How to Read More Books This Year: Tips and Tricks for Busy Readers

If you’re anything like us here at Once Upon a Book Club, you’ve probably wished for more hours in the day for literary joy! But with busy schedules, reading often takes a back seat. 

Don’t worry! Whether you’re a casual reader or tackling an ambitious reading goal, we’ve got you covered with our team’s practical tips and tricks to make more time for books this year. Let’s make 2025 the year you finally read more, even with a packed calendar!

Step 1: Do Some Book Math (Yes, It’s a Thing)

Let’s start with the numbers – but don’t panic! This is the kind of math you’ll actually enjoy. For example, if you take on average about 8 hours to finish a book, ask yourself, how many minutes a day can you reasonably commit to reading?

• 10 minutes a day? That’s about 5 hours a month, which adds up to 6-7 books a year.

• 30 minutes a day? That’s 15 hours a month, or 20 books a year. You overachiever, you!

The beauty of this method is that you can customize it to your lifestyle. Do you have a hectic schedule? Start small. Or perhaps you have a quiet January? Go bold! Either way, a little bit of reading every day really adds up. The key is consistency over perfection – which, by the way, is a pretty good life rule.

Step 2: Pick Goals That Are Personal to You

Not everyone wants to read 50 books a year, and that’s totally okay. Reading goals should be personal and meaningful to you. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Read more books than last year: If you read 10 books in 2024, aim for 12 in 2025.

• Explore new authors: Maybe you always stick to your faves. This year, challenge yourself to try someone new.

• Join a reading challenge: Something like the Once Upon a Book Club Reading Challenge (wink wink) can motivate you to tackle a mix of genres and themes.

• Read by mood, not numbers: Who says your goal has to be numeric? If you’re a mood reader, commit to picking up books that bring you joy or comfort instead.

Remember: Reading should feel rewarding, not like homework.

Step 3: Find Your Reading Rhythm

Let’s talk about creating a routine. We all have those times of day when we’re most productive or relaxed. Use them to your advantage:

• Early birds: Squeeze in 10 minutes while sipping your morning coffee.

• Lunch breakers: Swap scrolling Instagram for a quick reading session (yes, it’s possible!)

• Night owls: Read before bed instead of watching one more episode – your brain and your TBR will thank you.

Consistency is everything here! Even if you don’t feel like you’re making a dent, you’ll be amazed at how many books you can finish when you make reading a habit.

Step 4: Bring a Book Buddy Along for the Ride

Reading is often seen as a solitary activity, but it doesn’t have to be. Enter the reading buddy. Whether it’s your bestie, sibling, or that co-worker who always has a book in hand, finding someone to read alongside can be a game-changer.

Here’s how it works:

• Set a goal together (e.g., “Let’s read two books a month!”)

• Choose a book to “buddy read” so you can chat about it afterward.

• Hold each other accountable – like a gym buddy, but with books (and fewer squats).

You can even level up and join a book club (like, oh, I don’t know, Once Upon a Book Club). Not only do you get motivation and accountability, but you also get to gush (or rant) about the book with people who get it in our OUABC Facebook group. Win-win!

Step 5: Mix Things Up – Keep Reading Fresh and Fun

Goals are great, but let’s be honest – reading slumps happen. Here are some ways to keep things exciting:

• Try a new genre: Fantasy, historical fiction, thrillers – maybe you’ll stumble upon a new favorite!

• Listen to audiobooks: They’re perfect for multitasking. You can listen while driving, cleaning, or pretending to exercise.

• Create a TBR jar: Write down book titles on slips of paper, toss them in your TBR jar, and pick one at random. Surprise!

• Reward yourself: Finish a book? Treat yourself to your favorite dessert, a new set of book tabs, or a cute bookmark.

Reading goals don’t have to be boring – sprinkle in some variety to keep things fun and fresh.

Step 6: Track Your Progress (And Celebrate It!)

There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing your progress in black and white (or in pretty colors if you’re into bullet journaling). Some ideas:

• Use a reading tracker app like StoryGraph.

• Try our reading log bookmarks! Each one has slots for up to 27 book reviews, including the date read, book title, and your star rating. 

• Print a reading challenge sheet and color it in as you finish each book. (We’ve got a scratch-off version in our Up All Night box!)

Every time you complete a book, celebrate your progress – you’re one step closer to your goal!

Real Goals, Real Fun

At the end of the day, setting reading goals isn’t about hitting some arbitrary number. It’s about creating space for stories, characters, and adventures that bring you joy. Whether you finish 5 books or 50, every page you read is a win.

So, grab that cozy blanket, make your book list, and let’s make 2025 the year of realistic, achievable, and most importantly, fun reading goals.

Need a little motivation? Why not treat yourself to a Once  Upon a Book Club subscription box? With surprise gifts and captivating stories delivered to your door every month, it’ll be your secret weapon for staying on track. Here’s to hitting your reading goals and having a blast doing it!

Happy reading, and cheers to the new year! 📖🎉