A beginner’s guide on how to become a reader. 

Picture this: someone asks you what you like to do for fun, and your response is, “I read”.  

This could be you. You could be a reader. 

Whether that’s to consume a new form of media, benefit your brain, or indulge in escapism, reading is all of it. It is a vessel to live and see lands, culture, magic, and technology you haven’t seen before. It’s empathy and lessons as much as it’s adventure and growth. It captures human history, psychology, discovery, and our essence. It is everything in between. If you’re reading this blog, I’m assuming you’re somewhat interested in reading already. Now the real question is, how do you become one? 

1. Discover what you like 

I believe everyone is a reader; some people just haven’t discovered their gateway book yet. 

Determine which books to start reading based on your current interests or genres you enjoy. Do you enjoy subjects like history, science, or math? What genres do you like in movies or shows? Do you fancy fiction or nonfiction? Self-help or poetry? There’s something for everyone, and I recommend reading some of the most popular works in each genre, doing what everyone else is doing (or isn’t), and learning what you like or don’t like. Eventually, you’ll learn what type of books feel like home; before you know it, you won’t be able to put them down. 

The key is to start. Starting and sometimes restarting will get you further than anything else.

2. Establish a habit  

Once you’ve settled on, say, “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas, what an excellent gateway drug–I mean book, let’s establish a habit by creating a goal. Start small, something like 10 pages a day. You can always read more than this, too (and doing so is a great indicator that you’re enjoying it). Once reading daily becomes doable, expand your goals to something that challenges you but is also realistic, perhaps reading five books this year.  

Try tracking or gamifying your reading goal to stay motivated. For example, this year, Goodreads has these bookmarks you can unlock if you read a book every month, and I’m trying to unlock all of them! Additionally, you can give yourself an incentive to finish books, like buying more books or grabbing a sweet treat. Read daily, keep it simple, don’t be afraid to DNF a book. Remember that this is for you. 

3. Identify as a reader 

You are not simply just reading, you are a reader. When you tie your identity to a habit, it enforces that habit. You’re less likely to skip when it becomes integral to who you are. You can thank James Clear from Atomic Habits for that lesson. Check out that book if you’re looking for an intro to self-help and establishing habits! 

So shout it from the rooftops or whisper it under your breath. 

I am a reader. 

4. Read with others  

The best things in life are shared. 

Reach out to one of your reader friends and read a book together. It can become a mini book club with just the two of you (or more). When you read with others, someone holds you accountable, and you’re more likely to succeed. Plus, this is a great way to learn why other people read and what they like. Since they know you, they could potentially recommend things they think you might enjoy. 

If one of my friends came to me wanting to read more, I would be ecstatic to recommend books and form a book club. 

If you don’t have anyone in your circle who currently reads, connect with the community. There are established book clubs you can find at your local library, on social media, or you can create your own. One of my favorite aspects of reading is engaging in discussions. There is so much to learn and friendships to be built on shared experience. 

Let me know what book you’re thinking of picking up, and if any of these tips inspired or helped you to read more. Cheers to your reading journey!