How to Read More and Enjoy It

By Sarah Jones, Carlsbad Public Library

Every year, readers across the country set goals to read more—sometimes joining a “52 Books in 52 Weeks” challenge, tracking progress on Goodreads, or checking off themed prompts like “a book set in another country” or “a book with a blue cover.” Reading challenges have become a fun and motivating way to stay engaged with books, but they’re also about rediscovering the joy of reading itself. Whether you’re hoping to reignite a lapsed reading habit or simply want to make time for more stories, a few simple strategies can help you read more—and enjoy it.

Choose joy over obligation. One of the easiest ways to lose momentum is to treat reading like homework. If a book doesn’t hold your attention, it’s okay to set it aside. Life is too short to read books you don’t enjoy. A good rule of thumb is the “50-page rule”: if you’re not hooked after 50 pages, move on to something else. The goal of a reading challenge isn’t to check boxes—it’s to discover stories that move you, teach you, or make you smile.

Create a reading routine. Consistency helps build momentum. Try reading for just 10 to 15 minutes a day—over coffee in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed. Those small moments add up quickly. Many readers find success by pairing reading with a daily habit: read a chapter while waiting for dinner to cook, or listen to an audiobook during your commute or while walking the dog. Before long, reading becomes a natural and relaxing part of your day.

Mix up your formats. Reading doesn’t have to mean sitting quietly with a hardcover. E-books and audiobooks count too! Many readers find that audiobooks help them “read” more while multitasking, and digital books make it easy to squeeze in a few pages on the go. Most library apps like Libby or Hoopla offer thousands of free titles in multiple formats—perfect for keeping your reading challenge on track no matter your schedule.

Read with others. Join a book club, follow online reading communities, or take part in your library’s reading challenge. Sharing your reading experience with others adds accountability and fun. You might discover genres or authors you’d never try otherwise. Plus, talking about books—what you loved, what you didn’t, and what surprised you—often deepens your connection to the stories.

Make it personal. Customize your challenge to fit your interests. If you love mysteries, read one from each decade. If you enjoy history, explore books about different time periods or cultures. Themed reading challenges—like “read a debut author,” “read a book recommended by a friend,” or “read something published the year you were born”—add variety and spark curiosity.

Celebrate your progress. Every book finished is an accomplishment. Keep a list or journal of what you’ve read, jot down favorite quotes, or share your progress with friends. Reflecting on your reading journey reminds you how far you’ve come and helps keep the momentum going.

Whether your goal is to read five books or fifty this year, remember that reading challenges are about connection—to stories, ideas, and yourself. So grab a book that excites you, find a cozy spot, and enjoy the adventure.