How to Read More Books: 7 Habits That Actually Work

Why Most People Don't Read Enough

The average American reads about 12 books per year, but the median is closer to 4. The gap between "wanting to read" and actually reading comes down to one thing: reading hasn't become a habit yet. It's still something you do when you have time, rather than something you do automatically. The habits below turn reading from an intention into a default behavior.

1. Read at the Same Time Every Day

The single most effective habit is attaching reading to an existing routine. Read for 20 minutes every morning with coffee. Read for 30 minutes before bed. Read during your lunch break. The specific time doesn't matter — consistency does. When reading happens at the same time every day, it stops requiring willpower. It becomes automatic, like brushing your teeth.

Start with just 15-20 minutes. That's roughly 15-20 pages in most books. At that pace, you'll finish a 300-page book in about three weeks — that's 17 books a year from just 20 minutes of daily reading.

2. Always Have Your Book Within Reach

If your book is on a shelf in another room, you won't read it. If it's on your nightstand, in your bag, or on your phone, you will. Not sure whether to go digital or physical? Our e-book vs physical book comparison can help you decide. The friction of getting your book is often enough to stop you from reading. Remove that friction entirely. Keep your current book wherever you spend time — by the couch, on the kitchen table, in your work bag.

This is where e-readers genuinely help. A Kindle weighs less than a phone and holds thousands of books. You can slip it in any bag or pocket and always have your library with you. No more "I forgot my book" excuses.

3. Quit Books You Don't Enjoy

This is counterintuitive but crucial. Many people stall on reading because they're stuck on a book they're not enjoying but feel obligated to finish. Give yourself permission to quit. Life is too short for books that bore you. The "sunk cost" of reading 80 pages isn't a reason to slog through 200 more. Move on to something you actually want to read and your reading volume will naturally increase.

A good rule: give a book 50-100 pages. If it hasn't hooked you by then, set it aside. You can always come back to it later — or not. There are millions of books in the world. Find ones that pull you in.

4. Replace Phone Time with Reading Time

The average person spends 3-4 hours per day on their phone. You don't need to eliminate all of that — just redirect some of it. When you reach for your phone to scroll social media, pick up your book instead. When you're waiting in line, on public transit, or killing time before an appointment, read instead of scrolling. Even capturing 30 minutes of former phone time adds up to 180+ hours of reading per year.

5. Use a Book Stand for Longer Sessions

Physical discomfort cuts reading sessions short. Holding a heavy book for 45 minutes strains your hands, arms, and neck. A book stand holds your book at a comfortable angle so you can read hands-free for longer without fatigue. This is especially helpful for studying, cooking with recipe books, or reading oversized hardcovers.

6. Keep a Reading List

One of the biggest reading killers is finishing a book and not knowing what to read next. That gap between books can stretch from days to weeks to months. Maintain a running list of books you want to read — in a notes app, on Goodreads, or on a physical list. When you finish one book, your next one is already chosen. No decision fatigue, no gap.

Aim to always have your next 3-5 books picked out. Mix genres to prevent burnout — alternate between fiction and nonfiction, light and heavy, short and long.

7. Create a Comfortable Reading Environment

Your reading environment directly affects how long and how often you read. Good lighting reduces eye strain and fatigue. A comfortable seat with back support lets you read for hours. The right temperature and minimal noise help you focus. You don't need a dedicated reading room — just a corner of your bedroom or living room with good light and a comfortable spot.

For bed readers, a reading pillow with armrests and a clip-on book light make a huge difference — and your reading position matters more than you think. For desk readers, a book stand at eye level prevents neck strain. Small investments in your reading setup pay dividends in reading time.

Start Small, Stay Consistent

Don't try to implement all seven habits at once. Pick one — preferably habit #1 (reading at the same time daily) — and do it for two weeks. Once it feels natural, add another. The goal isn't to force yourself to read more through willpower. It's to build an environment and routine where reading happens naturally. Readers who read the most aren't more disciplined — they've just made reading the easiest option.