By Elizabeth Dubos
How is everyone doing on their “2020 Goodreads Reading Challenge”? Does it feel like you’re falling behind? Have all these thoughts thrown you into an unexpected reading slump? Don’t worry because I completely understand! I’ve had some personal setbacks, so unfortunately, I could not read as much as I wanted to. My lack of reading threw me into a reading slump, so every time I picked up a book, I just couldn’t muster myself to begin reading. After doing some research and trying out the following techniques, I finally got myself out of my reading slump and back on track to completing my 2020 Goodreads Reading Goals! Here are some book reading tips to help yourself read more and to accomplish your 2020 reading goals:
1. Schedule your reading time. I set reminders in my phone, so whenever the alarm went off, it lets me know that I need to stop and take an hour to read. By scheduling a time to read, this ensur that you are relaxing and accomplishing your 2020 Goodreads Challenge.
2. Listen to audiobooks. Who says audiobooks aren’t real books? I listen to audiobooks when I’m driving to work, cooking dinner, or working out in the gym. I speed up the narration, so I can understand everything and get through the book faster, too.
3. DNF (did not finish). Don’t force yourself to read something you’re not enjoying. Maybe it wasn’t the right time for this particular author or genre. This will give you more time to find a book that you will enjoy reading.
4. Reread your favorite books. There are no set rules for reading goals, so read whatever you like. I love re-reading the Harry Potter series during the holidays.
5. Read multiple books at once. Who says you can read one book at a time? I am currently reading three different books and have them spread around the house; No matter where I am, I can sit down and enjoy reading.
6. Read in sprints. Have you ever felt like you want to read but don’t want to read at the same time? Try sitting down and reading for 10, 15, or 20 minutes. You’d be surprised by how much you can read in little time. Reading in a short time will ensure you don’t burn yourself out. Also, you can feel proud knowing you’re not falling behind on your reading goals.
7. Partake in read-a-thons. One of my favorite read-a-thons is called the “Reading Rush” (formally known as “The BookTube-A-Thon.”) This is a week-long read-a-thon with challenges and daily activities that encourage readers to consume more books.
8. Share what you read. Try leaving a reading review on Goodreads or Amazon or other social media outlets. Engaging with the reading community can be fun because it’s nice to share your thoughts and opinions with those who are familiar with the content as well.
9. Join a book club. I think book clubs are great because they help motivate readers and to stay on a reading schedule, so it can be discussed at the next meeting. Plus, if you’re confused on what to read next, the book club will have excellent recommendations. I go to my local Barnes & Noble to attend the adult and young adult monthly book club meetings.
10. Reset your reading goals. You might need to reconsider decreasing your Goodreads Challenge reading goal because life can be hectic, and you shouldn’t force yourself to read. When I initially got out of my reading slump, I chopped my reading goals in half; It felt like a pressure was lifted off my shoulders.
Edited by Emily Chance