Pretty much as far back as I can remember, I’ve been a hardcore bookworm. I can still conjure up the feeling that I always got reading the first three chapters of every Baby-sitters Club book, when they have to introduce the characters all over again, in case you were just joining us now in the middle of the series. I always hated the repetitiveness of those chapters, but it never occurred to me to stop reading Baby-sitters Club books, or even just to skip those chapters, because what the BSC series lacked in quality, it more than made up for in quantity. I was willing to slog through another dozen pages about artsy Claudia or diabetic Stacey because I knew when I finished there would be another book ready to catch me as I dismounted. Some people find the length of their TBR list daunting or intimidating; I find it comforting. When reading is your nourishment, it’s distressing to consider a life in which it has run out.

These are some of the habits I’ve developed over the years that, for better or worse, help sustain my addiction.

1. Disregard that voice telling you what you should be reading. I’m all for the Read Harder Challenge and I do think it’s important to push yourself to read outside your comfort zone. However, if you start a book with a begrudging sense of obligation, you’re gonna have a bad time. Particularly if you’re trying to make more time in your life for reading, you will have much more success if you choose books you actually want to read. Whether it’s YA, pop science, historical fiction, political memoirs, or a mystery series, read what you love and ignore the haters and the nags.
2. Don’t be afraid to quit a book. Nobody’s going to make you do a book report later; why are you wasting your time with that trash? There are lots of good reasons to finish a book you don’t like (my favorite is to make my bitchy comments more informed), but this tip goes hand in hand with the first. If you’re not enjoying what you’re reading, you won’t be encouraged to continue. If you feel like there’s something to be gained by finishing (even if it’s just the upper hand in an argument), then by all means hate-read it until the last page, but if it’s just out of a sense of obligation then give yourself the permission to move on. It’s liberating.
3. Find the right gateway book. Once you’ve ruled out the books you don’t like, go out and find something you’re really excited to pick up. Ask a librarian or bookstore employee what they recommend or describe your interests IRL. What’s something that will make you turn the pages and develop an appetite for more? If you can find a reliable author or genre that you know you enjoy, you can start expanding out from there. Here are a few of my recommendations for good gateway books, regardless of your age, interests or experience:
   • Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
   • Bonk by Mary Roach
   • The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
   • The Secret History by Donna Tartt
   • Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
   • Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich
   • One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
   • Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
4. Carry your book everywhere. Bathroom, lunch break, bus stop, train ride, doctor’s office, lunch line, DMV… Not every reading session has to be an intense sit-down with a wingback chair and some tea (or, if you’re me, bourbon). If you can grab quick snatches of reading throughout the day you will stay engaged with whatever you’re reading and be more likely to follow it through.
5. Set aside a dedicated slot of time for reading. Even if it’s only for 10 minutes, setting aside dedicated time for reading is how habits are formed. You’ll be surprised at how many pages you go through in a given chunk of time, and you’ll probably be tempted to read just a little bit more after the timer goes off.
6. Make a ritual out of it. This goes hand-in-hand with #5. If you ritualize your reading time, you’ll begin to enjoy it even more. Maybe it’s putting on some comfy slippers, sitting in your favorite chair, making a fresh pot of tea, or savoring a square of chocolate. Adding additional sensory pleasures to your reading experience will help it take root in your brain.
7. Don’t be precious about format. AKA: Audiobooks are NOT cheating. Be flexible and try something new. If carrying around a paperback is cumbersome, invest in an e-reader. If your Kindle makes you feel dead inside, go splurge on a new hardback. Audiobooks will offer you a unique experience and are a great way to supplement or dip a toe into a reading habit.
8. Grow your TBR list with bookish social media. The bookish community is huge and growing. The New York Public Library and NPR Books have active twitter feeds and can turn you onto hot new books and less well known titles you might not have discovered otherwise. There are also sites like Book Riot, Bookish and Bookwitty where you’ll find lists upon lists upon lists, as well as fun articles about books and reading. It’s a great way to get inspired.
9. Read the book version of your favorite movie. These days every movie was once a book, and old saying exists for a reason: the book version is (almost) always better! You’ll already be familiar with the characters and basic plot, so you can dive in unencumbered and enjoy the pleasure of enriching the world you already know and love.
10. Understand that it’s an investment in yourself. A bajillion studies have shown that reading is good for your mind and good for your health. It can ward off dementia, increase your vocabulary, lower your stress, improve your memory, expand your critical thinking skills and enhance your empathy. (PS. It’s also fun).

Whether you’re looking to start a new reading habit, make more time for reading, or rediscover the passion for books that you had as a child, I hope this list is helpful. Happy reading!