Elevate Your Reading: Tips, Tools, and Fun Tricks

Welcome to October! I hope you’re all doing well and finding some time to dive into that book you want to read. I’ll be honest the past couple of weeks have been a bit hectic for me, and my reading time has suffered, but I have managed to read two books this month and learned so much from them.

As the great Atomic Habits by James Clear reminds us: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems”.

And for me, that means finding smart ways to make time for reading and enjoying the process even more. So, in this week’s article, I'm going to share some tricks that have helped me stay on top of my reading goals while making the whole experience more fun and immersive!

1.???? Explore Different Formats for reading

-?????? E-readers: I love my Kindle Paperwhite (the 16GB model is more than enough --trust me). It’s compact and easy on the eyes and on the go. Another great option is the Kobo is more customizable in terms of design and interface, both great options!

Benefits from e-reading: Easy to carry, fast-turning page, tracks your performance, has Wikipedia/Dictionary, easy search, X-ray for the characters, and cheaper hard copies.

-?????? Audiobooks: For those busy days when I can’t sit down to read, audiobooks have been a lifesaver! I recommend apps like Audible, Libro. fm (support indie bookstores while you listen!), and even Spotify Premium has an audiobook section. This way, you can listen while walking the dog, commuting or even doing chores.

Pro tip: To immerse yourself even more and deepen your understanding of the language, try listening to the audiobook while reading along. It keeps you focused and entertained with your book of choice!

-?????? Traditional Paper Book: Nothing beats the feel of a physical book in your hands—the smell of the pages, the weight of the cover. It’s a full sensory experience. I love visiting local bookshops, browsing through the shelves, reading the covers, and admiring the art and illustrations. I truly appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creating a book. And when I’m at home, wrapped in blankets with a matcha latte, there’s no cozier feeling in the world.

2.???? Get Social and engage with the book community:

Reading doesn’t have to be a solo adventure. Here are some platforms where I engage with fellow book lovers:

-?????? Goodreads: My go-to for tracking my reads, leaving reviews and choosing a book based on their reviews. ?

-?????? Fable: It’s like a social network for books—join or create book clubs, post photos, engage in real-time discussions, discover new reads, and even read the book on the app.

-?????? Book of the Month (BOTM): They offer a curated selection of five new books monthly. BOTM is perfect for readers who want help discovering standout reads without feeling overwhelmed by too many options. Plus, It has a vibrant online community where members can discuss their picks and connect with fellow book lovers.

3.???? Dive Deeper after you finished a book:

Once I finish a book, I love extending the experience by listening to podcasts or interviews with the author. It is like having a mini book club.

4.???? Keep a routine of Reading:

If you want to make reading a habit, create a trigger for it. Whether is setting aside 30 minutes before bed or carrying your e-reader everywhere, find what works for you and stick with it!

As C.S. Lewis said, “We read to know we are not alone.” Reading connects us to ideas, emotions, and people.

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Got any tricks of your own to boost your reading experience? Let me know—I’m always up for trying new things to add to my routine!

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Thanks for being part of the BookSnail Club! Happy reading