s super satisfying and can motivate you to keep going. You can use a notebook, a spreadsheet, or apps like Goodreads or Notion.

Pro tip: Jot down a quick note about each book. Over time, this turns into a mini reading journal you’ll love looking back on.

Final Thoughts

Reading more books in a year doesn’t mean overhauling your life or slogging through things you’re not excited about. It’s about building small, joyful habits that make reading part of your everyday rhythm.

So go easy on yourself. Choose stories that light you up. Let your curiosity lead. Before you know it, you’ll look back and realize you’ve read way more than you expected—without even trying that hard.

Happy reading